“Turn Around, Don’t Drown” during severe weather season

ZANESVILLE, Ohio — With severe weather season upon us, the National Weather Service is running their yearly “Turn Around, Don’t Drown” campaign.

Zanesville Firefighter Jacob Waltemire warns that it’s important for drivers to not underestimate the power of water on the roadways when they can’t be certain exactly how deep it may be.

“A lot of times flood water can be dark and murky and with the speed its moving it can be very difficult to tell how deep it is. Six inches of water can sweep away a person, knock them off their feet and as little as a foot can sweep away a small car. Once you get up to a couple of feet you are talking full size pick up trucks and bigger vehicles can be swept away.” explains Waltemire

Another serious threat according to Waltemire is flash flooding, where water levels can increase at a very rapid rate and reach dangerous levels in short period of time.

“With flash flooding sometimes your best bet if it surrounds your vehicle or home would be to sit in place and ask for help. Obviously with a flash flood around your home you don’t want to be venturing out in the water. If you need help call 911, someone can retrieve you from your home. So flash flooding is definitely a rapid occurring event and it can definitely get out of control quickly. ” adds Waltemire.

The National Weather Service encourages drivers to be cautious when approaching standing water on roadways and be on the lookout for signs indicating high flood areas.