What to Do If Your Car Gets Stuck in a Flash Flood in Lubbock
If you haven't noticed, it's a little bit wet outside, and Lubbock is the king of flash-flooding disasters. It seems like there are always a couple of cars caught in a bad spot when we see rainfall like this.
If you've ever worried about what you might do in a situation like that, here's a little help.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) says that 6 inches of water is enough to reach the bottom of most passenger vehicles and can cause a loss of steering and control. A foot of water is enough to make a vehicle float away. Two feet of water is deep enough to even carry away SUVs and pickup trucks.
If you're at all doubting how shallow water on the road might be, turn around and do not drive through it. If you're late to work because you have to take a different route, you should be able to explain that to your employer. They would probably rather have you safe and with a working vehicle than the alternative.
If water starts rushing into your car and you're stalled out, Car.com suggests doing the following:
- Stay calm
- Turn on your hazard lights
- Unbuckle your seatbelt
- Unlock your doors
- Take off your jacket and outer clothing
- Lower your window and climb out if you are able
- If your windows won't open, you will have to use a door, but because of the water pressure, you won't be able to open the door until the pressure inside the vehicle is equalized with the pressure outside of the vehicle. You must wait until the water has filled up close to your neck before the doors will open.
- Once you get them open, swim the hell out of there and call 911.
Please remember that in a situation like this, your personal belongings don't matter. Everything can be replaced, except for your life.
You also need to get away from your vehicle and go to higher ground. Standing on top of your car is a bad idea because you can be easily swept away. Always wait for emergency personnel to have your vehicle towed.
If you can, stay home and stay away from the areas in town that are notorious for flooding.