The City of Johnston extends a sincere THANK YOU to community members for their acts of kindness observed during the recent flash flood event that occurred Saturday, June 30 into Sunday, July 1, 2018. If you offered a helping hand to your neighbors, your community, or even strangers, your actions did not go unnoticed.
On June 30, the flash flood event that occurred in Johnston, also affected many neighboring metro communities. During the initial flood response and the days that followed, first responders witnessed multiple selfless acts by our community members, neighbors, and area businesses.
“These selfless acts demonstrate the compassion residents within our community have for one another and their willingness to help in times of need,” said Mayor Paula Dierenfeld. “We have never before experienced a rain event like this one, but everyone came together to rescue those in danger while ensuring those that were displaced are well taken care of. I am thankful I get to work alongside such dedicated and caring City employees and leaders to ensure our residents have a safe place to work, play and live.”
Specific examples of incidents witnessed by members of the Johnston Police Department and the Johnston-Grimes Metropolitan Fire Department include:
- Neighbors getting together with rakes and shovels to clear storm drains in hopes of keeping the water from flooding area basements.
- Neighbors pulling an elderly resident out of a vehicle car window that was submerged in water up to the bottom window seals.
- Countless incidents of people, who were likely strangers, helping push each other’s stalled vehicles out of roadways that were covered with three to four feet of water.
- A young male and his girlfriend, who utilized his high profile pickup truck to recover people from vehicles stranded in standing water and providing them a ride to safe areas.
- A property manager, who selflessly spent an entire day ensuring all elderly residents were properly and safely evacuated from a senior living apartment complex due to power loss. Also, many residents and family members who helped one another during and after the evacuation.
- A woman and her family who had just been displaced in a waiting area at the Johnston Public Safety Building assisted incoming families so first responders could be freed up for continued flood response efforts.
- Area businesses keeping their doors open and offering safe places for those displaced.
In the words of a Johnston first responder, “Thank you to everyone who stepped up to assist fellow community members during this event. During the midst of your own challenges and difficulties you may have endured – you each made a difference.”