Hazard Knowledge

Entrapment and entanglement are hazards that may affect members of the public and responders. Entrapment or entanglement in static or semi-static water is hazardous as it may be difficult to escape without assistance and may lead to long term immersion which could cause hypothermia. Entrapment or entanglement in flowing water may also cause personnel or casualties to lose their footing or be pulled under the water. Once submerged, the force of water and the environment may make it difficult keep the head above water, increasing the risk of drowning unless released.

Entrapment and entanglement may be caused by:

• Strainers
• Lines in the water
• Submerged street furniture and displaced drainage covers during flooding
• Debris
• Loose rocks and unstable ground conditions