How to Prepare Your Vehicle for a Hurricane

Those who live in areas of the world where hurricanes are common must learn how to prepare their vehicles for the possibility one might hit. Not only is your vehicle a valuable piece of property, but it might be your only means for escape. Preparation for hurricanes must take place at least several weeks in advance, so you won't know whether you're in danger of one yet. The best time to get started is one or two months before hurricane season begins. Following are the steps you should take to prepare your vehicle for a hurricane.
Update Auto Insurance
The first step to prepare your vehicle for a hurricane is to make sure it's covered. Some insurance policies cover hurricanes just because you live in a part of the world that is frequently hit by them, while others require additional coverage. It's worth it to pay an extra $5 - $20 per month to ensure that you can replace your vehicle in the event of a hurricane.

Repair Your Vehicle
To prepare your vehicle for a hurricane, you will also want to make sure that it's in working order. Have your mechanic look it over and replace any parts you've been procrastinating. You should also make sure that your safety gear is in working condition, including your spare tire, any tools, road flares and jumper cable. You might want to add a first-aid kit to your preparations just to be on the safe side.

Leave As Early As Possible
If a hurricane is coming your way, evacuate as quickly as possible. If you wait for the authorities to demand evacuation, you could be stuck in heavy traffic for hours on end with no way to escape. If you're going to leave, pack your car with snacks, bottled water (for the engine and to drink) and make sure you have a full tank before you leave. It wouldn't be a bad idea to fill a couple of containers with gasoline as you may not have access to a pump for several hours.