Please help the NWS spread these important safety messages on social media! Everyone is welcome to use the text and images provided below to help the NWS build a Weather-Ready Nation.
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More than 50% of all flood fatalities are vehicle-related. You never know how deep the water is or if the road has been washed away or compromised beneath the water. Don’t risk driving into floodwaters. Turn Around, Don’t Drown! weather.gov/safety/flood-turn-around-dont-drown
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More than 50% of all flood fatalities are vehicle-related. You never know how deep the water is or if the road has been washed away or compromised beneath the water. Don’t risk driving into floodwaters. Turn Around, Don’t Drown! weather.gov/safety/flood-turn-around-dont-drown #WeatherReady
Pictured: a car submerged in water next to a sidewalk. Text: You don't know how deep the water is. Turn around, don't drown.
Hiking or Camping
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Are you planning to camp or hike near a stream or river? Remember that it doesn’t have to rain directly over you for there to be flooding. If you notice even a slight rise in water level, seek higher ground immediately! weather.gov/safety/flood-during
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Are you planning to camp or hike near a stream or river? Remember that it doesn’t have to rain directly over you for there to be flooding. If you notice even a slight rise in water level, seek higher ground immediately! weather.gov/safety/flood-during #WeatherReady
Beware of floods when camping. Heavy rains can quickly cause flash flooding. Use caution if camping near a stream, river, or in a low-lying area. Stay informed. Be able to get the forecast online or with a NOAA Weather Radio. Get to higher ground immediately if alerted to flooding. Never walk or drive through floodwater. It only takes 6 inches to knock you over and only 12 inches to sweep a car away.
Flooding - Prepare
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Flooding can occur during any time of the year, so it’s always best to be prepared! To learn more about flooding and how you can prepare before it happens, visit weather.gov/safety/flood
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Flooding can occur during any time of the year, so it’s always best to be prepared! To learn more about flooding and how you can prepare before it happens, visit weather.gov/safety/flood #WeatherReady
Prepare for floods before they happen. Flooding can occur any time of year. Are you prepared? Find out if you're in a floodplain. Visit floodsmart.gov to learn more. Determine the roads likely to flood so that you can plan alternate routes. Identify the fastest way to higher ground.
Stay out of floodwaters. Floodwaters hide dangers that can cause sickness, injury or even death, including animals and insects, live wires, harmful bacteria, dangerous chemicals, sewage, and sharp objects and debris.
Putting Your Life and Your Rescuer’s Life at Risk
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When you drive into floodwaters, you’re not only putting your own life at risk, but also the lives of your rescuers. It’s far better to be late and remain safe than to take a risk and possibly lose your life. Turn Around, Don’t Drown! weather.gov/safety/flood
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You are putting your rescuers’ lives at risk when you drive into floodwaters. weather.gov/safety/flood #WeatherReady
Pictured: water rescue team member falling into the water. Text: Don't endanger their lives, too. Driving into floodwaters also puts rescuers' lives at risk. Turn around, don't drown.
Never Drive Around Barricades
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NEVER drive around barricades into floodwaters! More than 50% of all flood fatalities are vehicle-related. It takes only 12 inches of fast-moving water to carry off a small car and 18 inches of water to sweep a larger vehicle away. Turn Around, Don’t Drown! weather.gov/safety/flood-turn-around-dont-drown
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NEVER drive around barricades into floodwaters! Most flood fatalities are vehicle-related. It takes only 12 inches of fast-moving water to carry off a small car and 18 inches of water to sweep a larger vehicle away. Turn Around, Don’t Drown! weather.gov/safety/flood-turn-around-dont-drown
Never drive around barricades. Most flood fatalities occur in vehicles. You don't know how deep the water is. Even when the water recedes, the ground may be unstable.
