Global Cry · Car emergency quick card
Car Caught in Flood Water: What to Do
Do not drive through flood water. If caught, prioritise getting people to safety.
Emergency999 / 112Immediate danger / emergency services
When to get emergency help
Call 999 if you are trapped or in immediate danger.
Do this in order
Keep the sequence simple.
01
Avoid entering flood water
Do not deliberately drive through flood water. Depth, current, hidden damage and contamination can be impossible to judge from the vehicle.
02
If the vehicle stops, act early
If you are caught and the vehicle stops, unbuckle seat belts and, where possible, get yourself and passengers out to safety.
03
Move to a safer place
Get away from moving water and traffic if you can do so without entering a greater hazard.
04
Call for help
Call the emergency services after leaving the vehicle when help is required.
05
If trapped, make yourself visible
Switch on lights and hazard warning lights, sound the horn and call 999 if you can.
06
Do not return to the vehicle
Once you are safely out, do not re-enter flood water to recover belongings.
Do not
- Do not deliberately drive through flood water.
- Do not assume still-looking water is shallow or safe.
- Do not walk back into moving flood water for property.
- Do not allow children or pets to play in flood water.
Details to collect when safe
Exact location
Road / route
Vehicle registration
Insurer
Recovery provider
Emergency-service reference
Recovery destination
Notes
After the immediate danger has passed
- Treat a flood-affected vehicle as needing professional inspection before normal use.
- Contact your insurer and recovery provider once you are safe.