What should I know if I need to travel in flooded areas?

Nobody can stop a flood. But there are actions travelers can take before and during a flood to protect themselves, their families and property.

The Iowa Department of Transportation offers the following safety tips for travelers.

Stay tuned: Listen to your radio, TV or National Weather Service radio for the latest information on weather conditions that can cause flooding.

Avoid flooded areas:

• Avoid flood-susceptible areas, especially low-lying streets where water commonly pools.
• Never attempt to walk or drive through water covered or flooded roadways, and beware of rising, swift-moving water. Two feet of water can carry away most automobiles. Road beds may be washed out under flood waters.
• “Turn Around Don’t Drown®.” Never drive around barriers that warn you the road is flooded – turn around and find another route. If your route is blocked by barricades, find another route. Barricades are put up by state or local officials to protect travelers from unsafe roads. Driving around them can be a serious risk.
• Leave your vehicle immediately and seek higher ground if your vehicle is suddenly caught in rising water.

Help others: If you see a non-barricaded, water-covered roadway or major obstruction, such as a blocked culvert or bridge opening, call the local law enforcement agency so they can alert the appropriate road agency. Warn children to not play near swollen creeks or rivers, storm drains, culverts and bridges, or on flooded streets and roadways.

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