1. Home
  2. Education
  3. Weather

How to Stay Safe in a Flood

Why Your Car is No Match for a Flood

By Rachelle Oblack, About.com

Cars in Floods Diagram

Cars (even SUVs) can be carried away by just 2 feet of fast running water.

National Weather Service (NWS)
Floods are one of the most severe weather events that can occur and a top reason for weather related deaths. In fact, floods are considered billion dollar weather disasters. Just six inches of fast-moving water can sweep an adult off their feet (even less for those who are disabled or young children). And, if you think you are safe in your truck or sport utility vehicle, think again. It takes only two feet of water to carry away most vehicles. So, what is being done to educate people on the dangers of floods?

Turn Around Don't Drown

The National Weather Service has a national campaign to educate people around the world of the dangers of flooding. In fact, this national program is a trademarked slogan for flood safety.

The program provides roadway signs approved by the Federal Highway Administration for local agencies to post and distribute signs in areas prone to flooding. Watch an 8 minute streaming video of flash flood safety. Then take the flood water driving safety quiz to check your knowledge.

Flood Resources

  1. Check the river flood stage in your area.
  2. Get a free 16 page booklet on flooding.
  3. Watch a flash flood video online.
  4. Get an MS Word poster on flooding for free.
  5. Get free posters, signs, and even a song for students on the TADD program.
  6. The physics of floods: A report of the dangers of flooding.

More Weather Quick Tips

Explore Weather

More from About.com

  1. Home
  2. Education
  3. Weather
  4. Thunderstorms & Lightning
  5. Floods
  6. Flash Floods - Turn Around and You May Not Drown - Flood Safety

©2008 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.