The heavy rains in Spain due to Dana are devastating areas of Andalusia, Galicia, Madrid and the Valencian Community. Many have been caught in the car, and it will continue to happen, so it is very important to be clear about a series of tips.
First, when the car has stopped in the middle of the riverbed, unable to move forward, and begins to slide and be dragged, “the best thing is to get out by any means necessary,” says the Civil Protection expert; “and better on the unexposed side of the current,” he adds. Rafael Castellof the Navarra Fire Department.
With a draft of 60 centimeters, the water exceeds the height of the door of most vehicles, and it may be that, if you are not very strong, you will not be able to open it. Before waiting for more water to enter the interior and the pressure to equalize, so that the door can open, we have other options, such as exiting through the window. But can we open it? The engine may have stalled and, perhaps, we will be left without electrical fluid, so if the windows are not manual, we will not be able to lower the glass.
The only solution is to find a rigid object to break it. On the market, starting at 3 euros, there are steel-tipped hammers (similar to those used in buses) that are very effective in breaking windows.
Likewise, it must be remembered that if you do not know the terrain, do not cross, look for an alternative main road or request information from 112. And even if you know the area, the avenue has been able to change the conditions of the terrain (landslides, crossed trees, etc.); desist from crossing.
If the water exceeds the height of the axles or underbody and begins to drag the vehicle, abandon it. You may not be able to open the door until the interior floods and the pressure equalizes; Another option is to leave through the window. If the glass does not go down, break it with a sharp object, as the laminated windshield does not break.
Go out on the opposite side to the direction of the current and try to escape by swimming, or climb onto the roof to assess the most opportune moment and how you should escape. Never fight against the current, swim with it, but directing the course towards the shore, a house, tree…
Finally, according to Fundación Mapfre, “if we find a section flooded with water in front of us, it is advisable not to cross it, no matter how shallow it may seem, but to turn around and look for an alternative route. “If there is no option, if the water barely covers it, it is best to abandon the vehicle, taking into account that there may be sinkholes.”
The most terrifying option is to see the car fall into a deep body of water, at which point we must prepare to evacuate it. It is essential to stay calm, no matter how difficult it may seem. Remember that it will take minutes for the car to submerge and that there is time, even if you have to act quickly.
If you are still floating, the first step is to immediately open the windows and try to get out by swimming to safety. If the car has already partially sunk, the water pressure may prevent you from opening the door, in which case you will have to wait for the interior to also flood.
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