| Driving
Stormy Skies with Road Sign Warning of Dangerous Weather

Natural disasters don’t mess around, and that’s why it’s important to know what to do if you’re stuck in the middle of one—especially if you’re in the car. Here are some pointers to stay safe out there if disaster strikes at the worst possible time.

DO Know the Warning Signs

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say that these warning signs point to “uh-oh:”

  • A dark or green-colored sky
  • A large, dark, low-lying cloud
  • Large hail
  • A loud roar that sounds like a train

DO Look for Buildings

If there’s a sturdy building nearby, you might need to take shelter there. If there is a place you can go underground–to a basement or underground parking garage–or even somewhere that doesn’t have a lot of windows, it’s your safest bet.

DO Check Your Surroundings

Depending on your surroundings, you may need to leave your car. If you can get yourself below road level, leave your car and try to find a safe spot. This means avoiding areas with lots of trees, which could easily be picked up and thrown towards you. Lie as low as possible and cover your head.

DON’T Try to Outrun the Tornado

It might be tempting to try to out-drive it, but the truth is: a tornado is NOT worth trying to race. The closer it moves, the more likely it is that your car could be pushed or even picked up off the ground by powerful winds.

DON’T Try and Camp Out Under an Overpass

While you may think an overpass looks like a good, sturdy option for shelter, it’s definitely not. You’re more likely to be hit by flying debris and get bigger gusts of wind than if you weren’t underneath it.

DON’T Hide Under Your Car

In a panic, your car might seem like your only source of protection, but anything flying around could easily fall on your car, which means that thing could also fall on you.

Worried about how your car will weather a storm? With comprehensive auto insurance from Direct Auto Insurance, your car could be covered in the event of damage not sustained from a collision, such as natural disasters, vandalization, or contact with animals. You might also like our post on avoiding weather-related car costs. Stay safe out there, folks!

 

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