WASHINGTON (7News) — When heavy rain falls fast, flash flooding can turn roads into rivers, trapping unsuspecting drivers in a matter of seconds.
7News First Alert Weather Chief Meteorologist Veronica Johnson teamed up with Michael Berna and his Atlantic Tech Rescue crew to demonstrate exactly what to do if you’re caught inside a car as the water rises.
Here’s Why Flash Floods Are So Dangerous
Berna said many drivers underestimate just how little water it takes to lose control.
One foot of water is enough to float a vehicle. Add moving water to that, and it can be swept away.
As floodwaters push against your car, the vehicle fills, becoming heavier and locked in place. Doors become almost impossible to open.
The Survival Rule: Seatbelt, Window, Out
Once water begins rushing inside, seconds count. Berna teaches a simple three-step rule:
“Remember the simple seatbelt, window, out rule. In this case, you may have to break the window.”
That means:
- Seatbelt off.
- Get a window open—fast.
- Climb out immediately.
If your driver’s side window won’t work, move to the back seat and try another. And keep a window punch tool within reach in case power windows fail.
RELATED | Escaping flash floods fast: why a window punch could be your best tool
Getting Out Safely
In the demonstration, Johnson climbed through the back window and onto the roof. Berna instructed her to use the armrest as leverage, pull my upper body out, then spin and hoist myself onto the car’s roof. From there, get as low as possible and wait for help.
If the water is shallow enough, a trained rescue team may be able to reach you. Crews often form a human wedge, using their bodies to deflect the current around the vehicle so they can pry open a door.
The Best Defense: Don’t Drive In
While it’s critical to know how to escape, Berna stresses that prevention is key:
“If people would just heed the warning and not be in a rush, we would decrease our call line,” Berna said.
That’s why the National Weather Service reminds us: Turn Around, Don’t Drown.
Key Takeaways
- Even one foot of moving water can sweep your car away.
- Follow the Seatbelt, Window, Out rule.
- Keep a window punch tool within arm’s reach in your car.
- Get onto the roof if you can’t escape fully.
- Most importantly—never drive into floodwaters.
- Stay safe, stay weather aware, and remember: in flash flooding, it’s better to lose a few minutes finding a new route than to risk your life.