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The Dangers of
Flood Control Channels
A Safety Reminder
WARNING! WARNING! WARNING!
In Los Angeles County, there are:
- 470 miles of open channels
- 2,400 miles of underground storm drains
- 70,000 street drains
- Open channels that range in size from two
to 600 feet in width, and from two to 40 feet in depth.
Did you know that:
- It's against the law to be down inside a flood
control channel, regardless of whether it is wet or dry.
- Local swift water rescue teams respond to
about 100 river rescue calls per year. On average, there are
6 to 10 fatalities annually in Los Angeles County.
- Children 5 to 15 comprise the highest percentage
of victims rescued by swift water rescue teams.
What to keep in mind:
- If you see someone fall into a flood-swollen
flood channel, rivers, or arroyo, DO NOT jump in or try
to save the victim! Immediately call 911. Swift water
rescue teams will quickly respond.
- Swimming skills have nothing to do with surviving
a flood control channel. The current is so strong that even
highly skilled swimmers can get swept to their deaths.
- Water velocities in channels can range from
9 to 45mph. Water moving at 3 mph creates about 35 pounds of
pressure against the body. At 12 mph, the water exerts a force
of 540 pounds of pressure. Floodwaters in the channels commonly
flow at about 30 mph. The power of such water press is exemplified
in 1996 when a 46,000-pound, fully loaded cement truck was washed
down the Los Angeles River in less that two feet of water.
- In just over 50 miles, the Los Angeles River
drops 800 feet to the ocean-about 16 feet per mile. By contrast,
the Mississippi River drops 800 feet over a distance of 2,3000
miles, about 4 inches per mile. The steep descent of the Los
Angeles River increases the velocity of the water.
- When it rains in Los Angeles County, flood
control channels, rivers, and arroyos can quickly fill up with
fast moving water, creating a potentially life threatening danger
to anyone who gets caught or swept away.
What Should You Do?
- Never get into this situation!
- Remain calm. Do not waste energy yelling
for help after someone has spotted you
- Get ready to be rescued
- Try to float on your back with your legs
straight and your feet pointed downstream.
- Use your legs to shove yourself away from
obstructions.
- Keep your head up so that you can see where
you are going.
- Watch for obstacle and debris! Most victims
in swift water die when they get pinned against obstacles, or
get trapped in submerged debris and vegetation.
What I if you see someone fall into the water?
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