How to Survive Flash Floods in Your Car

Roller coasters and ferris wheels sticking out of muddy flood waters-the images from Six Flags Over Georgia seem like they belong in a disaster movie, but the scene is very real for the people of the Southeast.  (source Amanda Pendolino)

It’s all because more than 20 inches of rain has fallen over the past week in parts of north Georgia, which has set off intense floods.  The flooding has killed at least seven people, torn apart homes and made roads completely impassable. 

The death toll just now climbed to seven when rescuers found a victim of flooding in Chattooga County. 
Two teen-age boys waded into the water Monday afternoon to help someone they believed was trapped in a Jeep.  Both boys were swept away but one of them was rescued quickly.  Volunteers and Chattooga County emergency officials searched overnight before finding the body of the second teen.

It’s all so sad and unfortunate, but some of these deaths could have been avoided. 

Almost half of all flash flood deaths happen in vehicles.  It’s important to know how to avoid flash floods and what to do if you are caught in a flash flood.

Here’s what to do…
1.  Never drive through a flooded road or bridge.  Back up and try a different route.

2.  Stay on high ground.

3.  Listen to the radio for weather information.  Take routes that avoid flooded areas.

4.  Do NOT stay in a flooded car.  If your vehicle is surrounded by floodwater, abandon the vehicle and move immediately to higher ground. 

5.  If your car is swept into the water and submerged, DON’T PANIC!  Stay calm and wait for the vehicle to fill with water.  Once the vehicle is full, the doors will open.  Hold your breath and swim to the surface.

6.  If you are swept into fast moving floodwater outside of your car, point your feet downstream.  Always go over obstacles, never try to go under.

7.  If you are standed on something above the floodwater, such as a tree or building, stay put and wait for rescue.  Do not enter the floodwater.