SURVIVAL STORIES: THE SPRING FLOODS OF 1918

Learning from History to Prepare for the Future

The rain had been falling for days. Clara Jensen stood at the window of her small homestead near the North River, watching the water rise with a mix of awe and dread. Her husband, Thomas, had gone out that morning to check the levees the community had hastily constructed, leaving her with their two young children and a growing sense of unease.

It was the spring of 1918, and the winter snowmelt, coupled with relentless rains, had turned the river into a roaring beast. Clara knew the stories—how the river had swallowed fields, homes, and livestock in years past. But this time felt different. The water was rising faster, the ground was softer, and the storms seemed unending.

By evening, Thomas returned, his boots caked in mud and his face lined with worry. “The levees won’t hold,” he said simply. “We need to move the livestock to higher ground and pack what we can.” The family worked through the night, loading their wagon with essentials: food, blankets, tools, and Clara’s precious family Bible. Every item had to count—there was no room for sentimentality in a fight for survival.

As dawn broke, the river breached its banks, and the floodwaters surged toward their home. Clara held her children close as they watched their fields disappear beneath the murky water. The family retreated to a neighbor’s property on higher ground, joining others who had fled the rising tide. Together, they shared resources, built makeshift shelters, and waited for the waters to recede.

For weeks, the community banded together to survive. They shared what little food they had, took turns keeping watch for further flooding, and supported one another through the uncertainty. When the waters finally began to recede, the Jensens returned to their homestead to find their fields ruined and their home heavily damaged. But they were alive, and they had their community to thank for that.

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LESSONS FROM THE PAST:

The Spring Floods of 1918 tested the resilience of Wyoming’s communities, but it also highlighted the importance of preparation, resourcefulness, and mutual aid. Clara and her family’s story reminds us of the power of community in the face of disaster.

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MODERN APPLICATIONS:

While we may no longer rely on horse-drawn wagons or hastily built levees, the lessons from 1918 remain relevant today. Here’s how you can prepare for potential flooding in the modern era:

1. Stay Informed: Sign up for local emergency alerts and monitor weather forecasts.

2. Emergency Kits: Keep a flood emergency kit ready, including waterproof bags, flashlights, non-perishable food, and first aid supplies.

3. Plan Ahead: Identify higher ground in your area and create an evacuation plan for your family and pets.

4. Community Networks: Build relationships with neighbors and local organizations to ensure mutual support during emergencies.

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JOIN US TO LEARN MORE:

Prepare for Wyoming’s unpredictable weather by joining our upcoming Baofeng Breakthrough: Radio Readiness Workshop on March 15, 2025. Learn how to stay connected and informed during emergencies.