NDPA Highlights Drowning Risk During Hurricanes and Tropical Storms
As a state of emergency is declared for 33 Florida counties ahead of Tropical Storm Idalia, which is expected to become a hurricane before making landfall sometime Wednesday along Florida’s coast, the National Drowning Prevention Alliance (NDPA) reminds parents and families that storm fatalities are more likely from water, not wind.
An average of seven of eight fatalities from tropical cyclones in the U.S. between 1963 and 2012 were drowning and/or water-related, according to a National Hurricane Center study.
“Applying the same drowning prevention strategies practiced in the home and when recreating around pools and open bodies of water to storm preparedness can be equally helpful in preventing a drowning incident during a tropical storm or hurricane,” says Adam Katchmarchi, executive director of the alliance.
Specifically, Katchmarchi warns filling bathtubs with water — often recommended ahead of storms and hurricanes in the event of post-storm water shortages — can become an increased drowning risk for children inside the home.
In addition to the five layers of protection to help prevent drowning, the alliance encourages those in tropical storm and hurricane-prone areas to follow National Hurricane Center and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration hurricane preparedness guidelines including:
- Determining if you live in a flood-prone area and/or in an evacuation zone
- Shoring up vulnerable areas of your home where water and wind can enter such as basements, windows and roofs
- Avoiding floodwaters and areas with downed powerlines following a storm
For additional hurricane preparedness recommendations, visit NOAA.gov.
