In the event of a severe hurricane forecast for the Bay area where mandatory evacuations are ordered, undoubtably you will have a lot to consider.  Experts recommend taking car of your car now, so it is one less task to remember.  Here are few tips for hurricane car preparation:

1. Make sure you have a full tank of gas before a storm arrives.

2. Store a crate in your trunk with emergency supplies: a first aid kit, duct tape, jumper cables for a dead battery, one or two blankets, a flashlight, bottled water, shelf-stable food (like energy bars), basic tools like a screwdriver and pliers, a couple of brightly colored cloths to tie on your rear-view mirror to signal for help if you need it.

3. Make sure you have a good spare tire.

4. If you’re evacuating, bring your (fully charged) cell phone.

5. If you’re evacuating or returning home after a hurricane, avoid driving through water.  The average car can be swept off the road by as little as 12” of moving water. According to the National Hurricane Center, more than half of all hurricane deaths in the last 30 years have resulted from inland flooding.  Of those deaths, one in four was someone who drowned in her car.  Find an alternate route.

6. If your vehicle stalls in deep water, you may need to restart the engine to make it to safety.  However, restarting may cause severe damage to your engine.  If you can’t restart your vehicle and you become trapped in rising water, IMMEDIATELY ABANDON IT FOR HIGHER GROUND. If you’re unable to get out of the vehicle safely, call 911 or get help from a passerby or someone standing on higher ground.

7. After you and your vehicle are out of deep water and in a safe area, depress your brakes slowly several times to help dry them out.  And remember, if you’re evacuating an area and leaving your car behind, be sure it’s not left in a low-lying area prone to flooding. Rising water can seep in and damage your vehicle.