Why do people die in floods? Common errors and how to survive.

Every year we hear about deaths due to flood waters. Often these deaths were needless and occurred because of a lack of respect for nature. 60% of these deaths are the direct result of trying to drive or walk through moving flood waters.

Nature is a powerful force that is often underestimated or not understood. It is possible to use nature to our advantage, but most people lack the ability to do this because of a lack of familiarity with it and training.

More than 20 of the recorded deaths so far in Missouri are the result of people driving their cars into flood waters. These deaths could have been avoided.

It doesn't take much water to result in hydroplaning and loosing control of the car and being swept into a waterway.

Water moving at a moderate pace of 4 mph (thats brisk walking speed) will have a force of about 66 pounds per square foot moving anything it comes into contact that cannot exert the same or a greater force will be moved into the waterway.

In areas where the waterway is narrowed by nature such as a canyon, the amount of water present, or by man through channeling water speed is increased. Double the water speed and the force of water on anything it encounters quadruples. That is enough force to push a vehicle off the road.

Avoid entering the flood water if possible, as it can be contaminated with sewage or harmful chemicals.

Surviving can depend on the immediate actions you take. If you do find yourself caught in a flood, follow these survival tips:

1. Stay out of flood waters.

2. If in a flash flood, do not attempt to drive through a flooded road. One foot of flood water can make you lose control of your car. Exit your vehicle and move to higher ground.

3. If you are unable to avoid the oncoming water ad water is rushing so quickly that your car becomes submerged, release your seat belt and exit the vehicle by rolling down the nearest window.

4. If you are unable to open the window, wait until the car fills with water and you will be able to open a door. Do not panic.

5. If stranded on top of a building or in a tree, do not leave your location. Stay where you are until rescue workers can pull you to safety.

6. If swept away by moving water, point your feet downstream and maneuver your body over obstacles.