Prepare Your Car For A Hurricane in Houma, LA

Hurricane Preparedness and Your Vehicle

The community of Houma, Louisiana, is no stranger to hurricane season. While you can’t prevent natural disasters, you can do your best to prepare for your own safety and protection during those times. For now, let’s focus on your car. Use this as your guide on how to safeguard your vehicle as best as possible and equip yourself with invaluable tools.

Learn How To Prepare Your Car for a Hurricane

They say you can’t control the weather, and while that may be the case, you can try to prepare for it. Here are some helpful tips to get your vehicle ready for an incoming hurricane.

• Parking: If you have a garage or covered area to park your vehicle, that’s the best place to avoid damage from falling trees and flying objects. If you don’t have a covered area, find a high point that is away from trees, power lines, or anything else that could fall on your car. If you live in an area that typically floods, consider raising your car on blocks to prevent water damage.
• Important documents: Since flooding is a concern, store all important documents related to your car ownership and paperwork in a waterproof container.
• Document condition: For insurance purposes, take photos and document the state of your vehicle before the hurricane. If your car becomes damaged, you can provide proof that it was from the storm.
• Check-up: It's a good idea to check your vehicle’s vitals before the hurricane. Make sure your battery is sufficiently charged, the oil is topped off, and the windshield wipers work properly. If evacuation is necessary, you don’t want any surprises with your transportation.
• Gas: There’s a reason why the gas stations always have a long line before the big storm hits. Make sure your gas tank is full in the event that evacuation is necessary.
• Emergency kit: It’s a good idea to have an emergency kit in your car. Include items like flashlights, phone chargers, non-perishable foods (like protein bars, nut and dried fruit mix, crackers, etc.), plenty of water, a first aid kit, and a physical map in case cell service is down.

As always, listen to evacuation orders and seek a safe environment until the hurricane passes or it is safe to return home. Stay informed and weather-aware. Your safety is the highest priority, so take precautions to the best of your abilities.

We’re your local dealership, Barker Buick GMC, here in Houma, LA. We love serving this community and are here for all of your automotive needs before and after a major storm. Take care, we hope to see you soon!