How to Prepare for a Storm

Preparing for the Unavoidable Hurricanes and Tropical Storms

It’s summer time and the sun is shining! We hope you are enjoying the gorgeous weather and the afternoon showers, to cool you off! Unfortunately, along with the gorgeous summer months we have to be prepared for the horrid tropical storms and the chance of dealing with hurricanes/tornadoes.  Even if they don’t hit Tallahassee, you could be traveling and end up in a city where they do hit. The Atlantic hurricane season is officially from June 1^st to November 30^Th. There is nothing magical in these dates, and hurricanes have occurred outside of these six months, but these dates were selected to encompass over 97% of tropical activity. We want everyone to be safe, and prepared for these storms ahead of time.

 Ways to make sure you’re prepared for Hurricane/Storm season:

v  Be Informed

o   Stay updated with the news via TV, radio, newspaper, or Internet and be sure to keep watch on the exact path of the hurricane/storm. The hurricane could take a turn at any time so staying updated is very important.

v  Plan and Know the Escape/Evacuation Route

o   As a hurricane/tropical storm approaches, things may get pretty hectic. The roads may be packed with people doing last minute preparations. It's going to be tough getting through traffic when you really don't know where you're going. Be prepared ahead of time. Study the evacuation route in your area. Make sure everyone in your family knows the route. Visit the National

v  Protect Your Home

o   The wind bands during a hurricane or a tropical storm winds can get very strong. If necessary, be sure to board up your windows. Also, pick up lawn furniture, garden tools, or any other heavy objects in your yard. When the winds pick up, these items could be flying around damaging your home or killing someone.

v  Fill Up Your Gas Tanks

o   As the hurricane or storm passes through, there could be many power outages and gas shortages. Getting a full tank along with a spare gas can is very important. It may be a day, two days, or even a week for everything to start coming back again.

v  Water, Water, Water!

o   Water is an essential. After a storm, the water supply might be down. Keeping lots and lots of water available will help you and your family stay hydrated and cool, especially if the power might be out. It can get pretty hot and humid. Make sure you have enough to last you a couple weeks.

v  Battery Operated Radios, Extra Batteries, Flashlights, First Aid Kits, and Extra Clothes

o   These are very important to have. They will aid you after a damaging storm. The battery operated radio will keep you informed while the flashlight will guide you in the darkened night. Extra clothes will always come in handy.

v  Lots of Non-Perishable Foods

o   Non-Perishable foods are foods that won't spoil even without refrigeration. If there are major damages in your area, most likely there won't be power, nor will the stores and restaurants be open. So keep a lot of non-perishable foods like canned foods and packaged foods available. Make sure that there is enough to last you a week or two.

v  Keep Extra Cash

o   The banks may be closed and the ATMs may be down. Even if the stores are open, their credit card machines may also be down, so keep some cash just in case you might need it.

v  Seek a Shelter

o   The newscasters will announce the available shelters in your area. If a hurricane is coming right over your path, I would strongly recommend you to seek shelter. Wanting to stay home to watch over your house is not worth risking your life. Even if your home is damage, at least you and your family will be safe.

Stay safe this summer and make sure to be prepared for whatever comes your way. Don’t mess around with storms or hurricanes, they’re very dangerous and can cause a lot of damage. We hope everyone has safe travels and an awesome summer. Remember, we wanna see ya in a KIA!

Changing a Flat Tire

With school letting out for the summer and families taking vacations, we want everyone to have safe travels! Before traveling you should always have your car checked out and tires looked at. Hopefully you don’t experience any troubles while driving, but just in case we want you to be informed on how to change a flat tire as quick and easy as possible.

Changing a Flat Tire:

·         Find a safe spot to pull over. If you're on the freeway, getting off is the safest bet, even if you have to drive on a blown tire. Otherwise, pull as far onto the shoulder as possible. Don't park in the middle of a curve, where approaching cars can't see you. Also choose a flat spot; jacking up your car on a hill can be a disaster. If you have a manual transmission, leave your car in gear. Be sure to set your parking brake!

