At SAM, safety isn’t just a policy; it’s a core value that guides everything we do. Whether you’re in the field, on the road, or behind a desk, your well-being comes first. As we see more instances of heavy rain and flooding, it’s critical that we stay vigilant and make informed decisions to protect ourselves and our teams. Heavy rains and flooding can create unexpected hazards in otherwise familiar environments, and the best way to avoid serious consequences is to stay aware and put safety at the forefront, always. The following reminders are here to help you do just that.
With extreme weather becoming more common, flash floods and prolonged downpours are no longer rare events. Even minor flooding can turn a simple trip into a life-threatening situation. Please, take a few moments to read and consider the risks associated with heavy rains and flooding, and the steps you can take to avoid them.
Residential Roads: The Hidden Dangers
Flooding on residential streets may seem harmless at first glance. It’s easy to underestimate a few inches of standing water at the end of a driveway or pooling in a low intersection. But this is where the real danger begins.
Many residential roads are not engineered with extensive drainage systems. Water can quickly gather in dips and hollows, obscuring potholes, debris, and even missing sections of pavement. That harmless-looking puddle could be deeper than it appears—or hide a damaged manhole cover.
What you should do:
- Avoid driving through standing water if you can’t see the pavement beneath it.
- If a road is closed or barricaded, take it seriously—do not attempt to go around.
- If you’re unsure, stop and reassess. It’s never worth the risk.
Rural Roads: Isolation and Escalating Risk
In rural areas, where many of our teams work, the risk escalates. Long stretches of road may have little to no cell coverage. Drainage infrastructure can be limited, and roadside ditches can become torrents in a matter of minutes. Water can carve out the base of a road without any visible signs on the surface, making it unstable or prone to collapse.
Even familiar routes can betray you when water is involved. You may drive a backroad every day without incident, but one flash flood can turn that comfort into overconfidence.
What you should do:
- Check local weather and flood alerts before you travel to rural sites
- Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle: flashlight, phone charger, water, snacks, flares, and a first aid kit
- Let someone know where you’re going, especially if you’ll be in a remote area
- If your vehicle stalls in water, abandon it immediately and seek higher ground
- Vehicles can be swept away in less than 2 feet of moving water
Highways: High Speed, High Stakes
On highways, water-related incidents can escalate quickly due to higher speeds and reduced reaction times. Hydroplaning, sudden traffic stoppages, and flooded underpasses all pose significant threats. Floodwaters that encroach on shoulders or medians can funnel into travel lanes unexpectedly.
Highway flooding also contributes to pile-ups, especially when visibility is low. Combine that with the larger presence of trucks and work vehicles, and the situation can become catastrophic.
What you should do:
- Reduce speed at the first sign of heavy rain or water on the roadway
- Stay in the middle lanes when possible; water tends to pool on the outer edges
- Never try to “beat the flood” by speeding through water—it’s not worth the gamble
- If visibility drops or conditions worsen rapidly, pull off the road at a safe exit or rest area and wait it out
I don’t want any of you to ever take a chance when it comes to the risks associated with extreme weather and flooding. I know deadlines and schedules are important, but your life is infinitely more important. If you’re ever unsure whether it’s safe to continue, please stop. Call your supervisor or the Safety Department to talk through the best way to proceed.
Your good judgment is what keeps you and others safe.