DENVER FLOOD SAFETY TIPS

Be Aware of Standing Water & Avoid Waterways!

While rainfall has slowed in Denver, standing water remains an issue on some roadways. Be aware of the following when approaching standing water in your vehicle: • Six inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars, causing loss of control or possible stalling. • One foot of water will float most vehicles. • Two feet of rushing water can sweep away most vehicles — including SUVs and pick-ups. • If you must drive through water, drive slowly and steadily. • Avoid driving in water with downed electrical or power lines; the electric current passes through water easily. • Stay off the telephone unless you must report severe injuries. • Watch out for manholes that have lost their covers due to high water volumes. Bicyclists and pedestrians! Waterways and rivers are rushing with run-off! Even though the rain has eased up stay away from waterways and travel on higher ground. • Do not walk or bike near a river or stream during or following heavy rainfall, even on Denver’s paved urban bike and walking trails; water flow can quickly increase and flooding can occur without notice. • Never take shelter in a culvert or in an enclosed space, especially in low elevations by rivers and streams. Always go to higher ground out of the flow of water. • Do not walk through moving water. Six inches of moving water can cause a person to fall. • If lightning is present, do not stand under or near an isolated tree or group of trees. • Never allow children to play around streams, drainage ditches or viaducts, storm drains or flooded areas. MORE TIPS: Downed power lines/cables: Stay clear of downed lines and report them immediately to Xcel Energy at 1-800-895-1999. If a power line has fallen onto a vehicle, stay away from the vehicle. Seek help immediately by calling 911. Downed branches: If a tree limb is broken on a public right-of-way, citizens are asked to contact Denver forestry to assess damage and tree safety. For trees on private property, citizens can visit www.denvergov.org/forestry for a list of licensed and insured tree care contractors.  Denver Solid Waste Management collects a limited amount of branches as part of its regular trash collection service. Branches must be no larger than 4 inches in diameter, and they must be cut into lengths of 4 feet or less, bundled and tied, and weigh no more than 40 pounds. For more information about branch disposal clickHERE.