In the car when severe weather hits? Stay safe with an action plan

With Progressive’s new severe weather text alerts, you can find out—up to 30 minutes in advance—if storms are headed your way.

But, what if you do get caught in the car when golf ball-sized hail starts falling—or your city’s tornado sirens start blaring. Would you know what to do?

In some cases, the safest spot to be during severe weather is in your car, parked on the side of the road. In others, you should seek shelter. And knowing what your best plan of action is—before you’re in the thick of a storm—is key to protecting yourself and those riding with you.

Flooding: Steer clear
Avoid driving through any water, if possible. If you do drive through shallow water, drive slowly and steadily. If the water is at or above your wheel rims, dry your brakes afterward by pressing gently on the brake pedal with your left foot while maintaining speed with your right foot. (Do this on a clear patch of road.)

Hail: Pull over
Stop driving and pull over—preferably in a covered spot, like under an overpass—to protect yourself and your car. (Avoid ditches due to possible rising water.) If possible, angle your car so the hail hits the front; windshields are reinforced to withstand pelting objects.

Tornados: Seek shelter
Leave your car immediately—don’t try to outrun the tornado—and hurry to the basement of a nearby building, or lie flat in a ditch or low-lying area.

Earthquakes: Pull over
Pull over and come to a complete stop, away from traffic, buildings, trees, overpasses, underpasses and utility wires, if possible, and stay in your car until the shaking has stopped.

The information in this blog may vary based on your particular state or situation. Always refer to your insurance policy for your specific coverages.

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