The National Weather Service continues its Flood Safety Awareness Week campaign today with the theme of "Turn Around... Don't Drown".

Did you know that...

• It takes only two feet of moving water to float most cars, trucks and sport utility vehicles.
• Nearly half of all flash flood fatalities are vehicle related.
• Flood deaths affect all age groups.
• Water can rapidly rise several feet in just minutes.
• Flash flood producing rains can also trigger catastrophic mud slides and debris flows.

"Turn Around, Don't Drown" is the National Weather Service campaign to warn people of the hazards of walking or driving a vehicle through flood waters.

Why is "Turn Around, Don't Drown" so important?
Each year, more deaths occur as a result of flooding than from lightning, tornadoes or hurricanes. The main reason for these deaths is people underestimate the force and power of water. More than half of all flood related deaths result from vehicles being swept downstream by flood water. Many of these deaths could have been prevented had people simply followed the rule "Turn Around, Don't Drown!"

What can you do to protect yourself from flooding?
Follow these safety rules:

• If flooding occurs, move to higher ground immediately. Get out of areas subject to flooding. This includes dips in roads, low spots, canyons, washes and coulees.
• Avoid areas already flooded, especially if the water is flowing fast. Do not attempt to cross flowing streams. Turn around, don't drown!
• Flooded roads often have significant damage hidden by floodwaters. Road beds may be washed out under flood waters. Never drive through flooded roadways. Turn around, don't drown!
• Do not allow children to play near high water, storm drains or ditches. Hidden dangers could lie beneath the water.
• Do not camp or park your vehicle along streams and washes, particularly during threatening conditions.
• Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize flood dangers.
• Monitor the NOAA Weather/All Hazards Radio, or your favorite news source for vital weather related information.

To learn more about flash flooding and the "Turn Around, Don't Drown" campaign visit the "Turn Around, Don't Drown" web site at...
tadd.weather.gov

or through National Weather Service offices in Montana...

• weather.gov/greatfalls
• weather.gov/billings
• weather.gov/glasgow
• weather.gov/missoula

Why do vehicles float? They float for the same reason a 97,000 ton aircraft carrier floats, buoyancy!

Where does this idea that "my heavy vehicle will keep me safe" come from? It comes from the false trust in the weight of the vehicle you are driving. Many believe their 3,000 pound or more vehicle will remain in contact with the road surface, that it is too heavy to float. Think about that for a moment. Aircraft carriers weighing 97,000 tons float.

Vehicles, including ships, float because of buoyancy. In fact, most cars can be swept away in 18-24 inches of moving water. Trucks and SUVs do not fare much better with an additional 6-12 inches of clearance.

On June 18, 1938, a cloudburst dumped an estimated 4 to 7 inches of rain on the head of Custer Creek, between Miles City and Terry. The increased flow of water weakened the supports of the railroad bridge over Custer Creek. On June 19, just after midnight as the engine of the Olympian rolled onto the bridge at about 50 mph (well below the limit), the bridge collapsed, and the engine and seven passenger cars of the eleven car train went into the rain swollen creek. One sleeping car was submerged. The accident happened close to the spot where Custer Creek empties into the Yellowstone. Although the death toll stands at about 48, this is an estimate, because bodies were swept out from Custer Creek into the Yellowstone, and there was no passenger manifest.