Navajo Nation President Ben Shelly reminds Navajo Nation residents and citizens to exercise caution around washes, flooded roads and other hazardous conditions brought about monsoon rains.

“As a Nation, we are thankful for all the moisture we have been blessed with in the past couple of weeks. So now we must be careful and exercise caution when it comes to washes, arroyos and dried riverbeds. Flash flooding is dangerous and can happen quickly. So relatives, please be cautious,” President Shelly said.

The Navajo Nation, Apache County, Coconino County, Navajo County, Arizona Emergency Management and other agencies have been actively touring the Navajo Nation to assess damage caused by flash flooding and to help where needed.

Here are some tips to avoid any incidents caused by flooding:

• Don’t drive through flooded areas, a car can easily be swept by the currents.
• Don’t play near or in washes, ditches or other waterways.
• Pay attention to the weather forecast.
• Just because it’s not raining locally doesn’t mean that a flash flood can’t occur. Distant rainwater can make its way through washes quickly.
• Know the terrain of your area. Be prepared.

“We need to be careful. We can prevent incidents by being aware of our surroundings. If we prepare and are careful, we can all enjoy the great blessing rain brings to our lands, livestock and people,” President Shelly said.