A man in Randolph County Indiana had to call for help when he was stranded in his car on a flooded roadway near SR 1 and SR 28 at approximately 4:45 p.m. Sunday, May 31.

Indiana State Police Trooper Mike Bradbury, who had just gone off duty but was nearby, responded to the call. He arrived to the area where the elderly man had said his vehicle entered the high water, but was unable to find the car.

Bradbury enlisted the help of a local resident that was driving by in a four wheel drive truck. The two headed east along the swollen Mississinewa River and finally found the stranded motorist roughly 1.5 miles east of SR 1.

The water was so high in the area that the truck was only able to get within approximately 40 yards of the man’s car. Bradbury waded out into the water, which was hip deep, to reach the man whose car was in water up to the bottom edge of the side windows. He was able to get the man, Jack Kirchner, 80, of Albany, out of the vehicle and back to safety.

Kirchner was checked out by Randolph County EMS. When it was determined he was okay, an Albany Police Department officer transported him home. Authorities stated that they will have to wait until the water recedes some to retrieve his vehicle, which could possibly take several days.

In light of the situation, the Indiana State Police warn motorists that flash flooding can occur quickly and without warning, even after just a few minutes of heavy rainfall. Drivers should keep the following flood safety tips in mind:

• Always carry a cell phone and charger.
• Pay attention to local media reports and heed warnings issued by the National Weather Service.
• Never drive around barricades at water crossings.
• Be especially careful at night and early morning as it can be difficult to see water and its depth across the roadway.
• Reduce your speed in rain and never enter flowing water. Driving through water creates less tire contact with the road surface (hydroplaning) and increases your chance of crashing.
• Driving through water affects your brakes reducing their effectiveness until they dry out.
• If you end up in water, immediately abandon your vehicle, exit through a window and climb on top of your car. Call 911 from there and wait for help to arrive. Ride the top like a boat, as vehicles will often float for several minutes.
• Be aware that road erosion can occur anytime there is running or standing water on a roadway.
• Remember it only takes six inches of water to reach the bottom of most car doors and one foot of water to float most vehicles.
• Indiana State Police advise you should only swim for it if you absolutely have to, and don’t swim against the current.

Source: WANE