As the name states, flash floods can overwhelm you in seconds, with no time to escape. Learn more about how to avoid them as much as possible and what to do when you are experiencing a flash flood.1
Prevention Is Better Than Cure
Avoid flash floods as much as possible by listening to weather reports and staying on high ground. Check your route app to see if you should take another road. Get to know where the flash flood hot spots are in your city; a good example of this are low-lying bridges. 1
What To Do If Trapped In Shallow Water
Avoid walking in moving water unless it is very shallow, because just 16 cm of moving water can sweep you off your feet. Remember to switch off your car’s engine as quickly as possible and do not try to continue to drive through the water. If your car is stationary in traffic and still in shallow water, don’t stay inside before it becomes submerged. Get out immediately and move to higher ground. If you find yourself above the flood water and stuck on top of a building, for example, don’t leave your spot but wait for rescue to come. 1
Preparing To Get Out of A Submerged Car
Although not easy to do, you need to stay calm. As soon as you land in the water, open all the windows and then switch of your engine. Unbuckle your safety belt and those of your children, beginning with the eldest first. If necessary, break the window with some solid object lying around, and be careful of any broken glass. 1
Getting Out Of A Submerged Car
Breathe normally until the water reaches chest level. Then take a deep breath, and swim through the open window towards the surface. If the way up is unclear, look for any light and go in that direction. Another option is to follow the way bubbles are ascending. 1
When You Reach The Water Surface
If after leaving your car you find yourself in rapidly moving floodwater, point your feet downstream to avoid hurting your head against any heavy object. Remember to always float over any obstacle and not go under it. 1
Disclaimer
This article’s aim is to show you how to get out of your car in a flash flood. 1
When in a flash flood, don’t try to save your car while putting your life in danger. You can always get another car, but not another you. Should you lose your car, are you sure it is adequately insured? At PMD, experience our world-class client service while we inform you about our affordable car insurance products. They have unique benefits, such as fixed premiums* and a reduce-to-zero excess*. T’s and C’s apply.
If you are considering buying a financial services product, consult a certified financial advisor for professional advice.
Source:
1https://www.enca.com/south-africa/what-to-do-if-your-car-is-caught-in-a-flash-flood
This article was prepared by Eric Sandmann in his personal capacity. The views and opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own. The views and opinions in the article should not be attributed to anyone but the author unless expressly stated. Nothing in this article should be relied upon as advice, this publication is presented for informational purposes only. No person should act or refrain from acting in reliance on any information found in this article, without first obtaining proper financial advice from the appropriate professional. The author makes no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, or completeness, of any information linked from, referred to, or contained in this article. The author reserves the right, to edit and change the content of this article.