Turn Around, Don’t Drown
In 2014, flash flooding claimed 38 lives across the United States, down from 82 in 2013. Of the 38 deaths, 42 percent were people killed in a vehicle, likely trying to cross a flooded road. Of the 38 deaths in 2014, 61 percent of the victims were male.
The most important safety rule you can remember is to never drive through flash flooding. Moving water that is about 2-3 feet deep will carry away most vehicles.
Remember:
- Do not drive onto a flooded roadway
- Do not drive though flowing water
- Remember parts of a road can be swept away or sinkholes formed from moving water.
- If you approach a roadway that is flooded, “Turn Around, Don’t Drown”
- Playing or wading in the flood water can be dangerous not only from moving water but contaminants, bacteria and snakes.
Children
Before flooding occurs, take the time to talk to children and explain to them that playing near flooding creeks and moving water is very dangerous.
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