(Tustin, CA – August 28, 2023) – 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 Gulf Coast, the National Drowning Prevention Alliance (NDPA) reminds parents and families that storm fatalities are more likely from water not wind*, and to prepare accordingly.

While tropical storms and hurricanes are classified according to wind strength, adverse water-related conditions such as storm surge, rainfall flooding, rip currents, and high surf conditions account for the majority of fatalities resulting from such events. According to a study by NHC, an average of seven of eight fatalities from tropical cyclones in the U.S. between 1963 and 2012 were drowning and/or water related.

“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 when flash floods and other dangerous water conditions occur,” said Adam Katchmarchi, Ph.D., Executive Director, National Drowning Prevention Alliance. “For one, we know that drownings among small children can occur with just a few inches of standing water, so whether storm waters enter the home or flooding conditions are present nearby, parents need to be vigilant and take precautions.”

Specifically, Katchmarchi also warns that 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.

When it comes to water safety, more is better which is why NDPA advocates the Five Layers of Protection – barriers and alarms, water competency, supervision, life jackets, and emergency preparedness – all of which can be applied effectively as part of one’s overall hurricane preparedness practices.

In addition to the Five Layers of Protection to help prevent drowning, NDPA encourages those in tropical storm and hurricane-prone areas to follow NHC and NOAA 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.

*According to the National Hurricane Center (NHC)

About the National Drowning Prevention Alliance The mission of the National Drowning Prevention Alliance is “United, we can prevent the tragedy of drowning.” Through education, awareness, and advocacy, NDPA seeks to reduce the incidence of drowning and aquatic injuries in the United States and abroad and to address the single leading cause of death among children ages 1 to 4. To learn more, visit ndpa.org.

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