What should I do?
First of all, try to avoid flooded areas. If you see water on the road, turn around. It may be a lot deeper than it seems. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, most flood deaths occur when vehicles enter floodwaters. Flash floods are considered the most dangerous type of flooding because of their speed and destructive power. They can occur without warning, within minutes of rain.
Densely populated areas are at higher risk for flash flooding because buildings, driveways, roads, and parking lots can cause water runoff. When storm drains or sewers become overloaded or blocked, surrounding roads become flooded.
Even 15cm of water can make it possible to lose control of your car. Higher water levels are even more dangerous, because your tires can act as floats in shallow water. 60cm of water is deep enough to float a 1,360kg car. (The 2024 Honda Civic Sedan weighs less than 3,000 pounds.)
If your car is caught in a flood, here are some tips from the San Antonio Fire Department:
- Leave your car immediately and head for higher ground.
- If your car is swept away and submerged, don’t panic. Stay calm and wait for the water to fill your car. Once the car is full, you can open the door. (For the door to open, the water pressure outside and inside the car must be equal.) Hold your breath and swim to the surface.
- If you find yourself in fast-flowing floodwaters without a car, point your feet downstream. Always try to swim over obstacles, such as submerged tree branches, rather than under them. 4. If you are stuck on an object above flood waters. If you hit a building or tree, stay where you are and wait for rescue. Do not enter flood waters.
- If help arrives, remain calm and follow the instructions of the rescue team.