When in the midst of severe weather season, having a plan helps to keep you, your loved ones, and your valuables safe. Since your car is mostly likely the second most expensive possession you have (just after your home), of course it’s best to make sure that it can withstand severe weather. But your car can also be part of preparing for severe weather. It could be what keeps you and your loved ones safe from harm.
Use our checklist below to be ready for storms, hurricanes, and most weather emergencies.
Preparing For Severe Weather Checklist
Keep routine maintenance up to date on your car when preparing for severe weather
Keeping your vehicle maintained is important any time of year but especially in storm season. Whatever you’ve been putting off, do it now. Your car needs to be in top condition before you go through severe weather storms or hurricanes. You might have to really depend on it to evacuate at the very least.
It is advisable that you fully inspect each of the items on this list to make sure your vehicle is in good condition:
- Battery
- Brakes
- Defroster
- All Fluid levels such as oil, coolant, transmission, windshield wiper fluid, and antifreeze
- Power steering
- Radiator
- Tire pressure
- Tire tread
- Windshield wipers
Put together or refresh your emergency kit in your car when preparing for severe weather
If you don’t already have an emergency kit that includes first aid materials, extra clothing, common tools and other essential items, now is the time to put one together. If you do, now is the time to make sure it contains everything you need and any consumables aren’t out of date. The list of supplies below are the most essential if you need to take shelter in your car or actually drive during severe weather.
- Jumper cables
- Extra gasoline
- Tool kit
- Tire jack
- Flashlight with batteries
- Motor oil
- First aid kit
- Extra clothes and blankets
- Raincoat
- Nonperishable foods
- Drinking water
- Phone and phone charger
Review your car insurance policy when preparing for severe weather
When was the last time you read through your car insurance policy? Do you you know exactly what is and isn’t covered? Review your policy and also take photos of the interior and exterior of your car to document its condition before and after the storm.
Keep a full tank of gas at all times or keep your battery charged when preparing for severe weather
In case you need to evacuate quickly, having a full tank of gas or a fully charged car battery is essential. Severe weather situations force many people out of their homes at the same time so gas stations, if operable, can be crowded with long lines. If you fill up in advance and keep your gas tank as full as possible, you can avoid the crowds and long lines and get to a safer place much quicker. In fact, a good rule of thumb is to fill up your tank whenever it’s half full. Never put off filling up at the gas station when there’s any possibility that storms could sweep through your area.
For electric vehicles, always give it a full charge before the storm reaches your area. You never know if the weather will cause a power outage! Don’t be left without an operable vehicle!
When you park your car, consider if it’s a safe area when severe weather is an immediate threat
Every time you park your car, consider its surroundings. How would wind, water and debris affect it here? If it doesn’t pass the test, move your car to a place where it is safe or at least safer. The ideal place would be an elevated area with some kind of a weatherproof covering. Garages and elevated parking structures can provide good shelter.
Avoid parking near trees, power lines, light poles or other objects that could fall or be blown over. And if necessary, back into your parking space to make it easier to get out fast.
Stay informed! Keep watch on the weather
Keeping up with weather updates is vital for staying safe during a storm or hurricane. Local television and radio stations are a great help and better aligned with your area. If local news sources aren’t able to broadcast, you can sue your smart phone to visit the websites below.
- National Hurricane Center
- National Weather Service
- CDC – Natural Disasters and Severe Weather
- AccuWeather Hurricane Tracking & Storm Radar
- AccuWeather Severe Weather Warnings & Watches
Shipping Flooded, Water Damaged or Inoperable Vehicles After The Storm
In the unfortunate event that any of your vehicles become inoperable due to water damage or flooding from storms or hurricanes, call Scott’s to ship them safely for you. We have the experience, the equipment, and a nationwide carrier network to move your inoperable vehicles anywhere in the United States. After what you’ve been through, you won’t have to deal with the frustrations of automated systems either. Quotes from most of the other auto transport companies, especially the industry giants, are completely computer-generated. No humans involved. Many lure you in with a quick, cheap price only to add on extra fees later once you’re already committed. We won’t do that!
At Scott’s, your quote is generated by a real person that you can call and actually talk to. In fact, that’s why our quotes are the most accurate in the business yet still very competitively priced. We get it right the first time because we talk directly with you to find out exactly what you need.
Scott’s Auto Carrier is a customized car shipping service with 24/7 availability, and a solid commitment to quality. We give you competitive car shipping quotes and peace-of-mind vehicle transport service.
Call Us Today!
1-866-691-4633
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