Never Drive Through Moving Water

Floods can strike at anytime without warning. Flash floods rank as the primary killer in weather related accidents. Take these basic steps to remain safe.

• Emergency services may put up barricades. Do NOT ignore them and drive past.
• If possible, avoid driving through roads with standing water. Four inches of moving water is enough to sweep a car away.
• If you are forced (once again DO NOT ENTER MOVING WATER if do not have to) to drive through moving water take the following precautions.
• Try your best to estimate the depth of water by observing other cars.
• Drive at a slow but steady pace through the water.
• If you see snapped electrical lines dangling in the water, it is best to abandon the effort.
• Keep a sharp lookout for floating objects crossing your path. They could knock your car off the road and/or seriously injure you.
• Test your brakes when you hit a dry patch.
• Do not use your telephone except in an emergency.
• If your car stalls, try to restart engine. If this fails and water level is rising, abandon car and move to higher ground. In case you cannot open door dial 911.

Be safe by taking sensible precautions. Listen to alerts from the weather service. It is a lifeline.