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Driving around flooded roadways

Don't risk it—even shallow water can be dangerous

Think floods are only a risk for homeowners? Think again. Floods are also a hazard to motorists. Many people die each year while attempting to navigate flooded roads.

Below are a few tips to help deal with flooded roadways and ideas on how to handle your vehicle once the waters have receded.

Flooded Roadways

The Federal Alliance For Safe Homes has partnered with the National Weather Service to warn motorists about the dangers of flooded roadways. They recommend the following safety tips:

• Simply avoid flooded areas, especially those with rapid water flow. Keep things safe and simple: reschedule your plans, if you're aware of flooding in the area.
• If flooding occurs when you're on the road, stay on high ground. Experts also advise against driving in deep water, especially when the water could be fast-moving or the depth is not known.
• If your vehicle stalls, DO NOT attempt to restart it, as your engine may be damaged. Leave it immediately and seek higher ground.
• Do not camp or park your vehicle along streams and washes, particularly when threatening conditions exist.

 

After The Deluge

The floodwaters are going down, but your car may have been exposed to the water. Experts say high water can damage vehicles. Here are some tips to help limit the damage to your car after water exposure:

• DO NOT start a flooded vehicle until it has received a thorough inspection by a qualified mechanic.
• Record the highest level of water exposure on your flooded vehicle.
• Contact your State Farm Agent advise him or her that your vehicle has been flooded. The sooner the vehicle can be evaluated and dried out, the less damage the vehicle will sustain. If you don't have the right training and personal protective equipment (PPE), it's safer, in most cases, to leave the cleaning up to professionals. Some floodwaters contain raw or untreated sewage and other contaminants that may pose serious health hazards during cleanup. The Centers for Disease Control offers more information on this topic.

Contact

Amy Preddy, State Farm Insurance Media Relations Specialist, (434) 872-5211

About State Farm®

State Farm and its affiliates are the largest provider of car insurance in the U.S. and is a leading insurer in Canada. In addition to providing auto insurance quotes, their 17,800 agents and more than 65,000 employees serve 81 million policies and accounts - more than 79 million auto, home, life and health policies in the United States and Canada, and nearly 2 million bank accounts. Commercial auto insurance, along with coverage for renters, business owners, boats and motorcycles, is also available. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company is the parent of the State Farm family of companies. State Farm is ranked No. 43 on the Fortune 500 list of largest companies. For more information, please visit http://www.statefarm.com or in Canada http://www.statefarm.ca.