Hurricane season is here. Check out the following hurricane season safety tips to keep you and your family, car, or RV safe when severe weather strikes.

How to prepare your car for a hurricane

With most of your focus on your family and home, you may not think much about your car during a hurricane. But it may be your key to safety if you need to evacuate, so it’s best to know where to put your car during a hurricane. Make sure your vehicle is ready and that you understand how to drive in severe conditions.

  • Prepare an evacuation route and get a full tank of gas.
  • Store a basic disaster kit or emergency supply kit in your trunk.
  • Ensure windshield wipers are in good shape and that you inflate your tires properly.
  • Place all important documents in a waterproof bag and take them with you.
  • Charge your cell phone and plan to bring it if you evacuate.

If you expect to leave your car behind, be sure it’s not in a flood-prone area. Rising water can seep in and damage your vehicle.

How to secure an RV in a hurricane

Your RV can help you and your family evacuate an area. It can also be a cost-effective, temporary living space if your home isn’t livable due to storm damage. RVs are particularly vulnerable to heavy winds and rain because of their size and high center of gravity. If you have no alternative than to drive through standing water, do it slowly and steadily. If your RV stalls, you may need to restart the engine to make it to safety. Be aware that restarting may severely damage your engine.

If you can’t restart your RV and become trapped in rising water, immediately abandon the vehicle for higher ground. If you can’t get out safely, call 911 or get help from a passerby or someone standing on higher ground.

Hurricane season safety tips for your car or RV

Avoid driving through deep water. As little as 12″ of moving water can sweep the average car off the road. Try to find an alternate route.

If you can’t restart your car and become trapped in rising water, immediately abandon it for higher ground. If you cannot get out safely, call 911 or get help from a passerby or someone on higher ground. After you and your vehicle are out of deep water and in a safe area, depress your brakes slowly several times to help them dry.

Hurricane season runs from June through November every year. Reviewing your emergency preparations at the beginning of the season is good so you’re ready in case a storm hits. Learn more hurricane preparedness tips including how to prepare your home for a hurricane and how to prepare your boat for a hurricane.