Protecting your Car during Hurricane Season
Preparing your vehicle for a Hurricane is just as important as preparing your home.
Take Pictures
It can be prudent to have proof of your car's condition before disaster strikes, for personal and possible insurance purposes. So, you may want to consider taking pictures of your car's interior and exterior as you make hurricane preparations well before a hurricane hits.
Store Important Items
Make additional copies of your insurance, registration, and photo or photocopy of your tag, as well as an extra key or key fob. Store these copies in a dry place, if possible make additional so any driver in your home can have these copies in the event of an emergency.
Emergency Meeting Area
It is recommended to have 2 emergency meeting areas one close and one further away in the event of a local evacuation.
Fill your Tank
Be sure that you fuel up all your vehicles before a hurricane hits, a full tank of gas means you won't need to locate a station that has an emergency generate to pump fuel and you will be prepared in case of a fuel shortage.
Park Safely
Protecting your car from a hurricane typically involves sheltering it from high winds and water. If possible park your vehicles inside a garage. If a garage is not available parking a vehicle close to your home or building can help protect the car from winds partially. Another way to protect your vehicle is to avoid parking under trees and power lines.
Check your Vehicle
After a storm has passed and your family is accounted for be sure to check your vehicle in addition to your home. Thoroughly evaluate the vehicle and take after photos to compare with the before photos.
Don't Drive Unless Necessary
After a storm is over it's very normal to want to get out of the house, however, it is best to stay at home unless absolutely necessary. Flooded streets can wash out roads, bridges, and conceal very dangerous conditions like live power lines. Do not drive through standing water, and do not drive around downed power lines.
