Concering flooding here in Texas

Happy Monday,

  In regards to the excessive rain that we have been getting in the last month here in Texas, here is a great video on why you should not go through high water. I personally think "Turn Around, Dont Drown" is completely tacky, the point still gets across. Click the link and check it out, and then come back here.

Ok, so you didnt head my warning, (shame on you) now what do you do?

Step 1: Brace yourself for impact. This only applies if you drive off road.  If you do go off the road as soon as you're aware that you're going into a body of water, adopt a brace position. This is done by placing both hands on the steering wheel in the "nine and three" positions. The impact your car makes could set off the airbag system in your vehicle and any other brace position could cause serious injury in such an event. If your hands are located at "ten and two" position when the airbag inflated it could force your hands into your face resulting in serious injury. Remember, an airbag inflates rapidly, within 0.04 seconds upon being triggered. 

Step 2: Undo your seat belt.  Professor Dr Gordon Giesbrecht, who specializes in cold water immersion, says that the seatbelt is the first thing to attend to, yet it often gets forgotten in the panic.  His motto is: Seat belt; children; window; OUT (S-C-W-O).(Tacky yes, but memorable):

• Unbuckle the children, starting with the oldest first (who can then help the others).
• Forget the cell phone call. Your car isn't going to wait for you to make the call and sadly, people have lost their lives trying this.
• There is a counter-theory that suggests the seat belt should be left on. This theory suggests that if you release your seat belt, you may, due to underwater disorientation, end up moving away from the window or door opening due to the ingress of water through the opening. If you need to push the door open, being anchored by the seat belt might give you additional leverage, versus pushing the door while you're suspended in the water. Having your seat belt on could also help you maintain your sense of orientation if the car flips upside-down. 
• Sorry folks, this is foolish, get the buckle off ASAP,

Step 3: Open the window as soon as you hit the water.  A car's electrical system should work for up to three minutes in water, so try the method of opening it electronically first. Many people don't think about the window as an escape option either because of panic, lack of using the window for exit normally, or because they're focused on lots of misinformation about doors and sinking. There are prevailing theories that say you should wait and try opening the door first, the only concern I have with this is that it waste valuable seconds. If your electronic systems are down or you just don't want to take the chance, consider buying a Car Hammer or an Emergency Key (which I own) you will have the ability to get out.

Step 4: Escape through the broken window. Take a deep breath, and swim out through the broken window as soon as you've broken it. Water will be gushing into the car at this point, so expect this and use your strength to swim out and up.  Some things to consider:

• Look to children first. Heave them up toward the surface as best you can. If they cannot swim, see if you can give them something that floats to hold onto, with strict instructions not to let go. An adult may need to go with them immediately if there is nothing to hold onto.
• As you exit the car, do not kick your feet until clear of the car - you could injure other passengers. Use your arms to propel you upward.
• If the car is sinking quickly and you haven't gotten out yet, keep trying to get out of the window. If there is a child in the car, tell them to breathe normally until the water is up to their chest.

 Step 5: Escape when the car has equalized. If it has reached the dramatic stage where the car cabin has filled with water and it has equalized, you must move quickly and effectively to ensure your survival. It takes 60 to 120 seconds (1 to 2 minutes) for a car to fill up with water usually. While there is still air in the car, take slow, deep breaths and focus on what you're doing. Unlock your door, either with the power button (if it is still working) or manually. If the doors are stuck (which they probably will be in most cases, with the pressure being massive), hopefully you've been busy breaking the window already, as advised in the previous steps.

• Continue to breathe normally until the water is at chest level, then take a deep breath and hold your nose.
• Stay calm. Keep your mouth closed to preserve breath and to prevent water from entering. Swim out through the broken window.
• If exiting via an open door, place your hand on the door latch. If you are unable to see it, use a physical reference by stretching your hand from your hip and feeling along the door until you locate the latch.

Step 6: Swim to the surface as quickly as possible. Push off the car and swim to the surface. If you don’t know which way to swim, look for light and swim toward it or follow any bubbles you see as they will be going up. Be aware of your surroundings as you swim and surface; you may have to deal with a strong current or obstacles such as rocks, concrete bridge supports, or even passing boats. If it's ice covered water, you'll need to head for the obvious hole created by the car's impact. Do your best to avoid injuring yourself on obstacles, and use branches, supports, and other items to cling to if you're injured or exhausted.

Two additional points:

Do not stand on the roof of your car. If your car is swept away, you'll be carried away with it. You could also fall and injure yourself if the car shifts abruptly.

Do not return to your car if you think the water level is going down. Water levels could rise without warning. Allow emergency personnel to tow your vehicle to a safe place.

The amount of time that we spend in our vehicles, and we tend to think of them as little indestructible tanks, which they are not. If you do choose to chance it by driving into water, be prepared because once those four tires leave the ground, you are on your own.

Good Luck and Good Hunting everyone