Living in Florida, we all know the drill. When a storm starts heading our way, we tend to initially not think much about it until suddenly everyone is thinking about water, batteries, food, gasoline and everything else we might need if the power goes out. And then sometimes we have that “oh crap” moment when the storm makes a sudden last-minute shift and is heading right towards us. Hurricane Charley was one of those for me. I expected rain and maybe a power outage, but I didn’t expect the eye to come right over Orlando.
But what about the things with engines?
With Tropical Storm Isaias currently strengthening in the Gulf, conditions and the forecast can change quickly. If you’re preparing for this storm, don’t spend all your time watching the projected path and forget about the vehicles and equipment you may need afterward.
This isn’t meant to replace the official hurricane-preparation information from Florida Division of Emergency Management or Ready.gov, and for those of you not in Florida, check your local agencies. Think of this as the quick vehicle-and-equipment checklist I’d want to have in front of me before the weather arrives.
First Things First
Before worrying about oil or maintenance, take care of the obvious basics we hear repeatedly on TV and the radio as a storm approaches.
Get gasoline for your vehicle while you still can.
If you have a generator, get the fuel it requires and test the generator now.
Charge phones, batteries and other equipment.
Have drinking water and the other essentials recommended by emergency-management officials.
If you’re in an evacuation area, follow your local evacuation instructions.
Move vehicles and equipment out of areas that could flood if possible.
Florida emergency officials recommend keeping vehicle fuel tanks at least half full during hurricane season so you’re ready to evacuate without having to find fuel at the last minute.
Give Your Vehicles a Quick Check
You don’t need to perform a complete service in the driveway. Just make sure the basics aren’t being ignored.
Check:
Engine oil level
Coolant level
Battery condition
Tire pressure
Windshield wipers
Fuel level
Lights
If you’re due for an oil change anyway, this is certainly a good time to take care of it.
And if flooding becomes a problem, don’t drive through floodwater. Water can be much deeper than it appears, and moving water can be extremely dangerous. Florida emergency officials specifically recommend avoiding floodwaters.
If You Have a Generator, Test It NOW
This is probably the most important piece of equipment to check before the storm.
Start it. Make sure it runs. Check the oil. Make sure you have the correct fuel and enough of it.
You don’t want the first test of your generator to happen at 2 a.m. after the power has already gone out.
Florida’s Division of Emergency Management recommends testing generators before a storm and operating them outdoors, away from windows, doors and vents. Never operate a portable generator inside a house, garage or other enclosed space because of the carbon-monoxide danger.
Also remember to let a generator cool before refueling.
Florida’s Generator Safety Guide has the complete safety recommendations.
What About the Other Engines?
If you have a lawn tractor, pressure washer, chainsaw, portable compressor or other gasoline-powered equipment, this is a good time to make sure it hasn’t been forgotten.
You don’t necessarily need to go out and buy a bunch of supplies because a storm is coming.
Just ask yourself:
“If I needed this tomorrow, would it start?”
Check the oil level, fuel, battery if equipped, and obvious signs of damage or wear.
And remember that some of this equipment could become particularly useful after the storm if you’re dealing with fallen branches, debris, cleanup or other problems.
If You Still Have Time for AMSOIL Products
This is probably not the time to start placing a long list of orders and hoping everything arrives before the storm.
If you already use AMSOIL, or you can still get products locally or have them delivered in time, there are a few products worth knowing about.
AMSOIL Synthetic Small-Engine Oil is a good choice for most generators and other small engines. Generators can operate for long periods under load, making proper oil and maintenance particularly important.
AMSOIL Gasoline-Stabilizer is something worth having on hand for gasoline-powered equipment that may sit for an extended period. This is especially useful to remember if you have equipment that only comes out when you need it.
AMSOIL MP Metal Protector may also be useful around equipment where moisture and corrosion are concerns, particularly after exposure to a wet, humid environment.
But don’t worry if you can’t get these things before Isaias arrives.
The important thing right now is getting your equipment ready with whatever you can obtain.
If this storm reminds you of something you wish you had, make a note of it. That’s your shopping list for the next time.
After the Storm
When the weather clears, remember that the danger isn’t necessarily over.
Follow local authorities’ instructions and stay away from flooded roads, downed power lines and damaged areas.
Before starting a vehicle or piece of equipment that may have been exposed to flooding, stop and inspect it first.
Don’t assume that because an engine looks fine from the outside, it’s safe to start.
The Florida Division of Emergency Management’s hurricane guidance has additional information about hazards before, during and after a storm.
One Last Thought
The best time to discover that your generator needs an oil change, your battery is dead or your equipment won’t start is before the hurricane arrives.
The second-best time is after the storm, when you’re making your list for next time.
Stay safe, pay attention to your local officials, and don’t wait until the last minute to find out what you wish you’d prepared.
