Each year across the US, more deaths occur due to flooding than from any other thunderstorm related hazard. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 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 near flood waters. People underestimate the force and power of water.
Many of the deaths occur in cars swept downstream. Many of these drownings are preventable. A mere 6 inches of fast-moving flood water can knock over an adult. It takes just 12 inches of rushing water to carry away most cars. It is NEVER safe to drive or walk into flood waters.
We have repetitive flash flooding issues on some roadways in Adair County. Many of these waterway crossing or waterway adjacent roadways present a threat to the safety of motorists when flooding is present.
Many of the roadways where flash flooding occurs rise to a dangerous level very quickly. This presents an issue with multiple locations hindering roadway closures and often the water will return to a non-flood level quickly.
As a way to remind the motorist Adair County Fiscal Court and Adair County Emergency management have adopted the National Weather Service phrase “Turn Around, Don’t Drown”. We have used this phrase in our flood safety messages for many years as a reminder that promotes public safety.
After reviewing several rescue calls and the flooding along Sulphur Creek, EM Director, Mike Keltner spoke with Magistrate Tony Denton on the bank of Sulphur Creek as flood waters receded on July 31st, 2024. When Flooded, Turn Around, Don’t Drown signs were discussed. These warning signs are be permanently deployed at locations where the incidence of flooding is high, the onset of flooding is rapid, and/or it is not practical to deploy incident signs in a timely manner.
Later that evening Adair County Judge Executive Larry Russell Bryant and Deputy Judge Bridget Compton were given the flood status briefing by Director Keltner. The signs were discussed and the research process began.
Director Keltner met with NWS Warning Coordination Meteorologist Michael Kohasic. Contacts were made between NWS offices and vendor contracts were reviewed. Deputy Judge Compton made contact with one of the counties current sign vendors and within days 16 signs were ordered.
We are very happy to report that on Wednesday September, 11th 2024 the first “When Flooded, Turn Around Don’t Drown” sign was installed by the Adair County Road Department on Taylor Ford Road near the banks of Sulphur Creek. Taylor Ford Road has been a hot spot for vehicles in flood water with at least three full response rescue calls in the past.
More signs will be placed in the upcoming weeks along Sulphur, Russell and Big Creek where roadways are prone to high flow flash flooding.
Everyone involved feels that these signs may give someone a second chance by making the decision to Turn Around Don’t Drown.
(Mike Keltner, Director – Adair Co. Emergency Management)