Children told to take precaution in wet season: Cannon

National

By FOLKEN WAKO
AS heavy rain with floods are expected in the country at this time of the year, people, especially children, should take extra precaution and avoid playing in storm water drains or rivers after heavy rain as flash flooding could occur any time and cause death, St John Ambulance (SJA) commissioner Matt Cannon says.
Cannon warned that swiftly flowing water could be deadly for people, especially children, and they needed to keep away from it.
“It might look like fun but even shallow flood water possess drowning risks for everyone. The water when flooded might seem calm on top, but underneath there could be hidden currents that even strong people couldn’t outswim.”
Cannon said shallow swiftly moving water could be deadly while even shallow still water could be dangerous for children.
Cannon also warned parents not to let their children out to play in the rain and keep them indoors during the wet season.
Meanwhile, he warned the drivers of motor vehicles to travel at low speeds and turn-on fog lights to ensure they had clear visibility ahead.
“Motor vehicle owners should travel at low speed and maintain safe distances between the vehicles in front of you,” Cannon said.
Cannon also warned that sudden braking on the wet road could cause the vehicle to skid out of control. “If you need to brake, apply it quickly and gently and use the gears to slow down when you can.
Cannon said if a person was drowning or accidents happened during this wet season, people should dial 111 to get emergency assistance from SJA.