The Indiana State Police encourage all Hoosiers to be aware of the dangers of flooding and to be conscious of the threat of flash floods. If you live in an area prone to flooding, be sure to monitor the water levels around your property. If water rises to dangerous levels, call emergency responders immediately. Do not wait until the last minute.
Watch the video below for tips on how to survive a vehicle crash involving water:
Flood Safety Tips:
- Purchase a weather scanner and heed all flood and flash flood warnings issued by the National Weather Service.
- Be especially vigilant at night. Many drowning deaths occur at night when it is difficult to see water crossings.
- Do not drive around barricades at water crossings.
- Do not cross or enter flowing water. Driving fast through high water on the road is not a solution. Faster speeds create less tire contact with the road surface and increase your chance of crashing.
- Driving through standing water may affect your brakes. Test your brakes at low speeds as soon as you exit the water.
- If you choose to abandon your vehicle, respect the force of the water flow, you may be swept off your feet. After you exit the vehicle seek higher ground.
- Be aware that road erosion may occur where there is running or standing water.
- Remember that six inches of water will reach the bottoms of most car doors. One foot of water will float many vehicles, and two feet of moving water can carry away most vehicles.
- If you find yourself stranded in floodwaters remain calm and call 911. If you can do so safely move to higher ground.
For more flood safety tips from the Indiana Department of Homeland Security, click here.