def switch_string_to_numeric(argument):
    """
    Switch status string to numeric status (FLAT - POOR: 0, POOR - POOR TO FAIR = 1, FAIR TO GOOD - EPIC = 2)
    """

    switcher = {
        "FLAT": 0,
        "VERY POOR": 0,
        "POOR": 0,
        "POOR TO FAIR":1,
        "FAIR":1,
        "FAIR TO GOOD":2,
        "GOOD":2,
        "VERY GOOD":2,
        "GOOD TO EPIC":2,
        "EPIC":2
    }

    # get() method of dictionary data type returns
    # value of passed argument if it is present
    # in dictionary otherwise second argument will
    # be assigned as default value of passed argument
    return switcher.get(argument, "nothing")