How to Flood Proof Your Car

Image via Wikipedia

The massive damage caused by typhoon Ketsana (locally known as Ondoy) in Manila, Philippines is probably an eye-opener to all car owners. Thousands of cars were submerged by the flash floods caused by the said typhoon. With climate change and global warning just around the corner, I’m sure Typhoon Ketsana is only the tip of the iceberg. Here are some preparedness tips to flood proof your car.

• Insure your car. Your existing comprehensive insurance policy may not enough. Make sure that your car insurance also covers “acts of god” or “acts of nature”. Depending on your country, this particular coverage is not part of the usual comprehensive policy cover; you have to buy it separately.

• Move out. If you happen to live in flood prone area, better check your options. You might want to consider moving out and look for a place that is known to be flood proof. If you have no means to leave your flood prone community, just be on a look out whenever a storm or heavy down pour will hit your area.

• Plan your route. Make sure that you have a back-up alternative route when leaving for the office or going home from work. Make sure that you will assess your existing route and change it if you will pass along flood prone highways.

• Park high. If your office is located in a flood infested area, make sure that your parking space is higher than the street level; the higher, the better. Flash floods may occur very quickly. If you cannot find a higher parking space in your office, better look for another job or risk your hard earned investment.

• Step on the breaks. If you will encounter a flooded street, step on the break and turn back to find a high parking ground. This is not the right time to be aggressive. Don’t take chances.

• Brave the flood. If you decided to cross the flood, make sure that the floodwater is still drivable (at least within the “half-tire level”). Drive slowly and constantly press on the gas pedal to ensure that flood water will not enter your exhaust pipe. Crossing a flooded street can be a terrifying experience especially if the current of the flood water is strong and constantly slams your vehicle. Be brave and have a “presence of mind”.

And finally, if you lost the battle and flood water overruled your car, don’t despair, losing your car is better than losing your life.