Being trapped in water is one of the most dangerous and terrifying emergency situations. In the U.S., there are about 200 flooding-related deaths every year, half of which are vehicle-related. While flooding is inevitable, drowning in a vehicle-related tragedy doesn’t have to be. Here are some tips that could save your life during a flooding emergency.
Be Proactive
The best way to avoid drowning in a flooded vehicle is to never put yourself in a dangerous situation. Be smart, cautious, and always respect emergency warnings. Follow these steps:
- Evacuate areas when advised: Once the waters have started rising, it's dangerous to wait. Always have an emergency pack ready to grab so you can leave quickly when told to evacuate.
- Respect low water crossing signs: Many areas have warning signs and even depth markers to show how deep the water is. Never attempt to cross rushing waters. It only takes about 8-10 inches of water to sweep your car away.
- Don’t trust your car’s tires: Whether you have all-weather or oversized tires, they won’t help you in deep water. Tires can’t grip water, and your car will float away as it fills with water.
- Stay away from rivers, creeks, and swollen waterways: Roads near bodies of water can quickly become submerged or washed away, making them treacherous. Always avoid these areas during heavy rains.
Did you know that Arizona has a "Stupid Motorist Law" that can make drivers liable for up to $2000 for rescues if they ignore water crossing warnings? This, in addition to raised insurance premiums, might make you think twice about crossing dangerous waters.
If You Do Get Caught
If, despite your precautions, you find yourself caught in a perilous water emergency, here’s what you need to do:
1. Open Your Window
Once water begins flooding your car, the pressure will make it nearly impossible to open the door. Before the water rises too high, open your window to release the pressure. If you can’t open the window, have a tool like this window breaker tool to break it open. If you don’t have a tool, pull the headrest out and use the metal rods to attempt to break the window.
2. Get Out Quickly
Do not waste time searching for personal items. Your car will fill with water quickly, and it will become dark and dangerous. If you have kids in the car, roll down the window and get them out as fast as you can. Make sure to hold onto each child as you help them escape.
3. Get On Top of the Car
The safest place to be when your car is filling with water is on top of it. Although it can be challenging to get on top through a broken window, it is the best option to stay out of the water and avoid debris. Once you’re on top, try to balance your weight to keep the car stable. Wait for rescue, and if possible, try to signal for help.
Tools to Keep in Your Car
If your car is flooding, you won’t have much time to search for your emergency supplies. It’s essential to keep the right tools easily accessible. Some key items to have include:
- Window Breaker - A tool with a flashlight, seatbelt cutter, and window breaker is invaluable in a flood emergency. It can help you escape and rescue others in the dark, fast-moving water.
- Paracord - A rope, like paracord, can be used to tether yourself to a stable object. Keeping it attached to your window breaker tool ensures that you can access it quickly when needed.
For a more detailed video tutorial on how to escape from a car during a flash flood, check out this video.
