Riverside County releases video to highlight flood dangers
With recent rainfall cascading down streets, streams and flood channels around Riverside County, officials are urging residents to stay away from potentially dangerous flowing waters.
The county released a video on Monday to highlight the danger, how to avoid it and what to do if residents see someone slip into rushing water.
Officials said, under the right conditions, even a small amount of rain can create a torrent able to wash away people and even vehicles. A car can float in as little as 12 inches of water and people die every year because they attempt to drive through flooded roadways.
Residents shouldn’t let down their guard just because El Nino has not generated the significant rain that many had expected.
“Flooding can happen at any time of the year and it remains one of our most common natural disasters,” said Kim Saruwatari, director of the Riverside County Emergency Management Department. “Flooded roads and streams can be lethal and residents must be cautious around them at all times.
Authorities said you should heed the warning to, ‘Turn Around, Don’t Drown’, when you see a flooded roadway, even if the road has not been closed. And you should never drive around barricades.
