“Turn Around, Don’t Drown” (flash flood warning)

“Turn Around, Don’t Drown” is the National Weather Service’s warning (trademarked in 2003) to prevent fatalities from flash floods. Central Texas is known as “Flash Flood Alley” (some claim Central Texas to be the “Flash Flood Capital of the World”), and so the slogan has been used in Texas.
 
“If it’s flooded, forget it” is a similar saying that has been used in Australia.
   
   
Austin American-Statesman
Sunday, April 01, 2007
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The “Turn Around, Don’t Drown” slogan was developed in part by Hector Guerrero, an NOAA warning coordinator meteorologist, who works in San Angelo. It became part of a national campaign in 2005. He graduated from Crockett High School in Austin in 1980 and attended the University of Texas.
 
“I grew up in the Manchaca areas of Travis County and became very familiar with flash floods,” Guerrero said. “Sometime around 2002, I was stationed with NOAA in Brownsville and was talking about a safety campaign with some Harlingen firefighters, including the need for a catchy slogan.”
 
Someone suggested “Don’t Drown, Turn Around,” and Guerrero flipped the slogan. It became part of a national campaign in 2005.
   
National Weather Service
What Is Turn Around Don’t Drown™ (TADD)?
TADD is a NOAA 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 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!

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.
     
Texas Governor’s Division of Emergency Management
GOVERNOR’S DIVISION OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
For immediate release
WATER ON THE ROAD: TURN AROUND, DON’T DROWN AUSTIN – Floods are one of the most common hazards in the United States. For the past 30 years, the national average for deaths during floods has been 127 each year. In Texas,the death toll from floods averages 15 victims a year. Nearly half of all flood fatalities are vehicle-related and the majority of victims are males, according to the National Weather Service. The National Weather Service and the Governor’s Division of Emergency Management are urging people to learn the dangers of driving into flooded roadways because drivers often underestimate the power of floodwater.
 
These are the facts: Six inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars, causing loss of control and possible stalling. Twelve inches of water will float many cars. Two feet of rushing water will carry off pick-up trucks, SUVs and most other vehicles. Water across a road may hide a missing segment of roadbed or a missing bridge. Roads weaken under floodwater and drivers should proceed cautiously after waters have receded, since the road may collapse under the weight of the vehicle. NWS and GDEM officials also say that if your car or truck stalls in floodwater, the best advice is to get out quickly and move to higher ground. Better yet, when there’s water on the road: Turn Around, Don’t Drown. Saving your life is as simple as choosing an alternate route. For more information, contact Mary Lenz or Megan Arredondo at (512) 424-2138 or visit GDEM’s Web site: http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/dem. 
   
(Trademark)
Word Mark TURN AROUND DON’T DROWN
Goods and Services IC 041. US 100 101 107. G & S: Educational services, namely a public service campaign to educate people about the dangers of flash flooding. FIRST USE: 20030303. FIRST USE IN COMMERCE: 20030303
Mark Drawing Code (1) TYPED DRAWING
Design Search Code
Serial Number 76532330
Filing Date July 14, 2003
Current Filing Basis 1A
Original Filing Basis 1A
Published for Opposition March 23, 2004
Registration Number 2853276
Registration Date June 15, 2004
Owner (REGISTRANT) National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration FEDERAL AGENCY UNITED STATES U.S. Department of Commerce Washington D.C. 20230
Attorney of Record Philip J. Greene
Type of Mark SERVICE MARK
Register PRINCIPAL
Live/Dead Indicator LIVE