Vehicle Prep List

Your vehicle becomes your lifeline during a hurricane. Whether you’re evacuating, scouting conditions, returning home, or simply navigating power outages and blocked roads. A properly prepared vehicle gives you mobility, safety, and options when you need them most. The Vehicle Prep List is built from real storm-season experience across Florida, combining everyday readiness with overlanding principles to help you stay self-sufficient for days at a time.

This guide walks you through everything your vehicle should have before a storm: fuel, power, communication, tools, recovery gear, navigation, and essential supplies for you and your passengers. It also covers the steps to take before landfall. Topping off fluids, securing roof racks or loose gear, checking your tires, planning evacuation routes, and loading your go-bags so you can leave in seconds, not minutes. Whether you’re driving a compact car, an SUV, or a fully outfitted overlanding rig, these preparations ensure your vehicle is ready to protect you, not hold you back.

Vehicle Prep Checklist

⛽ Fuel & Fluids

  • Fill your fuel tank to FULL (don’t wait—lines get long fast)

  • Fill spare fuel cans + add stabilizer

  • Top off oil, coolant, brake fluid, power steering, and washer fluid

  • Check for any leaks or warning lights

  • Ensure DEF fluid is full (for diesel vehicles)

🚗 Tires, Brakes & Mechanical

  • Check tire tread and inflate to recommended PSI

  • Inspect spare tire + jack + tire tools

  • Test brakes for proper feel and stopping power

  • Verify headlights, brake lights, and turn signals are working

  • Make sure wiper blades are functional and streak-free

  • Lubricate door seals and latches (storms can cause sticking)

🔋 Power & Charging

  • Charge all portable power banks

  • Ensure vehicle outlets + USB ports are working

  • Verify jumper cables or a jump starter are packed

  • Confirm your inverter is functioning (if using one)

  • Bring extra charging cables for all devices

📡 Communications & Navigation

  • Download offline maps for your route + alternatives

  • Program weather radio frequencies

  • Pack your NOAA radio, CB, GMRS/FRS radios (if available)

  • Update GPS units + phone navigation apps

  • Write down evacuation routes in case digital tools fail

🧰 Tools & Recovery Gear

  • Tire repair kit + air compressor

  • Tow strap or kinetic recovery rope

  • Traction boards (if you have them)

  • Basic tool kit (sockets, pliers, screwdrivers, etc.)

  • Folding shovel

  • Work gloves and safety glasses

  • Road flares or LED emergency beacons

  • Fire extinguisher (include at least one lithium battery–rated)

🕯 Lighting & Visibility

  • High-output flashlight

  • Headlamp (hands-free option)

  • Vehicle-mounted light bar or portable floodlight (optional)

  • Spare batteries

  • Reflective vest for roadside emergencies

💧 Water, Food & Essentials

  • Water for each passenger (minimum 1 gallon per person)

  • Snacks or 24–48 hours of shelf-stable food

  • Refillable water bottles + purification tablets

  • Trash bags (multipurpose)

  • Sunscreen, bug repellent, and cooling towels

🧴 Medical & Hygiene

  • Fully stocked vehicle first-aid kit

  • Any needed daily medications + backups

  • Sanitizing wipes, gloves, and masks

  • Emergency blankets

  • Pet supplies (leashes, bowls, food, waste bags)

📄 Documents & Cash

  • Driver’s license + vehicle registration

  • Insurance documents (paper + digital)

  • Emergency contact list

  • Cash in small bills (ATMs fail during outages)

🎒 Go-Bags & Quick-Access Gear

  • Ensure each person’s go-bag is loaded and ready

  • Place go-bags in easy-access location (not buried in trunk)

  • Keep flashlights and radios in the center console

  • Put medical kits in the door pocket or seat-back area

🏠 Parking & Safety Before the Storm

  • Park away from trees, power lines, and flood zones

  • Orient your vehicle nose-out for fast departure

  • Remove roof racks or accessories not rated for high wind

  • Secure rooftop tents or store them inside garage

  • Raise the vehicle slightly (if possible) in flood-prone areas

💨 Final Pre-Landfall Check

  • Start the engine to ensure everything is functioning

  • Verify all gear is secured—no loose items

  • Re-check fuel, tires, and essential electronics

  • Confirm your evacuation plan and timing

  • Keep keys in a consistent, known location