Westport Fire Offers Flood Safety Tips Following Recent Storm

WESTPORT, CT — Fire officials said Westport received almost five inches of rain in just a few hours Tuesday, causing significant flash flooding throughout the town. According to a news release, the Westport Fire Department responded to over 70 calls for assistance during the storm, and there were 45 responses to check homes and flooded businesses.

"Flooding from streams and rivers caused hazardous conditions and fire personnel responded to check electrical and heating systems," Deputy Chief Michael Kronick said in a release.

According to Kronick, the department also responded to approximately 20 calls to assist people stranded in their cars due to rising waters, including one incident on Greens Farms Road in which four people were rescued from their cars, which were swept off the road by flood waters. The Sasco Brook Dam had also failed as a result of the storm.

The department reminds residents that more deaths occur due to flooding than any other weather related hazard. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports over half of all flood-related drownings occur when a vehicle is driven into hazardous flood water. The next highest percentage of flood-related deaths is due to walking into or near flood waters.

"People underestimate the force and power of water and many of the deaths occur in cars swept downstream," Kronick said. "A mere six inches of fast-moving flood water can knock over an adult. It takes just 12 inches of rushing water to carry away most cars and just two feet of rushing water can carry away SUVs and trucks. It is never safe to drive or walk into flood waters. Many of these drownings are preventable!"

In light of this, the department has also provided a list of flood safety tips:

• Avoid areas already flooded, especially if the water is flowing fast.
• Never drive through flooded roadways. Road beds may be washed out under flood waters.
• Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize flood dangers.
• Never cross any barriers that are put in place by local emergency officials.
• Play it safe, Turn Around, Don't Drown

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Photo credits: Westport Fire Department