How to Survive a Flash Flood

A flash flood is sudden flooding that occurs within hours of heavy rainfall. They typically occur in low-lying areas where the ground cannot absorb all the water that falls from the sky. In the United States, flash flooding is common in the American Southwest. But they also occur in urban areas across the country, due to the many sidewalks in cities (the sidewalk, of course, cannot absorb water). In addition to heavy rainfall, flash floods can also be caused by dam or dike breaches.

Flash floods aren’t treated as often as tornadoes or hurricanes, but they actually kill more people than these more dramatic-looking natural disasters. The main reason people die in flash floods is because they underestimate their power and danger. Flood water can contain fallen trees and debris that you can hit if you wade in. And even seemingly shallow water can knock you over and even take your vehicle with it.

Your best bet for surviving a flash flood is to avoid areas with flooding. If you get stuck in a flash flood, here are some guidelines for survival from rescuers:

1. Understand and heed flash flood warnings. There are different levels of flash flood warnings. flash flood watch: Flooding is not guaranteed, but the conditions for it are favorable; Be ready to take evasive action if necessary. flash flood warning: flash floods are imminent or already occurring; go to a higher level immediately. flash flood Emergency: A flash flood occurs, seriously threatening human life/catastrophic damage.

2. Go to a higher level. If you’re in your home when a flash flood hits, move to the upper floors or roof. If you are outdoors, get to a higher ground as soon as possible. If water is rising around you, try climbing a tree or a rock or other structure.

3. If you are driving, turn around and you will see a flooded road. Avoid driving through flooded streets; Almost half of flash flood fatalities occur in vehicles. A car can get stuck in less than a foot of water; Two feet of water can sweep away vehicles. Additionally, water can obscure an area where pavement has been eroded, leaving a car swallowing hole.

Don’t risk driving through a flooded road. Turn around, don’t drown.

4. If your car stalls, get on it. Unbuckle your seat belt, open your window (break it down if necessary) and crawl through the window to get on your car. Once on top of the vehicle, call 911 for emergency services. You’re less likely to drown when you’re on top of your car than in it, and you’re more likely to be spotted by emergency responders.

5. As a last resort, swim defensively to safety. If the water keeps rising, the car you’re on gets swept away and rescue isn’t imminent, or you find yourself caught in flood water on foot, swim defensively to safety. Try to protect your head and upper body. Turn your feet downstream and keep them up to avoid getting trapped underwater. Use your feet to block and navigate around debris when possible. When you see calm water, swim toward it by swimming through the current as you would a current.