Prepare Your Car for a Hurricane in Port Charlotte, FL

How To Prepare Your Vehicle for Hurricane Season

Hurricane season is going to get serious sooner rather than later, and you don’t want to be caught off guard. If you decide it’s best to leave your vehicle behind to wait out the storm, you’re not just leaving it to get swept away – there are measures you can take to protect it from debris and floodwater. And if you decide to evacuate in the vehicle, it’s important to make sure it’s packed and ready to go. Mazda of Port Charlotte has all the information you need to have your vehicle hurricane-ready, whether you leave it or take it.

What to Do If You Leave Your Vehicle

If you don’t plan on taking your vehicle with you to evacuate, there are steps you can take to ensure it’s in good shape when you get back. Some tips we have for you are:

• Park in a Garage: If you don’t have a personal garage that’s hurricane-safe, the best option is to find a public, covered parking garage.
• Limit Exposure: If a parking garage isn’t an option, parking next to a building can limit exposure to the hurricane elements.
• Seek High Ground: Keeping your car in a place where it will be hard for floodwater to reach is always recommended.

No matter where you decide to park your car, make sure the area is clear of power lines or trees that can be blown over.

Packing The Ultimate Go-Bag For Evacuation

Don’t wait until the last minute to pack your go-bag. During hurricane season, make sure it’s packed and in the back seat or the trunk in case of an emergency evacuation. Your go-bag should include these ten items:

• A waterproof bag that’s large enough to fit all your essentials.
• Important documents sealed in a waterproof container.
• A paper map with evacuation routes picked out.
• Extra chargers for your cell phones and other technology.
• Some extra cash in case of a power outage or lost credit card.
• Spare keys.
• Non-perishable foods and water bottles.
• If you have pets, pack some food and water for them as well as travel bowls.
• A first-aid kit.
• A battery-powered radio to keep you up-to-date on storm conditions.

How to Drive Safely During The Storm

Driving during a hurricane can seem scary, but there are some measures you can take to get to your destination safely. Rain is going to be an obstacle, but as long as you avoid deep water, your drive should be smooth. It only takes a foot of water to derail an average-sized vehicle, so you can either go around it or find an alternate route. Secondly, even though you’re trying to get out of dodge, take your time and be cautious. You want to have enough time to react appropriately if you come across a hazard.

Visit Mazda of Port Charlotte For All Your Automotive Needs

At Mazda of Port Charlotte, we want our community to be able to withstand hurricanes. We’ll provide your vehicle with the necessary maintenance needed to evacuate or hold down the fort. You’ll find all your hurricane tips and tricks at our dealership in Port Charlotte, FL, so give us a call or schedule an appointment online.

We’ll see you soon!