Debris Flows
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Debris flows often happen in areas where excessive rain causes soil to become so saturated it turns into very runny mud. The mud then races downhill, picking up debris such as fallen branches, tree trunks, and rocks as it goes. Debris flows can bury homes under a pile of mud and debris. Know the risks of the area where you live so you can prepare your family and home before heavy rains threaten your area. weather.gov/safety/flood-hazards photo:FEMA
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Debris flows can bury homes under a pile of mud and debris. Learn more weather.gov/safety/flood-hazards (photo: @fema) #WeatherReady
Be prepared for debris flows. Heavy rain can cause debris flows in minutes, potentially burying homes. Areas with low vegetation or recent wildfire burns are especially at risk. Have a plan for your family and be ready to follow instructions from local officials. Listen & watch for rushing water or mud or unusual sounds such as trees cracking or boulders knocking together.
Science of Debris Flow
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When normally dry soil becomes overly saturated, it can reach a point where it turns to a liquid state and flows downhill. Learn all about the science of debris flows in the infographic below, and visit noaa.gov/jetstream/thunderstorms/flood for more about floods.
Flood Science, Debris Flows: Dangerous land & water flow caused by rain, terrain and loose-bare soil. They carry everything: mud, sand, rock, water & air traveling down a slope. Debris flow material must be loose and capable of flow; at least 50% is sand-size particles or larger. They can reach over 100mph. Burn scars are notorious for debris flows: Vegetation burned at high intensity vaporizes water repellent compounds that condense on the ground, preventing soil from absorbing water, making it as water repellent as pavement. This means much less rainfall is needed to cause a flash flood. As water runs through burned areas, it causes erosion and picks up large amounts of ash, soil, trees & boulders. The force of the flow can damage or destroy bridges, roads and buildings even miles away from the burn. Most burn areas are prone to debris flows for at least 2 years. Each burn area has a unique flood risk due to location of population centers, burn severity/size, terrain steepness & more
Helping Others: Flooding
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Flood events can devastate communities. Help yours be prepared and safe.
Connect with your neighbors and discuss local flood risks and planning needs.
If flooding is expected, help others elevate and protect their belongings.
After the storm, check on your neighbors and keep others out of floodwater. weather.gov/safety/flood
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Flood events can devastate communities. Help yours prepare beforehand and recover after. weather.gov/safety/flood #WeatherReady
Helping Others: Flooding. Connect with your neighbors about local flood risks and planning needs. If flooding is expected, help others elevate and protect their belongings. After storms, check on neighbors and keep others out of floodwater.
Ice Jams
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Ice jams are common during the winter and spring along rivers, streams, and creeks in the higher latitudes of the continental U.S. as well as in Alaska. Once formed, water can rise VERY quickly. Stay Weather-Ready and never cross flooded roads. weather.gov/safety/flood-hazards
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Ice jams are common during the winter and spring along rivers, streams, and creeks in the higher latitudes of the continental U.S. as well as in Alaska. Once formed, water can rise VERY quickly. Stay #WeatherReady and never cross flooded roads. weather.gov/safety/flood-hazards
Watch out for ice jams! Ice jams are accumulations of ice in a stream that obstruct flow. Once formed, water can rise several feet in a matter of minutes. Never attempt to cross flooded roads or drive around barricades.
Coastal Flooding
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If coastal flooding is expected, be prepared. Elevate your belongings off the ground, move your car to higher ground, and have an evacuation plan. weather.gov/safety/flood
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If coastal flooding is expected, be prepared. Elevate your belongings off the ground, move your car to higher ground, and have an evacuation plan. #WeatherReady weather.gov/safety/flood
Prepare for coastal flooding. Elevate your belongings off of the ground. Move your car to higher ground. Have an evacuation plan.
Flash flooding can escalate quickly
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Whether you’re on the road or camping, will you be ready for sudden flash flooding? Make sure to enable Wireless Emergency Alerts on your phone. If flooding occurs while you’re outdoors, immediately get to higher ground, and NEVER enter flood waters in a vehicle or on foot. weather.gov/safety/flood
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Will you be ready for sudden flash floods? Stay #WeatherReady by enabling weather alerts on your phone. If flooding occurs while you’re outdoors, immediately get to higher ground, and NEVER enter flood waters in a vehicle or on foot. weather.gov/safety/flood #WeatherReady
Flash flooding can escalate quickly. Heavy rain can lead to sudden flash floods, whether you're on the road or at a campground. Will you be ready? Set up a way to get weather warnings on your phone. When alerted to a flash flood, get to higher ground immediately. Never enter flood waters in a vehicle or on foot.
