San Tan Valley Residents Urged to Heed Flood Safety Tips as Hurricane Hilary Approaches

With Hurricane Hilary on a trajectory poised to drench parts of Nevada and Arizona, San Tan Valley residents in Maricopa and Pinal Counties are urged to brace themselves for possible heavy rains and intense winds. Rural Metro Fire Central Arizona is taking the lead in cautioning locals about the potential for localized flooding, an oft-underestimated hazard.

Yearly, flooding claims more lives than any other severe weather hazard. Highlighting the grim reality, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that over half of flood-related drownings happen when vehicles venture into dangerous floodwaters. Moreover, individuals walking near or into such waters account for the next highest percentage of flood-related fatalities.

"People often fail to comprehend the sheer might of water," warns Shawn Gilleland of Rural Metro Fire Central Arizona. He notes with concern the frequency at which individuals dismiss the danger, choosing to either walk or drive through inundated pathways. "Ignoring barriers and entering flooded zones can have deadly consequences."

Reiterating the National Weather Service's crucial warning, "Turn Around, Don't Drown®," Rural Metro Fire offers residents some vital flood safety guidelines:

• Seek higher ground if flooding is imminent. Steer clear of areas prone to flooding, including valleys, low spots, and ditches.
• Do not venture into or near flooded zones. A mere six inches of swift water can knock a person off their feet.
• Children should be kept away from high water, storm drains, and ditches due to concealed hazards.
• Beware of driving through flooded roads as vehicles can be swept away in just two feet of water, and the road might have concealed damages.
• Parking or camping near washouts and streams is risky, especially under looming threats.
• Night driving during floods requires extra caution as it's more challenging to spot flood dangers.
• For up-to-date weather alerts, keep an eye on NOAA Weather Radio or local media outlets.

For a more comprehensive understanding of flood safety, residents can visit the National Weather Service at noaa.gov/floods or the Federal Alliance for Safe Homes at flash.org.