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Each day this week, as we arose to yet another dreary and rainy morning, our concerns turned from griping about a cold July to genuine worry as local rivers continued to rise.

The Tanana River hit its highest crest since 1967. Those who lived in Fairbanks back then know just what that means, and anyone who has moved here since should understand that history as well.

Unfortunately, residents in the areas near the Salcha and Lower Chena rivers have been experiencing something similar to what happened back then. Our hearts go out to those whose homes have been flooded this week.

If there is a bright side to be found, it is demonstrated by improved communication and the immediate response by volunteers with the Salcha and Chena-Goldstream fire departments and Fairbanks North Star Borough Emergency Services.

The borough’s automated phone system roused some residents in the middle of the night to warn them of the flood to come. Others were contacted by volunteer firefighters going door to door.

Between public services, quickly established Red Cross evacuation centers, and family and friends of those in need, there have been no reports of people injured or left without help.

Borough Mayor Jim Whitaker’s call for a disaster declaration and its presumed ratification by the assembly in an emergency meeting to come on Tuesday, should make resources available to put roads and neighborhoods back together in weeks to come.

As for the majority of the Fairbanks area, which remained soggy but above water this week, we have the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Chena River Lakes Flood Control Project to thank for a level of comfort that should not be taken for granted.

It was during this month just 41 years ago that, after a similar sort of weather scenario, Fairbanks was inundated and there was untold damage. The Tanana River came close to that same high mark, and there is little doubt it will do so again.

Every time it does, we should learn the lessons of preparedness and emerge readier to face the next disaster. So far, that seems to be true of this episode. We can also be thankful that followup to the 1967 flood led to planning of the dam project that keeps the majority of Fairbanks safe during these episodes.