The short answer
Why It Matters
Flooded roads are dangerous because you cannot tell how deep the water is or what lies beneath the surface. A road may look passable, but a few inches of moving water can push a car off the pavement. Even large trucks and SUVs can lose control in shallow floodwater.
The slogan is a simple rule: if you see water covering the road, turn around and find another route. It is not about inconvenience; it is about survival. Many flood deaths each year happen inside vehicles, and most of those deaths could be prevented by turning around.
How Floodwater Behaves
Water is heavy and powerful. A cubic foot of water weighs about 62 pounds, and moving water adds force. Just six inches of fast-moving water can knock a person off their feet, and twelve inches can float a small car. Two feet of water can carry away most vehicles.
Floodwater often hides debris like tree branches, rocks, or even open manhole covers. It can also be contaminated with sewage, chemicals, or fuel. That is why walking or driving through it is risky, and why the pros treat flood cleanup as a safety hazard.
- Six inches of moving water can knock you down
- One foot of water can float a small car
- Two feet of water can sweep away most vehicles
- Floodwater can hide sharp debris and open drains
- Water depth is impossible to judge from inside a car
What to Do When You See Water
If you approach a flooded roadway, stop before the water line. Do not try to drive through, even if other cars are doing it. Turn around and take a different route. If you are walking, do not cross a flooded street or path, especially at night when depth is harder to judge.
If your car stalls in rising water, get out quickly and move to higher ground. Call for help if you can, but do not stay in the vehicle. Your safety matters more than your car. During storm season, heavy rain can come fast, so always be alert to flood risks.
Flood Safety at Home
Flooding can affect your home, not just roads. Water can seep through doors, windows, or foundation cracks. If water enters your living space, turn off electricity at the breaker if it is safe to do so, and avoid touching wet electrical panels or appliances.
After a flood, do not walk through standing water inside your home because it may be electrically charged or contaminated. Document the damage with photos for your insurance records. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered. Seek help from local water damage pros if the water level is significant.
- Turn off electricity only if it is safe
- Avoid standing water inside the home
- Take photos of damage before cleanup
- Move valuables to higher floors if possible
- Check your policy for flood coverage details
When to Call the Pros
Floodwater that enters your home can soak drywall, flooring, and insulation. Without proper drying, mold can start growing within a day or two. The pros use specialized equipment to extract water and dry affected areas thoroughly, reducing the risk of long-term damage.
If the flooding is minor, you might handle it yourself with a wet vacuum and fans. But if water has soaked carpets, drywall, or electrical systems, professional help is often needed. For help with cleanup, look into flood damage cleanup services or water damage inspection to assess the extent.
Water damage does not wait
Call (305) 614-9705 any time, day or night, and describe what happened.
Call Now (305) 614-9705Frequently asked questions
What does Turn Around Don't Drown mean?
It is a safety campaign that tells drivers not to drive through flooded roads. The message is simple: if water covers the road, turn around. It is based on the fact that many flood deaths occur in vehicles.
How much water does it take to float a car?
About one foot of moving water can float a small car, and two feet can carry away most vehicles. Even six inches can cause a driver to lose control. The depth is often deceptive, so it is safer to avoid flooded roads entirely.
What should I do if my car gets stuck in floodwater?
Get out of the car as quickly as possible and move to higher ground. Do not wait to see if the water will rise. Call for help once you are safe. Your life is more important than the vehicle.