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Turn Around, Don't Drown - What Does It Mean?

July 22, 2022
By WeatherBug Meteorologist, Alyssa Robinette
Each year, 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 in hazardous flood water. The next highest percentage of flood-related deaths is due to walking into or near flood waters. Many of these drownings are preventable, but people underestimate the force and power of water.

Turn Around, Don’t Drown: A Public Awareness Campaign

Hector Guerrero, a Warning Coordination Meteorologist for the National Weather Service (NWS) office in San Angelo, Texas, noticed the trend of high flood-related deaths due to people driving, walking or playing in floodwaters. He decided to address the alarming concern by working in conjunction with his NWS colleagues and partners. He was inspired to create a catchy slogan that would stick in the mind of motorists, so he also sought help from a local fire department to create something like the well-publicized and effective “Stop, Drop and Roll.”

The “Turn Around, Don’t Drown” campaign was launched on May 22, 2003, with a news conference at NWS Southern Region Headquarters located in Fort Worth, Texas. Many government agencies were in attendance, including representatives from NWS regions across the country to coordinate a nationwide campaign. Once the phase was officially trademarked by NOAA, the program made its national debut in 2004.

Since then, hundreds of permanent “Turn Around, Don’t Drown” signs have been established along roadways prone to flooding across the U.S. and the slogan has become an often-repeated catchphrase in the media, classroom and even the home.

Turn Around, Don’t Drown: What Does It Mean?

The single worst decision you can make in a flood is walking or driving your vehicle into floodwaters of an unknown depth. It is easy to misjudge the depth of floodwater, particularly at night.
  • A mere 6 inches of fast-moving water can knock over an adult.
  • It takes just 12 inches of rushing water to carry away most cars and small SUVs and just 2 feet of rushing water can carry away SUVs and trucks.
Here are some other safety tips to keep in mind when flooding occurs:
  • Beware when crossing a bride or road covered by floodwater. It could be completely washed out.
  • Do not take anything heavy or unnecessary with you when you escape. Everything is unnecessary in this situation except your life and the lives of those around you.
  • If it is not necessary to leave your home or place of employment, don’t!
  • Do not go past or drive around barricades. They are there for a reason.
  • If you find yourself submerged in water, do not use your cell phone. You have approximately 30 seconds to a minute to get out of your vehicle before it submerges. Time is critical.
  • Stay calm, have a plan and make your escape.
Flooding can happen quickly and sometimes without notice. Play it smart, play it safe. Whether driving or walking, anytime you come to a flooded road, Turn Around, Don’t Drown!

Source: NWS, FEMA
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Story Image: ​Trapped woman on a car roof during flash flooding in Toowoomba (Timothy Swinson via Wikimedia Commons)