Director Dan Fulscher said that last year's drought reduced the
water levels enough that people were able to walk across the creek
beds. "Water-related problems were at a minimum in Logan County.
... In the past six years, we have had four weather- and
water-related deaths inside Logan County," said Fulscher.
This year, however, the water has come back, exposing new
obstacles and creating new undertows in the water.
Dan Fulscher, left, and Mark Miller
Fuslcher said that those who are fishing, boating or tubing on
the waterways need to treat their water-going experience as if they
were driving on the highway. Fulscher said there should be a
designated spotter in every group to stay off the water in case of
emergencies. Fulscher also encouraged the public to place protective
padding on their cellphones to resist water and to always wear a
life jacket.
Fulscher said the EMA has one boat and one dive team, and
sometimes it will take significant time to reach an emergency that
is called in, as Logan County is over 600 square miles in size. The
dive team is composed of nine divers and six people who remain on
land. Furthermore, the Logan County EMA has worked with other
emergency agencies in the past when the need has arisen.
Fulscher also advised the public to watch their alcohol intake,
as accidents are more likely, statistically speaking, when alcohol
is involved.
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Fulscher advised that people stay in contact with someone when
they are out on the water, and no one should go out on the water
alone.
"We're hoping that the dive team stays in the house, and we hope
it lasts all summer," said Fulscher.
Nick Hanson, left, and Mark Miller
Lincoln Fire Department Chief Mark Miller stressed the same
safety advice, as did Nick Hanson, assistant chief of the Lincoln
Rural Fire Protection District. Hanson added that the dive team is
made up of volunteers who have diving experience.
Fulscher said there is a dangerous area in particular where Salt
Creek connects with Kickapoo Creek. Both of the creeks on their own
can be very powerful, and combined they make for a potentially
dangerous experience. In addition, there is an old section of
railroad tracks south of Route 66 where people may try to jump off
into the water. Fulscher advised against it, saying there is a
large, deep hole and areas of debris they may fall into under the
surface.
[By DEREK HURLEY]
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