10 Things to Know about Driving in Flood Conditions

St. Tammany Fire District # 1 would like to remind everyone to be careful during thecurrent tropical weather conditions especially while on the roads during this holiday weekend.

10 Things to Know about Driving in Flood Conditions

Flooding can occur as streams and rivers overflow their banks, when dams or levees break, orany time there is rainfall with significant duration and intensity.

Keep these facts in mind to stay alive and dry.

1. Flash floods can come rapidly and unexpectedly. They can occur within a few minutes orhours of excessive rainfall, or when a dam or levee fails.

2. You may not have warning that a flash flood is approaching.

3. Do not drive unless absolutely necessary.

4. Do not drive through flooded areas. If you see a flooded-out road ahead, turn around. Find another route to your destination.

5. If there is no other route, get to higher ground and wait for the waters to subside.

6. Even if the water appears shallow enough to cross, don\’t try it. Water hides dips in theroad. Worse yet, there may be no road at all under the water. Flooding can scour away the entire road surface and a significant amount of ground beneath.

7. If your car stalls, abandon it immediately and climb to higher ground.

8. Six inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars, causing loss of control or possible stalling.

9. One foot of water will float many vehicles.

10. Two feet of rushing water can sweep away most vehicles — including SUVs and pickups.

For more information about St. Tammany Fire Protection District #1 visit us at

Captain Van Joffrion

PIO / Fire Prevention Officer