New Safety Campaign Advises: Turn Around Don't Drown

Allstate Foundation Grant Brings Award Winning Program to Nevada

LAS VEGAS (June 27, 2006) - Four simple words could be the key to saving lives and reducing property damage as the monsoon season peaks in Nevada this July. The Allstate Foundation is awarding $16,000 to the Federal Alliance of Safe Homes (FLASH, Inc.) to partner with the National Weather Service on an award-winning public safety campaign, "Turn Around Don't Drown," to warn residents and visitors in Nevada of the dangers of crossing floodwaters.

"The program uses a simple catch phrase to remind people that whether driving or walking, if you approach a flooded pathway and are in doubt, Turn Around Don't Drown," said Eric Cote, spokesperson for FLASH, Inc.

Floods are the most common and widespread of all weather-related natural disasters. And flash floods are the most dangerous kind of floods, because they combine the destructive power of a flood with incredible speed and unpredictability. Since Las Vegas receives an average of just under 4.5 inches of rain in a typical year, many people underestimate just how much of a problem floods can be in Nevada.

"The fact is, strong monsoon-driven thunderstorms, combined with the soil's inability to absorb the rainfall produces very dangerous floods," said Andy Bailey, warning coordination meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Nevada. "Just six inches of fast-moving floodwater can knock you off your feet, and two feet of water can sweep an SUV off the road. Most people do not realize these facts and often underestimate the force and power of water."

Climatic Data Center reports that in the last five years, the desert Southwest has experienced 525 flash floods, and in the last year alone, the National Weather Service offices in the region issued well over 300 flash flood warnings. Since 2000, flash floods have killed 29 people in the desert Southwest and caused an estimated $129 million in damages. In addition, emergency response squads have rescued several hundred more people from floodwaters during swift water rescues, certainly averting many more deaths while putting themselves in danger.

"The Allstate Foundation hopes that this campaign will educate people to act responsibly when they come upon flood waters, and not try to drive through them," said Machele Culp, Allstate Foundation spokesperson. "When people are armed with the facts, they will be better prepared to make safe decisions in dangerous situations."

Elements of the Turn Around Don't Drown campaign include:

• 30 second television public service announcements in English and Spanish to run for the month of July in Northern and Southern Nevada,
• 15 second radio spots in English and Spanish to run for the month of July in Northern and Southern Nevada,
• Pre-show movie theater ads to run for three weeks in two major theaters in Nevada starting July 14, and
• "Flash" Cards in English and Spanish with important flood safety information to be distributed by the National Weather Service.

The campaign advises people to follow these safety rules:

• If flooding occurs, get to higher ground. Stay away from flood-prone areas, including dips, low spots, valleys, ditches, washes, etc.
• Avoid flooded areas or those with rapid water flow. Do not attempt to cross a flowing stream. It takes only six inches of fast flowing water to sweep you off your feet.
• Do not allow children to play near high water, storm drains or ditches. Hidden dangers could lie beneath the water.
• Flooded roads could have significant damage hidden by floodwaters. NEVER drive through floodwaters or on flooded roads. If your vehicle stalls, leave it immediately and seek higher ground. Water only two feet deep can float away most automobiles.
• Do not camp or park your vehicle along streams and washes, particularly when threatening conditions exist.
• Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize flood dangers.
• Monitor NOAA Weather Radio or your local media for vital weather related information.

FLASH, Inc.
The Federal Alliance for Safe Homes - FLASH®, Inc., is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization of government agencies, professional associations, and private industry committed to strengthening homes and safeguarding families from disaster.  Based in Tallahassee, Fla., FLASH is the nation's fastest-growing disaster preparedness organization with more than 75 partners from academic, government, leadership, nonprofit, private and public sector organizations.  To learn more about FLASH and access free homeowner and homebuilder resources, visit www.flash.org or call toll free (877) 221-SAFE (7233).

The Allstate Foundation
The Allstate Foundation is an independent, charitable organization made possible by the Allstate Corporation. Allstate and The Allstate Foundation sponsor community initiatives to promote "safe and vital communities"; "tolerance, inclusion, and diversity"; and "economic empowerment".  The Allstate Foundation believes in the financial potential of every individual and in helping America's families achieve their American dream.