Keeping Your Head Above Floodwaters

March 26, 2009 — -- We are entering "uncharted territory," said Fargo, N.D., Mayor Dennis Walaker today after officials predicted the rain-swollen Red River would crest at 41 feet this weekend.

Volunteers scrambled to try to add one more foot of sandbags around the river while the city put final touches on an evacuation plan. The river stood at 39 feet this afternoon; it has gone up three feet in as many days.

Experts familiar with a flood's deadly potential say even a few inches of seemingly tranquil water can kill.

"In just six inches of water, your car can become buoyant," said Trooper Betsy Randolph of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, a 15-year veteran of law enforcement. "And in a foot or two of water, most cars will float, even SUVs and pickups."

Randolph says it's imperative to avoid driving or walking through floodwaters. "Turn around, don't drown" has become a common refrain among law enforcement.

But if your vehicle becomes stalled in moving or rushing water, Randolph suggests immediately unlocking your doors and rolling down your power windows, even if it's raining. That way, if your electrical system shorts out and water pressure pushes on the doors, you'll have an avenue of escape.

And if the water is pushing your vehicle, it's important to get away from it as quickly as possible.