Let’s play a game.
Imagine there’s been steady rain for the past few days that has caused some localized flooding. You’re driving along and come to a water-covered roadway. It appears to be about 3 or 4 inches deep and covers both sides of the road for about 50 feet. It’s muddy and not moving but just sitting there. You think you could drive through it safely and besides, taking another route would be an inconvenience. What do you do?
The correct answer may not be your first instinct. Before you head into the water, do you know what’s in or under it? The danger could be above or below the road surface. It could be an intact road surface but the water could also be hiding a downed power line, a dangerous sinkhole, a weakened road ready to collapse or other unseen hazards.
Sinkholes are common in Schuylkill County and they can be surprisingly deep. You may remember the 60-foot deep sinkhole in 2006 that swallowed two traveling vehicles outside Frackville. Imagine falling into a hole and having another vehicle land on top of you. That wasn’t the only instance in recent history.
A 35-foot sinkhole opened up a road near Tamaqua in 2008. Both holes were caused by rain and mine subsidence. However, the hole doesn’t have to exist before you get to it. The weight of your vehicle could be enough to open a damaged road surface and swallow you both. Is driving through a covered roadway worth the risk? The answer is no.
People underestimate the force and power of water. Did you know that a mere 6 inches of fast-moving water can knock over an adult and possibly move a small vehicle, and 12 inches can move most vehicles?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over half of all flood-related drownings occur when a vehicle is driven into hazardous flood water. The next highest percentage is due to walking into near flood waters which can also hide dangers like fast-moving glass and metal shards, sewage and contaminants and snakes.
“Turn Around Don’t Drown” is the slogan for the National Weather Service’s flood warning campaign.
Our towns do a great job of keeping our roadways safe and installing barriers in dangerous flooded areas as soon as possible. Never ignore warning barriers.
But you may come across a roadway that hasn’t been closed yet. Just because there are no barriers doesn’t mean the road is safe. Use common sense. It is never safe to drive or walk into flood water, whether it’s fast moving or calmly laying there. Turn Around Don’t Drown. Or fall into a sink hole, or come in contact with a downed power line. And please be kind and report any suspicious roads to the authorities.
Community self-preparedness is a vital step to a resilient community. This writer is a former chair for Schuylkill County Citizen Corps Council, with years of preparedness training and presentation experience.
We’ll be partnering with the Schuylkill County Emergency Management Agency to present a free seminar on this and other emergency-preparedness topics at 6 p.m. Aug. 29 at the Terrence P. Reiley Community Center in Pottsville. Learn your local hazards, planning tips for major weather-related disasters, what to do before, during and after an event, sheltering in place vs. evacuation, recovery and coping. Home fires will also be discussed.
The relaxed presentation is free and recommended to individuals, organizations, church groups and anyone who wants to better understand how to keep themselves, their family and property safer. One hour of your time can help you to prepare for the unexpected. Isn’t that worth the investment?
Seating is limited, so call this office at 570-628-1426 or email jjohnston@co.schuylkill.pa.us to reserve your seat today.
Mark your calendars. Tamaqua Summerfest will take place on June 18. Enjoy historical displays and tours, great food and a variety of musical entertainment and crafts. Fun for the whole family.
Canoe, kayak and rowboat rental is now open at Sweet Arrow Lake, Pine Grove. Canoes and rowboats seat up to three, kayaks hold one. Days vary so reserve your watercraft by calling 570-345-8952.
Kayak Demo Day is being held at Sweet Arrow Lake at 3 p.m. June 12. If you’re thinking of getting a kayak, this is just the thing to help you take the plunge with confidence. Try out a variety of boats. Registration required by calling 570-624-3018.
A Hot Potato 5K Run/Walk is slated for 9 a.m. Saturday at Trinity Lutheran Church in Valley View. The third annual Tater Tot Trot, a mile-long race for kids, will start at 8:15 a.m.