·         Turn on your hazard lights. Get the jack, wrench, and spare tire from the trunk of the car and bring them over to the tire that is flat. Use other tools or supplies if needed.

·         Use the wrench to loosen the lug nuts. You may need to remove the hubcap. Don't remove the lug nuts at this point; simply loosen them by turning the wrench to the left (counter-clockwise). If the lug nuts are really tight, try placing the wrench on the nut and standing on the wrench arm to use your full weight on it. You can also try hitting the wrench arm with a rock.

·         Use the jack to lift the vehicle off the ground. Different car models may have different places to put the jack; consult your owner's manual for specific locations. Once the jack is securely in the correct spot, jack up the car until the tire is about six inches off the ground.

·         Remove the lug nuts and pull the tire off the car. Make sure to place the lug nuts in a pile that won't get scattered, and pull the tire straight toward yourself to remove it from the wheel base.

·         Place the spare on the car. Line up the lug nut posts with the holes in the spare, and push the spare all the way onto the wheel base until it can't go any farther.

·         Put on the lug nuts. Don't put them on tightly, just make sure they're on enough for the spare to stay on the car for a moment.

·         Lower the car back to the ground. Use the jack to bring the car back down to ground level. Remove the jack from underneath the car.

·         Make sure the lug nuts are tightened. With the car back on the ground, you can now tighten the lug nuts. Rather than tightening them one by one in order, start with one lug nut, tighten it about 50%, move to the opposite nut (across the circle) and tighten that one about the same amount. Keep tightening opposite lug nuts gradually in turn until each lug nut is as tight as it can be.

·         Put your flat tire and tools back in your trunk. Make sure you don't leave anything on the side of the road.

We want to make sure everyone has a great summer and that their travels are easy and safe! Remember we wanna see ya in a KIA!

http://www.dmv.org/how-to-guides/changing-tire.php

Taking A Vacation? Driving Long-Distances?

Planning on Taking a Road Trip?

With the summer months headed this way, there is going to be a lot of travelers and people on the roads. We want everyone to be as safe as possible and take caution while driving not only short distances but more importantly on those long drives! Here are 10 helpful tips to take into consideration when preparing for a long drive! We want to make sure our Kia family members, along with everyone else arrive safely to their destinations!

10 Helpful Hints for Long Distance Driving:

·         1- Be sure to check your vehicle before leaving:

o   Maintenance check (tires, brakes, engine, wiper blades, signals, lights, oil, etc.)

·         2- Have an emergency kit available:

o   Emergency kit (Car manual, flashlight, extra batteries, reflective triangle (in case you need to pull over), flares, basic tools and a first aid kit.)

·         3- Get a good night rest the night before:

o   Be sure to get a full night sleep, feeling fatigue or drowsy could lead to falling asleep at the wheel.

·         4- All luggage and cargo should be secured:

o   Make sure all luggage is placed and secured tightly, so that it doesn’t move around when having to make a quick stop

·         5- Pack the car with car friendly items:

o   Anything along the lines of blankets, napkins, wet wipes, hands-free cell phone device, trash bags, and medicine.

·         6- Have food available:

o   Take snacks, water, fruit, etc. Be sure not to take anything with too much salt or sugar, it can lead to mood changes or easily make you more tired.

·         7- Be sure to take breaks:

o   Take a break if you feel tired or even just to stretch your legs and walk around to keep circulation flowing. A general rule is to take a break every 2 hours of driving.

·         8- Bring music to listen to:

o   Have your iPod or CD with your favorite music in case the radio stations aren’t playing your favorite kind of music, you need stuff to entertain you!

·         9- Directions/Route

o   Make sure you have a good idea of where you’re headed and the roads you are taking, to avoid getting lost. Give yourself extra time in case you want to stop or visit places along the way. Be sure to check the track and areas you should avoid at certain times.

·         10-Remember to have fun!

o   A road trip should be a fun experience, make it part of the vacation!

Follow these 10 helpful hints, and your next long distance travel should be a successful one! Remember to be safe, keep your eyes on the road, don’t get distracted, and be sure to make it FUN!