Your vehicle may become your most valuable emergency tool.

Whether you evacuate before landfall, shelter nearby, or simply need to travel after the storm, your vehicle can provide transportation, power, cooling, and access to essential supplies when normal services are disrupted.

Preparing your vehicle before hurricane season means you’ll have one less thing to worry about when a storm is approaching.

Many people spend weeks preparing their homes but only think about their vehicles when an evacuation order is issued.

Unfortunately, that’s often too late.

Flat tires.

Dead batteries.

Low fuel.

Broken windshield wipers.

Empty washer fluid.

These small problems can become major obstacles during a hurricane.

A well-prepared vehicle gives you something incredibly valuable during an emergency:

Options!

The more options you have, the less likely you’ll feel rushed into making poor decisions.

One of the first resources to disappear before a hurricane is fuel.

Long lines, temporary shortages, and station closures are common before significant storms.

One simple habit can eliminate much of that stress:

During hurricane season, don’t let your fuel tank fall below half full.

That habit gives you flexibility if forecasts change quickly or evacuation orders are issued.

If you own a generator, remember that your fuel plan should include both your vehicle and your backup power needs.

The best time to discover a vehicle problem is before a storm is on the radar.

Complete a seasonal inspection that includes:

• Engine oil and fluids
• Battery condition
• Tire pressure and tread
• Spare tire and jack
• Windshield wipers
• Headlights and brake lights
• Air conditioning
• Brakes
• Belts and hoses

Routine maintenance reduces the chance of unexpected breakdowns during an evacuation.

Think of your vehicle as a second preparedness location.

Keep essential supplies organized so they’re ready year-round.

Suggested items include:

Safety

• First aid kit
• Reflective safety vest
• Flashlight
• Extra batteries
• Road flares or reflective triangles
• Multi-tool
• Work gloves

Power

• USB charging cables
• 12-volt charger
• Portable battery bank
• Jump starter

Comfort

• Bottled water
• Non-perishable snacks
• Cooling towel
• Rain poncho
• Blanket
• Change of clothes

Recovery

• Tire inflator
• Tire repair kit
• Tow strap
• Small shovel
• Window breaker/seatbelt cutter
• Paper maps

You don’t need everything immediately.

Build your kit over time and review it before each hurricane season.

Keep important information easily accessible.

Consider storing copies of:

• Vehicle registration
• Insurance information
• Roadside assistance contacts
• Emergency contact numbers
• Evacuation maps
• Medical information

Digital copies stored securely in the cloud can provide additional peace of mind.

If you evacuate, prepare for longer travel times than normal.

Traffic may be heavy, fuel stops crowded, and services limited.

Before leaving:

• Fill your fuel tank.
• Check traffic conditions.
• Pack water and snacks.
• Charge all electronic devices.
• Download offline maps.
• Tell someone where you’re going.
• Have alternate routes in mind.

Preparation won’t eliminate delays, but it can make them much easier to manage.

Your vehicle remains important even after the winds have passed.

It may be your only way to:

• Reach medical care
• Find fuel
• Purchase supplies
• Charge electronics
• Check on family members
• Travel around blocked roads

Before driving after a storm:

• Watch for standing water.
• Avoid downed power lines.
• Be alert for debris.
• Obey road closures.
• Never drive through flooded roads if you cannot determine the depth.

Your destination isn’t worth risking your life.

Before every hurricane season, confirm that your vehicle has:

Ready to Drive

• □ Fuel tank at least half full
• □ Battery tested
• □ Tires properly inflated
• □ Spare tire checked
• □ Oil changed if needed
• □ Wipers replaced
• □ All lights working
• □ Air conditioning functioning

Emergency Supplies

• □ First aid kit
• □ Flashlight
• □ Water
• □ Snacks
• □ Phone chargers
• □ Battery bank
• □ Jump starter
• □ Tire inflator
• □ Reflective triangles
• □ Rain gear

Documents

• □ Insurance card
• □ Registration
• □ Emergency contacts
• □ Paper maps
• □ Evacuation routes

Your vehicle is more than transportation during hurricane season.

It provides mobility when roads are open, shelter when conditions change, cooling during power outages, and access to the people and supplies that matter most.

A few hours spent preparing your vehicle before hurricane season can save countless hours of frustration—and potentially make a critical difference when every minute counts.