Turn Around Don’t Drown®

Pick Ups and SUVs are No Protection from Rushing Flood Waters

PORTSMOUTH, N.H.–Each year, flooding causes more deaths than any other weather hazard. Most of these drownings could be prevented—if people better understood the force and power of rushing floodwater. Whether driving or walking, save your life, and the lives of your children and other family members or traveling companions. When you see flood waters ahead: Turn Around Don’t Drown®.

More than half of all flood-related drownings occur when vehicles are swept away because their drivers attempted to travel through flood water. Many drive around flood barriers because they mistakenly believe their 3,000 pound or more vehicle is so heavy it will stay in contact with the road surface. Think about that for a moment:  aircraft carriers weighing 97,000 tons float. Vehicles, including ships, float because of buoyancy.

Keep these facts in mind:

• Six inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars causing loss of control and possible stalling.
• A foot of water will float many vehicles.
• Two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles including sport utility vehicles (SUVs) and pick-ups.

The next highest percentage of flood-related deaths occurs when people try to walk through or walk too close to flood waters. It may be hard to believe, but it’s true that as little as six inches of fast-moving flood water can knock over an adult.

If you come to an area that is covered with flood water, you will not know the depth of the water or the condition of the ground under the water. Road beds may be washed out under flood waters. NEVER drive through flooded roadways. Play it smart, play it safe. Whether driving or walking, any time you come to a flooded area, Turn Around Don’t Drown®. This is true always but even more so at night, when your vision is limited.

Turn Around, Don’t Drown.®

For more information go to ready.gov/floods and tadd.weather.gov.