Safely Navigate Flooding

9/17/2019 (Permalink)

Vehicles driving through a flooded street in Alexandria, MN

When flooding happens in your home in Alexandria, MN, there are professionals Faster to any size disaster to count on. People may often forget that a flooded street presents unexpected hazards that can quickly cause damage to a vehicle or injuries to people.

Navigating the Road

Unfortunately, people aren’t always at home when flooding happens or don’t have the necessary supplies at home. If you need to get home or can’t stay home and ride it out, below are some travel tips to safely navigate flooded roads.

Avoid Standing Water – Water has a tricky way of making a large hole or debris seem like a small puddle. Try to estimate the depth. If the water seems to be quickly flowing, seek an alternative route.
Slow and Steady – Along with keeping extra space between yourself and other vehicles, drive slowly and take note of how other vehicles are getting through the water. Tires can easily lose traction at higher speeds.
Keep the Lights On – Ensure headlights are on, as well as fog lights if your vehicle is equipped with them. This will ensure others can see you.
Test the Brakes – Water can affect the electrical components of a vehicle. If you do travel through high waters, gently test the brakes once you are on higher ground while keeping your foot on the accelerator.
Awareness Is Key – As you keep your eyes sweeping across the flooded street, look for any fallen branches, downed lines or other debris that could cause an accident.

How to Handle Getting Stuck

If your vehicle stalls or gets stuck, it’s important to stay calm and do your best to get out and move to higher ground. Turn on the hazard lights and keep headlights on to ensure other vehicles, including emergency vehicles, can safely navigate around your vehicle.
When it comes to a flooded street, never overestimate what your vehicle is capable of. Even a foot of water can easily begin to seep into the bottom of a vehicle and cause damage or limit one’s ability to control it.