Reminder of the dangers of flood waters

Saturday, April 5, 2025 at 11:11 PM

By Staff report

With the recent rainfall and anticipation of more to come, Conservation Officers are reminding the public of the dangers of flood water and to avoid driving through these waters.

Conservation Officers have responded to dozens of water-related calls for service since yesterday afternoon, many of them involving motorists who attempted to drive through flood waters.

Conservation Officers, like all authorities, emphasize that it is never safe to drive into floodwaters and the following safety precautions should be followed:

Do not drive around barricades at water crossings.
Do not cross or enter flowing water.
Driving through standing water may affect your brakes. Test your brakes at low speeds as soon as you exit the water.
If you choose to abandon your vehicle, respect the force of the water flow;you may be swept off your feet. After you exit the vehicle, seek higher ground.
Be aware that road erosion may occur where there is running or standing water.
Remember that six inches of water will reach the bottom of most car doors. One foot of water will float many vehicles, and two feet of moving water can carry away most vehicles.
If you find yourself stranded in floodwaters, remain calm and call 911. If you can do so safely, move to higher ground.