SAFETY AROUND WASHES

   
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City of Tucson

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Tucson Fire Department


 

Summer Storm Safety
So in Tucson we have "rivers", the Rillito River is one that comes to mind right away. Crazy thing is this "river" hardly ever has water in in it! In fact most of the year it is completely dry...until the rain comes in July & August. Then of course we go from dry river bed to raging currents of water in just a matter of seconds...maybe you know someone who acts a lot like a wash...you know fine one minute and then ALL OF A SUDDEN A RAGING CURRENT OF EMOTION! Okay, I have teenagers and I used to be one so I know that is an accurate description of you and your buds...it's all good! Seriously, flashfloods are extremely dangerous:


Flashfloods
Flashfloods are caused when large amounts of rainwater don’t soak into the ground during a storm.  The swift moving currents can cause our dry washes and low-lying areas to flood – and flood very quickly. These floods are extremely dangerous because of their strength and speed.  Dry washes in the city can immediately turn into raging waters even if there is no rain falling in the area. Run off from mountain areas can cause this to happen with little or no forewarning. So although we welcome the water, we must follow some simple steps to enjoy the rain safely.

Never attempt to cross any flooded wash, ditch, or low lying area in a vehicle. Even though the water level may look low, often times the depth is much higher than drivers expect. The strong currents associated with flashfloods can also prove dangerous even in low volumes of water.Be sure to tell your parents to check out The "Stupid Motorist Law", which corresponds to section 28-910 of the Arizona Revised Statutes, and states that any motorist who drives around barricades to enter a flooded stretch of roadway may be charged for the cost of his/her rescue. Additionally, swift water rescues are extremely dangerous for emergency response personnel - think of others before you drive through!!
Never stand near the edge or allow others to stand near the edge of a flooded wash.
Never try to walk or ride through a flooded wash or a low spot in the road.  Even though the water may not look very high, the currents are strong enough to sweep even a car away.
Never walk or ride around any barricades or signs that have been put up around flooded areas. The barricades are there for YOUR safety.

Lightning storms:
Seek shelter immediately!
Don't seek shelter under a tree if you're caught outside. Don't be the tallest object around - for example, in the mountains, stay below the tree line. The inside of a hardtop car is suitable shelter, in an emergency.
Avoid open areas such as fields and golf courses
Get at least 7 feet away from tall objects.
Avoid metal objects such as golf carts and clubs, lawn mowers and pipes
Stay off the phone.  Lightning can travel through electrical and phone currents. Keep large appliances off, including TVs.
Don't shower or bathe.
Don't swim, and return to shore if you're inside a boat.

If you encounter a downed power line:
Stay at least 100 feet away.
Don't touch anything metal if a power line has fallen on your car while you're in it. stay inside until professional help arrives.
Never try to help someone trapped by a downed power line; you will endanger your own safety. Instead, call 911 immediately.

In a dust storm:
Don't enter a dust storm if you can avoid it.
Turn headlights on and drive slowly and cautiously.
When/If  you pull off the road, get as far to the right as possible. Turn off the car and headlights, and set the parking brake. Keep your foot off the brake pedal or other drivers may think you're a car in motion.