Driving Safety

Week 2 of National Safety Month focuses on driving safety. To keep things in the realm of Emergency Management, today's blog focuses on flood water safety. Turn Around Don't Drown is a NOAA National Weather Service campaign to warn people about the dangers of walking or driving through flood waters. Floods are one of the deadliest and most costly of all natural disasters. A great deal of these tragedies are totally preventable.
From the National Weather Service:
Most flood-related deaths and injuries could be avoided if people who come upon areas covered with water followed this simple advice: Turn Around Don't Drown™. The reason that so many people drown during flooding is because few of them realize the incredible power of water. A mere six inches of fast-moving flood water can knock over an adult. It takes only two feet of rushing water to carry away most vehicles. This includes pickups and SUVs. If you come to an area that is covered with water, you will not know the depth of the water or the condition of the ground under the water. This is especially true at night, when your vision is more limited. Play it smart, play it safe. Whether driving or walking, any time you come to a flooded road, TURN AROUND, DON'T DROWN!

Follow these safety rules:

• Monitor the NOAA Weather Radio, or your favorite news source for vital weather related information.
• If flooding occurs, get to higher ground. Get out of areas subject to flooding. This includes dips, low spots, canyons, washes etc.
• Avoid areas already flooded, especially if the water is flowing fast. Do not attempt to cross flowing streams. Turn Around Don't Drown™
• Road beds may be washed out under flood waters. NEVER drive through flooded roadways. Turn Around Don't Drown™
• Do not camp or park your vehicle along streams and washes, particularly during threatening conditions.
• Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize flood dangers.