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Monsoon flooding: Officials urge residents to remember danger of moving water

Posted at 4:30 AM, Jun 11, 2018
and last updated 2018-06-11 18:48:51-04

The monsoon storms are approaching.

Phoenix Fire Department, along with the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office, want to make sure you're prepared and ready.  

One of the biggest pieces of advice, according to Captain Bobby Dubnow of Phoenix Fire Department Special Operations, is don't underestimate the power of Mother Nature.  

FULL SECTION: Arizona monsoon

"Whether there's a barricade there or not, if you see a road that's flooded out, don't go across." It's a reminder of that phrase you'll most likely hear ABC15 meteorologists saying often: "Turn Around Don't Drown." 

Dubnow reminds that, "it only takes about 10 inches of water to lift a vehicle off the roadway" and that a cubic foot of water can weigh 60 pounds per cubic foot.

Monday on ABC15 Mornings, the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office demonstrated live how they train and prepare for water rescues around the Valley. These rescues can involve anything from hoisting someone from the roof of a home to saving someone inside a car that is trapped in water.

Last year, Maricopa County began installing warning devices at unbridged road crossings in an effort to keep drivers from entering flooded washes before they're barricaded. 

Officials say nearly half of all flash flood fatalities are related to vehicles.

RELATED: 8 flash flooding safety tips to remember

"The thing about water and especially water that's moving, is it's real dynamic. it's relentless, you can't really shut it off," said Dubnow.