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Woman Rescued from Berkeley County Home

by Nikki Gaskins Campbell

The streets turned into lakes along French Quarter Creek Road in Huger
The streets turned into lakes along French Quarter Creek Road in Huger

BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C.–The heavy rain has kept first responders extra busy all over the lowcountry.

On Saturday around 5 p.m., rescue squad members were dispatched to the area of French Quarter Creek Road in Huger trapped in her home by rising flood waters.

The water was so high on the roads, squad members had to use their boats to reach the woman.

Squad members attempted to help other homeowners trapped by the water evacuate their homes as well but many chose to stay.

A lot of people underestimate the force and power of water. Each year, more deaths occur due to flooding than from any other thunderstorm related hazard. Flash flooding is the leading cause of weather-related deaths in the U.S.—approximately 200 deaths per year. Over 50 percent of flood-related drownings are vehicle-related.

The next highest percentage of flood-related deaths is due to walking into or near flood waters. Many of the deaths take place in cars or trucks as they are swept downstream. Of these drownings, many are preventable, but too many people continue to drive around the barriers that warn you the road is flooded.

A mere 6 inches of fast-moving flood water can knock over an adult. It takes just 12 inches of rushing water to carry away a small car, while two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles. It is NEVER safe to drive or walk into flood waters.

If you live in an area where flooding occurs, the National Weather Service offers several safety tips to help you avoid becoming a victim of the storm:

  1. When approaching a flooded area, turn around (don’t drown)

As mentioned earlier, the majority of flood-related deaths are caused by people attempting to drive through moving water. Even if the water doesn’t look deep, don’t risk it. As the saying goes, looks can be deceiving.

  1. Stay informed

Monitor local radio and television (including NOAA Weather Radio), internet and social media for information and updates.

  1. Get to Higher Ground

Get out of areas subject to flooding and get to higher ground immediately.

  1. Obey Evacuation Orders

If told to evacuate, do so immediately. Be sure to lock your home as you leave. If you have time, disconnect utilities and appliances.

  1. Practice Electrical Safety:

Don’t go into a basement, or any room, if water covers the electrical outlets or if cords are submerged. If you see sparks or hear buzzing, crackling, snapping or popping noises –get out! Stay out of water that may have electricity in it!

  1. Avoid Flood Waters

Do not walk through flood waters. It only takes six inches of moving water to knock you off your feet. If you are trapped by moving water, move to the highest possible point and call 911 for help.

 
Nikki Gaskins Campbell
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