Sunland Park Fire Department rescues woman, 3 kids from flooded home

SUNLAND PARK, N.M. (KVIA) -- The Sunland Park Fire Department saved a woman and her children from her flooded home. It happened Wednesday around 5 a.m. after heavy overnight rainfall.

SPFD said Michelle and her three children started seeing water come in around 4 a.m.

Fire Chief Daniel Medrano said calls for help aren't unusual for monsoon season. Medrano said people should get out as soon as possible if their home begins to flood -- even with a few inches.

Michelle was told she couldn't return to her home for some time. She was one of four rescues the fire department had. They also had two car rescues.

"If you're out on the roadways and you see water, there's this pooling and especially known ponding areas," Medrano said. "Do not drive through them. Your vehicles will stop and it becomes an issue. It becomes a safety issue not only for the motorists, but also for the responders. They're trying to get in and help you out."