Getting Started with Hurricane Safety in the Car

Last updated: 2023-09-07

When preparing for a hurricane, ensuring your safety in the car is paramount. Stay informed through reliable weather updates and have a plan in place for road travel during adverse conditions.

Summary

• Understand driving risks during hurricanes.
• Check vehicle readiness and emergency supplies.
• Use reliable weather applications for updates.
• Know when to stay put for safety.

What are the main driving risks during a hurricane?

Driving during a hurricane is extremely hazardous due to high winds and flooding.

• Hydroplaning Risks: Heavy rain can lead to hydroplaning, especially if water accumulates on the road. This can cause loss of vehicle control, making it difficult to steer effectively.
• Submerged Obstacles: Floodwaters can hide hazards such as debris or damaged streets, drastically increasing the risk of accidents.
• Limited Visibility: Intense rain and wind can severely reduce visibility, making driving increasingly dangerous. It’s essential to be cautious and mindful of these risks while on the road. You can always turn to resources like the CDC's safety tips for authoritative guidance.

How should you prepare your vehicle before a hurricane?

Preparation is crucial when anticipating severe weather. Here are vital checks to perform:

• Tire Inspection: Verify tire pressure, including the spare, to ensure they are suitable for wet conditions. Underinflated or worn tires can increase the likelihood of hydroplaning.
• Fluid Levels Check: Ensure your vehicle's fluids (oil, coolant, brake fluid) are at appropriate levels.
• Emergency Kit: Have an emergency kit ready, including food, water, first-aid supplies, and a flashlight. This preparation helps in case you get stuck or need to wait out a storm. Specific tips can be found in guides like Consumer Reports.

When is it safer to stay put than to drive?

There are situations when leaving your home can be more dangerous than remaining inside:

• Hazardous Driving Conditions: If official advisories recommend staying off the roads, heed that advice. Often, evacuation orders are given with minimal lead time, and heavy traffic is a concern during a storm.
• Emergency Services Availability: Understand that during storms, emergency services will be overwhelmed, making it impossible for help to reach you if you encounter trouble. Assess your local advisories from resources like the National Weather Service's Hurricane Center for updated information on watches and warnings.

How can you stay informed during a hurricane?

Using a mobile weather application can be immensely beneficial during severe weather:

• Real-Time Alerts: Stay updated with rapid alerts for changing conditions, like flash floods or sudden severe weather.
• Location Tracking: Knowing your location helps tailor alerts specific to you, enabling you to make timely decisions.
• Weather Radar Access: Visual maps showing precipitation can assist you in understanding the storm's progression and planning accordingly. Clime provides NOAA-based weather radar, valuable for tracking storms effectively and receiving timely alerts.

What should you do if you encounter flooding?

If you encounter water on the road:

• Turn Around: Do not attempt to drive through flooded areas. If you cannot see the ground, you don't know how deep it is. If water starts to rise around your car, abandon it and move to higher ground.
• Stay Cautious: Be cautious of roads that may collapse or be blocked by debris, as these situations can lead to dangerous encounters.

What we recommend

• Always stay updated with a reliable weather app like Clime for timely alerts and radar imagery.
• Prepare your vehicle with necessary maintenance checks and an emergency kit before the season starts.
• Monitor local advisories to gauge conditions on the road and listen to evacuation orders.
• If you ever find yourself in doubt about safety, prioritize caution over travel.

By following these guidelines, you can significantly improve your chances of staying safe during a hurricane while in your vehicle. Being proactive and prepared is key when facing severe weather conditions.