AAA offers tips for homeowners and motorists as Ian approaches
Charlotte, N.C. (September 30, 2022) – With Hurricane Ian regaining enough strength to rebound back to a Category 1 hurricane, forecasts show it is now packing winds of nearly 85 mph and is scheduled to make landfall in South Carolina mid-day, according to the storm’s path. However, Ian will weaken to a tropical storm by the time it reaches North Carolina.
Carolinians may face heavy rainfall and powerful winds that could potentially create flooding, especially up and down the coast. Although the storm is said to weaken, AAA is providing tips to help residents prepare their family and property for the storm.
“It’s important to be prepared for severe weather no matter what,” said Tiffany Wright, spokesperson, AAA – The Auto Club Group in the Carolinas. “Even though you can’t control the weather, what you can do is take precautions to ensure your family and belongings are protected. This includes having a storm kit and an evacuation plan.”
What residents can do now:
- Develop an evacuation plan with multiple destinations
- Review insurance policies and catalog belongings
- Collect and safeguard critical documents and records
- Prepare your home, inspect your roof, and trim trees and shrubs
- Stock food, water, and emergency supplies for at least 3 days
- Sign up for local weather alerts and warnings
“Additionally, behind the wheel is the last place you should be during severe weather,” said Wright. “Driving through severe weather endangers the lives of both you and the first responders who might need to come to your rescue.”
AAA’s Tips for Driving on Wet Roads
- Slow down
- Increase your following distance
- Turn your headlights on
- Turn your hazard lights off
- Avoid using cruise control
- Avoid flooded areas
- If poor visibility, pull over to a safe place and wait for the rain to ease up
It’s Too Late for Flood Insurance
The potential of storm surge and heavy downpours raise concerns of residential flooding. Because of a 30-day waiting period, it is too late to purchase flood insurance for this storm. However, there are a few things residents can do now to protect their homes from rising waters.
- Place plastic sheeting and sand bags at doorway openings
- Check for and seal openings in roof, windows and doors
- Clear debris from gutters, drains and downspouts
About AAA – The Auto Club Group
The Auto Club Group (ACG) is the second largest AAA club in North America with more than 13 million members across 14 U.S. states, the province of Quebec and two U.S. territories. ACG and its affiliates provide members with roadside assistance, insurance products, banking and financial services, travel offerings and more. ACG belongs to the national AAA federation with more than 62 million members in the United States and Canada. AAA’s mission is to protect and advance freedom of mobility and improve traffic safety. For more information, get the AAA Mobile app, visit AAA.com, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.