How to Prepare Your Car for a Storm

10/30/2019 (Permalink)

Items to put in your Emergency Supply Kit

How To Prepare Your Car For A Storm

Having your car prepared will help you get home safely or wherever you need to go, when the weather is bad.  In case you can not get home due to road closures or storm damage to your home, you will have emergency supplies available.

 Keep your car in good condition by checking the tires, oil and water.  Make sure the lights and windshield wipers are in good working condition.  You do not want to find yourself stranded in the middle of a storm.  Ensure that your car has at least a half a tank of fuel in case the gas stations are closed.

First aid and emergency kits should consist of a multi-tool, flashlight and batteries and a visible jacket.  Any medication your family is taking should be included along with general pain medication.  

Keep an external battery charger fully charged for your cell phone, gps and other devices in the event you can not get home.  Store a map as well in case there is no service available for gps. Marking safe areas, motels and alternative routes in advance can save time and the worry of not being able to get home or to a safe location.

Keeping warm clothing such as waterproof clothes and boots is a good idea in case you have to abandon your car to walk.  It may be quicker to leave the car to walk to a nearby motel than trying an alternate route.  Abandoning your car should not be undertaken lightly. 

Cash on hand is recommended in case fuel, food or provisions need to be purchased.  During a storm the ATM may be out of service.  Have additional food and water in case there is a need to stay over night in your car. Make sure you have proper food for nutrition.  Having snacks available for children can keep them happier when having to spend an extended amount of time in a car. 

Keeping tools in your car will help assist with tires that may need to be replaced, changing bulbs or a shovel for digging.  Your emergency car kit should include items that can be put outside of your car to allow other oncoming traffic to visually spot you such as triangles.

Having the most important phone numbers you need in the car is recommended.  If your cell phone can not be charged or service is lost you will have a hard copy. Be sure to include your home owners and car insurance policy with emergency contact information. 

When we have the tools to wade the storm we come out safer and calmer. Make sure you car has all the recommended tools to keep you and your family safe if ever confronted with an unexpected emergency.