From the folks at Yavapai County Emergency Management:
Signs of Flooding and Flood Messages Ignored – Sadly a life was lost
Throughout Arizona and other parts of the U.S you will hear the message “Turn Around, Don’t Drown. This message is repeated many times throughout the rainy seasons in Arizona.
Sadly an example of why this message is used on a regular basis took place yesterday when a driver tried to cross Beavercreek at Reay Road in Rimrock and was swept away. As reported, many agencies responded to the call but the vehicle was submerged by the time it was reached and a life was lost. Additional information on this can be found on the Yavapai County Sheriff’s facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YavapaiCountySheriff
Why is Turn Around Don’t Drown™ So Important?
Each year, more deaths occur due to flooding than from any other severe weather related hazard. The Centers for Disease Control report that over half of all flood-related drownings occur when a vehicle is driven into hazardous flood water. Why? The main reason is people underestimate the force and power of water. Many of the deaths occur in automobiles as they are swept downstream. Of these drownings, many are preventable, but too many people continue to drive around the barriers that warn you the road is flooded. Road beds may be washed out under flood waters. NEVER drive through flooded roadways – you do not know the condition of the road under the water.
The swiftwater team was deployed but could not get a complete view of the vehicle interior. As a result, a full search effort covering the area where the vehicle was submerged was ordered. Around 11 :45 AM, a DPS Ranger crew flying over the creek bed spotted a body a little less than a mile from the submerged vehicle. Recovery operations are currently underway. Rescue 1 is also flying to aid efforts of ground personnel tracking a path to the body.
Additional details as they become available –
As we have publicized so many times, DO NOT ATTEMPT ‘LOW WATER’ CROSSINGS. IT TAKES VERY LITTLE WATER TO CARRY A VEHICLE AWAY! THE VELOCITY OF WATER IN THIS AREA IS UNUSUALLY HIGH.
The swiftwater team was deployed but could not get a complete view of the vehicle interior. As a result, a full search effort covering the area where the vehicle was submerged was ordered. Around 11 :45 AM, a DPS Ranger crew flying over the creek bed spotted a body a little less than a mile from the submerged vehicle. Recovery operations are currently underway. Rescue 1 is also flying to aid efforts of ground personnel tracking a path to the body.
Additional details as they become available –
As we have publicized so many times, DO NOT ATTEMPT ‘LOW WATER’ CROSSINGS. IT TAKES VERY LITTLE WATER TO CARRY A VEHICLE AWAY! THE VELOCITY OF WATER IN THIS AREA IS UNUSUALLY HIGH.
We cannot express enough the importance of STOP! Turn Around Don’t Drown.
- Vehicles can be swept away by less than 2 feet of water.
- You can lose control of your vehicle in only a few inches of water.
Currently dams in Yavapai County are at capacity and as the snow levels melt as well as additional storms come through Yavapai County water levels will rise. Low water crossings, roads, and normally dry washes can quickly and without warning turn into rapid moving rivers. Never think that your vehicle is stronger, faster, or large enough to cross. Many times after a storm has passed water levels go down within a few hours. Going around or waiting until the water is clear can save your life.
NEVER drive through flooded roadways. STOP! Turn Around Don’t Drown.
- Vehicles can be swept away by less than 2 feet of water.
- The roadbed may be washed out.
- You can lose control of your vehicle in only a few inches of water.
- Do not drive around a barricade. Turn around and go another way!
- Other tips – BEFORE A FLOOD TIPS
We highly encourage residents to sign up with the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Emergency Notification System to be notified during emergency situations at: http://www.ycsoaz.gov/community/emergency-preparedness/ens/
