South Fork, Colorado

The following is a list of flash flood safety rules that can be
passed along to residents of and visitors to southern Colorado.

Do not drive or walk into water of unknown depth. The roadway or
pathway may be washed out... and water could be much deeper than
you think. Keep children and others away from fast flowing water
and storm drains... which could become deadly during high water.

Do not drive your vehicle or walk into areas where water covers
the roadway. The water may be too deep to allow you to cross
safely. Fast flowing water one and a half feet deep can easily
flip a vehicle over or carry it down a creek or river. Whether
on foot or in a vehicle... find higher ground during high water
situations. Keep children away from fast flowing water.

If a Flash Flood Warning is in effect... it means that flooding is
occurring or is imminent. Most flash flood deaths occur in
vehicles. Whether in a vehicle or on foot... do not attempt to
cross bridges... dips... or low spots if water covers your path.
Never try to cross swiftly flowing water on foot... because you
could be swept away in a matter of seconds by the powerful force
of the rushing water.

If a Flash Flood Warning is in effect... it means that flooding is
occurring or imminent. At night it is difficult to see flood
situations developing. The flooding rain may be many miles away
from you... and you could face quickly rising water while little
or no rain is falling in your area. It is important to know
where you are relative to creeks or rivers... which can become
killers.

If a Flash Flood Warning is in effect... it means that flooding is
imminent or occurring. Be especially cautious at night when it
is hard to recognize the dangers of floods and flash floods. The
Road or a bridge may be washed out and the fast flowing water
could be several feet deep. Driving into this situation could be
fatal. Do not stay in low areas which can flood quickly when
water is on the rise. Go to higher ground.