Eagles Mere, Pennsylvania

The National Weather Service has declared March 16th through 20th
as flood safety awareness week.

This week is also Pennsylvania severe weather awareness week.

Your National Weather Service office in State College will
feature a different educational topic each day during flood
awareness week.

Today's topic: turn around don't drown.

Turn around don't drown is a NOAA National Weather Service
Campaign to warn people of The Hazards of walking through or
driving a vehicle through flood waters.

Why is turn around don't drown so important?

Each year... more deaths occur due to flooding than from any other
severe weather related hazard. The main reason is that people
underestimate the force and power of water. More than half of all
flood related deaths result from vehicles being swept downstream.
Many of these deaths are preventable.

What can I do to avoid getting caught is this situation?

Follow these safety rules:
monitor the NOAA Weather Radio all hazards... or your favorite news
source for vital weather-related information.

If flooding occurs... get to higher ground. Get out of areas subject
to flooding... like dips... low spots... canyons... and washes.

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.

Topics for the rest of flood safety awareness week:
Wednesday... flooding and related phenomena.
Thursday... flood insurance.
Friday... flood safety.