BELLEVILLE, NJ — The Belleville Police Department has issued a critical safety warning in light of the severe weather conditions expected to continue throughout the night. Following several rescues overnight, the department is urging residents to exercise extreme caution and avoid driving through flooded roadways.
Key safety tips provided by the police include:
- Adhering to the “Turn Around, Don’t Drown” rule when encountering flooded roads, paths, or walkways.
- Recognizing the danger posed by just six inches of fast-moving water, which can knock a person off their feet, and two feet of water, which can float a car.
- Avoiding attempts to walk, bike, or drive through floodwaters, as they may be deeper than they appear.
- Obeying traffic barriers and not attempting to drive over flooded roads.
Additionally, the department warns against letting children play in floodwaters, near culverts, or storm drains. The emphasis is on community cooperation to ensure everyone’s safety during the storm. Further updates and advisories will be issued as necessary.