GARDEN CITY, NY (August 3, 2020) – Drivers should start to prepare now for the effects of tropical storm Iasias. Gale force winds can topple objects and power lines. Torrential rain leads to flooding and loss of electrical power, creating dangers to life and limb and situations that could lead to expensive repairs or complete loss of a vehicle. AAA Northeast offers these tips to help drivers weather the storm:
- While the east coast track of the storm poses minimal threat to oil and gasoline drilling, refining and distribution, storms can lead to blackouts, rendering gas station pumps useless. Drivers should fill their tanks before the storm’s arrival to ensure they have gasoline in the event of an evacuation. If you get low on fuel and stuck in traffic, turn the engine off to conserve what little gasoline you have left.
- Vehicles should not be parked near trees, power lines or other tall objects that could fall due to heavy winds or lightning.
- If driving during heavy rain, use emergency flashers and low beams for a better view of the road and so you can be seen by other drivers.
- If you’re driving and come to a flooded road, the safest practice is to NEVER drive through standing water, especially at night when it is nearly impossible to tell how deep the water is. This is particularly dangerous in unfamiliar areas. Just 12 to 18 inches of water is enough to make a vehicle float. Ripples on the water’s surface means that it is moving, making it easier for a vehicle to be carried away. Driving through water can flood the engine’s air intake or go up the vehicle’s exhaust pipe, creating serious damage that could lead to expensive repairs or a write-off of the vehicle.
- Have a “go-bag” ready with food, beverages, masks and sanitation products. Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle with: a flashlight with extra batteries; a first-aid kit with gloves; reflective vest; jumper cables; small tools including Phillips and flat head screwdrivers, pliers, wrench and duct tape; empty gas can; fire extinguisher; paper towels and glass cleaner; a pencil and notebook; and the most important item, a charged cell phone to call for help.