PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — Pittsburgh Emergency Management has posted advice on its Facebook page about how to get out of your car if you’re on a street that’s flooding.

Washington Boulevard was buried in nine to 10-feet of water Friday night during a flash flood that took the lives of four people. A mother and her two girls were found inside a minivan lodged against a tree and an elderly woman was swept into the Allegheny River.

Ray DeMichei, from Emergency Management, wants people to do be prepared if they ever find themselves in a similar situation.

“In those circumstances when it’s going to come up over top of the car – or looks like it’s going to be rapidly rising – you know it’s a judgment call and it may be a tough call to make, but it’s always safer to get out of the water and get to higher ground,” said DeMichei.

But rather than face swift-moving water that could knock you down, he says you may choose to get onto the car’s roof.

He says since you may not be able to open your door until water fills the inside of your car and the pressure is equalized, the car window may be your best option for escape.

If you wait too long, power windows may not work, and you’ll have to break the glass. Devices to break side windows are sold in some hardware stores and online. They do not work on windshields, however.

He says it’s also imperative to stay calm. You must also remember to unbuckle your seatbelt and he says devices are sold to cut through belts in case that’s necessary.

For more information, go the Pittsburgh Emergency Management Facebook Page.

RELATED LINKS
Facebook: Pittsburgh Emergency Management
Pittsburgh Emergency Management