Hurricane Season 2006: How to Evacuate Safely and Protect Your Vehicles in a Hurricane — The Top Ten Tips

When a disaster like a hurricane heads your way, your whole life is put on hold. GMAC Insurance has seen the havoc that a hurricane inflicts on you and your loved ones. And when everyday necessities like driving are put to a halt, your entire life can become gridlocked.

Time and again, GMAC Insurance’s Catastrophe Response Teams are among the first on the scene when they brave the storm to help people get the supplies and care they need. Based on what they’ve learned, GMAC Insurance prepared this list of tips to follow at the first sign of trouble to help you evacuate safely and protect your vehicles if a hurricane hits.

1. Create a disaster supply kit and store it – along with automotive essentials – in the car you'll use to evacuate. Be sure to include:
   • Spare tire
   • Car jack
   • Booster cables
   • Basic tool kit
   • Shovel for digging out if your car gets stuck
   • Emergency flares
   • Rain gear/umbrella
   • Extra clothes
   • Blanket
   • Bottled water
   • Nonperishable food
   • Bug spray
   • First-aid kit
   • Flashlight and extra batteries
   • AM/FM weather band radio (battery-operated)
   • Cell phone and charger
   • Camera (to take pictures of damage)
   • Plastic garbage bags
   • Tarp (to protect damaged property)
   • Cash (ATMs don't work without power)
2. Keep copies of your auto registration, title and insurance papers in your car, and store the originals in a safe, dry place.
3. Fill your car's gas tank so you’re able to drive a long distance without needing to stop.

   At the First Warning Sign

4. Evacuate as soon as possible. If leaving by car:
   • Go to your destination immediately. Don’t drive around to look at damage.
   • Avoid driving through standing water. If water is deeper than 10 inches, leave your vehicle and head for high ground.
   • Be aware of your surroundings. Roads, bridges and water banks may be weak and could collapse.
   • Steer clear of low-hanging wires and anything touching them.
   • Treat intersections without working traffic lights as four-way stops.
5. Safeguard the vehicles you're not using:
   • Store your car in a garage or carport to avoid falling trees and flying debris.
   • If you have to leave your car outside, move it to high ground and out of the path of possible falling trees or structures.
   • Move grills, patio furniture, trash cans, potted plants, toys, bikes and other loose objects into your house or garage. Tie down anything that you can't move indoors.
6. When the hurricane hits, stay out of your car and go to a safe place.

   During the Aftermath

7. Take pictures of any damage.
8. If your engine was under water, don't start the vehicle. Try to physically remove the water to begin drying it out.
9. Cover your vehicle to prevent further damage until proper repairs can be made.
10. Save all receipts for towing and repairs, so that you can be reimbursed for your out-of-pocket expenses.

If a hurricane hits, GMAC Insurance is there to help. Please call 1-800-468-3466.