With a flood watch in effect for most of Northeast Ohio on Friday, emergency responders are gearing up for potentially hazardous conditions. Several inches of rain are expected throughout the weekend, prompting Cleveland’s Fire Water Rescue teams to prepare for possible emergencies.
“We are keeping a close eye on the rain and flooding risks,” said Lieutenant Mike Norman. “They are trained in all facets of rescue, water rescue being one of them.”
Officials are urging the public to exercise caution and avoid standing water at all costs. Lieutenant Norman emphasized the dangers of wading or driving through flooded areas.
“You can’t tell how deep it is. There could be a manhole cover missing. The road could be collapsed underneath,” he warned.
In the event of a rescue, technical rescue teams are fully equipped with life vests, banana boats, and dry suits to handle the dangerous conditions.
“He is ready in the event that the road would collapse beneath him or he would wind up in deep water,” said Lieutenant Norman, highlighting the unpredictability of floodwaters. Even a few inches of moving water can pose a significant threat.
“Six inches of water can stall your car. A foot of water can move your car,” he cautioned.
Cleveland’s rescue crews have already responded to multiple water emergencies this year, many involving drivers who misjudged the risks.
“Even if you travel that direction every day, you don’t know what is under that water. It is not safe to go into it,” Lieutenant Norman stressed.
As the region braces for heavy rainfall, authorities are reminding residents of a simple but life-saving saying: Turn around, don’t drown.