JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO, Texas –
In 2016, more than 100 people in the U.S. lost their lives to flooding, making it the leading cause of death among severe weather events, including heat, lightning and tornadoes.
Texas residents are well aware of the dangers of flooding, as the state led the nation in the number of flood-related deaths with 38 last year. San Antonio and the Central Texas region are both prone to flooding, which is caused by an extended period of rain in which the ground gets saturated, leaving water with no place to go or drain or from heavy rains that occur several miles upstream.
Heavy rains from storms cause rivers, creeks and low-lying areas to overflow in a short period of time, giving individuals little time to react to the flooding conditions.
John McLaughlin, 502nd Air Base Wing occupational traffic safety specialist at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, said people can take the following measures to avoid being caught in a flood:
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When driving, if you see water running across the roadway, turn around, don’t drown. It only takes two feet of water for a vehicle to float in and the force of the water can take the vehicle downstream. Nearly half of all flood-related deaths in the U.S. involved people in vehicles.
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Never walk onto flooded roads or streams because as little as six inches of water can knock a person off their feet.
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If in a low-lying area, move to higher ground and avoid canyons and ditches that can carry and channel water quickly.
If a driver or passenger is in a vehicle and is suddenly caught in rising water, they should leave the vehicle immediately and get to higher ground. However, if a driver or passenger is unable to move to higher ground they should try to get onto the top of the vehicle, call 911 if they have their cell phone with them and wait for help.
People who are stranded on an object above floodwaters, including a tree or building, remain put and wait for help to arrive. Do not try and swim as rushing waters can overtake people and cause them to drown, said McLaughlin.
For drivers and passengers who are submerged in their vehicles, stay calm, call 911 if possible and wait for the vehicle to overflow with water so the pressure will open the doors. Once the doors open, hold your breath and swim to shore.
If a driver or passenger finds themselves swept into fast-moving water outside a vehicle, they should point their feet downstream and go over any obstacles in the water. Do not attempt to go underneath an obstacle.
McLaughlin said motorists should adhere to traffic barricades placed at roadways and crossings that have high water. Ignoring and driving around a barricade in Texas is a Class B misdemeanor, which could result in arrest, vehicle impoundment, up to 180 days in jail and/or a fine up to $2,000 and the driver being charged for the cost of their rescue.
In addition, rising floodwaters can trap people in their homes and cause damage to property. McLaughlin said individuals and families need to be prepared if their home is in danger of being flooded.
“The biggest thing is knowing if you are in a flood plain,” he said. “If you are in a flood plain, always have an evacuation plan ready when the flood warnings come out.”
McLaughlin said the evacuation plan should include safe routes to get out that are not prone to flooding and a location on high ground for family members to meet at. When evacuating, avoid low-lying areas including canyons and ditches.
In an event of severe weather, people should pay attention to warnings on the radio, TV and internet. When an evacuation order is issued by authorities people should follow them because it is for their well-being, said McLaughlin.
“Authorities put out the precautions for where people are staying because of the potential of them being hurt, injured or killed by flash floods,” he said.
If possible and time permitting, McLaughlin said families can take basic necessities for an emergency including rain gear, blankets, flashlight, radio, cell phone and extra clothes when evacuating.
Information and tips on flood preparedness can be found at http://www.sanantonio.gov/SAFD/About/Divisions/Firefighting-Division/Technical-Rescue-Team/Flash-Flood-Actions.