Three People and a Dog Rescued from Dangerous Floodwaters in Barry County

Barry County, Mo. –  emergency personnel responded just at dawn Sunday morning to rescue a stranded dog and three individuals stuck in floodwaters. The mishap took place at the junction of Farm Road 2200 and Farm Road 1110, which floods during heavy rainfall.

According to a report by Cassville Fire Protection District (CFD) officials, the distress call was received around 5:10 a.m., when the caller informed them that his car was trapped in the deep water flood. The three individuals and dog could not escape the car safely because the swift floodwaters swept away the car. Local emergency personnel were not hesitant in the dispatch of a rapid response minutes following the emergency call, in full recognition that every minute saved counted when it came to such a life-or-death issue.

A number of fire stations and rescue teams came to the scene of the call, thereby verifying the efficacy of interagency responses. Operation was then turned over to the Barry County Swiftwater Rescue Team, who applied their trained skills, as well as water-rescue-specialized equipment. Two of the Purdy Fire Protection District firefighters and the Monett Rural Fire District were present to provide them with helping hands in operating in less-than-perfect conditions in a successful operation.

By around 5:53 a.m., the rescue team had already rescued the three individuals and the dog safely from the plummeting vehicle. Fortunately, none of the people among the rescued were hospitalized, and the dog was also all right. The quick action of the team most likely prevented what otherwise could have been a much more severe accident.

Cassville Fire Protection District then went on to caution and remind people of an on-time matter. “Reminder, driving on any road with standing water is not an option. We hope to have less rain today than we had today,” the department said in reminding people of the surprise and dangers of floodwater.

This experience exposes the dangers of driving on waterlogged roads, even in cases where the water is shallow or unsafe. Water that lies on the ground when there has been a flood can be very forceful, and flows will be such that they’ll pull cars and strip roads. Most likely, what the road has been supported by at ground level will have been completely wrecked, so the drivers themselves cannot possibly know that they are running towards an obstruction when they hit it. What appeared to have been a shallow brook might well have had lurking dangers.

The fire department alert reminds one of a popular safety adage: “Turn around, don’t drown.” It’s a few words but an important one on rainy days when flash flooding may occur in minutes. Missouri weather and topography can sometimes be a good hand that deals out rapidly changing weather, and emergency responders regularly must mop up after drivers who misjudged roadways with water covering them.

Sunday’s rescues are a testament to the training and bravery of area responders. Swiftwater rescues are among the most hazardous form of emergency response, which will compel rescuers to swim through hostile and unseen ground with heavy currents. The dedication and professionalism with which the Barry County Swiftwater Team, Monett Rural Fire District, and Purdy Fire Protection District performed these rescues are the types of dedication to public safety to which these agencies are dedicated.

It’s also noteworthy what goes on behind the scenes on the dispatchers’ and coordinators’ end. Such emergencies aren’t managed by virtue of boots on the ground only, but by thorough planning, coordination amongst agencies so the right resources reach the right location at the right time.

As the area prepared for additional rain on Sunday, authorities asked people to be careful and look at road closures or weather advisories before going out. As spring arrived in the form of typical storms, the danger of additional flooding is looming over.

Following the rescue, residents expressed gratitude for the safety outcome and praised local firehouses for a swift response. These rescues serve as reminders of the genuine and present danger posed by adverse weather conditions and the lifesaving work of the first responder.

This close-call serves as an awakening to everyone. No point of destination justifies risking lives. Following advice given by the officials, skirting flooded streets, and taking precaution in weather signals can do miracles in keeping both public and individual safety uncompromised.

Ultimately, through collective effort by area fire departments and rescue units, disaster was prevented in Barry County. The successful rescue of the three men and their dog is a testament to the value of preparedness, rapid response, and heroic commitment of emergency workers.