Why Flooded Streets Are Dangerous

7/25/2018 (Permalink)

Many residents of Brentwood, TN, have probably been faced with the decision of what to do when encountering a flooded street. Perhaps they’ve noticed cars in front of them that have successfully crossed over with no incident, or maybe they believe that the time saved by taking a calculated risk outweighs the consequences of being late to their destination. Whatever the case, it may be better to take a safer route until the water subsides or a disaster recovery team can restore the area, since reputable sources agree that it may not be worth taking that chance.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Statistics provided by FEMA show why crossing a flooded street may not be the best idea:

• Most cars can start to float in only one foot of water.
• Many vehicles can be affected or even stall in just six inches of water
• Even larger cars can be washed away with two feet of rushing water.

National Weather Service.

The National Weather Service has the following flood-related travel tips that may be helpful:

• Avoid lower-lying areas.
• Remember it is even more difficult to assess flood dangers at night.
• It is better to avoid flooded roads altogether to reduce the risk of drowning.

Consumer Reports.

Consumer Reports notes the potential damage that can result from miscalculating a flooded surface:

• Water can be pulled into the engine and destroy it.
• Your car can become totaled.
• A flooded road can conceal broken electrical sources that can lead to electrocution.

The next time you contemplate crossing a flooded street in Brentwood, TN, remember what the experts say. According to The Weather Channel, 64 percent of deaths in floods between 2004–2010 occurred in vehicles. Even if your experience is not fatal, it can be helpful to understand the risks involved with flooded areas that can mask unpredictable terrain, create unforeseen vehicle damage, or pose serious safety risks.

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