Stay safe and don’t get swept away this fall!

With fall comes unpredictable storms and inclement weather. Unfortunately, this can result in flash flooding with many homes and businesses suffering. Because a flash flood can hit within a matter of minutes, the general public should stay alert and be prepared to evacuate at any time. As for motorists, extra cautions could be taken to ensure a safe getaway instead of stewing in floodwater.
Use these driver safety tips for flash flooding to ensure that you and your vehicle are left on dry land after fall weather:

• Drivers should not be lulled into a false sense of security just because they’re in a vehicle when flooding occurs. In many ways, this is more dangerous.
• When water is running across the road, drivers should always turn around and choose a different route.
• Never attempt to drive through what looks like a shallow pool of water. It can be deceptively deep and rapid waters can sweep cars and trucks away quite easily.
• If you’re in a vehicle during a flash flood or if water is rising around it, all occupants should get out immediately and go to higher ground. Just six inches of water can cause tires to lose traction and slide; 12 inches will float many vehicles.
• Don’t sit in the vehicle and let it fill up with water. Stay calm and unbuckle your seat belt. Open the door to get out as long as water is below the bottom of the door.
• If water is higher than the bottom of the door, don’t open the door because it will let in water. Power windows don’t stop working immediately, so you should be able to roll your window down and get out that way.
• Carry a hammer for breaking vehicle windows in case windows can’t be rolled down.
• Pack a flashlight (and batteries, just to be safe).
• Do not touch, brush against, or try to detach a live wire on your vehicle while exiting.
• Once outside the vehicle, go to higher ground. If there is no ground or structure nearby that is higher than the roof of your vehicle, consider climbing onto your vehicle’s roof, especially to avoid being swept away by fast-moving water.
• Try to keep your cell phone dry and operational so that you can call 911 after escaping to higher ground.

To secure your auto insurance so that you’re not left wading in deep financial debts, contact Young Insurance serving Burbank and neighboring cities of California.