FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 11, 2004 -
TURN
AROUND DON'T DROWNTM
NEW
Success
Stories
Each
year, 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. Many of the deaths occur in automobiles as they are swept downstream. Of
these drownings, many are preventable, but too many people continue to drive
around the barriers that warn you the road is flooded.
Whether you are driving or walking, if you come to a flooded road, Turn
Around Don't DrownTM
You will not know the depth of the water nor will you know the condition of the
road under the water.
|
|
|
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 (TM)
| Road
beds may be washed out under flood waters. NEVER drive through flooded
roadways. Turn
Around Don't Drown (TM)
If your vehicle is suddenly caught in rising water, leave it immediately and
seek higher ground. | 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. | |
Flash
Floods
Except
for heat related fatalities, more deaths occur from flooding than any other
hazard. Why? Most people fail to realize the power of water. For example, six
inches of fast-moving flood water can knock you off your feet.
While the number of fatalities can vary dramatically with weather conditions
from year to year, the national 30-year average for flood deaths is 127. That
compares with a 30-year average of 73 deaths for lightning, 65 for tornadoes and
16 for hurricanes. National Weather Service data also shows:
| Nearly
half of all flash flood fatalities are vehicle-related, | 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. 
These
floods can develop within minutes or hours depending on the intensity and
duration of the rain, the topography, soil conditions and ground cover.
Flash floods can roll boulders, tear out trees, destroy buildings and bridges,
and scour out new channels. Rapidly rising water can reach heights of 30 feet or
more. Furthermore, flash flood-producing rains can also trigger catastrophic mud
slides.
Occasionally, floating debris or ice can accumulate at a natural or man-made
obstruction and restrict the flow of water. Water held back by the ice jam or
debris dam can cause flooding upstream. Subsequent flash flooding can occur
downstream if the obstruction should suddenly release. More information can be
obtained at the Southern Region
Flood Hazards Page.
For More Information Contact:
McDowell County 911
257 Virginia Ave, STE 201
Tel: 304-436-4106
FAX: 304-436-4108
Internet: jgianato@mcdowell911.org