Your Safe Place from Flooding
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During a flood, water levels and the rate at which water is flowing can quickly change. You are safest staying indoors, or seeking higher ground if shelter isn’t available. If you’re stuck outside when a flash flood occurs, do not attempt to cross flood waters by vehicle or on foot.
Learn more about flood safety at weather.gov/safety/flood
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During a flood, water levels and the rate at which water is flowing can quickly change. You are safest staying indoors, or seeking higher ground if shelter isn’t available. Never cross flood waters by vehicle or on foot. weather.gov/safety/flood #WeatherReady
Your safe place from flooding: during a flood, water levels and flow speed can quickly change. You are safest by staying indoors, or seeking higher ground if shelter isn't available. If you're stuck outside when a flash flood occurs, do not attempt to cross flood waters by vehicle or on foot.
Small Decisions: Floods
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Most flood fatalities occur in vehicles, and it only takes 12 inches of water to sweep a car away. Sometimes, the difference between life and death is small decisions. During a flood, small decisions like turning around and not driving through a flooded roadway, not driving around barricades, and delaying travel until conditions improve, can make a big impact on whether you keep your car...or even your life. Turn Around, Don’t Drown. weather.gov/safety/flood
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Most flood fatalities occur in vehicles, and it only takes 12 inches of water to sweep a car away. Sometimes, the difference between life and death is small decisions. weather.gov/safety/flood #WeatherReady
Small Decisions can have a big impact: Flooding. 1) Turn around and don't drive through a flooded roadway. 2) Don't drive around barricades. 3) Delay travel until conditions improve. Don't let a bad decision be your last.
What Weather-Ready Looks Like: Floods
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What does being Weather-Ready look like? When it comes to flood safety, it means knowing to never drive around barricades or through flooded roads, which are the cause of most flood fatalities. Learn more flood safety tips at weather.gov/safety/flood
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What does being #WeatherReady look like? When it comes to flood safety, it means knowing to never drive around barricades or through flooded roads, which are the cause of most flood fatalities. Learn more flood safety tips at weather.gov/safety/flood
What does Weather-Ready look like? During floods: Motorists who never drive around barricades or through flooded roads.
Survivor Story: Flood
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"I would have surely lost the vehicle and maybe our lives...just saying 'Turn Around Don't Drown' saved life and property."
You never know if the road is even below that muddy water anymore. weather.gov/safety/flood-turn-around-dont-drown
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"I would have surely lost the vehicle and maybe our lives...just saying 'Turn Around Don't Drown' saved life and property."
You never know if the road is even below that muddy water anymore. weather.gov/safety/flood-turn-around-dont-drown #WeatherReady
I was driving a half-ton 4x4 which provides some comfort about not getting stuck in the mud. As I drove down the dirt road, I came across a low-water cement bridge. The bridge was completely covered in water, but not deep. I made a critical decision to turn around and drive the long way around to another highway. The next morning the water had receded and there was a huge hole — the water had washed away the dirt where the road met the cement. I would have surely lost the vehicle and maybe our lives…just saying “Turn Around and Don’t Drown” saved life and property. -- Julie, Nashville, TN, 2018
Turn Around Don't Drown PSA
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We apologize in advance for this jingle getting stuck in your head, but we’d do anything to help you remember to Turn Around, Don’t Drown. weather.gov/flood
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We apologize in advance for this jingle getting stuck in your head, but we’d do anything to help you remember to #TurnAroundDontDrown weather.gov/flood #WeatherReady
What is a 500-year flood? (video)
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The term 500-year flood doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s only going to happen one time every 500 years. Rather, it’s a reference to the probability of occurrence. youtu.be/eQFyaXDH42U
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The term 500-year flood doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s only going to happen one time every 500 years. Rather, it’s a reference to the probability of occurrence. youtu.be/eQFyaXDH42U #WeatherReady
Flooding After a Wildfire
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Burn scars from wildfires increase the risk of debris flows, which can destroy homes in their paths. Be aware of your surroundings and stay Weather-Ready by having multiple ways to receive weather alerts. weather.gov/safety/flood
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Burn scars from wildfires increase the risk of debris flows, which can destroy homes in their paths. Be aware of your surroundings and stay #WeatherReady by having multiple ways to receive weather alerts. weather.gov/safety/flood
After a wildfire: flash floods and debris flows. Floods and debris flows happen quickly after rainfall. Prepare now! Be aware of your surroundings and stay informed by having multiple ways to receive watches and warnings. Follow any evacuation or other instructions from local officials. If you have to shelter in place, get to the highest point inside your home. Go up, not out!
