Monsoon is here and different parts of the country are facing a lot of rain- and the flooding that mostly comes with it. Floods are the most common thing of all-natural disasters, according to the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration. Because of their unpredictability and speed, flash floods are the most dangerous thing, especially for motorists.
Flash floods occur when a lot of water fills normally in river beds or dry creeks along with currently flowing rivers and creeks, causing rapid rises of water in a short amount of time. They can happen with no warning.
As per an agency, just 6 inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger vehicles and cause loss of steering and control, while 1 foot of water can cause many vehicles to float away, and 2 feet is sufficient to sweep away the majority of vehicles.
On average, 75 people were killed by flash floods annually between 2014 and 2013, and between 1995 and 2010 two-thirds of flash-flood fatalities rises in vehicles. Therefore, it’s very important to protect your vehicle. And the best thing to do is get a motor insurance policy.
Listed below are some do’s and don’ts of what to do if you find yourself trapped in floodwater.
Do’s
Stay calm. You will need your wits about you.Turn on your hazard lights and headlights. This will make it convenient for emergency personnel to see you.Unlock your doors.Unbuckle your seat belt.Take jackets or any other outer clothing off.Lower your window gradually. The most electric windows should work unless the car is entirely submerged in water.If you can lower the windows, climb out.If the windows will not open, you will have to use a door to get out. But you won’t be able to open a door until the water pressure is equalized between the inside and outside of the car. This means you will have to wait a little bit for the water to enter the car and fill up to about your neck level.Once the doors are open, swim to safety.
Don’ts
Do not panic. Do not use your energy trying to open the doors of the car because water pressure will keep them from budging.
Do not try to save your possessions.Do not try to break windows. If water pressure has not equalized, the glass will automatically detonate inward toward your or other occupants.Do not stand on the roof of your car, if you do so, you will be carried away with it. You could also fall and injure yourself if the car shifts badly.Once out, do not stay in your car. Get to high ground.Do not return to your car if you think the water level is going down. Water levels could arise without any warning. Permit emergency personnel to tow your vehicle to a safe place.
Apart from the above-mentioned points, a car insurance plan in India is also necessary. As this will allow you to be in a peaceful mindset when it comes to paying any expenses for your car damage.