Turn Around Don’t Drown

ZANESVILLE, Ohio- With the wet weather and wet road ways, the Zanesville fire department wants motorist to take precautions.

Lieutenant Jeff Bell stresses the importance of safety.

“Especially this time of year because we have melting snows. And we have high rains for the spring. We want to tell people to be especially careful during these driving conditions. During this time of year, what we like to say is turn around don’t drown. Make sure you respect high water signs. Make sure you don’t drive around barricades,” said Lieutenant Bell.

Lieutenant Bell said half of all flooding deaths occur in vehicles.

“It takes as little as 6 inches of moving water to sweep somebody off their feet. And as little as 12 inches to float a vehicle. We want you to be careful because when we have moving waters, or even standing water it tends to erode roadways. You can’t tell from the surface how deep it is. Or how much damage roadway might have. It may be eroded away,” said Lieutenant Bell.

Lieutenant Bell said if possible avoid driving through high water and be especially at night.