Family Builds DIY Levees to Safeguard Home from Destructive Flood

Title: In the Wake of Devastating Flooding in Tennessee, a Family’s Handcrafted Levee Emerges as a Symbol of Readiness and Strength

In early April, relentless rain drenched Tennessee, causing catastrophic floods that required emergency responders to carry out over 100 rescues. Towns like Bogota and Ridgely found themselves inundated, with residences and streets vanishing beneath murky waters. However, amid the turmoil, one home in western Tennessee remained dry—encircled by water yet unscathed, thanks to a distinct and meticulously crafted defense: a hand-built levee constructed by the Humphrey family.

Aerial images taken by Randy Moore and shared widely on social platforms illustrate a remarkable disparity—a solitary property surrounded by a towering earthen barrier akin to a fortress, with arid ground and structures sheltered within. At its peak, the levee reached an impressive height of nine feet.

The masterminds behind this achievement were brothers Tucker and Justin Humphrey, alongside their mother, Amy. Over the years, the brothers have tirelessly maintained and enhanced the levee surrounding their home, gaining knowledge from their late father, who instilled in them the significance of preparation and the rudiments of building water barriers.

“Just everyday tasks around here,” remarked 32-year-old Tucker Humphrey in a conversation with The Washington Post. “Doing what we must to safeguard the house.” As floodwaters surged and boats arrived to evacuate local residents, Tucker and Justin persisted in reinforcing their levee, dedicated to shielding their family’s residence.

A Legacy of Readiness

The Humphreys’ levee system was not created in a day. It represents a prolonged endeavor rooted in tradition and necessity. Positioned near the floodplain of the Mississippi River—an area historically susceptible to substantial flooding—the family has dedicated years to strengthening their property as an integral part of their daily lives.

“He’d be proud to see that,” Tucker said regarding their father when asked about the recognition the levee has garnered. “He’d know we were attentive when we were little.”

Utilizing bulldozers and other equipment, the Humphreys handled a significant portion of the heavy work themselves. This effort serves as a testament not only to their commitment but also to the vital role of community strength and self-sufficiency when facing natural calamities.

Community Pride and National Recognition

A snapshot shared by local media figure Burton S. Staggs featuring the Humphrey family home surrounded by floodwater yet remaining high and dry quickly went viral, prompting social media users to commend the family’s planning and diligence.

“This is the home of one of my closest childhood friends,” Megan Greene commented on Facebook. She highlighted how Tucker and Justin had worked “tirelessly” to prevent water from encroaching. Another neighbor, Cynthia Cherry, noted, “Amy’s sons Tucker and Justin have been relentlessly working to keep their mama’s house dry. Such a lovely family.”

Local resident Chaunce Fountain viewed the situation as emblematic of the principles often found in small communities: “This community is filled with incredible individuals, and the Humphreys exemplify that… It’s a powerful reminder that with persistence and hard work, we can conquer even the most daunting obstacles!”

Lessons in Engineering and Resolve

The tale of the Humphreys resonates with similar stories of triumph achieved through proactive measures. From the now-renowned floodgates in Fudai, Japan, engineered by a forward-thinking mayor, to homeowners in the United States implementing commercial-quality flood barriers like “Aquadams,” disaster preparedness has increasingly evolved from an afterthought to a vital necessity.

Their achievement also highlights the significance of being aware of local risk factors and undertaking proactive measures to address them—particularly in areas prone to flooding where climate change and erratic weather patterns are rendering extreme occurrences more frequent and unpredictable.

While some may have previously seen the Humphreys’ levee building as quirky or excessive, their foresight has proven to be lifesaving. As floodwaters begin to recede across Tennessee and recovery operations commence, the narrative of one dry residence amidst widespread flooding stands out not only as a remarkable example of grassroots engineering but also as an inspiration for resilient living in an evolving environment.

Sources:

– Washington Post: “In a town inundated by flood water, one house remained dry”
– WREG News: “Over 100 people rescued from severe flooding in Bogota, TN”
– Yahoo News: “Tennessee Family Builds Levees to Save House From Flooding”
– Facebook: Burton S. Staggs’ post on the Humphrey family levee

Related Reads:

– “How One Japanese Mayor Defied Naysayers and Built a Floodgate That Then Saved His Village From a Tsunami”
– “This Simple Effective Design Is Saving Homes From Floodwaters”
– “Teen Rescues Frightened Horse and Leads It to Safety Across 14 Miles During the LA Wildfires”

As climate resilience gains prominence in communities worldwide, perhaps the Humphrey family’s levee