On average, more people are killed by flooding than by any other single severe weather hazard, including tornadoes, lightning, and hurricanes. Most of these deaths occur at night, when it is more difficult to recognize flood dangers, and when people are trapped in vehicles. Do you and your family know what to do in case of a flood?

Remember:

• DO NOT drive onto a flooded roadway.
• DO NOT drive through flowing water.
• If you approach a roadway that is flooded, TURN AROUND – DON’T DROWN.
• Drive with extreme caution if roads are even just wet or it is raining. You can lose control of your vehicle if hydroplaning occurs, which is when a layer of water builds up between your tires and the road, causing there to be no direct contact between your vehicle and the road.

If a Flash Flood Warning is issued for your area:

• If advised to evacuate, do so immediately! Act quickly to save yourself, you may not have much time.
• Get out of areas that are subject to flooding and move to a safe area before access is cut off by flood waters. Low spots such as dips, canyons, and washes are not the places you want to be during flooding!  
• DO NOT camp or park your vehicle along streams and washes, particularly during threatening conditions.
• DO NOT drive if not necessary. If driving is necessary, do not attempt to drive over a flooded road, as the depth of the water is not always obvious, and the roadway may no longer be intact under the water. Never drive around a barricade, they are placed there for your protection! If your vehicle stalls, leave it immediately and move to higher ground before water sweeps you and your vehicle away.  
• DO NOT try to walk, swim, or play in flood water. You may not be able to determine if there are holes or submerged debris, or how quickly the water is flowing, and you may be swept away. If water is moving swiftly, as little as 6 inches of water can knock you off of your feet! There is also a danger of hazardous materials polluting the water. Also remember that water is an electrical conductor, if there are power lines down, there is a possibility of electrocution.   
• Always continue to monitor the situation through the National Weather Service website, your NOAA Weather Radio All-Hazards, or favorite local television or radio stations.

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 main reason is people underestimate the force and power of water. More than half of all flood related deaths result from vehicles being swept downstream. Of these, many are preventable. 

Safety tips after a flood

When flood waters recede, the damage left behind can be devastating and present many dangers. Images of flood destruction depict destroyed homes and buildings, damaged possessions, and decimated roadways. However, what you can’t see can be just as dangerous. Floodwaters often become contaminated with sewage or chemicals. Gas leaks and live power lines can be deadly, but are not obvious at first glance.

Stay Informed

Stay tuned to your local news for updated information on road conditions. Ensure water is safe to drink, cook or clean with after a flood. Oftentimes, a boil water order is put in place following a flood. Check with utility companies to find out when electricity or gas services may be restored. Carbon monoxide poisoning is one of the leading causes of deaths after storms when areas are dealing with power outages. Never use a portable generator inside your home or garage.

Avoid Flood Waters

Standing water hides many dangers including toxins and chemicals. There may be debris under the water and the road surface may have been compromised. If it is likely your home will flood, don’t wait to be ordered to leave; evacuate yourself! Make alternative plans for a place to stay. If you have pets, take them with you or make arrangements to board them at a facility well away from the flooding danger.

Avoid Disaster Areas

Do not visit disaster areas! Your presence may hamper rescue and other emergency operations.  

Heed Road Closed and Cautionary Signs

Road closure and other cautionary signs are put in place for your safety. Pay attention to them!

Wait for the “All Clear”

Do not enter a flood damaged home or building until you’re given the all clear by authorities. If you choose to enter a flood damaged building, be extremely careful. Water can compromise the structural integrity and its foundation. Make sure the electrical system has been turned off, otherwise contact the power company or a qualified electrician. Contact your insurance agent as soon as possible to discuss the damage done to your property. If you have a home generator, be sure to follow proper safety procedures for use. 

Contact Your Family and Loved Ones

Let your family and close friends know that you’re okay so they can help spread the word.

For more information, visit http://www.floodsafety.noaa.gov/.

(Information provided by the National Weather Service/NOAA.)

May is National Military Appreciation Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the contributions of the courageous men and women who have served or are currently serving in the United States Armed Forces.

Designated by Congress, NMAM encourages Americans to publicly show their appreciation for the sacrifices—and accomplishments—made by our military personnel. During this important month, Americans have the opportunity to come together to thank our military for their patriotic service in support of our country, at several national events planned throughout the month.

NMAM provides a period encompassing both the history and recognition of our armed services with an in-depth look at the diversity of its individuals and achievements. It allows Americans to educate each generation on the historical impact of our military through the participation of the community with those who serve encouraging patriotism and love for America.

This month gives the nation a time and place on which to focus and draw attention to our many expressions of appreciation and recognition of our armed services via numerous venues and also to recall and learn about our vast American military history.

Loyalty Day, which is celebrated May 1 of each year, kicks off our nation’s month-long celebration of military appreciation.

Other important events honoring our military’s achievements include Victory in Europe (VE) Day celebrated on May 8, Military Spouse Appreciation Day celebrated on May 9, Armed Forces Day celebrated on May 17, and Memorial Day celebrated on May 26. Armed Forces Day and Memorial Day are the best known of the May military-themed holidays. Armed Forces Day, which was created to honor all branches of the U.S. military, replaced separate Army, Navy and Air Force days. And, Memorial Day commemorates the men and women who died while serving in military service.

It recognizes those on active duty in all branches of the services, the National Guard and Reserves plus retirees, veterans, and all of their families – well over 90 million Americans and more than 230 years of our nation’s history.  Let us celebrate them just as we celebrate the other important entities that make up this wonderful country of ours.

(Information compiled from the Government Publishing Office’s Government Book Talk and National Military Appreciation Month website at http://www.nmam.org/about.htm.)

The Army observes the month of May as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, as designated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The observance coincides with the beginning of riding season for many Soldiers and serves as an early kickoff for the critical days of summer.

What has the Army done?

In 2008, the Joint Service Safety Council identified motorcycle safety as the No. 1 non-combat safety issue facing the services that results in accidents and fatalities. With summer being the peak motorcycle-riding season, Army leaders engage the riders in their organizations to increase awareness of the hazards that are ever-present.

The Army has been able to reverse the trend through engaged leadership, training and education, and as a result, accidents and fatalities have decreased. Motorcycle safety and training remain a top non-combat safety concern.

What continued efforts are planned for the future?

U.S. Army Combat Readiness Center will continue to provide information on motorcycle safety tips, best practices, and training, as well as upcoming motorcycle safety events at Army installations. The Army’s Motorcycle Mentorship Program is a voluntary unit or installation-level organization where inexperienced and seasoned motorcycle riders are paired together to create a supportive learning environment that promotes safe and responsible riding.

The USACRC continually solicits user feedback and provides information on safe motorcycling through the MMP website and social media. A motorcycle safety subscription page on the USACRC website allows mentors and riders to receive real-time motorcycle safety information and query for existing MMP products. The USACRC’s objective is to provide current and up-to-date information and material, including topics for all riding seasons, to improve communication and information flow.

Why is this important to the Army?

More motorcycles than ever are registered on Army installations. Motorcycle riding has become the off-duty activity of choice for many Soldiers. Motorcycle accidents impact readiness and the safety of the Soldiers, families and civilians is imperative for Army readiness.

(Information provided by the U.S. Army Combat Readiness Center. For additional resources, visit https://www.army.mil/standto/archive_2017-05-01/?s_cid=standto.)