What are Ice Jams?
An ice jam happens when ice builds up in a river or stream and blocks the flow of water. This usually happens in the spring when ice, snowmelt, and rising water come together. The blockage can cause flooding because the water gets backed up behind the ice.
Ice jams are common on the Grand River. Ice jams are extremely dangerous. People should never approach a river or stream where an ice jam has formed, as the ice can break suddenly and cause fast-moving water or flooding. Always stay a safe distance away from rivers or streams during an ice jam event.
Ice jams are common on the Grand River. Ice jams are extremely dangerous. People should never approach a river or stream where an ice jam has formed, as the ice can break suddenly and cause fast-moving water or flooding. Always stay a safe distance away from rivers or streams during an ice jam event.
Ice Jam FAQs
1. Who is the lead agency for ice jams in Fairport Harbor?
The Fairport Harbor Fire Department is the lead agency for ice jam response. They work in collaboration with the Lake County Emergency Management Agency. For questions, contact the Fairport Harbor Fire Department at (440-352-3620). In an emergency, always call 9-1-1.
2. Who is responsible for responding to ice jam floods?
The affected community is responsible for response efforts, which can be supplemented by County, State, and Federal assistance.
The Fairport Harbor Fire Department is the lead agency for ice jam response. They work in collaboration with the Lake County Emergency Management Agency. For questions, contact the Fairport Harbor Fire Department at (440-352-3620). In an emergency, always call 9-1-1.
2. Who is responsible for responding to ice jam floods?
The affected community is responsible for response efforts, which can be supplemented by County, State, and Federal assistance.
3. Which federal agency provides assistance for ice jams?
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) has the primary mission for flood fight assistance and may request ice-breaking support from the U.S. Coast Guard when necessary.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) has the primary mission for flood fight assistance and may request ice-breaking support from the U.S. Coast Guard when necessary.
4. What happens after a request for assistance is made?
USACE and the US Coast Guard evaluate the severity of the threat, weather conditions, effectiveness of ice-breaking efforts, availability of equipment, and site accessibility before determining a response.
USACE and the US Coast Guard evaluate the severity of the threat, weather conditions, effectiveness of ice-breaking efforts, availability of equipment, and site accessibility before determining a response.
5. How can a community request federal assistance for icebreaking?
- For navigation purposes: FHFD will contact the U.S. Coast Guard directly.
- For flood prevention: FHFD will coordinate the request through the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
6. Are requests handled in the order they are received?
Requests are evaluated immediately, with priority given based on the potential to reduce damage to life and property. Priorities are continuously reassessed as conditions change.
7. How can a community follow up on the status of its request?
A USACE representative on-site can provide updates. If not present, the Corps of Engineers can be contacted by phone.
A USACE representative on-site can provide updates. If not present, the Corps of Engineers can be contacted by phone.
Prepare an Emergency Kit
After an emergency, you may need to survive on your own for several days. Being prepared means having your own food, water and other supplies to last for several days. A disaster supplies kit is a collection of basic items your household may need in the event of an emergency.
Make sure your emergency kit is stocked with the items on the checklist below. Download a printable version to take with you to the store. Once you take a look at the basic items consider what unique needs your family might have, such as supplies for pets or seniors.
To assemble your kit store items in airtight plastic bags and put your entire disaster supplies kit in one or two easy-to-carry containers such as plastic bins or a duffel bag.
A basic emergency supply kit could include the following recommended items:
- Water
- Food
- Battery-powered or hand crank radio and NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
- Flashlight
- First aid kit
- Extra batteries
- Whistle (to signal for help)
- Wrench or pliers (to turn off utilities)
- Local maps
- Cell phone with chargers and backup battery
- Prescription medications.
- Pet food and extra water for your pet
- Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records saved electronically or in a waterproof, portable container
- Complete change of clothing appropriate for your climate and sturdy shoes
Visit www.ready.gov/kit for more information and Emergency Kit ideas.
Weather-Ready Nation Ambassador
The Fairport Harbor Fire Department is a NOAA Weather-Ready Nation Ambassador.