FLOOD WATCH: Be prepared when floodwaters arrive

City of Kamloops Parks crews have been busy over the past week erecting safety fencing to keep a curious public away from a seemingly innocent and calm river. The high water from recent rains and snowmelt can hide heavy currents. strong undertows and hazards from an unsuspecting observer.

GEORGE WYCHERLEY PHOTO/KTW

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As water levels rise, there are precautions to be taken. Emergency Management BC has a number of tips for those encountering floodwaters:

Walking:

• Stay away from floodwaters. If you come upon a flowing stream where water is above your ankles, stop, turn around and go the other way.

Six inches of swiftly moving water can sweep you off of your feet.

• If you have to walk in water, wherever possible, walk where the water is not moving. Use a stick to check the firmness of the ground in front of you.

Driving:

• If you come upon a flooded road while driving, turn around and go another way.

• Never stay with your car in a flooded area. If your car stalls,  abandon it immediately and get away from the water to safety.

• If you are caught on a flooded road and waters are rising rapidly  around you, get out of the car quickly and move to higher ground.Most cars can be swept away by less than two feet of moving water.

Boating:

• Flood time is not a time for play as flooded streams and rivers are not safe for recreational boating.

• Boaters who must be on the water should use caution. Be aware your wake can cause greater flooding issues on land. Be courteous.

Around dams or dikes:

• Do not walk on dams or dikes.

• Stay away from dikes and flood-control devices. There is a high  potential to be carried away by swift currents.

• Heed warnings around flood-control devices.

Children and pets:

• Do not let children in or near any floodwater.

• Keep children out of the water. They are curious and often lack  judgment about running water or contaminated water.

• Never let children play near rivers or storm drains when the water is rising or high. Swimming skills have nothing to do with surviving in a flooded river.

• Pets can get into trouble, too. There have been cases of people  drowning trying to rescue their pets.

To stay up to date on all alerts and public safety notices, go online to emergencyinfobc.gov.bc.ca.