By Adam Studzinski
BLOOMINGTON – Heavy rain has been making its way to Central Illinois and that’s why the American Red Cross is making sure everyone is prepared for flash flooding.
Regional Communications Director Trish Burnett said a lot of people do not realize how dangerous flash flooding can be. She said if you’re driving and come across standing water; the best thing to do is to turn around.
“You don’t necessarily know how deep it is. So, it’s better if you just stop, and turn around, and take a different route,” said Burnett. “It can take less than two feet of water to move a vehicle.”
It can take even less water to make you lose your footing.
“Six inches of water can take you off your feet. We’ve had some recent tragedies in our area that people were lost through flash flood and flooding problems,” said Burnett. “Turn around. Don’t think twice. Just turn around, and walk away from it, and take a different route.”
Burnett added children can be especially vulnerable in the event of flooding, so to be sure and keep children inside if there’s a flash flood concern in the area.
The Red Cross offers a free Emergency App available for Android and Apple devices which gives instant access to weather alerts.
Adam Studzinski can be reached at [email protected].
