Your Car May Be Your Best Defense In an Disaster. Is It Prepared for an Emergency?

This week has been devastating, for Californians impacted by history-making fires to the rest of us watching helplessly as people flee their homes.
After grabbing keepsakes and necessities and tossing them in the car, thousands evacuated. Many sat in traffic jams. Some had to flee their cars on the road because of encroaching fires. Others ended up driving aimlessly for hours trying to find a place to go. And some suffered another tragedy: Car trouble.
The uncertainty and terror can be complicated by not being prepared, and in California fire preparedness is a regular thing. As we have seen in other places, the lack of emergency preparedness can magnify the tragedy.
A Safe Evacuation Starts With Emergency Preparedness

By the time you realize it’s time to evacuate, the time for emergency preparedness has passed.
If you live in a place that can be hit by an environmental disaster—fire, floods, hurricanes, blizzards—which is pretty much anywhere, ensuring your car is ready to go in an emergency should be part of your regular routine.
By keeping your car up to date with maintenance and prepping it for an emergency, you’re already ahead of the game. And, it gives you one less thing to think about as you contemplate: Should you forgo extra underwear and bringing grandma’s quilt instead? I think I know how I’d answer that.
Here are some things to think about as the weather warnings start to ramp up and you face an evacuation.
Read: Your Car Emergency Preparedness Kit: 100 Things You Should ALWAYS Keep in Your Car
Keep Your Car Fueled

Gas, hybrid or electric, a fully-fueled car is critical to the drive out of the danger zone. Both gas and electric cars are dependent on electricity: gas stations can’t dispense gas without power and electric cars need to be fully charged if or when power is turned off.
One benefit to electric cars in an emergency is that they use much less ‘fuel’ as they creep along in traffic because they regenerate the battery while braking in heavy traffic; gas powered cars will burn fuel regardless of speed. Be sure to keep your car charged or fueled when weather forecasts and evacuation warnings become worrisome.
Read: Yes, You Can Get Cheap Gas: The Best Gas Apps and Discounts
Ensure Your Tires Are Ready for the Journey

Keeping tabs on the health of your tires is not something we regularly think of but really, we should; no one wants to get stuck with a flat. But in an emergency evacuation, the situation is even worse. With hot temperatures from fires, frozen snow and sleet on the road, flooded streets or debris in the way, your tires will be challenged to go way beyond the average performance expectation.
Emergency preparedness for your tires means they should have good tread, are appropriate for the environment and weather, are properly inflated and are in good condition. Give them a regular visual inspection and look more closely at tread and condition every couple of months when you get gas or have your car serviced.
Read: How Important Are Your Tires? How to Make the Right Tire Choice
Emergency Preparedness Means Your Cargo Space Is Ready to Be Filled

We love SUVs with large cargo areas for all the things we can fill them with, and that we can fill them to the ceiling. Cars with trunks, of course, offer less space but often, the rear seats fold for added room. Either way, make sure you’re not hauling around unnecessary items that will get in the way of emergency packing.
Only necessities should ride along with you on the daily.
Read: Car Organization Hacks That’ll Bring Zen to the Daily Drive
Make Sure You Have an Emergency Kit and Critical Tools

Every car should have an emergency preparedness kit with batteries, a flash light, jumper cables, bandages, wipes, a reflective vest, rain poncho, matches and work gloves in the trunk or cargo area.You can buy a nicely packed kit that doesn’t take up a lot of space so it’s easy to just leave it in the car.
You should also always have tire repair tools, an extra charge cord for an EV, charge cords for phones and extra water bottles. It’s not a bad idea to keep a pack of water bottles in your car and use them, replacing them regularly. That way you’ll always have extra water when you need it.
Keep a More Extensive Emergency Kit Ready

An emergency kit is really only for emergencies, but there are other things you’ll need for emergency preparedness, so keep them in a go bag or box and stow it in your garage or closet so it’s handy to grab when needed.
This kit should include blankets, a sweat shirt or hoodie, phone charge cords, extra water, USB power pack, shelf stable snacks, paper maps, masks, wipes, an additional first aid kit and a tool kit with things such as pliers and a screw driver.
Navigation Options Are Critical

Relying on phone signals for CarPlay or Google Maps in an emergency can get dicey as systems are overloaded, lose power or simply, have spotty service. Alternate forms of navigation (including paper maps) may be necessary when evacuating.
A car with built in navigation is another way to ensure you have guidance; these systems store map information and update it regularly so even if you lose your phone signal you should have accurate maps. And, most car connection systems use GPS rather than cellular service, so the signal is more reliable. Last, a service like OnStar or BlueLink can also connect you with a service operator who can help you navigate out of a danger zone.
Make Sure Your Car’s Maintenance Is Up To Date

Heading out on the evacuation route—at midnight, with electricity shut off—only to have your car overheat or some other issue just adds to the disaster. Chances are roadside assistance will be overtaxed and you may find yourself stranded or walking out of the danger zone.
Emergency preparedness means getting your oil changed regularly, changing cabin and air filters changes and having your car looked over regularly by a mechanic. Your owner’s manual will tell you what maintenance items you should be prepared for according to time and mileage, too, so you can prepare to keep your car running right all the time, not just in an emergency.
Read: 8 Things a Service Advisor Says to Get You to Pay More For Car Repair
Buy the Right Car For Where You Live

I’m a big believer that every car should have all wheel drive, not just for winter weather, but for the crazy, unexpected and all too common circumstances that we face on the road these days. AWD isn’t just for snow and slush; it’s for every condition that isn’t perfect.
Front or rear wheel drive cars are not ideal, and often not capable, on hilly roads with more than a 10% grade. That means if you’re redirected to a steep uphill road, your car may not be able to handle the climb. AWD also adds traction on gravel surfaces, rutted or uneven pavement and will help when there’s water on the road. And, it will help you get back on track if your car starts to slide or slip.
In addition to AWD, ensure that your car has proper and functioning heating or air conditioning, that it has tech such as navigation, driver assist features and USB ports for charging phones, and that it’s comfortable for you and everyone with you. It needs to have enough space for your emergency kit and the things you’ll need in an evacuation. That cute little commuter pod won’t be so cute when it’s packed to roof with pets, people and necessities for who knows how long.
Stay safe out there. With the right car, and the right emergency preparedness, your chances of driving away from danger are much better.
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