During the heavy rains on January 9, 2012, the Houston Fire Department responded to more than 140 water rescues, including four major rescues. With heavy rains expected later this afternoon through tomorrow, the Houston Fire Department would like to remind citizens of the National Weather Service’s safety message “Turn Around Don’t Drown®”
Flooding is the most common hazard in the City of Houston and many times, individuals aren’t able to judge the depths of water along roadways and find themselves in perilous conditions.
Water at heights of as little as six inches can sweep you off your feet and downstream. Water as little as two feet can wash you and your vehicle downstream as well. Be especially cautious at night, when it’s even more difficult to gauge the amount of water in a roadway. The safest option is to simply avoid driving over water and find an alternate, safer route, or wait until the danger has passed.
