Safety during Flood Season
The first week of August 2008 Mother Nature served the Las Vegas Valley a reminder of the perils of flood season.  Severe thunderstorms led to flooding in the southeast valley where several Henderson streets and intersections became hazardous.  But that didn’t stop some motorists from attempting to drive through flooded streets.  Rescue crews were kept busy responding to the calls of many trapped citizens.  Scott Allison from Clark County Fire Department states, “It is an old saying, but we preach it year after year during the monsoon, ‘turn around don’t drown.’”  As far as trapped motorists are concerned, Scott says, “If you are in high water we recommend that you stay in your vehicle and let us come and rescue you.  You do not want to run the risk of getting out of your vehicle and getting swept off your feet.”

The following ten tips for flash floods safety are from the Clark County Regional Flood Control District (CCRFCD) and the National Weather Service.

1. Flash flooding often occurs suddenly and without notice.  Floods can happen any time in Southern Nevada and not just during the July 1 through September flash flood season.
   
   
2. When you are aware of a nearby thunderstorm, get out of the pool.  Prior to flooding, thunderstorms can cause high winds, hail and heavy rains.  Exit the swimming pool, Lake Mead or any other body of water because lightning is able to travel more than 10 miles and water attracts electrical current.
   
   
3. Leave the golf course.  When a thunderstorm hits, get off the golf course and steer clear from trees or power poles to avoid being struck by lightning.  If caught in the open, you can crouch as low to the ground as possible, making you a less likely target for lightning strikes.
   
   
4. Know flash flood lingo.  Flash Flood Watch means a flood is possible in your area.  Flash Flood Warning means a flood is happening or will happen within minutes.  The National Weather Service declares both watches and warnings.
   
   
5. Stay in the car.  If you are caught driving in a severe storm, consider pulling over to ground higher than street level and waiting out the storm.  Intense storms in Southern Nevada usually disperse in a few hours.
6. Do not drive around barricades or through a flooded street or road.  The pavement below may be damaged and impassable.  Use extra caution at night.
   
   
7. Do not walk through flood water.  If your car stalls in flood water, it is considered safer to stay with the vehicle.  Flood water can move as fast as 30 mph and water only inches deep can sweep you off your feet.  Debris swept along with the flood can also knock you down.
   
   
8. Do not drive through flood water.  Most flood-related deaths happen when people attempt to drive through moving water.  Flood water sweeps away cars easily and often.  If you think you are safe because you drive a large truck or SUV, think again.  Larger vehicles may be more likely to float because big, air-filled tires increase the likelihood the vehicles will float or tip over in swift water flows.
   
   
9. Do not allow children or pets to play in or near flood water.  Water in flood channels and detention basins can rise as quickly as one foot per minute.  Flood water, in addition to moving up to 30 mph, is filled with hazardous materials such as chemicals, oil and bacteria.
   
   
10. Stay away from standing water.  Standing water is filled with bacteria and can disguise hazards below the surface such as deep holes and dangerous debris.

Lake Las Vegas emergency bypass spill way discharges flood waters into Las Vegas Wash.

When visiting the Las Vegas Wash anytime of the year, safety is integral, especially during flash flood season.  Water in the Clark County Wetlands Park is not intended for human contact, so swimming, wading, and fishing are not allowed. The same can be said for the Las Vegas Wash due to many safety concerns, including swift water.  Swift moving water only inches deep can sweep a person off their feet, and the National Park Service identifies several common hazards facing someone in distress:

• High water adds to the power and speed of flow, making rescue attempts dangerous and difficult. 
• Cold water rapidly drains strength and affects a person’s ability to make good decisions. 
• Brush, fallen trees, and undercut rocks can injure or trap a person. 
• When water drops over an obstacle, it curls back on itself, forming a strong upstream current which can also trap a person.

A trip to the Las Vegas Wash can be educational and fun.  Remaining cautious while experiencing all the Las Vegas Wash has to offer is the best way to enjoy it fully, during flash flood season and year-round.   More information on flood safety can be found at the CCRFCD website.  The website also contains information on the history of flooding, up-to-the-minute rainfall and weather data, and a 100-year flood zone map.