WASHINGTON, D.C., June 9, 2011 – The month of June is typically filled with joyful occasions such as family barbecues, graduations and weddings; kids enjoy being on summer break and pools across the country open welcoming the warm weather. Unfortunately though, it’s not all sun and sand; June is the start of hurricane season so it’s important to prepare yourself and your vehicle in case bad weather rolls around.
While a hurricane can’t be ignored, there are a few things vehicle owners can do to protect their cars and lessen the burden of having to deal with a damaged vehicle. Take a look at these tips to help:
- Try and move your car to a covered location that’s out of the way of any trees or objects that may fall. If that’s not an option, then make sure it’s not parked in a low-lying location that’s prone to flooding.
- Also, consider putting your vehicle on blocks and wrapping a tarp around it to help prevent any water damage.
- Keep your gas tank full. Just in case residents are asked to evacuate; that will be one less thing to worry about and you won’t be faced with the possibility of not being able to fill up. Also, know what your city’s evacuation plan as well.
- Keep a set of emergency supplies in your car that includes materials like water, batteries, blankets, a First-Aid kit, etc. in case you need it upon evacuation.
- If you are asked to evacuate, never drive through standing water more than 6 inches deep – this will cause you to lose control over your vehicle and could be very dangerous.
- Most importantly, do everything you can to keep you and your family safe. Keep cash, credit cards, insurance information, important documents and contact information on hand. Have a battery operated radio with you to listen to news/weather reports, keep any necessary medication on hand and communicate with your family so that you’re all on operating under the same plan.
By taking these few important steps, vehicle owners will have peace-of-mind knowing they’ve done all they can to protect themselves.
Visit www.geico.com for more information on preparing for a hurricane, purchasing a policy and for information on filing a claim.
GEICO (Government Employees Insurance Company) is a member of the Berkshire Hathaway family of companies and is the third-largest private passenger auto insurance company in the United States. GEICO provides millions of auto insurance quotes to U.S. drivers annually. The company is pleased to serve more than 11 million private passenger customers and insures more than 18 million vehicles (auto & cycle).
GEICO's online service center helps policyholders take care of policy sales, policy changes, claims reporting and to print insurance ID cards.
GEICO also provides insurance quotes on motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), travel trailers and motorhomes (RVs). Coverage for boats, life, homes and apartments is written by non-affiliated insurance companies and is secured through the GEICO Insurance Agency, Commercial auto insurance and personal umbrella protection are also available.
For more information, go to www.geico.com.
