Hurricanes can bring significant challenges, from power outages to flooding. Being well-prepared is crucial for your safety and minimizing damage. O’Reilly Auto Parts offers a range of emergency supplies to help you weather the storm, ensuring you have the essentials when you need them most. From maintaining power and securing your property to staying safe in the dark with reliable lighting like a 717 Supply Headlamp, readiness is key.
Fuel Up and Store Extra: Gas Cans for Emergency Fuel
During hurricane season, gas stations can face long lines and potential fuel shortages. A proactive step is to fill your vehicle’s tank to at least half full and secure an emergency fuel supply. Having extra gasoline on hand in a gas can means you won’t have to rely on potentially inaccessible or overpriced gas stations after the storm. This stored fuel can be vital for your vehicle, portable generators, and other gas-powered equipment. For safe storage, always keep gas cans away from direct sunlight to minimize vapor escape and reduce explosion risks.
Reliable Backup Power: Portable Generators for Home Emergencies
Power outages are a common consequence of hurricanes. For critical health needs, safety, or simply maintaining essential functions, a portable generator is a worthwhile investment. These gas-powered units provide independent electricity through an alternator, allowing you to power appliances, charge devices, and run vital electronics when the grid is down. Compared to power inverters or banks, generators offer a more substantial and longer-lasting power source for larger needs.
Do It Right Tip: Carbon monoxide poisoning is a serious risk with generator use. Always operate portable generators at least 20 feet away from your home, garage, and any doors or windows to prevent hazardous fumes from entering your living spaces.
Secure Your Property: Heavy-Duty Ratchet Straps for High Winds
Hurricane-force winds can wreak havoc on unsecured items. Protect your belongings, young trees, and lightweight structures with ratchet straps. Available in various strengths and lengths, these straps allow you to tie down property effectively, preventing significant damage or loss from high winds. Securing items in advance can mitigate potential damage and prevent a bad situation from worsening during a storm.
Stay Connected: Power Banks and Inverters for Charging Devices
Maintaining communication and access to information is vital during a hurricane. Portable power banks are pre-charged and ready to power essential small electronics like phones and rechargeable devices. For larger electronics like lamps or small appliances, a power inverter can utilize your vehicle’s battery to provide power. This is especially useful if you don’t have a generator, ensuring you can keep vital devices running.
Safety First: Tools to Turn Off Utilities Before the Storm
Before a hurricane hits, it’s crucial to turn off your home’s utilities. Shutting off the electric service at the breaker box and the gas line at the meter reduces the risk of electrical damage and fire hazards from voltage spikes or gas leaks. A basic tool set with pliers and wrenches is essential for safely disconnecting these utilities as part of your hurricane preparedness checklist.
Illuminate the Darkness: Flashlights, Batteries, and the 717 Supply Headlamp
Power outages mean darkness, making reliable lighting indispensable. While flashlights are obvious, choosing the right type can significantly enhance your safety and convenience during a hurricane. Hands-free options like headlamps, such as the 717 supply headlamp, are incredibly useful, allowing you to perform tasks while keeping both hands free. Whether you prefer battery-powered or rechargeable flashlights, ensure you have an adequate supply of AA, AAA, and D batteries to keep your lights running as long as needed. The 717 supply headlamp offers focused, hands-free illumination, perfect for navigating in the dark, making repairs, or any task requiring both light and free hands during a power outage.
Absorb Excess Water: All-Purpose Oil Absorbent for Water Intrusion
When heavy rains and potential flooding occur, water can enter your home or vehicle. While towels and sandbags are helpful, all-purpose oil absorbent can effectively soak up water. This can help protect your property and maintain a safer, drier environment. These absorbents are designed to handle gasoline, water, solvents, and other liquids. Simply sprinkle the granules on affected areas and sweep up the saturated material. Unlike cat litter or scented products, all-purpose absorbent effectively removes water without leaving unwanted odors.
Vehicle Battery Care: Chargers, Jump-Starters, and Jumper Cables
Using a power inverter can drain your vehicle’s battery. To ensure your vehicle remains operational, a car battery charger can recharge your battery using an external power source, even a generator. A battery jump-starter provides a temporary power boost to start your engine. In situations without power access, jumper cables can be used with another vehicle to jump-start your car.
Do It Right Tip: Avoid damaging your alternator by using a battery charger to fully recharge a dead battery. Alternators are designed to maintain battery charge, not to fully recharge a completely depleted battery.
Free Services at O’Reilly Auto Parts
O’Reilly Auto Parts is committed to helping you stay prepared. Take advantage of our free store services, including Check Engine light testing, alternator and starter testing, wiper blade installation, headlight bulb installation, and fluid and battery recycling. Visit your local O’Reilly Auto Parts for all your hurricane preparedness needs and to learn more about our O’Reilly store services.