Flood Watch means be prepared. A Flood Watch is issued when flooding is possible. Stay tuned to trusted news sources and be ready to seek higher ground. Flood Warning means take action! A Flood Warning is issued when flooding is happening or about to happen. Move to higher ground immediately! Never drive or walk through flood waters.
3 Steps for Flash Floods
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During a flood, water levels and the rate at which the water is flowing can quickly change. Get to higher ground. Do not drive or walk into water. It only takes 6 inches of water to knock you off your feet. Stay informed by monitoring local radio and television for updates. weather.gov/safety/flood
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During a flood, water levels and the rate at which the water is flowing can quickly change. Get to higher ground. Do not drive or walk into water. It only takes 6 inches of water to knock you off your feet. weather.gov/safety/flood #WeatherReady
3 Steps for Flash Floods: 1. Get to higher ground (get out of the areas subject to flooding). 2. Do not drive into water (do NOT drive or walk into flooded areas. It only takes 6 inches of water to knock you off your feet). 3. Stay informed: Monitor local radar, television, weather radio, internet or social media for updates. During a flood, water levels and the rate at which the water is flowing can quickly change. Remain aware and monitor local radio and television. WHEN FLOODED TURN AROUND DON'T DROWN
Infographic - Power of Water
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Don’t underestimate the power of water. It only takes 6 inches of fast-moving water to knock over and carry away an adult, and 12 inches to carry away a small car. Turn Around Don’t Drown! weather.gov/safety/flood-turn-around-dont-drown
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Don’t underestimate the power of water. It only takes 6 inches of fast-moving water to knock over and carry away an adult, and 12 inches to carry away a small car. Turn Around Don’t Drown! weather.gov/safety/flood-turn-around-dont-drown #WeatherReady
Don't underestimate the power of water! 6 inches of fast-moving water can knock over and carry away an adult. 12 inches of fast-moving water can carry away a small car. 18-24 inches of fast-moving water can carry away most large SUVs, vans and trucks.
Infographic - How Deep Is the Water?
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NEVER drive or walk into floodwaters. It is impossible to know how deep the water is just by looking at it. Turn Around Don’t Drown! weather.gov/safety/flood-turn-around-dont-drown
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NEVER drive or walk into floodwaters. It is impossible to know how deep the water is just by looking at it. Turn Around Don’t Drown! weather.gov/safety/flood-turn-around-dont-drown #WeatherReady
Do you really know how deep the water is? 6 inches of fast-moving water can knock over and carry away an adult. 12 inches of fast-moving water can carry away a small car. 18-24 inches of fast-moving water can carry away most large SUVs, vans and trucks.
Turn Around Don’t Drown Video
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Driving into floodwaters could be the last decision you ever make. Turn Around Don’t Drown! https://youtu.be/eI6mIlHKrVY
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Driving into floodwaters could be the last decision you ever make. Turn Around Don’t Drown! https://youtu.be/eI6mIlHKrVY #WeatherReady
Types of Flooding in Your State
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It's important to know what kind of flooding you can expect in your area so that you know how to prepare. Visit weather.gov/safety/flood-map to find out what kind of flooding could impact your home!
Learn about flooding in your state. What kind of flooding can you expect? Find out at weather.gov/floodsafety
Create a Communications Plan
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Your family may not be together when a disaster strikes, so it is important to plan in advance. How will you get to a safe place? How will you contact one another? How and where will you get back together? What will you do in different situations? To find out how, visit ready.gov/make-a-plan
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How will you stay in touch during a disaster? Make a plan! ready.gov/make-a-plan #WeatherReady
