Parking Locations to Avoid Flooding Risk and Driver's Decision-Making Guide

The first step to minimize vehicle damage during a typhoon is not to drive skillfully but to move your car from hazardous locations in advance. Identify areas where water typically collects, such as riverbanks, floodplains, low-lying areas, and underground parking lots, and decide on alternative parking spots on higher ground before heavy rain begins. Move your vehicle to higher ground or an above-ground parking lot before the water level rises and do not enter to retrieve your vehicle during flood controls. River water levels can change quickly; what seems like light rain may still prevent access to floodplains. Also, check for underground passageways on the way to alternative parking lots. Confirm riverbank and floodplain parking movements during the preparation phase, and prioritize on-site controls and evacuation guidance during actual alerts. Share what you've checked with your family to avoid repeated confirmations.

Your usual commuting route can change completely during heavy rain. Prepare detours that bypass underground passages and river crossing sections and check road controls just before departing. Do not enter flooded sections simply because the car in front passed through or the water appears shallow. If the situation becomes urgent, prioritize the movement of people and on-site guidance over essential supplies.

If it is already raining heavily or water has entered the parking lot, you should stop any plans to move your vehicle. Going underground to retrieve your car can lead to human casualties. If signs of isolation appear, prioritize the evacuation of passengers and moving to higher ground, as well as reporting your location. Do not enter hazardous areas directly; instead, report to the supervising authority or emergency services.

After moving your car, inform your family of the parking lot name, floor, and time of movement. If you receive requests for vehicle relocation through apartment announcements or texts, confirm the control time and the operation hours of the alternative parking lot. During nighttime, road boundaries may not be visible, so it is better to postpone unnecessary driving. When visibility is poor, navigating road boundaries and water flow can be challenging, so delay any non-essential movements. At night, lanes and road edges are likely to be obscured by water. It’s safer to wait for control to be lifted and visibility to improve rather than rushing to work or appointments. Confirming nighttime driving precautions should happen in the preparation phase, and during actual alerts, prioritize on-site controls and evacuation guidance. Share what you've checked with your family to avoid repeating the same confirmation.

When you encounter a flooded section while driving, stop in a safe location and make an immediate detour. You cannot assess the passable water depth solely by the type of vehicle or wheel height, and factors like water currents, manhole exits, and road collapses may not be immediately visible. Follow the directives of control lines and on-site personnel. If the situation becomes urgent, prioritize the movement of people and on-site guidance over essential supplies.

Do not start vehicles showing signs of flooding after the rain has ceased. Once access is permitted, take photos and inquire with your insurance company and maintenance professionals about towing and inspection processes. Insurance compensation varies depending on the type of coverage and circumstances of the incident, so ensure to check your policy details and contact information before any damage occurs. Do not enter hazardous areas directly; instead, report to the supervising authority or emergency services.