March 25 through March 31 is Flood Safety Awareness Week in Eastern Washington . Each day during the awareness week the National Weather Service will feature information about a different flood related topic.

Today’s Topic: Turn Around Don’t Drown

Never drive or walk into flood waters - Turn Around Don’t Drown! Flooding is one of the leading causes of weather related fatalities in the U.S. On average, flooding claims nearly 90 lives each year.  More than half of these deaths occur in motor vehicles when people attempt to drive through flooded roadways.  This happens because people underestimate the force and power of water, especially when it is moving. 

Just six inches of fast-moving water can knock over and carry off an adult. Twelve inches of water can float a small car. If that water is moving, it can carry that car away. Eighteen to twenty-four inches of flowing water can carry away most vehicles, including large SUVS. It is impossible to tell the exact depth of water covering a roadway or the condition of the road below the water. This is especially true at night when your vision is more limited.  It is never safe to drive or walk through flood waters. Any time you come to a flooded road, walkway, or path, follow this simple rule: Turn Around Don’t Drown.

For more information and flood safety tips, visit www.floodsafety.noaa.gov.

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