Hurricane Ian damaged 358,000 vehicles, highlighting the need for better car protection during storms.
According to CarFax, many of these vehicles were completely totaled by Ian’s floodwaters.
So, what can you do to make sure your car makes it through the next hurricane? Here are some tips.
First, get your car out of the surge zone. Hurricanes can bring water from the Gulf onshore, causing significant flooding.
Make sure you know what storm surge zone your home is in. You can find this information on our website under the hurricane tab . Click "make an evacuation plan," and then scroll to your county.
If your zone is called for evacuation, it means there is a threat of storm surge flooding. When evacuating, take your cars with you to higher ground.
Hurricanes also often come with heavy rain that can overflow rivers.
During Ian, the Peace River rose to historic heights, leading to extensive flooding. Similarly, Irma caused significant flooding along the Imperial River in Bonita Springs. Ensure your vehicles are not in areas prone to river flooding during a hurricane.
Lastly, consider the winds. Not everyone can park their cars in an enclosed garage, leaving them vulnerable to fierce winds and flying debris. When choosing a place to park before a storm, consider the wind direction.
Winds flow counter-clockwise around a hurricane, typically coming from the south. Parking near a west or north-facing wall can provide some protection.
And while you’re at it, avoid trees at all costs, especially canopy trees with low-hanging full branches. Hurricanes cause extensive tree damage, and you do not want your car under a tree when it comes down.
By taking these precautions, you can better protect your vehicle from the devastating effects of hurricanes.