SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA CO. (WOLF) — The City of Scranton tested its emergency levee closure systems and flood warning sirens Friday as part of the city’s preparedness strategy.
The city began with tests of its emergency levee closure systems, temporarily closing and operating flood gates and floodwall closure points at multiple locations. The drills centered on five bridges over the Lackawanna River: Parker Street, Sanderson Avenue, Albright Avenue, Poplar Street and Olive Street.
Fire Chief and Emergency Management Coordinator John Judge said the drill exercised how quickly city crews could get flood protection barriers in place if the Lackawanna River approached action stage.
Department of Public Works crews moved through the city’s flood gates and closures in sequence, closing and then reopening them as part of the drill. The city planned an after-action review to identify improvements. The practice run also gave newer public works employees a chance to learn the equipment and procedures from more experienced workers.
Judge said the city scheduled the exercise heading into flood season to make sure crews were familiar with the closure process before it was needed.
“From a preparedness and a readiness standpoint, it’s always good to practice. It’s no different than what we do in the fire department. Training is important so that it helps develop that proficiency, and then hopefully that mastery of being able to get these gates closed and work through this, which is really important and crucial,” said Judge.
Judge said the gates are monitored regularly for operation, lubrication and damage. He described the levee system as federally protected infrastructure and said it helps protect a large area of the community behind it.
The city coordinated with multiple agencies and groups during the exercise to avoid major disruptions, including the Rail Authority, Lackawanna County Emergency Management, Scranton police, public works, fire and emergency management, COLTS and the school district.
The day’s testing also included flood warning sirens near the intersection of Shawnee Avenue and Dean Street and near Barring Avenue at Middle Street.