How to Make Sure You and Your Car Are Prepared if Disaster Strikes

Let's be honest. Would your car be ready if you had to leave at a moment's notice? If you were stranded in your car somewhere, would you be prepared?

During National Preparedness Month in September, drivers are reminded that it is important to have a stocked emergency kit and to get regular maintenance work done to their vehicle in order to be prepared for anything that may happen throughout the year.

"Emergencies and natural disasters come in a variety of forms, and you don't always have time to prepare," said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council in a press statement. "It is important and gives you peace of mind to know that your vehicle is always ready for the task."

Check out the following list made up by the Car Care Council to make sure your vehicle is prepared in the event of a natural disaster or an emergency:

Fluids:

Checking your car's fluids once a month may not seem very important, but you'll be happy you did in the event of an emergency.

Make sure to top off fluids like your oil and coolant once a month, and if you suspect a leak, bring your vehicle to a local technician to have it checked out. Ignoring it will just cause more problems.

Tire Pressure:

Pressure that is too low or high can affect vehicle performance, gas mileage, and tread wear. Inspect your tires at least once a month when they are still cold, using the pounds per square inch (PSI) number located on the driver door or in the owner's manual for your vehicle.

If any of your tires are low on air, drive over to your local gas station to have them refilled or make a trip to a nearby mechanic.

Battery:

It's pretty stressful when your car doesn't start, but it's even worse during an emergency. Extreme temperatures during the summer and winter can wear down a battery, which is why they need to be checked out every so often.

Technicians are capable of checking batteries to make sure it's charging at the correct rate. If you've had your battery for a least three years, it might be time to get a new one.

Tire Tread:

Tire tread lets your car grip the road. When your vehicle has low tire tread it can be extremely dangerous while driving in wet, snowy, icy, or flood-like conditions.

Drivers can also check their tire tread simply by using a penny. Just stick an upside don penny, with Lincoln's face toward you, into the tread on both the inside and outside of the tire. If you can see the top of Lincoln's head anywhere, the rubber has worn down far enough to the point where you need a new set.

Brakes:

Like your battery, having your brakes go is a nightmare even in a non-emergency situation.

Drivers are advised to get their brakes inspected at least once a year, because in the event of an emergency you never know how quickly you'll need to stop your vehicle.

Also be aware of any signs of brake issues, like pulling and vibration while braking your vehicle.

Emergency kit:

All vehicles should have an emergency kit, and your kit should include the following items: a road atlas, first-aid kit, flashlight with extra batteries, water, blankets, non-perishable food, a jumper cables.

Having these items and having your vehicle inspected could be the difference between surviving and not surviving a disaster. It wouldn't hurt to get a copy of the Car Care Council's new Car Care Guide for your glove box either.

So now that you know what you should do before an emergency or a disaster, here are some tips on what to do during one, according to the American Public Health Association's Get Ready program:

Floods:

Up to six inches of water can reach the bottom of most vehicles and can cause you to lose control or your vehicle to stall. Two feet of water can carry away most vehicles, including trucks.

If you notice flood waters rising around your vehicle, do not hesitate to leave and walk to higher ground. Driving in heavily flooded areas will just make matters worse.

Earthquakes:

Earthquakes can happen anywhere at any second. If you're in a car during an earthquake, drive out of traffic and park. Avoid parking under bridges or overpasses and do everything you can to avoid parking near trees or other falling hazards.

Blizzards:

If you're trapped inside your car during a blizzard, pull off the road, turn on your hazard lights, and if you're able to, hang a distress flag or piece of cloth from the vehicle's window or antennae.

Run the heater and the car engine about 10 minutes each hour to keep warm. When the engine is running, open a window a little to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Don't leave your vehicle unless you know of a place nearby where you can keep shelter.

Tornadoes:

Dealing with a tornado is tricky. If you're in your car when a tornado strikes, look for shelter in a sturdy building. If you see debris flying while you are driving, pull over and park.

Another option is to get out of your vehicle if you notice a place that is lower than the level of the road. Lie in it, covering your head with your hands.

Your last resort should be staying in your car, but if you have to, keep your seat belt on, lower your head down below the windows using your hands and, if available, a blanket.

Wildfires:

Believe it or not, you can survive in your car during a wildfire. Roll your windows up, close the air vents, and drive slowly with your headlights on. Don't attempt to drive through heavy smoke.

If you have to stop, park away from trees and brush, turn off your ignition, get on the floor of your car, and cover yourself with a blanket until the fire passes.