Seven safety tips during a flash flood

In light of the recent flash flooding, here are seven safety tips of what you can do if you ever find yourself caught up in a flash flood, courtesy of Amanzimtoti SAPS.

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Did you know that as little as 30cm of water can float your car? Drivers often underestimate the dangers of flooding, especially at low-lying bridges, where as little as 30 centimetres of water can float vehicles or result in the driver losing control.

Seven tips that might save your life during heavy rains:

• Do not attempt to drive through flooded areas, even if the water looks shallow enough to cross;
• Leave your vehicle if it stalls and move immediately to higher ground;
• Never drive into water that covers the road – you do not know how deep it is or whether the road underneath has been washed away;
• During heavy rains be on special alert near dips in the highway and near low-lying bridges;
• Exercise caution, especially at night when visibility is poor;
• Pedestrians must avoid areas where water is flowing rapidly;
• Keep children away from playing in drainage ditches or stormwater drains or areas where water is easily accumulated.