City of Dallas reminds drivers: “Turn Around, Don’t Drown”
Flash flooding is the number one weather-related killer in Texas, but saving your life can be as easy as turning your car around when you see water on the road. With May 23-27 being Flood Awareness Week, the City of Dallas wants to remind drivers: never drive through flooded roadways.
Remember these tips:
- It takes only two feet of water to float a 3,000-pound car.
- Water covering the roadway may hide washed-out bridges or gouged-out roadbeds. If you attempt to drive across, you may not be driving on a road.
- In rainy weather, be alert and stay tuned to local radio or TV.
- If you are in a low-lying area when flooding occurs, get to higher ground quickly.
- Do not cross-flooded roads or streams on foot; as little as six inches of water can knock you off your feet.
- Never allow children to play near ditches and storm drains.
- Never camp or park vehicles along streams or washes during stormy weather.
- Prepare an emergency supply kit and develop an emergency plan for you and your family should a disaster occur.
Flooded roads are especially dangerous at night, so choose a different route when you see water across a roadway. Nearly eight of ten vehicle related flood fatalities in Texas occurred between the hours of 6 p.m. and 6 a.m.
Day or night, the best advice is always “Turn Around, Don’t Drown.”
For more information on emergency supply kits visit: www.dps.texas.gov/dem/Preparedness/emerSupplyKits.htm.
Additional information on emergency planning is available at: www.dps.texas.gov/dem/Preparedness/emerPlanningTips.htm.
