PGFD NEWS RELEASE
Just before 6:30 AM, Friday, November 17, 2006, a 911 call alerted the Prince George’s County Fire/Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Department of a potential water rescue. Firefighters and paramedics from Upper Marlboro Fire/EMS Station 20 and the water rescue teams from Underwater Rescue Station 56 and Cheverly Tuxedo Fire/EMS Station 22 responded to the area of Marlboro Race Track Road and Water Street in Upper Marlboro. A husband and wife traveled onto Marlboro Race Track road not realizing the depth of the water that had overflowed from the East Branch of the Patuxent River. Water levels reached their door handle level of their SUV when the vehicle stalled and the couple was forced to retreat to the roof of the SUV. First arriving incident command officers determined that the couple was not in a “life or death” situation and that immediate rescue via helicopter would not be required. Firefighters were able to institute all necessary measures to protect themselves in order to safely assist the couple from their situation. An inflatable rescue boat was deployed with an escort of four firefighters that waded into the water to retrieve the couple and return them to dry land. Paramedics evaluated the couple and despite slight exposure issues were in good shape and refused transportation to a hospital. Paramedics sympathized with the couple’s situation and provided them a ride back to a nearby Upper Marlboro home. The entire incident lasted about 45 minutes from time of call to conclusion.
Heavy rains throughout the region on Thursday afternoon resulted in multiple instances of localized flooding. Fire/EMS units responded to 20 water rescue calls between 2:45 PM and 9:30 PM. For the most part, stranded motorists stalled in high water required assistance in leaving their vehicles.
DO NOT DRIVE THROUGH FLOODED AREAS! Even if it looks shallow enough to cross. The large majority of deaths and injuries are due to flash flooding occurring with people driving through flooded areas. Water only a foot deep can displace a 1500 lb. vehicle! 2 feet of water can easily carry most automobiles! Roads concealed by water may not be intact. If you approach a road that is covered by water, you need to turn around and try another route; do not take a chance of entering a situation that you can not assure your safety and that of others.
