Get Your Vehicle Hurricane Ready

Dealing with a natural disaster, such as a hurricane, can be extremely daunting, dangerous, and in some cases, even life-threatening. If you live in a coastal region that is prone to hurricanes, knowing how to properly prep your car, truck, or any type of vehicle for the impending storm is imperative. Understanding essential steps to take to prepare your vehicle for a potential hurricane can ultimately save on repairs and may help to protect your vehicle from becoming destroyed altogether.

Preparation Tips (Ahead of the Hurricane)

If you reside in a region that is known for hurricanes and other forms of natural disasters, it is always advisable to have a safe evacuation plan for you and your household. Knowing which route(s) may be best to take for each particular situation you might encounter is also extremely beneficial and can ultimately save lives during a hurricane.

Store any emergency supplies you may need in the trunk of your vehicle during hurricane season, even if there has not yet been a hurricane in the weather forecast. First aid kits, non-perishable foods, bottled water, and additional medications (including prescriptions if possible) should also be readily available whenever you may need to leave your home quickly.

Seek out service specials from a trusted dealership, such as Gator Ford. Service specials can help you to ensure that your truck or vehicle is well-maintained year-round, regardless of whether or not you are faced with a hurricane or another natural disaster.

When the Hurricane is Forecast

Once there is a hurricane in the forecast, it is imperative to act immediately. The longer you wait, the more risk you are putting yourself, your loved ones, and your vehicle at risk. Escaping the brunt of the hurricane will also help to ensure maximum protection while you are inside your vehicle. A few tips to remember when a hurricane is actively happening and in your local forecast include:

• Fill up your vehicle’s gas tank as quickly as possible to avoid crowds or waiting in line, especially if you reside in a highly-populated area.
• Ensure that you have all the supplies you need inside of your vehicle
• Charge all of your cell phones and, if possible, pack a battery phone charger for charging on the go.
• Use a waterproof or ziplock bag to store all of your household’s important documents as well as documents that pertain to your vehicle registration and ownership. Insurance documents should also be kept in your waterproof bag for both your home and any vehicles you own and drive.
• Move any vehicles you do not plan to drive or use for transport during the hurricane to higher ground. If you do not have higher ground on or around your property, consider which public locations may work best to store your vehicle until the storm has passed.

After Receiving Evacuation Instructions

After receiving evacuation instructions from your local government or council, it is essential to avoid driving through deep areas of water. If you are unsure of how deep an area of water is while driving, it is advisable to seek an alternate route as much as possible. Deep water can also mean downed powerlines, which may still be active with electricity.

If you experience a stall inside of your vehicle during a hurricane and while it is submerged in water, you may need to complete a full engine restart. While restarting the engine may allow you to get your car moving so you can escape, this will likely cause damage to the engine itself, which may need inspection and repairs in the future.

If you are unable to restart your engine after your vehicle has been submerged in water, it is best to evacuate the vehicle as quickly as possible. Call 911 immediately if you are unable to get to higher ground or if you find yourself stuck inside of your vehicle during the hurricane evacuation process.

When you are familiar with the proper steps to take to prepare your truck or vehicle for an upcoming hurricane, you can maintain your peace of mind while knowing what to do in each particular situation you encounter. The more familiar you are with hurricane prep, the less likely you are to feel overwhelmed if you experience a hurricane that occurs seemingly out of nowhere. To find a vehicle that is right for you and your household for all weather and terrain, contact Gator Ford of Tampa, Florida for more information.