Don’t Get Carried Away

Flooded roadways seem to be more common lately. Some people blame global warning while others point to overdevelopment, but whatever the cause, the guidelines for safety are the same.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over half of all flood-related drownings occur when a vehicle is driven into hazardous flood water. This often occurs because people misjudge the depth of the water, or they have a pickup truck or an SUV they think can barrel through it.

Oftentimes, we see vehicles stuck and drivers needing rescue. This is dangerous not only for the vehicle’s occupants, but also for the first responders who must get them to safer ground.

Another cause of flood-related deaths is walking into flood waters. Water that may look calm on the surface can have a fast-moving undertow, not to mention the debris and other materials that can be hidden underneath. Of course, the most dangerous situation is when a live wire falls into water.

So, when encountering a flooded roadway or walking path, people should find an alternate route, even if it takes much longer to reach a destination. Or, they should drive or walk to higher ground and find a safe place to wait until the water recedes and it’s safe to travel once again.

Contributing Author: Susan Baldani, a life member of the Scotch Plains Volunteer Rescue Squad.