CLEVELAND — Let's face it, we have all heard the phrase, "Turn Around Don't Drown."
This is not some scare tactic when we talk about the dangers of flooding. It's the truth, and this simple advice that is instilled in our brains in our early school years for severe weather preparedness in general can literally save your life.
Most people assume tornados are the biggest danger when it comes to severe weather. Nope — it's flooding, and Northeast Ohio sees plenty of it.
So with all the rain in the forecast lately and as severe weather season is now underway in the region, you may be wondering why is flooding so dangerous. Do you realize that more weather-related deaths occur due to flooding than from any other thunderstorm-related hazard every year?
According to the CDC, it is reported 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."
What makes this so incredibly tragic is that so many of these drownings are preventable. You should NEVER attempt to drive through a flooded road. You have no idea how deep that water is, and what if the road was destroyed under the flood waters?
The CDC goes on to mention that "as little as 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 and just 2 feet of rushing water can carry away SUVs and trucks. It is NEVER safe to drive or walk into flood waters."
Here are flooding safety tips and recommendations from the National Weather Service to ensure you and your family stay safe when the threat for flooding occurs:
Prepare now, know the facts, and stay safe when the threat for flooding occurs again in Northeast Ohio, because it will.
Here are some more helpful links: