Realize the POWER of WATER.
Victim stories towards the end, 2019 stats and more
DID YOU KNOW according to National Weather Service
six inches of fast-moving flood water can knock you off your feet.
only 2 ft of water can sweep away compact cars
Road ways can buckle, break apart or even portions be carried away from intense flash flood waters
national 30-year average for flood deaths is 127. That compares with a 30-year average of 73 deaths for lightning, 68 for tornadoes and 16 for hurricanes.
Many of the deaths occur in automobiles as they are swept downstream
Interesting flood data also shows:
▪ Nearly half of all flash flood fatalities are vehicle-related!
My thoughts: water is powerful and forceful. Watch for and avoid rushing and circling waters found near street water drains, culverts etc
It’s not worth it people!
Don’t move barricades or think a 4 or 6 in lift means that you’re safe.
▪ The majority of victims are males, and
▪ Flood deaths affect all age groups.
Most flash floods are caused by slow moving thunderstorms, thunderstorms that move repeatedly over the same area or heavy rains from tropical storms and hurricanes.
My thoughts: As most all know thanks to our iPhones that provide important yet somewhat startling warnings throughout the night
Rapidly rising waters aren’t the only concern created by flash flood-producing rains floating debris can accumulate causing a restriction in the flow of water. Water held back will either forcefully make a way it cause subsequent flash flooding downstream.
TURN AROUND DON'T DROWN® was created for public awareness regarding flash flooding to prevent unnecessary deaths. Don’t become a statistic.
DID YOU KNOW THAT more deaths occur due to flooding than from any other thunderstorm related hazard. Why?
The main reason is people underestimate the force and power of water. (Don’t be that person)
Many of the deaths occur in automobiles as they are swept downstream. Of these deaths many if not most are preventable.
Whether you are driving or walking, if you come to a flooded road, Turn Around Don't Drown! You will not know the depth of the water nor will you know the condition of the road under the water.
Think about this: Three deaths occurred from a Fort Worth tornado on March 28, 2000,
one death was due to flooding. Sadly the man who drowned was a passenger in a car with his girlfriend, the driver. They approached a low spot with water flowing over the road due to very heavy rain. Flooding was a common occurrence at this location with heavy rains and the danger was well marked. (Don’t take comfort from familiarity)
As the driver drove her car into the water she became frightened as the water rose higher and higher around her vehicle. She backed out to higher ground. The passenger said the water was NOT too deep and he would prove it by walking across to the other side. He never made it. (Reminder from the top 6in of rushing water can sweep you away)
Follow these safety rules⤵️
▪ Monitor the Local 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 already flooded and high velocity flow areas. Do not attempt to cross flowing streams. If you enter a flowing stream and the water gets above knees, TURN AROUND DON'T DROWN. (Seriously. Rushing water is powerful).
▪ If driving be aware that the road bed may not be intact under flood waters. Turn around and go another way. NEVER drive through flooded roadways! If your vehicle stalls, leave it immediately and seek higher ground. Rapidly rising water may engulf the vehicle.
My thoughts: So really don’t just read the warnings. Implement them. Guess what? That means it sweeps you and your occupants away
▪ 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.
Saying these tips and encouraging people to “Follow these safety rules" I know some think “Yeah, yeah, whatever. It's not going to happen to me." Listen! in 2018, 66 peopledied in flooding in the U.S. More than 50 of those deaths have happened in vehicles!!!!
According to weather.gov (confirmed site) So far in 2019 10 flood related deaths were reported in Texas see photo below
Aug 24, 2019 The Fort Smith PD Arkansas is confirming the death of a woman who tried to drive through a flooded section of road. 47-year-old Debra Stevens appears to have been delivering newspapers when swift waters washed her car away and she was unable to escape.
July 17, 2017 flash flood swept through central Arizona killing nine people who had gathered at a popular swimming hole for a birthday celebration. From 60 to two years old the dead were all from one family from Phoenix.
Still feeling invincible? search “flash flood victims” there you will see the reason to TURN AROUND DON'T DROWN.
Kp9/19/19
Sources:
cdc.gov flood stats 2019
Weather.com2017 flash flood tips
Nsi.org 2014 prevent flash flood death
