Card “A”
Calling about someone (else) trapped in a vehicle.
Q1: Where are you calling from?
Q2: Where is the vehicle?
Q3: Is the car in deep, fast-moving water?
Q4: Is the victim’s vehicle floating? If so, what direction?
If the trapped victim IS in deep, fast-moving water – especially if water is getting into the vehicle and the victim feels their life is threatened:
Tell the caller…
- Have the person in the car try to open a side window, or break it out with a shoe or some other solid object.
- Try to find a flotation device of some sort in your vehicle, or theirs. If nothing else is available, tell them to use a jacket or shirt to trap air, and create their own makeshift flotation device.
- Have them exit their car carefully and try to make it over to dry ground, reminding them to keep hold of the flotation device.
- Follow along if they get swept downstream, but DO NOT go into the water after them on your own.
- If you have a rope or a long power cord, take it along as you follow, and wait for the opportunity to use it safely.
If the trapped victim IS NOT in deep, fast-moving water, or floating away:
Tell the caller…
- We are sending the fire department. Go to a safe place near where the people are trapped, and be prepared to guide firefighters to the scene. Advise the victims to stay in their car.
- DO NOT ENTER THE WATER TO TRY TO HELP THE VICTIM ! ! !
Flash Flood Card “A”