Turn Around, Don't Drown Signs Made by Local Public Works Department

By Jerry Orchanian, WCM, NWS Nashville, TN

One way county an emergency managers has been able to acquire Turn Around Don't Drown s signs for low lying and flood-prone areas in their county is to apply for a $1000 grant from Allstate Insurance. For example, this was done with the help of Tim Troutman, WCM, NWS Huntsville , AL, and EMA Director Mike Hall in Lincoln County, TN. When made by a private company, the approximate cost for each of the 30 signs they obtained was about $33.

Scott Harris, Acting Deputy Director of Davidson County, TN, Office of Emergency Management, came up with another approach. He arranged for the Public Works Department (PWD), under the TN State Highway Department, to make around 40 of the signs, and to also pick up the cost. Also of note is that the signs made by the PWD are highly reflective, more so than the original signs.

It would be a good idea for emergency managers to check with their local Public Works Department to see if this can be done in their area.