Hurricane season is a fraught period for communities living in the path of these powerful storms. While much attention is given to fortifying homes and securing valuable possessions, many car owners may not realize the extent of the risks their vehicles face during these natural disasters. This comprehensive guide is crafted especially for those individuals who understand that the safety of their cars is just as crucial as any other preparation. We’ll walk you through the essential steps to protect your car before, during, and after a hurricane, ensuring you and your vehicle are ready for any tempest situation that arises.
Understanding the Risks to Your Wheels
The Peril of Water Damage
Water is the enemy of a vehicle’s engine and electronics. During hurricanes, the immense flooding can submerge cars, causing millions in immediate damage. Some cars might suffer a total loss of functioning, and even those that seem unaffected may suffer long-term consequences such as rust and electrical failures. For example, during Hurricane Harvey in 2017, an estimated 1 million cars were damaged or destroyed.
Flying Debris
Powerful winds turn everyday objects into high-speed projectiles, capable of inflicting damage on any cars left exposed. Garages, particularly those in flood-prone areas, can quickly turn into dangerous environments of their own with collapsing structures or flying objects.
Pre-Hurricane Season Vehicle Checklist
Before the first storm cloud appears, work through this checklist to give your car the best chance of surviving a hurricane unscathed.
Assess Your Vehicle’s Location Vulnerability
Start by evaluating where your car is usually parked. Opt for off-street parking wherever possible. If a garage is used, ensure it is structurally sound and does not flood. Use designated parking garages if you live in an area prone to serious flooding.
Review Your Vehicle Insurance Policy
Check if you have comprehensive coverage that includes flooding and hurricane damage. Contact your insurance provider to go over your policy and coverage specifics. It’s imperative to understand what situations are covered and how to file a claim.
Prepare a Basic Emergency Kit for Your Car
Have an emergency kit in your car, including a flashlight, spare batteries, first-aid supplies, non-perishable food items, and water. Car chargers for mobile phones can also be lifesavers if you lose power.
Keep your Vehicle Well-Maintained
Regular maintenance keeps your car in the best condition to endure a hurricane. Check your hoses, belts, and fluids regularly, and ensure your battery is strong. Your vehicle’s tires and brakes should be in good working order, as you may need to rely on solid traction and reliable stopping power.
Protect Important Documents
Keep your vehicle’s ownership papers, insurance policies, and other essential documents in a waterproof bag, ideally stored in your car.
During the Hurricane
In Case of Evacuation
If local authorities recommend or order an evacuation, follow their instructions. Ensure your car is fueled and fully prepared for a long trip before the expected hurricane landfall. Pack all emergency supplies and keep your important documents close.
If You Can’t Evacuate
If it’s not safe for you to leave your home and your car is outside, park it in the safest area possible. Avoid parking under trees, power lines, or in low-lying areas that may flood.
Battery Maintenance
If your car is not in use, periodically start the engine and run it for a few minutes with all windows and doors open to ventilate the interior. This practice can preserve the battery and keep air circulating.
Secure Loose Items in Your Car
Anything loose inside your car can become a flying hazard. Ensure your vehicle’s interior is uncluttered, secure any items that can’t be removed, and close windows tightly.
Post-Hurricane Assessment
Wait for Authorities to Provide Clearance
After the storm, wait for authorities to give the all-clear before venturing out. Do not start your vehicle if it has been submerged until it can be inspected by an automotive professional.
Inspect Your Vehicle Thoroughly
Check for signs of flood damage, which include a musty odor, water lines on the vehicle interior, or fogging inside lights and instruments.
Address Any Issues Immediately
If you suspect damage, address it immediately to avoid compounding problems. Saltwater flood damage is particularly corrosive and can lead to significant long-term issues if not remedied swiftly.
File an Insurance Claim Promptly
Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to file a claim for any hurricane-related damage. Take pictures and keep records of any evidence to support your claim.
Conclusion
Hurricane season is a time of vulnerability, but proper preparation can reduce the risk to your vehicle and, by extension, to your family’s safety and financial security. By taking the time to ready your car, you can ensure that it is not another statistic in the aftermath of a storm. Share this guide with fellow car owners, and remember that preparation is key to weathering the storm — literally.
Please share your thoughts on this guide for vehicle hurricane preparedness. Have you encountered other useful tips or have insights from your own experiences? We’re all in this together, and by exchanging our knowledge, we fortify each other’s safety nets. Stay prepared, stay safe.