Flash floods: What to do when the water starts rising
Flash floods have wreaked havoc in Gauteng, claiming the lives of four people and damaging dozens of homes and cars.
ER24 says one of the largest scenes they responded to was on the N3 highway near the Linksfield turnoff in Johannesburg, which left more than 150 vehicles and their drivers stranded.
With more rain expected today, it is important to know what you should do when you find yourself in the middle of a flash flood.
ALSO READ: Search underway for little girl swept away in floods
ER24 has some tips to help you plan accordingly.
Your home:
- Keep emergency numbers and important information handy. Also keep emergency supplies such as water, canned food, a can opener, battery-operated radio, flashlight and protective clothing ready.
- Keep a first aid kit.
- Turn off all your household electrical devices.
- Lock all doors and windows.
- Leave the area before it gets too late. Get to higher ground.
Should you be outdoors or in your vehicle, do the following:
- Climb to higher ground and stay there.
- Avoid walking through floodwaters - even 15 centimetres deep can sweep you off your feet.
- If floodwaters rise around your car but the water is not moving, abandon the car and move to higher ground.
- Never drive through a flooded road as the road may be washed away.
- If you get swept away in the flood waters, try to grab onto anything you can to pull yourself to safety.
- Getting swept away while inside your vehicle can be extremely dangerous. If you are stuck inside your vehicle, roll down the windows and open the doors to allow water into your vehicle. Doing this will equal the pressure on both sides of the door, allowing you to escape your vehicle.