Flash flood fatalities

Flash flood fatalities surrounding a soaking rainfall in Kerrville, Texas, over the Independence Holiday of 2025 now indicate that 25 or more have been swept away; this time involving the very young at a camping site. Such a painful tragedy bears heavily on my spirit, especially since such an incident could have been prevented. 

The rainfall is obviously beyond our control, but the observations and responses for such rest depend on human efforts. Viable statistics worldwide indicate that almost one-third of global fatalities lose their lives under preventable circumstances (accidents and such). This calamitous affair falls within a kindred column. Not every intolerable condition can be foreseen, with circumnavigation an option, but statistics indicate our lack of practical planning and a viable safeguard. Note: the Kerrville, Texas (River Valley) holds records for unsafe geographics!

The Safety Officer of our Naval Air Squadron was giving a presentation. He came in a flight suit, as he was scheduled for a mission in an F-8 Crusader shortly thereafter. I recall his words as being “spot on”. 

He said, “We can be completely safe—we can stash all the aircraft in the hangar, close the doors, stop all flights, and thus be completely safe. But in doing so, we accomplish no missions, answer no calls, provide no training. In the meantime, we are on high alert, taking all precautions and meeting all obligations.”  

Within an hour, he was taking off, and as he approached a hundred knots at ground level, something unknown happened. He ejected but sadly, did not survive. An investigation was conducted, but I was never privy to the results. 

Accidents don’t just happen. THEY ARE CAUSED!

My point in this true story is that humanity (experts, if you will) is reluctant to dot every “I”, cross every “T”, or close every open gap. We will leave things to chance, hoping for the best to work out, generally not considering the possible pitfalls or venues that could go wrong. Like it or not, we are living in a hazardous world, primarily made safe by personal contributions. We make minimal provisions to counter the undesirable, then sound notes of regret as calamity settles in. Having become a bona fide fanatic of preventative measures by affiliation with programs of crisis response (and such), a valid list of “dos and don’ts” is hereby suggested:

1. Plan for emergencies.  

2. Gather applicable materials. 

3. Consider needs for a rapid departure. 

4. Consider routes, roads, conditions, weather, and destinations. 

5. Have tentative plans for fire, flood, famine, quake, injury, and other emergencies. 

6.  Keep travel cars serviced with fuel. 

7. Stay familiar with emergency health facilities. 

8. Keep emergency travel kits complete with medications, money, and relevant contact information. 

9. Have a cell phone available with a full charge. 

10. Consider the needs of food and water.

Making plans for first aid supplies and immediate travel may sound paranoid, but it will serve a worthy purpose. DON’T SELL IT SHORT!