Keeping Your Car Safe from Mother Nature

There's a couple tropical storms brewing in the Atlantic right now, but luckily it looks like Hampton Roads won't be affected much at all. But with hurricane season fully underway (lasting from June 1 to November 30), it's never too early to start preparing. Everyone knows to stock up on non-perishable foods and to board up their homes when there's a hurricane nearing, but you should also keep your car in mind. Flying debris and flood waters can cause major damage, so here are a few suggestions on how to keep you and your car safe during a storm.

Keep updated and supplied: Thanks to savvy weather technology, we usually have a few days notice before a hurricane makes landfall. Watch for warnings and evacuation alerts. If they recommend evacuating, it's probably in your best interest to do so. Also it's a very good idea to keep a full tank of gas and emergency supplies in your car.  After a hurricane, it might be difficult to find a working gas station because of power outages, so fill up beforehand. Also, make sure you're familiar with evacuation routes.

Shelter your car from debris: Hurricane winds can reach up 150 miles an hour and strong winds like that could do quite a number on your car. Keep your car covered, preferably in a garage. If you don't have a garage, make sure you park your car away from any trees, telephone poles, signs, or anything that could potentially fall.

Move to higher ground: If you live in an area that's susceptible to flooding, move your car to higher ground. Floods waters can cause exterior damage, but more concerning is the havoc it can cause on the inner mechanics of your car. High water levels can corrode your electrical system or cause engine failure, which could prove to be very costly. After the storm hits, you may want to have a professional mechanic inspect the car. This will also help with filing any insurance claims. Also, you should never try to take shelter in your car during a hurricane. Cars can easily be swept away by floods.

These tips may seem obvious, but preparing for a hurricane can be a stressful time, and it's easy to overlook them. There are a ton of resources out there on hurricane preparation. The American Red Cross website is a great one to check out for tips. The Ready Virginia Hurricane Preparedness website is also a very useful. There you can download a Virginia 2008 Hurricane Guide. Remember, it's always better to prepare ahead of time. Don't wait til the last minute.