Turn Around, Don’t Drown (TADD)

by in Americas, Flood Recovery

As part of a series of posts on cars, vehicles and driving during a flood, we thought we would include some information regarding the special safety campaign currently being run by the National Weather Service in USA. The campaign message and slogan are very simple:

TADD – Turn around, Don’t Drown

Turn Around Don't Drown
Turn Around Don’t Drown
In the past, over half of all fatalities caused by a flood have been in a vahicle of some sort. Of course, as we discussed in outr earlier post, this could well be down to the fact that many people are caught escpaing the ravages of flooding whilst driving away. But the message from the National Weather Service is this: if you cme across a flooded area in your vehicle, simply turn around. Find another route or an alternative way out. But don’t attempt to cross the flooded roadway. Just a few inches of water could be enough to lift your car make it float away on the tide, leaving you without any control whatsoever.

Figures for 2012 do show a reduction in the percentage of flood fatalities in vehicles, although we can’t be sure that this is solely down to the success of the TADD campaign. Certainly raising awareness and giving advice and information like this can only help.

The National Weather Service website offers the following rules when driving in a flood zone:

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®
  • 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.

See the full article and furhter information here…