The City of Arlington Public Works recently unveiled the roster of pint-sized Picassos who've snagged the top spots in 2024 Turn Around Don't Drown Art Contest, a creative surge amongst elementary school students raising awareness on the hazards that come when floodwaters rise and roads submerge, according to the City of Arlington, Texas.
Stealing the show this year was none other than Ally Pimentel, who claimed the Grand Prize, while Taylor Escort, Sofia McDowell, and Samuel Gomez etched their names in the 5th, 4th, and 3rd-grade winner spots respectively, students and families alike along with their educators are urging the community to take a beat to talk through what safety looks like when a flood's knocking on the doorstep, perhaps over a family dinner or water cooler chat at work, because knowing what to do when Mother Nature flexes her might contribute to less worry and a clearer mind when dark clouds gather.
Beyond the plea for preparedness conversations, the Public Works Department set forth guidance to shield oneself when waters get wild: keep out of flooded pathways, whether on foot, tires, or pedals, never attempt to outmaneuver a barricade, steer clear of restless powerlines, hold back from swollen riverbanks, and give a wide berth to wildlife scampering from the rising tide.
For those looking to plug any gaps in their flood readiness routines, the city suggests visiting their flood safety page or the FloodSmart website for a treasure trove of tips that aim to keep loved ones snug and properties out of harm's way. This call to action is not just about having a practical three-day emergency stockpile at the ready or a snug first aid setup within reach, but about knitting together a robust communication network and pinpointing a rendezvous spot out of danger's path, because as the old saying goes—better safe than sorry, especially when the currents are conspiring against you.
