If you are in a flood zone area and are advised to evacuate, do so immediately. However, sometimes the evacuation order will come too late or the road conditions worsen far more quickly than the authorities have estimated. If this happens, you may find yourself trapped in your car as flood damage rapidly increases around your vehicle. Here is a common sense guide to surviving flood damage while in your automobile.

* The first thing to be aware of while driving out of a flood zone is your surroundings. If you see water that looks like it may be above your tailpipe stay out of it if possible. If your exhaust is below water your car will stall. It is often difficult to judge the depth of water while sitting in your car. In this instance get out and use a stick or something else that is handy to measure the depth of the water. You will get wet, but it will be worth it to keep your car moving through the flooding.

* If you are unsure of the depth of water as it relates to the tailpipe of your vehicle err on the side of caution and back up and find a different route. Getting your car stuck in flooding water can make the situation go from dangerous to deadly in seconds. If the flood water suddenly surges, your car can be swept away.

* Keep your car radio tuned to whatever channel is broadcasting constant updates on evacuation routes. This way if the situation changes suddenly you will be prepared and able to react accordingly.

* If your car does get stuck in floodwaters immediately abandon the vehicle. It may seem safer to stay in the vehicle, but it is not. The car can be turned over in the surging waters and drowning is a very real possibility. Do not worry about flood damage that can hit your car. Your life is far more precious than that.

* If the car is flooded before you have a chance to escape wait until enough water flows in to equalize the pressure and allow you to open the door. Once outside the car don\'t try to fight the flowing water walk or swim in the direction of the current. If there is something blocking your way under no circumstances should you try to go under the object. Go over it or around it. If you get stuck trying to navigate underneath an object you will face the very real prospect of drowning.

* Flood damage will make navigating the roads an extremely hazardous proposition. Drive slowly, carefully, and be ready for anything. Use your high beams and be prepared to abandon the vehicle at any point for higher ground.

Your very survival can depend on how you react to a sudden flood. Worry about the flood damage cleanup and water removal after you are safe. Also do not make the mistake of confusing being dry with being safe. There may be a time when abandoning your vehicle and standing on a nearby hill is your best option. The flood damage can happen instantaneously and your reaction to these changes can mean the difference between life and death.

Make sure you survive the flood and subsequent flood damage so you can go home and start the water restoration project rather than being an unfortunate flood statistic.