Adair County, KY Begins Deployment of 16 New Turn Around Don't Drown (TADD) Signs Across the County

Each year across the US, more deaths occur due to flooding than from any other thunderstorm
related hazard. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that over half of all
flood-related drownings occur when a vehicle is driven into hazardous flood water. The next
highest percentage of flood-related deaths is due to walking into or near flood waters. People
underestimate the force and power of water.

Many of the deaths occur in cars swept downstream. Many of these drownings are
preventable. A mere 6 inches of fast-moving flood water can knock over an adult. It takes just
12 inches of rushing water to carry away most cars. It is NEVER safe to drive or walk into flood
waters.

We have repetitive flash flooding issues on some roadways in Adair County. Many of these
waterway crossing or waterway adjacent roadways present a threat to the safety of motorists
when flooding is present.

Many of the roadways where flash flooding occurs rise to a dangerous level very quickly. This
presents an issue with multiple locations hindering roadway closures and often the water will
return to a non-flood level quickly.

As a way to remind the motorist Adair County Fiscal Court and Adair County Emergency
management have adopted the National Weather Service phrase “Turn Around, Don’t Drown”.
We have used this phrase in our flood safety messages for many years as a reminder that
promotes public safety.

After reviewing several rescue calls and the flooding along Sulphur Creek, EM Director, Mike
Keltner spoke with Magistrate Tony Denton on the bank of Sulphur Creek as flood waters
receded on July 31st, 2024. When Flooded, Turn Around, Don’t Drown signs were discussed.
These warning signs are be permanently deployed at locations where the incidence of flooding
is high, the onset of flooding is rapid, and/or it is not practical to deploy incident signs in a
timely manner.

Later that evening Adair County Judge Executive Larry Russell Bryant and Deputy Judge
Bridget Compton were given the flood status briefing by Director Keltner. The signs were
discussed and the research process began.

Director Keltner met with NWS Warning Coordination Meteorologist Michael Kohasic.
Contacts were made between NWS offices and vendor contracts were reviewed. Deputy
Judge Compton made contact with one of the counties current sign vendors and within days
16 signs were ordered.

We are very happy to report that on Wednesday September, 11th 2024 the first “When
Flooded, Turn Around Don’t Drown” sign was installed by the Adair County Road Department
on Taylor Ford Road near the banks of Sulphur Creek. Taylor Ford Road has been a hot spot
for vehicles in flood water with at least Three full response rescue calls in the past.
More signs will be placed in the upcoming weeks along Sulphur, Russell and Big Creek where
roadways are prone to high flow flash flooding.

Everyone involved feels that these signs may give someone a second chance by making the
decision to Turn Around Don’t Drown.