For Immediate Release
March 11, 2013
‘Turn Around, Don’t Drown’ isn’t only for motorists
Charlotte, NC – Most of Charlotte’s flood deaths in the past 20 years were people on foot. Just how
dangerous is walking in or near floodwater?
See for yourself when local emergency crews enact a flood rescue:
Friday, March 15, 2013 at 9:30 a.m.
U.S National Whitewater Center
5000 Whitewater Center Parkway, Charlotte, NC 28214
The Charlotte Fire Department’s swift water rescue team is called into action in nearly every major local
flood. Sometimes the rescues involved pedestrians. Other rescues involve drivers who misjudge how
deep floodwater is on streets or underestimate how fast that water is flowing. During a thunderstorm
and flash floods in Charlotte in August 2011, there were more than 80 emergency calls due to flooding.
Flooding causes more deaths and more damage in Charlotte than any other type of natural disaster.
Residents will learn more about how to protect their lives and property from flooding during National
Flood Safety Awareness Week which runs March 18 to 22, 2013.
The Charlotte Fire Department, Charlotte-Mecklenburg
Emergency Management and Charlotte-Mecklenburg
Storm Water Services are promoting their Build an
“A.R.K.” flood safety campaign. The “A.R.K.” stand for
flood Awareness, Responsibility and Knowledge.
Awareness includes paying attention to flood watches and warnings. Be aware that Charlotte is prone to
flash flooding because of our rainfall patterns and lay of the land.
Responsibility includes not driving or walking through floodwater, and putting together an emergency
kit with canned food, bottled water and a flashlight.
Knowledge means understanding the importance of buying flood insurance. It also includes knowing
that flooding happens outside of mapped flood hazard areas.
Media Contact: Sharon Foote Office: 704-336-3735 Cell: 980-721-8259 sharon.foote@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov