Essential Things You Should Have In Your Car In Case Of a Hurricane

The Atlantic can get rough during hurricane season. If you live on the coast, you should familiarize yourself with the signs of a hurricane. Although these storms are common, they bring winds in excess of 74 mph, which is stronger than most tornadoes. Areas that have experienced hurricane damage have trees and power lines down. Your insurance agent will advise you on what to do if a hurricane threatens your area.

States such as Texas and Florida are no strangers to hurricanes. In fact, both states experience hurricane activity every year. But even states that rarely experience such storms should still be prepared in case of a hurricane.

In case of a hurricane or any type of natural disaster that requires evacuation, it is important to have your car ready in case of an emergency evacuation. Here are some essentials that you should have in your car at all times:

Water

Water is an essential part of any disaster kit because it can be contaminated by floodwaters, chemicals, and other debris. If you're forced to evacuate, you'll need something to drink besides what's available at shelters and aid stations along the way. CDC recommends having at least one gallon of water per person per day for drinking and sanitation purposes. 

If possible, try to store 2 weeks' worth of water. Keep in mind that you will need more water in hot climates or if you are pregnant or have a medical condition.

Food

A good supply of food is also important, especially if you have pets or small children who may need more than just water during this time. If possible, try to stock up on non-perishable foods that don't require refrigeration or cooking (such as canned goods).

This will help reduce the amount of energy needed during a power outage after the storm passes by.  Pack high-protein foods like nuts, peanut butter, and granola bars that will sustain you through an extended power outage or evacuation order.

First aid kit

A first aid kit is an absolute must when you're on the road. You never know when you might need it. Make sure that it has enough supplies to treat common injuries like cuts, burns, and sprains.

Your first aid kit should contain bandages, antibiotic cream, antiseptic wipes, antibiotic ointment, cotton balls and swabs, scissors, tweezers, gauze pads and rolls of gauze wrap (4×4), and any prescription medications that you or anyone else in your family needs daily (like insulin).

Flashlights with extra batteries

Flashlights can come in handy anytime, but they're especially useful during power outages caused by hurricanes. A flashlight will allow you to see what's going on around you while keeping your hands free. Additionally, if your car is out of gas or has been damaged by flooding, your flashlight may be your only source of light.

Medications

If you take any medications, whether prescription or over-the-counter, make sure they are easily accessible in case they are needed during an evacuation order or while waiting out a storm at home.

If someone has medical conditions like asthma or an allergy that requires medication, be sure they know how severe their condition is and how long they should expect it to last after it comes back online after the storm passes. Also, be sure they know how to use an inhaler or epi-pen if necessary.

Extra gas

Make sure that you have extra gas in your car at all times. Fill up before it gets too late and you will be stuck in line waiting to get fuel. You can run out of gas while waiting in line and not be able to leave your vehicle until after the storm passes.

If this happens, then you could be stuck in traffic or worse yet, stranded on the side of the road during a storm with no way to get home or move around town if needed during an emergency situation such as this one.

Jumper cables

If your battery dies or drains during a power outage, jumper cables can help get your car started again quickly. They are also useful for jump-starting another vehicle if necessary.

This can be especially important if you live in an area where most people do not use public transportation or bicycles as their primary source of transportation. That way, if someone else's battery dies and they need a jump start, you'll be ready to help them out.

Tire pressure gauge

Low tire pressure can cause blowouts, which can lead to accidents or even death if you're driving through high water during a storm surge or when flood waters recede.

When checking your tire pressure, make sure all four tires are inflated equally — this is especially important if one of them has been dropped off-center due to hitting something while driving down the road.

Car cover

A car cover is one of the most important things that you should have in your car in case of a hurricane. It will help keep your vehicle protected against rain and wind damage during bad weather conditions.

It will also ensure that there is no water leakage into your vehicle, which could cause problems with electrical systems and rusting as well as corrosion on metal parts such as battery cables or window seals which could result in expensive repairs later on down the line.

Protect your car from flood water damage with ClimaGuard TPE. Installed in minutes and with anchor straps that ensure your car stays secure during storms or when water levels rise during heavy rainfall, this product is easy to use and highly effective at keeping floodwater out of your car.

Preparation is the key

When you hear that a hurricane is headed your way, it's natural to panic and worry about the safety of your family. But while it's important to keep an eye on weather reports and make sure you have all the supplies you need to ride out the storm, don't let fear get the best of you.

Make sure you’re always ClimaGuard ready! For more car safety tips, visit our blog site.