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Preparing Your Automobile

The following general information describes how you should prepare your automobile prior to a weather-related emergency. It is always important to follow preventive maintenance as per manufacturer's recommendation on a regular basis. This will help you maintain your automobile in tip-top condition and make it easier if you need to evacuate.

Prior to a weather-related emergency, and especially if you have decided to evacuate, please note the following:

• Full tank of gas at all times during the peak of the season (if this is not possible, get gas when you hear that there is a weather advisory- especially a weather "watch"). Do not wait until it is too late.
• Don't forget your charged cell phone (carry a car cell phone charger)
• Registration, insurance papers for car (everything up-to-date)
• You should have a roadside emergency kit in your trunk-
  • a battery powered radio (with fresh batteries)
  • flashlight and extra batteries
  • blanket (esp. an emergency thermal blanket)
  • jumper cables
  • fire extinguisher (5 lb. A-B-C- type)
  • First Aid kit
  • bottled water
  • non-perishable, high energy foods like granola or energy bars, cookies or crackers
  • road flare with matches / warning triangle
  • auto distress flag
  • safety reflector vest
  • extra fuses
  • gloves
  • nonflammable tire inflator

  • rags
  • auto manual
  • road maps
  • hand cleaner
  • whistle
  • spending money /change
  • extra pair of walking shoes and clean, dry socks
  • empty gas can
  • two quarts of oil
  • gallon of antifreeze (cold weather)
  • other fluids (ask your mechanic)- brake, automatic transmission
  • screwdrivers (flat and Phillips head)
  • pliers
  • vise grips
  • adjustable wrench
  • shovel
  • roll of duct tape
  • pocketknife / multi-tool
  • tire pressure gauge

You will need to check the following on a regular basis :

• Check tires, tread condition and tire pressure monthly.
• Inspect windshield regularly, check washer fluid
• Replace windshield wiper blades if necessary, especially if they are leaving streaks on your window
• You may want to purchase a defogger for your windows
• Check all lights- interior and exterior to make certain they are operating correctly
• Have oil change done as per manufacturer's recommendations. Find out the correct grade of oil for winter driving, summer driving, etc.
• Change fuel filters as per manufacturer's recommendation or once a year if not known
• Have your battery serviced on a regular basis. Check your alternator belt.
• Check your cooling system
• AAA card or other emergency auto service card

Too much to remember? Find a good mechanic you can trust who knows your vehicle. Check with the Better Business Bureau if you don't know anyone.

After the Disaster

• If you have evacuated, don't forget to get a full tank of gas before you get back home- gas stations may not be operational when you return home.
• If you believe your car has been damaged due to the weather-related emergency, use caution when entering the car. You may not want to start the car until it has been checked out by a qualified mechanic.