WASHINGTON AREA SEES INCREASED FLOOD DANGER
DON’T RUIN YOUR HOLIDAYS — TURN AROUND, DON’T DROWN!

Dec. 12, 2003 — With the Washington, D.C., area facing what may prove to be the wettest year on record, and the NOAA Baltimore/Washington weather forecast office issuing frequent flood watches and warnings, area residents are reminded not to take chances with their lives. (Click NOAA image for larger view of ‘Turn Around, Don’t Drown’ poster. Click here for high resolution version, which is a large file.)

Thus far in 2003, 59.69 inches of precipitation have been measured at Reagan National Airport—fast approaching the all-time record of 61.33 inches. Baltimore has already reached the status of 2nd wettest year in the 108 years of recorded weather statistics.

Recent snowfalls were succeeded by temperatures of 50 degrees or more, causing snowmelt to further saturate the ground and swell creeks and rivers already high from a rainy summer.

“The tragedy of flood fatalities is that many of them are preventable if people exercise good judgment,” said John Jones, deputy director of NOAA National Weather Service. “Whether on foot or in a vehicle, do not attempt to cross flooded streams and roadways. It only takes two feet of moving water to float most vehicles and as little as six inches to knock someone off their feet.”

Turn Around, Don’t Drown are literally words to live by. This slogan highlights the nationwide flood safety public awareness campaign to help reduce flood-related deaths in the United States. The NOAA National Weather Service is working with the Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH), the National Safety Council and other partners to enhance public awareness of the dangers of driving or walking into flooded areas.

Colorful posters, depicting the Turn Around, Don’t Drown slogan on a barrier blocking access to a flooded roadway, and small (4" x 4") automobile window stickers were created for the campaign. The image will also appear on the Flooding Safety card in the Alliance’s FLASH Cards weather safety package distributed to and through its participating partners in government, the insurance industry and the non-profit community. The NOAA National Weather Service is also working with the NSC to produce a Town Around, Don’t Drown brochure for nationwide distribution.

The poster, a Turn Around, Don’t Drown sign, window sticker, FLASH card and
a NOAA National Weather Service flood safety brochure are also available online.

“If your holiday travels take you ‘over a river’ on the way to your Grandmother’s house or any other destination, don’t take chances,” Jones cautioned. “Stay in touch with weather advisories issued on NOAA Weather Radios or through our partners in the broadcast media, and avoid flood areas.”

NOAA is dedicated to enhancing economic security and national safety through the prediction and research of weather and climate-related events and providing environmental stewardship of the nation’s coastal and marine resources. NOAA is part of the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Relevant Web Sites
Turn Around, Don’t Drown

NOAA National Weather Service

NOAA Floods Page

NOAA Past Weather

Media Contact:
Susan Weaver, NOAA National Weather Service, (301) 713-0622 or Jim Travers, NOAA Baltimore/Washington Weather Forecast Office, (703) 260-0107 ext. 222