• If you must drive in the rain, drive slowly and steadily.
• DO NOT DRIVE THROUGH FLOODWATERS!
• Six inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars, causing loss of control or possible stalling.
• One foot of water will float most vehicles.
• Two feet of rushing water can sweep away most vehicles — including SUVs and pick-ups.
• Stay away from water that downed electrical or power lines have fallen into; the electric current passes through water easily.
• Stay off the telephone unless you must report severe injuries or call for help. 
  

When rain is falling, it’s best not to walk or bike near a river or stream, even on Denver’s paved urban bike and walking trails; water flow can quickly increase and flooding can occur without notice.

Move to higher ground and never go into a culvert! If you are on a streamside trail during a rainstorm use the alternate trail up to street level to avoid underpasses and culverts.

• NEVER take shelter in a culvert, under a bridge, or in an enclosed space, especially in low elevations by rivers and streams. Always go to higher ground out of the flow of water.
• Do not walk or bike through moving water. Six inches of moving water can cause a person to fall.
• If lightning is present, do not stand under or near an isolated tree or group of trees.
• Never allow children to play around streams, drainage ditches or viaducts, storm drains or flooded areas 

In some areas that are geographical low-points and underpasses, water can't be expected to disappear down the storm inlets instantly — the pace and volume of the rainfall is too quick and too great to immediately drain off. It takes time for the system to accommodate it.

If you know that your street tends to flood because it is located in a low point, be sure to move your vehicles to higher ground.

What you can do to prevent flooding and keep your neighborhood clean too

• Ensure street gutters and alleys are clear of trash and loose items that could potentially interfere with storm drainage.
• Avoid placing trash and recyclables in bags or containers directly on drains and inlets.
• Avoid placing your trash or recycling carts, trash bags, trash cans or loose items out early on your collection day, especially on days when rain is in the forecast. City rules prohibit trash or recyclables from being placed out for collection earlier than 7 p.m. on the day prior to collection and requires that emptied containers be removed from the collection location by 7 p.m. the day of collection.
• When heavy rain is forecast, place trash and recycling bins and items at the end of your driveway close to, but not in, the street to keep the gutter flow line clear and to avoid spillage due to heavy water flow.
• Do not rake leaves, grass clippings or yard debris into the street or alley or put them down an inlet.
• Never, ever throw lawn clippings and other yard debris into a gulch or stream. Call the Wastewater Management Division (303-446-3400) if you see dumping or debris in a drainage way.