Charlotte's Flood Safety Coach

Meet Pam. She’s a driving instructor, but her true calling is advocating for flood safety in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg area. Is she passionate? Absolutely. Is she qualified? Not… exactly. But that won’t stop her. She’s here to save lives and educate drivers about the dangers of flood waters. Learn more about Pam and her main message below: Turn around, don’t drown!

Transcription: Meet Our Flood Safety Hero, Pam

(Trailer-style narration begins)

Narrator: "In a world where flooding can strike at any moment, one woman stands between safety and disaster. She is... Pam."

Pam: "How ya doin'?"

Narrator: "By day, she’s a dedicated driving instructor. But her true calling is fighting for flood safety. She won’t rest until every Charlotte resident is educated on Flood Safety. Coming soon to a flood risk near you!"

      

Pam Knows Best: Tips for Staying Safe

Green Check Mark Turn Around, Don’t Drown! Never drive through flood waters, you never know what is underneath!
Green Check Mark Get familiar with the types of flood risk in your area. Remember, flooding can happen anywhere, even outside of a floodplain.
Green Check Mark If told to evacuate, don’t waste any time! Never drive around barricades.
Green Check Mark Sign up for CharMeck Alerts to receive timely and accurate emergency information, including updates on flooding.


Take It From Pam

   

Transcription: Learn Pam's Flood Safety Catch Phrases-and How to Stay Safe!

Pam: "As a driving instructor, I think 'Turn around, don’t drown' is pretty simple to remember. But I always like to put my spin on things. It’s a sedan, not a submarine. Thinkers aren’t sinkers. If you proceed, you’re seaweed.’"

     

Transcription: Turn Around With Flood Safety Coach Pam

Pam, the driving instructor: "Uh-oh, what’s up there on the road ahead? Looks like the road is flooded! What are you gonna do, Stacy?"

Stacy, the student: "Turn around."

Pam: "Yes! You’re gonna turn around! Turn around, don’t drown—that’s right! And here we go: three-point turn, four-point turn, five-point turn... Lucky 21... 68-point turn— I don’t think that’s ever been recorded! You’re doing the right thing. Turn around—you don’t want to drown!"

     		     

Transcription: Drive the Flood Safety Obstacle Course with Pam

Pam, the driving instructor: "All right, these cones represent floodwaters—the road is flooded. What are you gonna do, Neal?"

Neal, the student: "I guess… drive through it?"

Pam: (Blows whistle) "Wrong, Neal! You don’t know what’s under that water. What’s this? A downed power line." (Makes electricity noise) "Over here? A down tree limb. A giant hole. Glug, glug—you’re drowning, Neal! You’re drowning! Let’s turn it around. Try again."

        


If You Proceed, You Are Seaweed

Keep these handy flood facts in your back pocket to stay extra safe!

  • A mere 6 inches of fast-moving water can knock over an adult. It takes just 12 inches of rushing water to carry away most cars and just 24 inches of rushing water can carry away SUVs and trucks.
  • Mecklenburg County is very prone to flash flooding. Annually, Charlotte gets more rain than Seattle, in fewer rainy days. More rain in less time means a greater chance of flash flooding.
  • Flash flooding is the #1 natural hazard in Mecklenburg County, both in terms of frequency and in terms of damage to property.

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