Man and child rescued from rushing water near San Diego’s Fashion Valley area

SAN DIEGO — A San Diego Lifeguard Swift Water Rescue team rescued an adult and a child trapped in a vehicle by rapidly rising flood waters Thursday near Fashion Valley mall.

San Diego Fire-Rescue Department spokeswoman Candace Hadley was at the scene and described the flooding following Thursday morning rains as “a river,” and said low-lying Fashion Valley, at 7007 Friars Road, has “very significant flooding,” especially in the Avenida Del Rio area.

Hadley said SDFRD crews conducted a swift-water rescue operation. “One adult and one child became trapped in their vehicle due to flooding in Mission Valley and were rescued by lifeguards,” she said. Their ages were not provided.

The department strongly urged residents to avoid all flooded areas caused by the storm. “Take safety precautions seriously,” Hadley advised. “Do not drive through flood waters no matter where they are or how fast they seem to be flowing. We have some cars getting stuck in the flood waters, and have six Swift Water Rescue Teams who are here to respond and who are actively addressing any rescue needs.”

Hadley said six inches of moving water can “knock over an adult,” while a foot of moving water can “sweep away a vehicle.”

“If you are stuck in your car, do not attempt to drive through the water or get out,” said Hadley. “Call 911. We have rescue crews available to help.”

• The Get it Done app can help you report blocked storm drains, potholes and broken street lights
• Sign up for Alert San Diego notifications for all your telephone numbers
• Report flooding to the City’s emergency dispatch center at 619-527-7500 
• Report downed electrical lines or gas emergencies to San Diego Gas & Electric at 800-411-7343 
• ReadySanDiego.org has information on how to protect yourself and your property during a flooding situation 

For more information on preparing for a storm and what to do during and after the rain, click here to be taken to the City of San Diego’s Storm Preparedness website.

Here are tips from the Federal Emergency Management Agency:

• Evacuate immediately if told to evacuate or if you feel unsafe.
• Do not walk, swim or drive through flood waters. Turn Around. Don’t Drown!
• Get to the highest level if trapped in a building. Only get on the roof if necessary and once there signal for help. Do not climb into a closed attic to avoid getting trapped by rising floodwater.
• Stay informed. Get local updates at AlertSanDiego.org, download the County emergency app to receive alerts, follow the County on social media and listen to local alerting systems for current emergency information and instructions regarding flooding.
• Contact your healthcare provider if you are sick and need medical attention. Wait for further care instructions and shelter in place, if possible. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 9-1-1.

Flood advisement from San Diego Gas & Electric

• Do not touch any downed power lines or broken gas lines. Report them immediately to the police or fire department.
• If evacuating, disconnect all electrical appliances; turn off electricity at the panel, gas service at the meter, and water at the main valve.
• Before the Rain, Prepare for an Emergency