A hurricane season car kit for Fort Bend County drivers

Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30. If you live in Richmond, Rosenberg, Sugar Land or anywhere else in Fort Bend County, your car can become your shelter, your phone charger and your way out all at once. A little preparation before the first storm watch makes the drive calmer if you ever need to leave.

Know your route before the storm

Find your zone and suggested routes through your county's emergency management office and sign up for local alerts. When evacuation traffic builds, highways like I-69 and the Grand Parkway can slow to a crawl, and low crossings near the Brazos River can flood quickly. Never drive into water over the road. Turn around and take another route.

The trunk kit

• Roadside basics. Jumper cables, a tow strap, a warning triangle and a flashlight. Our emergency roadside kit keeps all of these in one bag.
• Tire pressure. Heat and long idling are hard on tires. A cordless tire inflator lets you top up without waiting in a gas station line.
• Water and snacks. At least one gallon of water per person per day for a few days, plus food that will not melt in a hot car.
• Power. A car charger and a fully charged power bank for every phone.
• Paperwork. Copies of IDs, insurance and medication lists in a waterproof zip bag.
• Comfort. Glare-cutting sunglasses, a towel, a change of clothes and a small first aid kit.

Before you leave home

1. Fill the tank as soon as a storm watch is issued. Fuel lines get long fast.
2. Check your tires, wipers and lights.
3. Pack food, water and a leash or carrier for pets.
4. Tell family where you are headed and when you expect to arrive.

After the storm

Debris and loose trim are common after high winds. A bumper clip and trim tool kit can fix a flapping fender liner so it does not tear off on the highway. For anything structural, see a mechanic.

This guide is general information, not professional advice. Always follow local emergency instructions and the manufacturer's directions for any product.