Community Corner

Local Father, Son Describe Escape from Flash Flood

Truett and Eric Dillingham's vehicle was swept into stream by rushing waters Tuesday night.

A Pickens County father and his son learned firsthand just how quickly flash floods can happen – and how dangerous they can be.

Truett Dillingham and his son Eric told WYFF that they were on Silver Creek Road around 11pm Tuesday night when they found themselves in flash flood caused by last night's storms.

Their car overturned and swept into the rushing stream but the two managed to escape by crawling out a window when the car came to rest.

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Truett said the road had been clear when the two drove by 40 minutes earlier.

The already-soggy Upstate received another 4 to 6 inches from Tuesday's storms, according to The National Weather Service.

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Pickens County Emergency Management Director Chuck Haynes told WYFF that no injuries had been reported in the calls received near the Pickens County Bargain Exchange and in Central.

Ready.gov has some tips on how to stay safe during a flash flood, which can happen very quickly after a heavy rainfall.

During a flood:

Do not walk through moving water. Six inches of moving water can make you fall. If you have to walk in water, walk where the water is not moving. Use a stick to check the firmness of the ground in front of you.

Do not drive into flooded areas. If floodwaters rise around your car, abandon the car and move to higher ground if you can do so safely. You and the vehicle can be swept away quickly.

Do not camp or park your vehicle along streams, rivers or creeks, particularly during threatening conditions.

After a flood:

Avoid moving water.

  • Stay away from damaged areas unless your assistance has been specifically requested by police, fire, or relief organization.

  • Emergency workers will be assisting people in flooded areas. You can help them by staying off the roads and out of the way.

  • Play it safe. Additional flooding or flash floods can occur. Listen for local warnings and information. If your car stalls in rapidly rising waters, get out immediately and climb to higher ground.

  • Return home only when authorities indicate it is safe.

  • Roads may still be closed because they have been damaged or are covered by water. Barricades have been placed for your protection. If you come upon a barricade or a flooded road, go another way.

  • If you must walk or drive in areas that have been flooded.

  • Stay on firm ground. Moving water only 6 inches deep can sweep you off your feet. Standing water may be electrically charged from underground or downed power lines.

  • Flooding may have caused familiar places to change. Floodwaters often erode roads and walkways. Flood debris may hide animals and broken bottles, and it's also slippery. Avoid walking or driving through it.

  • Be aware of areas where floodwaters have receded. Roads may have weakened and could collapse under the weight of a car.

  • Stay out of any building if it is surrounded by floodwaters.

  • Use extreme caution when entering buildings; there may be hidden damage, particularly in foundations.



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