Flood Preparedness Week - TADD

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Turn Around, Don't Drown

“Turn Around, Don’t Drown” is a joint effort between the NWS and the Federal Alliance for Safe Homes. It began as an initiative to increase awareness of the dangers of driving through flooded roadways or walking in flooded areas. Too many people lose their lives when they misjudge the power of moving water or their ability to navigate flooded areas.

Flooding can happen rapidly due to thunderstorm rain, or slowly due to larger-scale rainfall events. It only takes six inches of water for a vehicle to lose contact with the road surface, and only 18 inches for a vehicle to be swept away. Sadly, many deaths could have been prevented by simply turning around. A cancelled, delayed or rerouted trip is worth the time and effort.

Familiarize yourself with the flood safety guidance below before the next flood event.

Get to or stay on higher ground. Avoid low spots.
Turn Around, Don’t Drown! Cancel, delay or reroute a trip if you encounter flooded roads.
Flooded roads may be temporarily blocked by a pink “Turn Around...Don’t Drown” sign or barrier. Do not drive around the barriers!
Flooded roads may have hidden dangers such as washed out road beds or underwater obstructions.
Keep children away from flooded areas or areas of fast moving water.
Do not camp near creeks or rivers if there is a flash flood threat.
Flooding can happen at any time! Be alert, especially at night when it is harder to recognize flood dangers.

Additional information about Flood Preparedness Week is available at www.floodsafety.noaa.gov.


Never drive over a road covered by water, as the road may have suffered damage and may not be passable. Photo Courtesy of the Atlanta Journal Constitution.