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Staying safe during flash flood season
Commentary by Staff Sgt. Paul Fernandez ing cigarette butts, fast food wrappers, and any or walk through flooded waters. Remember these tips
other trash or debris into proper trash receptacles. during a flash flood to keep yourself and family safe:
99th Air Base Wing Safety
Residents should report clogged storm drains · Remember a watch means a flash flood is possible
NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- July to the Regional Flood Control District by call- · A warning means that a flash flood is occur-
is here with high temperatures and a high ing 575-455-3139. The Clark County program ring or is nearby
chance of flash flooding. The months with the “Only Rain in the Storm Drain” reminds resi- · Watch the television or listen to the National
highest probability for thunderstorms are July dents how to keep these storm drains clean of Weather Service for updates on flooding
through September. unnecessary debris. · Be ready to evacuate your home if necessary
· Traveling to higher ground is always a safe
Las Vegas’ annual rainfall is approximately Roadways and highways are a major concern during bet, whether at home or traveling in vehicles
4.13 inches, and while this may not seem like a flooding. “When flooded turn around, don’t drown,” is · If you are asked to evacuate your home due to
lot of rain, the elevation of Las Vegas makes a big the slogan that the NWS uses for flood awareness. flooding, do so immediately
difference. Elevation levels in the Las Vegas val- · Electrical fires can start as a result of flood damage
ley are lower than the surrounding area, which More than half of all flood-related fatalities · Don’t allow your children to play or swim in
causes the water to flow into it. result from driving through hazardous flood flood water because it is often contaminated
waters. Walking through flood water is the next · Night time is more dangerous during flood-
According to the Clark County Regional Flood highest percentage of fatalities. ing due to decreased visibility
Control District, there have been 11 major floods · The majority of injuries that occur in flash
since 1960. These floods have claimed the lives of Flash floods should be taken very seriously floods are from persons, vehicles or property
31 people and have cost of more than $1 million all year round. Help keep the storm drains and being swept away
per flood. Las Vegas Wash clean by disposing of trash and · With moving water, it is important to keep in mind
chemicals appropriately. that six inches of water will knock a person from their
Storm drains and flood channels throughout feet and 24 inches of water will lift and move a vehicle
Las Vegas are designed to divert water via the Las Keep yourself aware by paying attention to the · Don’t drive through flooded areas
Vegas Wash to Lake Mead. These storm drains of- television and NWS on the radio whenever it is · Remember, “Turn Around, Don’t Drown”
ten become blocked by debris, objects and trash, raining. One of the most important things to be
resulting in an overwhelming amount of water aware of is to remember a “flood watch” means
overflowing onto the roadways. Las Vegas resi- the possibility of flooding exists and a “flood
dents can help eliminate this situation by throw- warning” means flooding is or will occur.
Follow all road signs and barriers, and do not drive
Night Wings!
July 25 Photo courtesy of: Dylan Martin Photo YOUR
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