Roswell is taking proactive steps to protect neighborhoods from the heavy rainfall forecast for the coming days. Residents have been loading sandbags onto tractors, filling them at home and stacking them in front of vulnerable properties. The effort is part of a city‑wide preparedness push led by Fire Chief Steve Chavez and other emergency officials.
Community sandbag drive
Tractors have been making multiple trips across the city, delivering loads of sand to volunteers who then fill the bags and bring them back to their homes. “We’ll be monitoring and preparing for any rainfall that comes our direction. I think we’re all ready to go and prepared for anything that might come our way,” Chief Chavez said.
Enhanced water‑rescue capabilities
Two years ago, flooding caused significant damage in Roswell. Since that event, the fire department has built a 16‑person water‑rescue team, acquired a dedicated rescue vehicle and provided additional training for its crews. “We feel we’re a lot better prepared this time around than we were a couple of years ago,” Chavez added.
City coordination and high‑risk areas
City leaders are treating the entire municipality as high risk while keeping a closer watch on neighborhoods that flooded previously, including the areas around Poe and Southeast Main, Second and Union, and Second and Sycamore. Meetings have been held to synchronize police, fire, road crews and other resources should conditions worsen.
Key messages to residents
Officials are emphasizing one simple message: preparation now prevents disaster later. “All this preparation is just so we don’t get caught like we did two years ago. From the public safety perspective, we are prepared,” said Chavez. Residents are urged to have food, water and necessary medications on hand and to avoid attempting to cross moving water if roads become inundated.
Looking ahead
The city will continue to monitor weather reports and update the public as needed. By mobilizing volunteers, reinforcing water‑rescue capabilities and maintaining clear communication, Roswell aims to safeguard homes, families and the broader community against the anticipated storms.
Original reporting: KOAT Albuquerque — read the source article.
