Flood emergency tools could save lives in emergency

An emergency hammer, waterproof torch, and a foil blanket could save your life in an emergency. (ABC Southern Qld: Anthea Moodie)

The message from authorities is clear: If it's flooded, forget it.

But in the unexpected event of a flood emergency, road safety experts say just three items could mean the difference between life and death.

Russell White, the founder and chief executive of the Australian Road Safety Foundation, said an emergency hammer was critical, allowing motorists to smash car windows and escape from a submerged vehicle.

"If you do have something like that [emergency hammer] on board, make sure it is easy to get to; don't have it locked in a boot or out of reach."

An emergency hammer can help occupants break windows to escape in a flood emergency. (Supplied: CL Images)

Minimal uptake

While the device is useful to have, most drivers do not have one in their vehicle. 

Mr White said a common item could be used as an alternative. 

"The metal that's at the end of that, it is possible with significant force or sufficient force to break a window using one of those things."  

Swiftwater rescue training inside a flooded car. (Supplied: QFES)

What else?

Bruce Bromley, managing director of emergency evacuation equipment company Evaculife, said a foil blanket and waterproof torch were also necessary. 

"Two key things we would look at is having a waterproof flashlight, so if it does get wet it will still work," Mr Bromley said. 

"Simple things like outdoor survival, foil, blankets … they're tiny, but they allow you to wrap an adult in them or child should inclement weather cause issues."

A waterproof torch is handy to have in a flood emergency. (Supplied: Jennifer Travis)

Lack of awareness

Mr Bromley said it was disappointing it took a flood emergency to get people to prepare.

"When there is a tragedy … that does wake people up to suddenly realising we should have something like this in our vehicle," Mr Bromley said. 

"We have plenty of guidance around things like smoke alarms for homes but, when it comes to motor vehicles, the information available is very limited.

Prevention is most important

While these tools may assist in the case of a flood emergency, it is important to remember that driving to the conditions and being aware of your surroundings is the safest option. 

"I can't stress enough that prevention's much better than a cure because if you find yourself in that situation, it's a very serious situation," said QFES Assistant Commissioner John Cawcutt.

"But people to a certain extent have to take an element of responsibility for their own safety, and use what tools are out there."