The saying “It’s better to be safe than sorry” is especially true when it comes to preparing your home for hurricane season. That’s why it is very important to include protecting your vehicles as part of your comprehensive plan for a hurricane-proof home. If a storm is approaching and you are at home, follow these helpful tips to protect your vehicle.
Park Where It’s Safest
Your home garage would be the ideal place to park your vehicle. If you don’t have a garage, however, park your vehicle as close to your house as possible so it is partially protected from high winds and debris. Do not park under power lines or trees that can be knocked down. You can park your vehicle in a public garage, although you may not be able to get to your car immediately after a hurricane due to possible floods and road closures.
Prepare Keys and Documents
Make copies of your car keys and give a copy to everyone who is licensed to drive in your family. Should you become separated from your family and have no access to your vehicle, someone in your family will still be able to drive it to your family’s designated emergency meeting area. Also, make sure that your vehicle’s registration and insurance paperwork are stored in a safe place such as a waterproof and fireproof document safe. It would also be smart to make copies of your car’s documents.
Fill Up Your Tank
When hurricane season starts, having a hurricane-proof home is clearly necessary. However, during a disaster, you also have to be ready to go and leave your home if necessary, either to escape harm or to get help. One way to prepare for this situation is to make sure your vehicle has a full tank of gas. Otherwise, you’ll be delayed getting to your destination because you will likely have to make a stop at a gas station so you can fuel up.
Auto Insurance Policy
Make sure your policy is up-to-date. If you don’t have comprehensive coverage, consider getting it to insure your vehicle against natural disasters including flood damage and damage from fallen trees. However, it is best to secure this coverage before or early in the hurricane season, because insurers are not so keen in giving them when a storm is already on its way because of the obvious risks. Also, to better prepare should your vehicle become damaged by a hurricane, take photos of the interior and exterior of your vehicle for insurance purposes so you have proof of its pre-disaster condition.
Vehicle Damaged by a Hurricane?
If your vehicle has been damaged following a hurricane, a professional auto repair contractor will need to inspect your vehicle to determine the extent of damage. They will also be able to save, replace, or repair what they can of the damaged parts. Get connected with qualified auto repair professionals in minutes when you use TalkLocal.
