Tips to make your car Hurricane Ready

Make sure your car is ready and that you understand how to drive in severe conditions.

Well in advance:

• Prepare an evacuation route.
• Store emergency supplies in your trunk. The basics include a first aid kit, bottled water, non-perishable foods, and prescription medications. Here are a few additional suggestions.

If a storm is forecast:

• Get a full tank of gas. Fuel may be in short supply after the storm.
• Make sure the windshield wipers are in good shape, and the tires (including your spare) are properly inflated.
• Place your auto and home insurance documents, vehicle registration, title, and other important documents in a waterproof bag and keep them with you.
• Charge your cell phone and plan to bring it if you evacuate.
• If you expect to leave your car behind, be sure it’s not in a flood-prone area. Rising water can seep in and damage your vehicle.
• If you’re instructed to evacuate, do so immediately.

If you’re ordered to evacuate or are returning home after an evacuation: Avoid driving through deep water. The average car can be swept off the road by as little as 12″ of moving water. Just try to find an alternate route. If your vehicle stalls in water, you may need to restart the engine to make it to safety. But, be aware that restarting may severely damage your engine. If you can’t restart your car and you become trapped in rising water, immediately abandon it for higher ground. If you’re unable to get out safely, call 911 or get help from a passerby or someone standing on higher ground. After you and your vehicle are out of deep water and in a safe area, depress your brakes slowly several times to help them dry.

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