DANVILLE, Va. – Updated Article:
Danville has a long-seeded history with flooding: whether that’s flash flooding, or the Dan River’s levels rising - It’s caused a lot of damage, and even a few deaths. That’s why, with Tropical Storm Debby heading this way, they’re doing all they can to prepare.
People in Danville remember the damage caused by Tropical Storm Michael back in 2018 all too well.
Deputy Emergency Management Coordinator Tim Duffer saw the damage firsthand.
“When Tropical Storm Michael came through, unfortunately, we had two fatalities,” Duffer said.
Duffer tells me those deaths could have possibly been avoided - and this time around, he’s doubling down on his warning
“Those were due to driving into standing water. Do not drive through standing water,” Duffer said.
While it may seem like common sense to some to stay off of the roads during flash flooding, Duffer says it happens more often than he’d like.
Often it’s hard to tell at first glance how much damage can be done by water sitting on the roadway.
“You don’t know if the roadway has been eroded out,” Duffer said.
If you do find yourself on the roads, Duffer says don’t move and call 9-11.
“Stay with that vehicle. Sometimes with standing water, if you get out, that can take your legs out from under you. Even if water is coming into the car, try to stay with it if at all possible,” he said.
Danville’s swift water rescue team is preparing just in case someone does get stuck.
“Every member of our department has basic swift water skills, all of our apparatus have life jackets, but we do have a specialized team to take it a little bit further. They have the boats, and then they have additional training to deal with that fast-moving water,” he said.
In addition to the swift water rescue team, the public works department is on hand with water pumps, ready to get water off of the roadway as quickly as possible and to keep storm drains clear. But he says there are some steps you need to take on your own.
“Have extra medications in case we have power outages. Have extra stuff on hand in case roads are blocked, and I cannot emphasize enough, do not drive on standing water,” Duffer said.
Tip to prepare for severe weather:
- Have an emergency supply of food and water
- Have extra medication on hand, as well as a plan to store refrigerated medication in case of a power outage.
- Keep all personal, financial and medical records in a safe, accessible location
- Have backup power supplies for any devices you may need
- Check on older adults and those who may have mobility issues
- For more tips and information, click here.
Original Article:
Danville is no stranger to flooding, whether it’s flash flooding, or the Dan River’s levels rising.
Back in 2018, Tropical Storm Michael wreaked havoc on the area, causing damage, and killing two people.
Now, with Tropical Storm Debby headed their way, Danville is doing all they can do prepare.
10 News caught up with Deputy Emergency Management Coordinator Tim Duffer ahead of the storm.
He says he cannot stress enough the importance of staying off the roads.
“Do not drive through any standing water,” Duffer said. “Because you don’t know if the roadway has been eroded out.”
If you do find yourself in trouble on the road, Duffer says do not get out of your car.
“Stay with that vehicle. Sometimes with standing water, if you get out, that can take your legs out from under you.”
Check back with us on updates on this story throughout the evening.