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With tropical storm Debby slowly moving up the East Coast, bringing potentially historic rainfall, it's crucial to educate the public about the dangers of flooding and vehicles.
Kids and Car Safety has just released a new life-saving educational video to help families survive if their vehicle is in water. This information is very important as minutes can be the difference between surviving or not.
It is essential for drivers to remember the public safety campaign slogan, “Turn Around, Don’t Drown,” which has been used for decades. NEVER drive through water. The depth of floodwater can be extremely difficult to determine, and even shallow water can sweep a vehicle away, posing tremendous danger.
"The inside of a vehicle is not a safe place to be during a flood. The pressure from water against the doors and windows can trap passengers inside. It is vital for the public to know what to do BEFORE they’re in a life-threatening situation to be prepared and not panic.
Getting out is critical for survival," said Janette Fennell, president of Kids and Car Safety.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that over half of all flood-related drownings occur when a vehicle is driven into hazardous flood water. Every year nearly 400 people die in the U.S. inside a submerged vehicle.
What to do if your car goes into flood water:
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GET OUT of your vehicle immediately! Staying inside can turn your vehicle into a coffin. Floodwaters can sweep a vehicle in shallow water into deeper water very easily and quickly.
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Follow the S.W.O.C. Steps to Escape a Sinking Vehicle:
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Seatbelts off
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Window open (rear side window)
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Out immediately
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Children first (oldest to youngest)
- Once out, climb on top of the car, call 911, and determine if there is a path to safety and higher ground. Waiting for help on top of the car might be your safest option.
- Remember, floodwater hides many dangers such as sharp objects, chemicals, bacteria, and strong currents that can harm you. It is not always safe to try to reach safety on foot.
- Practice unbuckling child car seats with your eyes closed, as it may be dark during an emergency.
- Discuss and review the S.W.O.C. steps regularly with your family.
For more information visit https://www.kidsandcars.org/vehicle-submersion/safety-tips
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