Hurricane Ian is quickly approaching the western coast of Florida this week at an estimated category 4 storm. While residents in the area begin preparing for the strong winds and heavy rainfall, we’ve decided to highlight some of the best car safety tips to keep in mind as well. Here’s a look at our most valued car safety tips for hurricane season, plus ways to prepare ahead of time as Florida residents take precaution.
Follow these car safety tips
Living in a hurricane-prone area means you probably know a thing or two about hurricane preparedness. By the same token, it’s never a bad idea to refresh your knowledge and learn some new tips for keeping your home and personal belongings safe during a storm. Your car, for example, is often the most susceptible to weathering elements, especially if you’re unable to park it safely in a garage or sheltered space.
While all residents must anticipate loss of power, food storage, and basic household essentials, it’s also important to keep your car in consideration.
Document everything
Before Hurricane Ian makes landfall this week, take a few minutes of your time to canvass your home/property and take photos of its preexisting condition. From windows to landscaping to your vehicle — all these items are specifically vulnerable to heavy rains and catastrophic conditions. What’s more, the aftermath of a hurricane could have your property looking in much worse shape. Which means, having documentation beforehand will guarantee you have all the evidence you need to establish an insurance claim.
Fuel up ahead of time
You often see drivers flock to gas stations before a storm hits and for its truthfully for good reason. In the circumstance that you need to evacuate your home unexpectedly, having a full tank of gas will make all the difference in ensuring you can get to a safer destination without difficulty. Not only will it give your family peace of mind having a filled tank, you’ll also be well prepared after the storm hits. Some gas stations may take hours or days before reopening.
Park your vehicle in a safe space
Strong winds and flying debris are common characteristics of tropical storms and hurricanes. As a result, your vehicle will brave many elements in a short time span. To best protect your vehicle from these damaging conditions, it’s recommended by FEMA and other safety organizations to keep your car parked in a garage or carport. This, in turn, will lessen your vehicle’s chances of exposure or damage. If you don’t have access to a garage or sheltered space, it’s best to park your car as close to your property as possible.
Buy a weatherproof protective car cover
A car cover provides an added barrier of protection to make sure your headlights, windows, and exterior finish aren’t adversely affected by strong winds or debris. You can purchase one at your local auto shop or browse online for a wider range of options that accommodate your vehicle size and shape. Either way, covering your vehicle with a fitted, weatherproof material will only benefit your car’s safety during a storm. In most cases, this will help prevent your car from becoming flooded during severe conditions.
Reminders following Hurricane Ian
While the dangers during a hurricane are evident, it’s also important to anticipate the conditions after a storm hits. Depending on the level of damage, you could be looking at hours or days without power. On top of that, roadways and major highways may be restricted due to debris and fallen trees. These subsequent conditions require just as much precaution as you would take prior to a hurricane reaching landfall. The CDC actively warn residents to:
- Drive only if necessary
- Keep away from floodwater and flooded areas
- Avoid broken power lines and contact your electric company when you see them
- Use flashlights instead of candles in the event power is out
- Monitor your radio or television for up-to-date information
We hope these hurricane preparedness and car safety tips serve you well in anticipation of the latest storm. For the most recent update on Hurricane Ian, watch the video below:
