What to do during a flash flood or DANA

Key rules

• Go up: Move to an upper floor or higher ground and stay there until the authorities say it is safe.
• Water depth: Just 30 cm of moving water can drag a person and about 50 cm can float a car, so never cross flooded roads, ramblas or streams.
• Garages: Never go down to a garage, basement or ground floor, even to fetch your car.
• 112: Call 112 only for a real danger to life or an urgent rescue, giving your exact location and a contact number.

Go up and stay up

Move to an upper floor or higher ground and stay there. Do not go down to garages, basements, ground floors or storerooms, even to move your car or save belongings. Water fills these spaces fast and you can be trapped.

Do not drive or cross water

Stay off the roads. Be most careful near ramblas, rivers, ravines and underpasses. Never cross flooded roads, ramblas or streams, on foot or by car. Just 30 cm of moving water can drag a person and about 50 cm can float a car. You cannot judge depth by looking.

Avoid journeys altogether when an orange or red rain warning is active.

If your car is caught in water

Do not shelter in the car or in a tent near a watercourse. Get out at once, before the water rises, because doors and windows get hard to open under pressure. Then climb to high ground. If the car is already flooded or swept away and the doors will not open, escape through a window and call 112.

Follow ES-Alert and the authorities

ES-Alert is the emergency alert that arrives on your phone. Keep it on and read every message. Also follow the regional 112 channels, your local council and the weather warnings. Do what the authorities tell you. Keep a battery radio, a torch and a power bank within reach, and keep your phone charged.

When to call 112

Call 112 only if your life is in danger or you need an urgent rescue, for example if you are trapped, swept by water or injured. Give your exact location and a contact number. Then follow the operator's instructions. Do not call with general questions: use your local council or regional information channels. This keeps the lines free for people in danger.

Going back

Do not return to the area until the authorities say it is safe.

Choosing between options

What should you do about your car during a flood?

• Stay where you are and do not drive: An orange or red rain warning is active, or water is already on nearby roads. Wait for the authorities to say it is safe.

• Leave the car and climb to high ground: Your car is caught and the water is rising but the doors still open.

• Escape through a window and call 112: The car is flooded or swept away and the doors will not open. Get out through a window, then call 112 and give your location.

If you can still avoid the road, do not drive. If you are already caught, get out of the car at once, because it is never a safe place to wait.

Checklist

• Stay off the roads, especially near ramblas (dry riverbeds that flood fast), rivers, ravines and underpasses.

• Turn on ES-Alert messages on your phone and read each one as it arrives.

• Follow the instructions of the authorities, using the regional 112, local council channels and weather warnings for updates.

• Wait until the authorities say it is safe before going back to the area.

What to watch out for

• Crossing flooded roads or streams: Just 30 cm of moving water can drag a person and about 50 cm can float a car. Water of unknown depth can be much deeper than it looks. Never cross flooded roads, ramblas or streams, on foot or by car. Turn back and find higher ground.

• Sheltering in a car or tent: A car or tent near a watercourse can be swept away, and car doors and windows get hard to open once water presses on them. Do not wait inside a vehicle or tent. Move to high ground on foot before the water rises.

• Travelling during an orange or red rain warning: Driving in these conditions puts you on roads, underpasses and low-lying routes that can flood within minutes. Put off the journey until the warning ends. If you are already out, stop somewhere high and safe.

• Calling 112 for non-urgent questions: Too many calls can jam the lines for people who are trapped or hurt. Use the local council, regional information numbers or the authorities' social media for general questions.

Frequently asked questions

Can I speak English when I call 112?

Yes, many regions answer 112 in English and other languages, but this depends on your region. If the operator cannot follow you, say your location slowly and clearly and give a phone number they can call back.

What should I tell the 112 operator in a flood?

Tell the operator your exact location, what is happening, how many people are with you and a number to reach you on. Add if anyone is elderly, a child, injured or unable to move easily. Then follow the operator's instructions.

Can deaf people contact 112 without making a voice call?

Yes, some regions have a 112 app or a text option for deaf people, such as a registered text service. Check what your region offers and register before the rainy season.

Who do I contact if I need flood information but I am not in danger?

Contact your local council, your region's information number or the authorities' social media. This keeps 112 free for people who are trapped, swept by water or hurt.