FOX10 reports cell phone video by Zahid Mendez showed the moments a man in a SUV attmepted to drive through the rushing water along Sycamore Creek in the Tonto National Forest. The SUV is quickly swept away and overturned in the torrents. The man and two kids climb on top of the SUV as water rushes past it. It then rolls over again, sending them into the water.
Several bystanders jump into the dangerous waters. First, the two sons are pulled to safety, then a few feet down the bank, the dad comes to shore. Hats off to everyone who stepped in and helped in the rescue and a great reminder not to drive through rushing waters.
The American Red Cross‘ tips for heavy rain situations and flood safety:
- Turnaround don’t drown! If you must drive and you encounter a flooded roadway, turn around and go another way.
- 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.
- Tune in to your local radio, NOAA radio, or news channels for the latest updates.
- If your neighborhood is prone to flooding, be prepared to evacuate quickly.
- Follow evacuation orders and do not attempt to return until officials say it is safe.
- If power lines are down, do not step in puddles or standing water.
- If power is out, use a flashlight. Do not use any open flame as alternate lighting.