Public Safety at Dams

Every year people are killed or seriously injured at dams. Most of these accidents could be avoided by simply staying clear of the restricted zones at dams, by understanding the dangers dams can create, and by obeying all warning devices.

IMPORTANT ADVICE FOR SAFETY AT DAMS THAT COULD SAVE YOUR LIFE

Always	heed and obey dam warning signs
Always	stay outside buoy lines and away from restricted areas near dams
Always	wear a Personal Flotation Device (PFD) when near water
Always	be alert for flashing lights, sirens, and rising water levels
Always	understand and respect the danger zones near dams
Always	have an escape route planned
Never	swim near a dam
Never	boat or fish alone when near a dam

Critical Danger Zones at Dams

A	Hazard area marked by buoy lines	F	Slippery surfaces on dam structures and shorelines
B	Sudden Water discharge from dam gates	G	Submerged hazards above and below dams
C	Strong, unpredictable currents above and below dams	H	Open spillways which may not be visible from above the dam
D	Sudden turbulent discharges from automatically operated power house generators	I	Debris passing over or through the dam
E	Deceiving reverse currents below spillways	J	Ice that forms near a dam is often thin and unsafe

Obey All Warning Signs and Signals

Be alert for the warning signs of rising water:

Flashing lights, horns, or sirens
Increased or changed wildlife activity
Louder sound of rushing water
Previously exposed rocks or snags are covered with water
Clear water quickly becomes cloudy
Suddenly faster water currents

Don't Take Chances When Boating or Canoeing

Boating above or below a dam can be very dangerous. Always maintain a safe distance from the dam. Keep your motor running when near a dam so that you are always ready to maneuver or leave the area quickly
Stay away from spillways. Changing currents and unpredictable waves make boat control difficult.
Never anchor a boat below a dam. Rapid surges in water levels can pull an anchored boat under water in seconds.
Beware of dangerous and unseen currents. Backrollers, eddys, and whirlpools can pull a boat upstream into a spillway and quickly capsize it.

Flood Safety

Each year, more deaths occur due to flooding than from any other severe weather related hazard. The main reason is people underestimate the force and power of water. More than half of all flood related deaths result from vehicles being swept downstream. Of these, many are preventable.

Follow these safety rules:

Monitor the NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards, or your favorite news source for vital weather related information.
If flooding occurs, get to higher ground. Get out of areas subject to flooding. This includes dips, low spots, canyons, washes etc.
Avoid areas already flooded, especially if the water is flowing fast. Do not attempt to cross flowing streams. Turn Around Don't Drown
Road beds may be washed out under flood waters. NEVER drive through flooded roadways. Turn Around Don't Drown
Do not camp or park your vehicle along streams and rivers, particularly during threatening conditions.
Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize flood dangers.

Downloads
Filename	Description	Date Added
WVIC DAM SAFETY POLICY STATEMENT.pdf	WVIC Dam Safety Policy Statement	06/01/2020