SFD Encourages You to ‘Turn Around and Don’t Drown’

High water has been a big problem in the Shreveport-Bossier area today, with heavy rain this morning and more on the way before the night is over.

The Shreveport Fire Department had to rescue two stranded motorists from separate locations this morning. To prevent stalling vehicles, water-related injury and drowning, SFD advises all motorists and pedestrians to avoid low-lying areas that are prone to flooding.

Here are some facts and practical flash flooding safety tips from SFD:

• DO NOT allow children to play in drainage ditches… swift water s
• will carry them away.
• During incidents of flash flooding, move to higher ground.
• DO NOT walk through moving water. As little as 6 inches of
• moving water can cause you to fall or even drown.
• DO NOT drive into flooded areas. If flood waters rise around
• your car, abandon the car and move to higher ground as quickly and
• safely as possible.
• Avoid contact with electrically energized equipment while you
• are wet or standing in water.
• Keep a cell phone nearby to call 9-1-1, if needed.
• Flash floods can bring walls of water from 10 to 20 feet high so
• be vigilant.
• A vehicle can be swept away by as little as 2 feet of moving
• water so avoid when possible.