Beverly Kearney's life is all about speed and winning. She's the legendary head coach of the University of Texas women's track and field team. Under her leadership, the Longhorns have claimed six national 
As soon as her mother's car pulled away, Cathy Harper Lee always counted the blades of grass on the lawn. She hoped to reach a high number. That meant a few moments alone before her step-father ordered her inside. 
March 2, 2010
Jean-Francois Dikczyk and his family lived through moments of terror last Sunday when hurricane-force winds and heavy rain that lashed western Europe caused severe flooding in the French town of Yves. The man's 83-year-old mother nearly died when water rushed through the bay windows of their house and swept her bed off the floor.
Fortunately, Dikczyk - who is a retiree himself - and his son managed to get the elderly lady upstairs just in time to prevent her from drowning, according to News24.com.
When they found her, "her mattress was floating… it was really catastrophic," he said, quoted by Agence France Presse.
According to the latest media reports, the winter storm named Xynthia caused wind damage and flooding along the Atlantic coast of Europe, killing more than 60 people from Portugal to Britain.
In the U.S., floods kill an average of 140 people each year, and safety experts recommend taking precautionary measures, such as moving to higher ground, when a food warning is issued.
Those surprised by a flood on the road should get out of the car before the doors become stuck, unless the vehicle is in moving water and it is impossible to gauge its depth. In that case, the person should wait for help.
Individuals who become swept by a torrent should refrain from swimming against it. It is also important to try to keep the head and feet above water since it may carry sharp debris with it.
The website of the Federal Emergency Management Agency contains valuable resources for those who would like to learn more about flood preparedness and survival.
