ROANOKE TIMES 
                      Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times

DATE: Friday, September 13, 1996             TAG: 9609130116
SECTION: EDITORIAL                PAGE: A-12 EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: WANDA B. REED

HOW WE WEATHERED THE STORM

THE CITIZENS and businesses of the Roanoke Valley are to be commended for their outstanding efforts in response to the threat of Hurricane Fran.

Emergency-services organizations throughout the valley worked together to get the word out that Fran had the potential to cause millions of dollars of damage in the Roanoke Valley, and people heeded the news.

Businesses along the Roanoke River and other low-lying areas moved out equipment and supplies that were threatened. Homeowners in the flood plain stayed with friends, and took precautions to protect their belongings and make their homes as safe as possible. Downtown businesses moved merchandise and boarded up glass windows. And the news media provided a valuable public service by keeping the community informed.

At the peak of hurricane season, it's important to remember that floods and flash floods brought about by torrential rains of a hurricane are dangerous killers. Even though hurricanes weaken rapidly as they move inland, the remnants of the storm can bring 6 to 8 inches or more of rain to an area. Subsequent floods can cause extensive property damage and loss of life.

Twelve lives were lost throughout the commonwealth as a result of Hurricane Fran. Fortunately, the brunt of the storm didn't hit the Roanoke Valley directly. But if it had, we would have been well-prepared. Our proactive work as a community could have saved considerable property damage and, more importantly, saved lives if the impact had been more serious.

Reflecting on recent events, two issues stand out:

* The four local governments showed their commitment to working together to protect lives and property in the wake of a potential crises. The beneficiaries are the citizens of our community.

* Despite the challenges that lie before us, we are an ``All-America'' city because citizens, businesses and government are committed to working together to solve problems. That is never more clearly articulated than when a potential disaster is knocking at our door.

Wanda B. Reed is emergency-services coordinator for Roanoke city.

LENGTH: Short :   44 lines