Do you know what to do if your car goes into water? Every year, vehicles end up submerged due to crashes, flooding, or accidents near water. Your survival depends on quick action, you may only have seconds. Here's what to do: 🚗 Don't panic. A car can float for a few minutes, but it will sink fast once water gets inside. 🪟 Unbuckle immediately. Roll down or break the windows right away. Pressure makes doors nearly impossible to open once submerged. 👶 Get out through the windows. Help children exit first, starting with older kids who can assist younger ones. 🔨 Keep a rescue tool in your car, but remember: strike the corner of the window, not the center. 📱 Don't call 911 from inside the vehicle. Get everyone out first, then call for help. ❌ Never wait for the car to fill with water. This dangerous myth wastes precious escape time. Talk to your family about this plan today. Knowing what to do could save your life.
We go more into detail in the latest Inside the Star. Visit PinellasSheriff.gov/InsideTheStar and select the most recent edition that features our Dive Team.