Navigating Floodwaters When There Are No Other Options

9/9/2019 (Permalink)

What To Do If You Find Yourself Driving In A Flooded Street?

Floods are the most common calamity associated with weather, and you're likely to experience some degree of flooding sooner or later. Inclement weather is always inconvenient, but when drainage systems back up, things can start looking ominous. What if you find yourself in a flooded street after the water has started to rise? Driving on flooded roads is highly discouraged, but if you absolutely must, keep these travel tips in mind:

1. Proceed With Extreme Caution

Turn your hazard lights on and start driving very slowly. Try to gauge the depth of the water by viewing fire hydrants or other cars. If it looks like there are at least six inches, turn around. If you don’t, your engine could stall or sustain permanent damage. Twelve inches of water can set your car afloat.

2. Watch Out for Hazards

Debris in the water can carry an electrical charge if there are downed power lines in the vicinity. Stay in your car and get to high ground as soon as possible. You may also encounter fallen trees or branches. Avoid fast-moving water; it’s imperative that you do so to avoid being swept away.

3. Monitor Other Vehicles

Follow other vehicles from a distance to see how they’re navigating the flooded street. If you see the tailpipe of another car get submerged, it’s time to turn around; your car has a good chance of stalling soon.

4. Drive Slowly and Steadily

Drive only in first gear. Don’t stop unless absolutely necessary. The faster you drive, the greater the chance water has of getting into the undercarriage. If the car stalls, do not restart the engine or it will suck up more water. Driving over three or four miles an hour can cause a large splash that can block the view of other drivers.
Exercise extreme caution if you have to be out on a flooded street. The best advice is to wait it out to remain absolutely safe and protect your vehicle. If your home in Corbett, OK, sustains flood damage, you can hire flood damage restoration professionals to get things back to normal as soon as possible.