AUTOMOBILES & TRUCKS

• Keep vehicle in a garage or carport, if available. Otherwise, park close to the building on the side away from the wind. Vans and semi-trailers can be blown over if they are exposed to the full force of the winds.
• Fill fuel tank, if possible. Fuel might not be available for days after the storm.
• Ensure battery is fully charged. Dampness after the storm might make the vehicle hard to start. In an extreme emergency, a car radio may be your only source of information.
• If the vehicle is located in the beach area, tape old blankets or sheets over the windows to prevent blowing sand from pitting them. Fully tape to ensure wind does not get under the covering, and remove tape immediately after the storm to avoid leaving marks on the vehicle.
• Do not park near a tree that might fall on or break branches over your vehicle.
• Do not park near power lines that might fall on your vehicle.
• Do not park between two buildings located very close to each other as wind may funnel through these areas.

• Do not go sightseeing in your vehicle during the storm as your vehicle may become stuck in the sand on beach roads or stalled by flooding in the streets.

• Do not start your car, if flood water levels rose during the storm and made contact with engine. Have the vehicle inspected by a mechanic and have all engine fluids replaced. Flood water could affect the electrical portion of the vehicle.
• Don’t drive through flood or standing water. Vehicles can be swept off the road with as little as 12 inches of moving water.
  
• Do not go sightseeing in your vehicle after the storm as this may impede recovery efforts.

Updated June 2009

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