After receiving a distress call, three officers find themselves in fast-rising floodwaters.
Most of us have heard the warnings and know the dangers of driving into water or flood-prone areas. Some people don’t realize, however, that a vehicle can be swept away in as little as 6″ of water.
One Clinton Township woman found herself in a precarious situation recently but thanks to three police officers from the Clinton Township Police Department, she made it out safe and sound.
On the morning of June, 26, officers responded to an elderly motorist in distress after the area had been hit with several inches of rain.
The amount of rainfall flooded roads and made for treacherous driving conditions. When they arrived on the scene, they found the woman still inside her vehicle, which was almost completely underwater.
In true hero fashion, the officers didn’t hesitate to help out in any way possible.
She had been traveling on Millar Road when her car was swept away by floodwaters. The officers realized her car was still sinking in the water and she didn’t have much time before it was completely submerged.
They jumped into action, removing their gear and swimming out to the vehicle.
Once they reached the car, they found the woman conscious and alert. They had to act fast due to the rising waters.
One officer pulled the woman out of the car and carried her through the floodwaters to safety.
It was a team effort and one that the woman and her family will never forget.
Many people, including the woman’s own family, wrote supportive comments on the Clinton Township Police Department Facebook page.
“Thank you Clinton Township Police Department!” “That was my mom. Words cannot express how grateful we are.” – Susan Byrd.
“This is my aunt and [I’m] so very thankful she is safe,” Sarah Vanden Bossche wrote.
“Thank you Clinton Twp. officers you are amazing and appreciated! True hero’s!!!” – Doris Clemons
“Wow!! This must have been horrifying for that poor woman!! A huge thank you to our Clinton Township Police department for this heroic save!! God bless you all. Wonderful job! You are all amazing!! So thankful for all of you.” –Michele Pagel McLemore
Stay safe and remember the phrase – ‘Turn Around Don’t Drown’.
It is a good reminder for all of us to not drive over standing water on the road. It is difficult to tell the depth and current of the water on a roadway.
The National Weather Service makes it a priority to educate motorists on the dangers of driving through water.
‘Each year, more deaths occur due to flooding than from any other severe weather-related hazard. The Centers for Disease Control report that over half of all flood-related drownings occur when a vehicle is driven into hazardous flood water. The next highest percentage of flood-related deaths is due to walking into or near floodwaters. Why? The main reason is people underestimate the force and power of water. Many of the deaths occur in automobiles 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.’ – weather.gov
Now watch the video to see the incredible water rescue.
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Source: YouTube – WXYZ-TV Detroit – Channel 7, westernjournal.com, weather.gov
