Hurricanes can bring severe weather that requires preparation, especially for your vehicle. Ensuring you have the right supplies on hand is crucial for safety and minimizing disruptions. O’Reilly Auto Parts in Durant, OK, offers a wide range of car parts and emergency items to help you weather any storm. From fuel storage to power solutions and essential tools, being prepared is easier than you think.
Stock Up on Gas Cans for Emergency Fuel Storage in Durant, OK
One of the first steps in hurricane preparation is fuel. It’s recommended to keep your vehicle’s gas tank at least half full and have extra fuel stored safely. During and after a hurricane, gas stations may be closed, experience long lines, or have inflated prices. Having a readily available gas can from O’Reilly Auto Parts in Durant ensures you have fuel for your vehicle, generator, and other essential equipment when you need it most. For safety, always store gas cans in a shaded area away from direct sunlight to prevent vapor release and reduce explosion risks.
Portable Generators: Reliable Power During Outages at O’Reilly Auto Parts Durant
Power outages are a common occurrence during hurricanes. For those who rely on consistent power for medical needs or simply want to maintain essential functions at home, a portable generator is a worthwhile investment. O’Reilly Auto Parts near Durant, OK, provides a selection of portable generators that run on gasoline and utilize an alternator to produce electricity independently. These generators are equipped with outlets, making them ideal for charging devices and powering appliances more effectively than inverters or power banks.
Expert Tip: Carbon monoxide poisoning is a serious risk with generator use during power outages. Always operate generators at least 20 feet away from your house or garage, away from windows, doors, and vents, to ensure proper ventilation and prevent carbon monoxide buildup.
Secure Your Property with Ratchet Straps from O’Reilly Auto Parts
High winds are a significant threat during hurricanes. Protect your property from wind damage by using heavy-duty ratchet straps from O’Reilly Auto Parts. These straps are available in various lengths and load capacities, perfect for securing outdoor furniture, lightweight structures, and even trees. Properly securing items can prevent significant damage and loss, mitigating the impact of strong hurricane winds.
Power Banks and Inverters: Keep Electronics Charged During a Hurricane
Maintaining communication and access to information is vital during a hurricane. Power outages can leave you without the ability to charge essential electronics. O’Reilly Auto Parts in Durant offers portable power banks, pre-charged and ready to power phones, tablets, and other small USB devices. For larger electronics like lamps or small appliances, consider a power inverter. A power inverter allows you to draw power from your vehicle’s battery to charge devices, providing a valuable power source if a generator isn’t available.
Essential Tools for Utility Shut-Off Before a Hurricane
Safety protocols during hurricane preparation include turning off utilities. It’s recommended to shut off your home’s electricity at the breaker box and gas line at the meter before a hurricane arrives. This minimizes the risk of electrical damage and fire hazards from power surges or gas leaks. A basic tool set from O’Reilly Auto Parts, including pliers and wrenches, can be crucial for safely and effectively turning off these utilities.
Flashlights and Batteries: Essential Lighting During Power Outages at O’Reilly Auto Parts
Power outages during hurricanes often lead to darkness. Flashlights are an obvious but critical item for hurricane preparedness. O’Reilly Auto Parts near Durant, OK, offers a range of flashlight options, from hands-free headlamps to clip-on lights and traditional battery-powered flashlights. Stock up on various sizes of batteries (AA, AAA, and D) also available at O’Reilly Auto Parts to ensure your flashlights remain functional throughout the storm.
All-Purpose Absorbent: Manage Water Intrusion After a Hurricane
In the aftermath of a hurricane, water intrusion can be a major problem. While towels and sandbags are helpful, all-purpose absorbent can be even more effective at managing water inside your home or vehicle. O’Reilly Auto Parts carries all-purpose absorbents designed to soak up water, gasoline, and other liquids. Simply sprinkle the absorbent on affected areas, allow it to absorb the liquid, and then sweep it up. This helps remove standing water efficiently and without the unpleasant odors associated with alternatives like cat litter.
Battery Chargers, Jump Starters, and Jumper Cables: Maintain Vehicle Readiness
Using power inverters or simply having your vehicle sit idle during a hurricane can drain your car battery. O’Reilly Auto Parts provides solutions to maintain your vehicle’s battery health. A car battery charger can be connected to an external power source (like a generator, if available) to recharge your battery. Battery jump starters offer a portable power boost to start your engine if the battery is low. Jumper cables are also a reliable option if you have access to another vehicle.
Do It Right Tip: Avoid damaging your alternator by using a battery charger to fully recharge a dead battery instead of relying solely on your alternator.
Free Services at O’Reilly Auto Parts
O’Reilly Auto Parts is committed to helping you maintain your vehicle, offering free services like Check Engine light testing, alternator and starter testing, wiper blade and headlight bulb installation, and fluid and battery recycling. Visit your local O’Reilly Auto Parts store in Durant to learn more about these helpful services and get prepared for hurricane season.
