How to Survive a Flash Flood
Flooding may not look so threatening on TV, especially if you are an experienced swimmer. But flash floods like the one that recently hit the Midwest are actually incredibly dangerous and can happen with little or no warning. Here’s what you need to do if you or your car are swept away by raging water.
Awareness and prevention will always be your best chance for survival. Flash floods can occur without clear visual cues such as clouds or heavy rain, so sign up for local weather alerts and be sure to check local forecasts if the weather gets a little questionable. “Watching” for flooding means that flooding is possible in your area. A flood warning means the flood is already in progress and you must be prepared to evacuate if something goes wrong. It also helps you know what places in your area are most likely to be flooded. Look out for canyons, drainage channels, riverbeds, and other low spots. Flood insurance is also a good idea if you live in areas prone to flash floods. Just make sure you get it sooner rather than later, as the flood insurance will kick in within 30 days.
How to survive on foot
As soon as you receive news of a flash flood, immediately head to the higher ground and remain in place until help arrives. If you see flooding, follow NOAA’s advice and turn around, don’t drown. This means that any moving water should be avoided, even if it appears to be very shallow. Just six inches of moving water can knock you off your feet and knock you down . You can hit your head, break a bone, or worse, fall into deeper, faster-moving water. Anything deeper than the ankles is bad news, especially at night when they are much more difficult to see.
If you have no choice but to walk on the water, go where the water is shallow and still, then use a sturdy stick to check the depth as you walk and the firmness of the ground below it. Dirt and other slippery surfaces can also tip you over easily. If you have children with you, always carry them with you and, if possible, keep them away from water. When climbing an elevated position, do not touch or approach electrical equipment, as you are likely to be wet or standing in the water. And if the floods have reached your home, don’t use your home’s electricity .
If a flood sweeps you away, Desmond Johnson of the Utah Fire Department’s Water Rapid Rescue Team invites you to grapple or climb onto something as soon as you can. When moving in the water, swim backwards on your back so that you can push off any large debris flowing down the water towards you, and always overcome obstacles, not under them. Once you have a good grip on something, keep your feet downstream, then scream loudly for help and wave your hand if possible. Johnson says it is difficult for rescuers to locate people trapped in the water, so anything you can do to make yourself more visible is a big help. Don’t give up – keep screaming and waving your arms until rescued.
How to survive in a car
Driving can also be incredibly dangerous during flash floods. FEMA guidelines suggest that as little as six inches of water can cause you to lose control and possibly stall your vehicle, a foot of water can actually hold many vehicles, and two feet of rushing water is enough to blow off SUVs and pickup trucks. Not to mention, aquaplaning can only take a quarter of an inch of water if you’re driving fast enough. Slow down and keep your eyes on it.
If it is not clear yet, never try to cross the water in your vehicle. It won’t go well. In addition, you cannot accurately determine the depth of water from the inside of your vehicle, and you can drive right into a funnel. Turn around and find another route. A large proportion of the roughly 80 flood deaths that occur each year are caused by poor vehicle decisions.
If water suddenly hits your car and you don’t have time to escape, you need to get out as quickly as possible. If you get stuck and the water rises, unfasten your seat belt, lower the windows, break them with a special tool, or push them out so that water can flow freely into the car . If you don’t, you won’t be able to open your doors because it will put almost 2,000 pounds of pressure on it. Once the water enters and the pressure on both sides is equalized – which takes less than a minute – you can open the car doors or swim out of the window opening. Leave the car and go up a hill following the walking rules described above.
How to stay safe after the flood
Flood environments can be hazardous even after rain and pouring water ends. Don’t go home until the authorities say it’s safe, and listen to the news to make sure the local water supply is safe to drink. Also, stay away from any remaining flooding pools and continue to avoid moving water. It can be contaminated with all sorts of annoyances like oil, gasoline and sewage, and it can even be electrically charged from broken power lines.
On your way home, watch out for areas clearly affected by flooding. Loose roads, bridges, and other routes can be dangerous to travel. Take the safest route. If your house is surrounded by flood waters, don’t go inside. It’s too dangerous. Water can be electrically charged and the building can be structurally unsafe. Even if your home was only slightly flooded during a storm, take extra care when using electricity in your home . Finally, remember to clean and disinfect anything that gets wet or dirty during the flood to avoid further contamination or health hazards.