Know the dangers

General dangers during a flood event

Floodwater is notoriously unpredictable. What looks safe can quickly escalate into dangerous conditions. A seemingly calm surface can mask a fast moving powerful body of water below. Even if you know the road like the back of your hand, you cannot predict what flowing water will do or what’s happened underneath.

Water can contain large debris, sharp objects and poisons or sewerage, not to mention the odd crocodile or snake.

Floodwater can also rise, fall or surge very quickly. Flooding can be caused by sudden torrential rain, prolonged rain, flood plain flow, high tides and storm surge.

If it's flooded, forget it!

More than half of flood-related deaths are the result of driving through floodwaters, so don't risk it.

The second you decide to push through floodwater, you will give up control. Firefighters across the state rescue more people from water each year than they do from fires.

Any flooded road can be deadly and the size of your vehicle does not matter. You might think your 4WD will make a difference. But you can't see what's under the surface.

The road underneath could have collapsed, or there might be a surge coming out of the blue. Your tyres or underbody might just be on the correct angle for the swirling water to catch them and cause havoc.

Any amount of water can float a vehicle away, no matter what you drive. Once your car starts floating, there is nothing you can do. Rising water can also enter your car in seconds to disable electric windows and locks or stall your engine.

Learn more at:
www.getready.qld.gov.au/FloodedForgetIt