 Turn around. Don't drown. It's a simple message that might just save your life. Flash floodwaters can develop rapidly throughout the city. Their strength may wash out pavement from road waste, destroy bridges, and sweep vehicles and occupants into life-threatening situations. More than half of all flood-related drownings occur after a vehicle has been driven into hazardous floodwaters because the driver underestimated the power of moving water. Please do not attempt to drive through high water because even tall heavy pickups and SUVs can be swept off the road. It is illegal to drive around flood warning barricades or signage. You can be issued a ticket and charged with a misdemeanor violation. Don't put yourself in the city's first responders at risk. Remember, turn around. Don't drown. We utilize several tools for informing residents about high water situations. The first is the roadside high water warning flasher system, which relies on water level measurements at more than 50 hazardous roadway locations throughout the city. Roadside flashing beacons warn drivers about a flood hazard, encouraging them to turn around. When that water level reaches the point of overtopping the roadway, it sends a command onto the flashers to turn on to notify the general public that this roadway is flooded. We also use weather stations in the city and surrounding counties, which help us make informed decisions about severe weather that is approaching. The city's flood warning website provides residents with real-time flood data. A quick check will inform you about areas to avoid before you leave your home. To find immediate flood warning updates, visit fortworthtexas.gov slash flood warning. The Fort Worth Alerts Code Red Mobile app provides another way to be proactive. Sign up to receive text, email, and or voice emergency alerts at fortworthtexasalerts.gov and protect yourself from harmful flooding and other hazards. Contact our stormwater management staff for information on ways to protect your property from flooding. But don't wait for a rainy day to buy flood insurance. Contact your insurance agent for more information about protecting yourself financially from potential flooding to your property.