Tri-Cities Talk: What Lessons Did We Learn In The Great Flood of 2013?

Welcome to Tri-Cities Talk—a regular feature in which we ask our Facebook fans to share their views on current issues facing Geneva, Batavia and St. Charles.

Every week, we get the conversation started by taking a look back at a question we asked the Tri-Cities community in recent days on local Patch Facebook pages.

Even as the waters start to recede this weekend, some of the work is just beginning on flood recovery in the Tri-Cities. Hopefully we emerged a bit wiser, whether it was a lesson in community support from the Herrington rescue, need for higher retention walls and flood plain examination, or something else entirely. That brings us to this week's question:

What did this week's flooding teach us in the Tri-Cities?

Take a look at what people had to say and join the conversation in the comments section. 

Kathy Jean: Well I learned I need to check the sump pump and backup pump before a storm! — Batavia Patch Facebook

Pamela Delaney: The 100 year flood now occurs every few years. — St. Charles Patch Facebook

Kurt Wehrmeister: To get a generator. My sump pump kept my basement bone dry, but had the power gone out for even 10 minutes, it would have been a different story. — Geneva Patch Facebook

Beth Bales Olson: Kurt beat me to it. I worried from about 3 a.m. on that the power would go out. We'd be in a world of hurt right now. — Geneva Patch Facebook

Peggie A. Boldt: We're getting a back-up sump pump with a battery in addition to a generator. We're in the same boat as Kurt. Grateful for a dry basement, but realizing the potential for a far different outcome with a power outage like my friend in Mazon went through this week. — Geneva Patch Facebook

So what's your take? Tell us in the comments. 

CLICK HERE TO SEE WHAT YOUR NEIGHBORS HAD TO SAY IN PAST TRI-CITIES TALKS.