With our spring and fall storm seasons, it is good to know that many areas around the Ark-La-Tex are prone and likely to experience flash flooding. Here are some tips from the National Weather Service that could keep you and your family alive.
From the NOAA Flash Flood Safety Report:
Remember, DO NOT drive onto a flooded roadway. DO NOT drive through flowing water. If you approach a roadway that is flooded, TURN AROUND – DON’T DROWN. Drive with extreme caution if roads are even just wet or it is raining. You can lose control of your vehicle if hydroplaning occurs, which is when a layer of water builds up between your tires and the road, causing there to be no direct contact between your vehicle and the road.
Why is “Turn Around – Don’t Drown” so important? Each year, more deaths occur due to flooding than from any other severe weather related hazard. The main reason is people underestimate the force and power of water. More than half of all flood related deaths result from vehicles being swept downstream. Of these, many are preventable.
