⚠️ Flash Floods: The Silent Threat You Can’t Outrun
When we think of natural disasters, we often imagine earthquakes or hurricanes. But flash floods kill more people in the U.S. each year than any other weather event. Why? Because they happen fast, and they don’t give you time to think.
A flash flood can strike within minutes of heavy rain. Roads turn into rivers. Cars get swept away. And if you’re on foot? You need to move—and float—fast.
🚨 Know the Risks:
Just 6 inches of moving water can knock you off your feet
Just 12 inches can sweep your car away
Floodwaters often carry debris, sewage, and hidden dangers
If you live in or travel through flood-prone areas, you must be prepared to react without hesitation.
🛠️ How to Prepare: Gear That Can Save Your Life
That’s why we include a wrist-worn inflatable flotation device in our Get Home Bag. If you're caught in a flash flood and need buoyancy now, just pull the tab — and this compact device inflates in seconds to help keep your head above water.
This isn’t a full-size life vest, but in a panic situation? It gives you precious seconds to escape rising waters, stabilize yourself, or reach safety.
🧭 The Get Home Bag: Flood-Ready Survival Gear
Our Get Home Bag is built for real-world emergencies like flash floods, blackouts, or civil unrest. It includes:
Wrist Floatation Device (CO2-inflated)
Emergency shelter
Water filtration gear
Food & tools to survive 72 hours alone
Lighting, so you can see your way through it all
If You’re Caught in a Flash Flood While Driving
Flash floods can overwhelm roads in minutes. If you’re behind the wheel when the water rises, here’s how to stay safe:
⚠️ 1. Do NOT Drive Through Floodwater
Turn around, don’t drown. Just 12 inches of water can float a car, and 2 feet can sweep most vehicles away.
You can’t see if the road is washed out underneath.
Water may conceal debris, downed power lines, or sinkholes.
🚨 2. If Water Is Rising Around You
Unbuckle immediately. Windows down if possible (electric windows may fail).
Get out fast. Cars can become coffins in rising water.
Climb onto the roof, not the hood — it’s flatter and more stable.
🆘 3. Escape Tools Matter
A window breaker and seatbelt cutter should be within arm’s reach. Our Get Home Bag
If underwater, use your legs to kick out a side window — not the windshield.
🧭 4. Float If You Must
If the current pulls you or you're swept away:
Keep your feet up and pointed downstream to avoid hitting debris headfirst.
Use anything buoyant — including a wrist-worn flotation device like the one in our Get Home Bag — to help you stay afloat.
🧠 5. Mental Note:
Don’t try to save the car — save yourself.
Stay calm. Panic burns oxygen and energy.
🌧 Final Thought:
You can’t control the weather, but you can control how ready you are when disaster hits. Flash floods are unforgiving — be faster, smarter, and float when you have to.
Every second counts in a flash flood. Your bug-out bag shouldn’t slow you down — it should keep you alive.
🚗 What to Do
Prepare. Survive. Thrive.
—Survive & Thrive Michigan
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