New Hanover County Fire Rescue prepares to deploy flood rescue vehicles

NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — New Hanover County Fire Rescue preparing for potential flash flooding this week as an additional four to eight inches of rain are expected through Friday. Two to eight inches has already fallen across the Cape Fear since Tuesday.

Fire rescue is deploying high water vehicles, which are similar to other vehicles used by the National Guard during flooding emergencies.   

These vehicles are used to reach people stranded by rising floodwaters. If the water is too high, new boats are also on standby for rescues.  

Captain Matthew Simmons said the boats are a part of a regional urban search and rescue team.

“These boats are part of the North Carolina Task Force 11 Team, that is a North Carolina search and rescue state team,” Simmons said. “So, we are called upon to cover our area and then other neighboring areas throughout the state.”   

One high water vehicle was used by fire rescue during Hurricane Florence. Since then, fire rescue has added an second one to the fleet.  

Simmons said during Florence, such vehicles proved to be invaluable. 

“It started off slow where people called and said that the water is flooding closer to their house, and we went in and evacuated, and then towards the end, the flash flooding came in so quick that we had to start evacuating people quicker and that’s when we started utilizing our apparatuses,” Simmons recalled. 

Firefighter Jason Sinclair is a member of Task Force 11. He said the task force has been well prepared for potential flooding.  

“New Hanover County Fire also sends us off to training. Swift Water Boat Operator training and Swift Water Swimming Training, just in case we need,” Sinclair said. “That kind of confidence does help me operate in the field if needed.” 

Sinclair explained that you should stay off the roads if you can, but if you do find yourself in front of standing water, don’t take any chances.  

“Flooded roadways are certainly something to always something to avoid. ‘Turn around, don’t drown’ is what everybody says. Only six inches of water can sweep you off your feet, and only a foot of water can wash your car away,” Simmons said. 

Simmons added if your home starts to flood and you’re not able to evacuate safely, he recommends moving to the highest point in your home—like a second-floor window—until first responders can arrive.