Hundreds of residents were evacuated from communities north of St. Louis this week when levees for the Mississippi and Missouri rivers were breached, causing major street flooding. With so many storms occurring in recent days, particularly in the Midwest and South, now is a good time to review precautions your drivers can take if they ever find themselves driving in an area threatened by flooding.

According to FEMA, the following are important points to remember when driving in flood conditions:

▪       Six inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars, causing loss of control and possible stalling.

▪       A foot of water will float many vehicles.

▪       Two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles, including sport utility vehicles and pickups.

▪       Do not attempt to drive through a flooded road. The depth of water is not always obvious. The roadbed may be washed out under the water, and you could be stranded or trapped.

▪       Do not drive around a barricade. Barricades are there for your protection. Turn around and go the other way.

▪       Do not try to take short cuts. They may be blocked. Stick to designated evacuation routes.

▪       Be especially cautious driving at night when it is harder to recognize flood dangers.