Sensible And Useful Safety Tips When Dealing With Flash Flooding

Sensible And Useful Safety Tips When Dealing With Flash Flooding

Flash flooding can occur at any time and any place and under any conditions. With that said, knowing in advance a few sensible and useful safety tips can go a long way in helping drivers and those on foot to better deal with flash flooding. For example, an obvious and sometimes overlooked strategy is to simply always carry a cell phone and a charger as a way to have the ability to call for help if necessary.

Rapidly Moving Water

Barricades are designed to prevent cars from entering a water crossing area. Rapidly moving water can quickly sweep away a vehicle and its occupants. This has resulted in severe injury and loss of life on more than one occasion. Drivers should be especially cautious during the early morning hours and dusk when it is more difficult to see rapidly moving water. One of the easiest ways to maintain better control during a flash flood situation is to simply reduce your vehicle speed. This affords better control and the ability to see more options with regard to avoiding rapidly moving water.

Call 911

Drivers should always remember when passing through water, brake effectiveness is greatly reduced. Those who ultimately end up in water that is rising around their vehicle should call 911 or the police immediately. Waiting for help and being cautious of rapidly moving waters is usually the best strategy. In fact, one of the best strategies is to simply climb out of the car, roll up the windows and sit on top of the car.

Road Erosion

Another important concern with regard to staying safe when flash flooding occurs is to be aware and cognizant of the possibility of road erosion. In fact, anytime there is standing water or running water on a road surface there is always the potential for erosion. Another sobering fact is it only takes a few inches of water to reach the bottom of most car doors. In addition, many vehicles will actually begin the float when as little as 12 inches of water is present. In short, the best strategy when becoming stranded in water is to get everyone out of the vehicle and onto the roof of the car as quickly as possible. Contact Hastings & Hastings for Phoenix personal injury legal assistance if you have been injured through no fault of your own.