This is not a subject that I write about often, but it is still a hazard that must be respected. We do not deal with this very often, so that is all the more reason to talk about it. Flash flooding comes from a number of different reasons. Heavy rains over a short period of time, tropical systems, dams that break and sometimes water mains that break can all lead to a flooding situation. Drainage systems and creeks can handle a lot of water, but at some point they, too, will be overwhelmed. Some places are prone to flooding. Those…

We have seen two mass transit incidents lately that had totally different outcomes. The Amtrak derailment in Philadelphia injured and tragically killed many. The other incident involved a commercial bus near DC that caught on fire. Whether you are utilizing mass transit or become entangled in the aftermath of an incident, what is your plan? I traveled to DC three times in six days last week. An accident near the Dumfries/Manassas exit caused a thirty-minute delay getting to Dulles. On Sunday evening, traffic was so heavy that our average speed was probably 25-30 MPH, from Hanover to the same Dumfries/Manassas…

As Memorial Day has arrived, swimming pools have opened everywhere. A drowning can occur at any time during the year, but the probability of drowning goes up during the warmer months. The more people in the water, the greater the chance that someone may get in trouble. Death by drowning is preventable and it is my hope that those who read this will heed my warnings and have a great summer. As in many circumstances where children are concerned, parental supervision is a vital part of drowning prevention. Parents should constantly watch their child. Lifeguards are not babysitters, but rescuers.…