The water is rising: go up, and never towards the water.
Floods can arrive very quickly. What saves the most lives is never going into moving water and getting to higher ground in time.
What to do, and when
What decides how long you can hold out
What people ask most
Can I cross a street with a little water?
Not if the water is moving. A few centimetres of current can knock you over, and you can't see what's underneath: open drains, branches or cars being swept along.
Should I get the car out of the garage?
No. Garages and basements flood very quickly and are a trap. The car can be replaced; you can't.
Can I use tap water afterwards?
Only once the authorities confirm it's safe to drink. Until then, use bottled water for drinking, cooking and brushing your teeth.
Who pays for the damage?
If you have insurance in force, in Spain damage from extraordinary floods is usually covered by the Consorcio de Compensación de Seguros. Take photos of everything before cleaning and keep the receipts.
Guides to help you prepare
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