What to do if the water begins to rise?
According to him American Safety Council the best way to avoid this emergency is to remain informed about the weather forecast and affected areas. But if you are already caught in the midst of a flood, follow these tips:
Avoid crossing large puddles or areas with accumulated water. Only 15 centimeters of water can stop most cars and make you lose control. With 60 centimeters, the current can drag the vehicle out of the road.
Stay attentive to the radio to know the most affected areas. If the water continues to rise, leave the car and look for a high ground walking, without approaching fallen electrical cables, because the water can become deadly in those cases. When leaving, do not walk in water with strong current, since 15 centimeters can tear you down.
(Henry Romero/Reuters)
If you are caught inside the car
Keep calm and do not try to open the door if the water is already up to it, because it will be impossible by the force and weight of water abroad.
Do not use the cell phone to call 911; That time must be to escape and every second is important in extreme situations.
Unbuttoned the safety belt and help children or companions to do the same so that everyone can leave.
Next step, lower the window, which is the best escape point, and nothing with the current to a safe place. Do not hold on to the car; It could be dangerous.
If you can’t open the window
Break the glass with a sharp object or kick near the hinges. Do not try to break the windshield, since it is almost impossible due to its high resistance.
You can also try to disassemble the seat support, which has two solid iron bars that you can use to try to break the window.
Keep in mind that it is not a simple task, so you must use all your strength and keep calm if you fail to break the glass in the first attempts.
If you can’t go out the window
If you fail to leave and the car is already completely covered by the water, unlock the doors and wait for the pressure inside and outside the vehicle to be able to open them and swim towards the surface.
You must keep your breath for several seconds and keep calm; Then prepare to drive and go through the doors.
If you travel with someone, wait for that person to leave before trying to do it. This is the last option and you should avoid reaching this point, because the risk of dying is high.
Being prepared and knowing these steps can make the difference between life and death in unexpected flood.
(Henry Romero/Reuters)
Don’t worry about the car
Stay alert and do not put your safety at risk for trying to save a material good. In emergency situations as a sudden flood, it is common for instinct to lead us to want to protect what we have at hand: the vehicle, belongings or even important documents. However, none of these things justify risking one’s life or that of those who accompany you.
Material objects can be recovered or replaced with time and resources, but life is irreplaceable. Driving in flooded areas or trying to rescue a car trapped in water can lead to situations that escape our control, putting physical integrity and, in the worst case, life.
Therefore, it is essential to adopt a preventive mentality: it always prioritizes personal security and that of your companions. If the current begins to rise or notes that the vehicle is trapped, the best decision is to leave the car and look for a safe place, even if that implies losing the car.
