20230072 Ver 1_09_Princeton SouthPine_Police Flood Letter Request_20230112

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Chief Qf Police �►•
P.O. Box 67 Princeton Police "Department
Princeton, NC 27569 aMu n 16Z
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Patrol Sergeant
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Fax [phone]
Michael King December 1, 2022
Town Administrator
Town of Princeton
503 W. Dr. Donnie H. Jones Jr. Blvd
Princeton, NC 27569
Re: Flooding Impacts on Public Safety
Michael
Natural disasters, particularly floods, are prevalent in small communities and abroad. Such
disasters impact public safety, hence patrols, response time for dispatch calls, and other inquires
for service. Per your request, discerning potential flood impacts on public safety is a major focus.
Responding to dangerous situations, including natural disasters is an integral part of law
enforcement. Ensuring the safety of citizens and humanity as a whole is without hesitation or a
second thought.
Record rainfall and past Hurricanes tested the County and Princeton's ability to respond to a
large storm -from providing shelter to residents of Princeton, flooding in the downtown area,
drainage infrastructure reaching its capacity, providing residence transportation to shelters and
communication with residents through social media. Damage caused by the storm left Princeton
residents without power for three days, flooding in low lying areas, overworked drainage
infrastructure and property damage from downed trees and wind.
South Pine Street often sustains large amounts of rainfall which poses a significant hazard to
traffic flow and infrastructure. High water levels prevent patrol vehicles from traveling through
the down town district. Moreover, affects regular patrols near the 400 block of South Pine Street
intersecting New Ballpark Road. When responding to dispatch calls, patrol officers are forced to
seek alternative routes to respond to calls for service.
While immediate action is taken to alert drivers of low lying areas and flood concentration, it is
not effective enough to combat the issue. Cones are normally placed in affected flood areas to
redirect traffic. The following conditions may pose dangerous outcomes:
Vehicles underestimating water levels and bottom (flood) out
Pedestrian culvert incidents
Vehicle culvert incidents

Unforeseen debris submerged in water (i.e. Sharp objects, pipes, tree limbs, glass)
Rescuing stranded victims
Patrol vehicles flooding out
There are many dangers to consider amid flooding. However; with infrastructure upgrades,
proactive safety measures, and educating the public, we can ensure the safety of the community,
well-being of officers, and safeguard businesses.
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