Quick Answer
If you're caught in a vehicle during flooding, stay calm and follow these steps to increase your chances of survival.
Assess the Situation
If caught in a vehicle during a flash flood, assess the situation quickly. Check the water level and speed of the current. If the water is rising rapidly or above the dashboard, abandon the vehicle immediately. If the water is below the dashboard but rising, look for a safe place to exit the vehicle.
Evacuating the Vehicle
To evacuate safely:
- Unlock the doors and exit the vehicle with your feet shoulder-width apart.
- If the current is strong, use a life jacket or a flotation device if available.
- Swim parallel to the current to avoid being swept away.
- If unable to swim, grab onto a stationary object or swim to a nearby island or a higher elevation.
Staying Safe After Evacuation
After evacuating the vehicle, find a safe location to wait out the flood. Avoid swimming in moving water, as it can be deadly. Stay away from electrical outlets, downed power lines, and flooded buildings. If you are in a life-threatening situation, call for help and stay on the phone with the emergency operator until help arrives.
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