MEDIA CONTACT: Mark E. Brady, Chief Spokesperson, 240-508-7930
The National Weather Service is forecasting potential severe storms moving through Prince George’s County Tuesday with the biggest threat coming between 3:00 pm and 10:00 pm. These storms could produce damaging winds, torrential rain, thunderstorms and flooding.
Citizens and residents are advised to take appropriate precautions now to stay safe.
Stay informed by monitoring local news broadcasts about approaching weather.
Stay ready to take quick actions in the event of severe weather including remaining indoors and going to the lowest possible level or floor and if possible in a room with no windows. Have your emergency kit ready. For additional information on preparing your emergency kit click here.
Stay Informed, Stay Ready, Stay Safe.
Flood Safety Tips... • Never try to walk, swim, or drive through swift-moving floodwater. If you must walk in a flooded area, walk where the water is not moving. Remember, 2 feet of water will float your vehicle and 6 inches of fast moving floodwater can knock you off your feet. • If you come upon flood waters, STOP, TURN AROUND AND GO ANOTHER WAY!! • Do not attempt to drive through a flooded road. • If your car stalls, leave it and seek higher ground, if you can do so safely. • Stay informed about the storm and possible flooding by listening to your NOAA weather radio, commercial radio, Internet or television.
In the event of a power outage – do not use candles!!! – Use battery powered flashlights and lanterns. Ensure that all power switches on electrical appliances are in the “off” position. This will avoid a fire hazard when power is restored. Have a battery powered radio available to monitor weather and changing conditions. Ensure your cell phone, lap tops, tablets, etc. are fully charged before the storm arrives.
Treat all downed utility lines as if they are energized. Deny access to the area of the downed wire and notify 911. Never touch or handle a downed utility line.
If you are driving on wet roads; windshield wipers/headlights on, reduce your driving speed, increase the space between you and the car in front of you and give yourself plenty of room to come to a stop. Driving in severe weather brings additional risks; you should immediately seek shelter in a building.
BAD WEATHER BRINGS HIGH WATER
The NOAA National Weather Service
wants to remind us all that it is very hazardous to
walk or drive a vehicle through flood waters.
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 Centers for Disease Control report 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 ear flood waters. Why? The main reason is people underestimate the force and power of water. Many of the deaths occur in automobiles as they are swept downstream. Of these drownings, many are preventable, but too many people continue to drive around the barriers that warn you the road is flooded.
What Can I Do to Avoid Getting Caught is This Situation?
Most flood-related deaths and injuries could be avoided if people who come upon areas covered with water followed this simple advice: Turn Around Don't Drown®.
The reason that so many people drown during flooding is because few of them realize the incredible power of water. A mere six inches of fast-moving flood water can knock over an adult. It takes only two feet of rushing water to carry away most vehicles. This includes pickups and SUVs.
If you come to an area that is covered with water, you will not know the depth of the water or the condition of the ground under the water. This is especially true at night, when your vision is more limited.
Play it smart, play it safe. Whether driving or walking, any time you come to a flooded road, Turn Around Don't Drown®
The reason that so many people drown during flooding is because few of them realize the incredible power of water. A mere six inches of fast-moving flood water can knock over an adult. It takes only two feet of rushing water to carry away most vehicles. This includes pickups and SUVs.
If you come to an area that is covered with water, you will not know the depth of the water or the condition of the ground under the water. This is especially true at night, when your vision is more limited.
Play it smart, play it safe. Whether driving or walking, any time you come to a flooded road, Turn Around Don't Drown®
Follow these safety rules:
- Monitor the NOAA Weather Radio, or your favorite news source for vital weather related information.
- If flooding occurs, get to higher ground. Get out of areas subject to flooding. This includes dips, low spots, canyons, washes etc.
- Avoid areas already flooded, especially if the water is flowing fast. Do not attempt to cross flowing streams. Turn Around Don't Drown®
- Road beds may be washed out under flood waters. NEVER drive through flooded roadways. Turn Around Don't Drown®
- 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.
Information provided by NOAA National Weather Service
Comments
Post a Comment