Bernalillo County Fire Department on high alert for upcoming holiday weekend

ALBUQUERQUE, NM – When the temperatures are right and it’s a long weekend, you can count on New Mexicans to bundle up and hit the water.

“We’re expecting a busy weekend. It’s a holiday weekend, of course, and it’s going to be warm, so the river will be flowing well thanks to the spring snow melt,” said Captain John Southerland of the Bernalillo County Fire Department.

Due to recent rains and spring snowmelt, the Bernalillo County Fire Department is on high alert.

“Because of the rains we’ve had, the runoff flooding and everything else, the water level is going to be much higher and the water is going to flow much faster. There is tremendous power in that that many people underestimate and that can be very dangerous,” Southerland said.

Southerland says there are things people can do as safety precautions.

“Always make sure you wear a life jacket when in or around water. All children should be supervised by an adult and stay informed of weather conditions,” Southerland said.

It’s even a good idea to get a life jacket for your dog, because life preservers aren’t just for swimming. People in bright colors are easier to spot if something happens.

“Call for help, try to get to safety, or at least hold on to a hawser or something in the middle of the river, and tell someone to call 911. We’ll come, help you, and get you to safety,” Southerland said.

AFR will also be patrolling with its boat this holiday weekend.

Except on the Rio Grande, authorities warn people not to enter ditches and arroyos because the fast-flowing water can be dangerous.