Horsham Police Warn Of Flooding Danger

The Horsham Community Police Service is warning residents about the dangers of flooding in wake of virulent weather in Texas over the past week.

“The most common peril we face here in Montgomery County is flooding,” wrote the Horsham ChATs Facebook page. “Recently legislation was passed that makes it illegal to go around barricades and road closed signage.”

Officials said that though it may seem like common sense, they have responded to “far too many vehicle rescue calls” because drivers insist on ignoring barricades and posted signs.

“Their actions put themselves and our First Responders at risk and tie up critical resources that might be needed for other rescue operations,” police said.

Flooding claims 90 lives a year, according to the National Weather Service, and more than half of those deaths occur when drivers drown in vehicles that are somewhere they aren’t supposed to be.

The fine for ignoring a road closure sign is $250 in Pennsylvania. If someone requires a rescue or a tow out of a dangerous situation, it results in a doubled fine of $500.

“Friends, we don’t close roads because we want to,” police said. “We close them because they become hazardous to both the motoring public and the First Responders who will be called in for the inevitable rescue.”