and maybe the difference between life and death.

The message from authorities is clear: If it’s flooded, forget it.

But in the unexpected event of a flood emergency, road safety experts say just three items could mean the difference between life and death.

Russell White, the founder and chief executive of the Australian Road Safety Foundation, said an emergency hammer was critical, allowing motorists to smash car windows and escape from a submerged vehicle.

“Those windows in cars are very tough to break and can often be almost impossible to do just with physical strength, so you do need something to make that job easier,” he said.

“If you do have something like that [emergency hammer] on board, make sure it is easy to get to; don’t have it locked in a boot or out of reach.”

Key points:

  • Having an emergency hammer, foil blanket, and waterproof torch can help in a flood emergency
  • The base of a headrest can also can also be used to break a window in an emergency
  • It is important to remember that driving to the conditions is the safest option
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Bruce Bromley, managing director of emergency evacuation equipment company Evaculife, said a foil blanket and waterproof torch were also necessary.

“Two key things we would look at is having a waterproof flashlight, so if it does get wet it will still work,” Mr Bromley said.

“Simple things like outdoor survival, foil, blankets … they’re tiny, but they allow you to wrap an adult in them or child should inclement weather cause issues.”

Prevention is most important

While these tools may assist in the case of a flood emergency, it is important to remember that driving to the conditions and being aware of your surroundings is the safest option.

“I can’t stress enough that prevention’s much better than a cure because if you find yourself in that situation, it’s a very serious situation,” said QFES Assistant Commissioner John Cawcutt.

“But people to a certain extent have to take an element of responsibility for their own safety, and use what tools are out there.”

Source
Anthea Moodie
ABC News

 

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