Ashtabula, Ohio

the National Weather Service has declared March 15th through March
19th flood safety awareness week. The National Weather Service in
Cleveland will feature a different educational topic each day during
the awareness week. Today's topic: turn around don't drown... tadd
for short.

Tadd is a NOAA National Weather Service Campaign to warn people of
The Hazards of walking 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 people
underestimate the force and power of water. More than half of all
flood related deaths result from vehicles being swept downstream. Of
these, many 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. This includes dips, low spots, canyons, washes
etcetera.

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.