Be Prepared
Pack your important documents in a waterproof bag when facing possible flooding or an evacuation alert. Essential items include:
- ID (driver’s license, passport, etc.)
- Vehicle registration and insurance papers
- Home insurance policy and financial details
- Fully charged phone with charger
Avoid storing valuables in your car; they may not be covered by vehicle insurance if damaged or stolen. Move vehicles, including RVs and trailers, to higher ground if they’re parked in low-lying areas. Have a “grab-and-go” bag ready in case you need to leave quickly.
Driving Tips
Stay away from floodwaters! Whether walking or driving, it’s crucial to avoid flooded areas. Check DriveBC.ca for road conditions and EmergencyInfoBC.ca for evacuation alerts.
If you encounter a flooded road, turn around if you can do so safely. Do not drive through water deeper than 10 cm (4 inches). Just 15 cm (6 inches) of water can cause you to lose control, and 30 cm (1 foot) can float many vehicles.
Floodwater can hide dangers like potholes, submerged trees, and downed power lines. If you must drive through flooded roads, assess the water depth and potential hazards. Walking through the entire water crossing on both sides of the path of left and right wheels is a must to ensure the ground is secure. Be extra cautious at night, as visibility is reduced. If your vehicle stalls, abandon it and move to higher ground.
If water enters your vehicle, don’t try to start it. Have it towed to a qualified mechanic. Even if your engine is still running after passing through floodwater, get your vehicle checked as soon as possible. Water and engines do not work.
Insurance Coverage
We recommend collision and comprehensive insurance specific to floods, especially if you live in flood-prone areas.
Damage to your parked vehicle from flooding or landslides is typically covered by comprehensive insurance. Driving through floodwater is usually covered by collision insurance.
If your vehicle is uninsured or unlicensed and a flood warning applies, you can still buy basic and collision coverage or a temporary operating permit to move your vehicle to safety. Once the warning is lifted, you can purchase comprehensive coverage.
Stay safe, be prepared, and let’s navigate through floods together!
Emergency Preparation and knowing is an important part of driving and learning to drive.
Learning To Drive can be one of your life’s most rewarding and joyous learning experiences! Really! It’s like playing a video game where you sit right in the middle of the game while chaos and complexity surround you at every moment! With one big difference! You don’t have multiple lives. PK truly means PK!
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