Christian County officials have already been, and will continue to be, hard at work now and through this weekend — navigating what is an increasingly disastrous flooding situation developing in Hopkinsville.
During a Friday press conference, Hopkinsville Fire Department and EMS Director Steve Futrell said he and other community agencies have been “basically running non-stop” with community agencies since late Thursday night — and upstaffing will be required going into Friday night, Saturday and in early Sunday.
Already, they have responded to 20 emergency calls with no significant injuries, completed 12 home rescues, and saved more than 40 pets.
As waters continue to rise, Futrell implored residents to do “one simple thing.”
Hopkinsville Mayor JR Knight affirmed that “waters are moving faster than you think they are,” and more rain on the way brings considerable concern.
Christian County Judge-Executive Jerry Gilliam said officials meetings have been taking place all day Friday — plans being put in place to prepare for a possible worst-case scenario.
Randy Graham, Christian County’s Emergency Management director, said for his staff and others, this is “about as close to hurricane preparation as one could get” around here. He said he, and many others, have already been involved in “many rescues,” and called this a potentially “life-threatening flood,” with 4-to-6 inches of rain coming on top of the 8-to-9 inches already received.
At least one shelter, he added, opened at 4 PM Friday inside of St. John’s United Methodist Church.
As FEMA and federal support comes into play, Graham said it was imperative to document all damages for insurance and posterity.
Christian County Sheriff Tyler DeArmond, meanwhile, relayed other issues.
Other notes:
+ The South Fork of the Little River is rising.
+ Christian County Jailer Adam Smith said the high water from the Little River, adjacent to the jail, has not reached the inside of the facility, although they are monitoring the situation and have a plan in place if inmates are forced to be moved.
+ And Oak Grove Mayor Jackie Oliver says some neighborhoods are flooded but they appear in good shape, for the most part.
