What To Do If Caught In A Flood While Driving

If you are caught in a flood while driving, your safety depends on acting quickly and decisively.

Here’s what to do:

Before Water Entering the Vehicle

1. Stay Calm and Assess:
   If the water is shallow and not moving rapidly, proceed cautiously.
   If the water is rising or flowing quickly, stop and turn around if possible.
2. Avoid Driving Through Water:
   As little as 6 inches of water can cause loss of control, and 12 inches can float most cars.
   Do not underestimate the power of moving water.

If the Water Begins to Rise Around You

1. Abandon the Vehicle:
   If water levels rise and the car becomes immobile, exit the vehicle immediately.
   Cars can be swept away or submerged in seconds
2. Move to Higher Ground:
   Seek the highest point nearby, whether on foot or by climbing onto the car’s roof if necessary.

If Trapped in the Car

1. Roll Down Windows Quickly:
   Open the windows before the water rises too high. This provides an escape route.  
   Electric windows may fail once water damages the electrical system.
2. Unlock Doors:
   As water pressure builds, doors may become hard to open.
   Try opening them early if possible.
3. Escape Before the Car Submerges:
   If the water is entering the car rapidly, exit through a window or door.

If the Car is Submerged

1. Stay Calm:
   Take a deep breath before the car fills with water.
2. Wait for Equal Pressure:
   If the doors won’t open, wait until the car fills with water to equalize the pressure, then push the door open or break a window to escape.
3. Break a Window:
   Use a window-breaking tool if necessary. Aim for the corners of the glass, where it is weakest.

After Escaping

1. Avoid Swift Water:
   Do not attempt to walk or swim through fast-moving water.
2. Get to High Ground:
   Find a safe, elevated location and call for help.
3. Seek Medical Attention:
   If you’ve been in cold water or injured, seek medical care immediately.

Emergency Kit

Always carry an emergency kit in your car, including a window-breaking tool, seatbelt cutter, flashlight, and first-aid supplies.

Being prepared and acting quickly can save your life in a flood.

Article brought to you by:-

Franco Valori
Hermanos Chorro
Insurance Brokers
Nº Reg. Correduría: VS-98-0130
Telf. +34 670 745 330
Web: www.hermanoschorro.com.