Many east coasters aren’t as prepared as others across the United States to endure a hurricane, let alone deal with the aftermath. As residents of the northeastern United States brace for Hurricane Irene, here’s how drivers should be prepared and how to handle her aftermath.  Hopefully you’ve packed your go bag (pdf) and filled up your gas tank in case you need to relocate for shelter. But make sure you bring the car charger for your cell phone, reminds Consumer Reports.  The Weather Channel notes that text messaging is the best way to communicate on your phone since it uses less battery power than talking on the phone.  Before the storm hits, park your car as high up as possible. And if you’re keeping your car at home, consider parking parallel to your garage to help block the garage door since damage to your garage door can mean damage to your home, suggests Consumer Reports. That’s especially important since Hurricane Irene is hitting areas where many garages haven’t been built to hurricane codes.  If you’re in your car and find yourself in a flooded area with water levels rising, get out of your car and move to higher ground if you can safely, the Federal Emergency Management Agency advises. Otherwise you and your car could be swept away by rushing waters.  Nearly half of all flash flood fatalities are vehicle-related, according to the National Weather Service.  And even just six inches of water—about up to the bottom of a passenger car door—could be enough to cause you to lose control of your car, according to FEMA. Your car could even start to float when you’re in just a foot of water, the government agency adds.  People driving trucks and SUVs aren’t immune to the force of surging waters. Two feet can carry away most vehicles. Even your tougher pickups and utility vehicles, FEMA notes.  Flooding may have weakened roads enough to collapse under the weight of a car, FEMA warns. So try to avoid roads where flood water has receded.  If your car has been damaged by flooding, check your car insurance policy. Comprehensive coverage includes flood damage. Liability coverage doesn’t.
Hurricane Irene is on its way to the east coast.  Here’s how car owners can prepare and what to do after the storm.