Severe Weather Season in North Carolina is Here!

If you’ve been watching the news, you know that North Carolina and most of the Southeast are firmly in severe weather season. The Atlantic Hurricane season spans from June 1st to November 30th, with North Carolina’s highest risk in August, September, and October.

Families must plan accordingly to stay safe during this time, as severe weather can damage your property and your person. And with recent studies saying that severe weather is more common and likely than ever, knowing just what to do is more important than ever.

“It’s a reminder that the risk of extreme events is growing, and they’re affecting every corner of the world,” – Sarah Kapnick, National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

Severe weather isn’t just hurricanes; it’s flash floods, heavy rain, lightning, hail, and strong winds — all of which are also more likely during hurricane season.

Reliability and preparedness are the most important factors for staying safe and secure during severe weather events. Both of those traits are synonymous with Mount Airy CDJRF’s models and the safety they provide. While we’ll go on to unpack the do’s and don’ts of avoiding danger during the severe weather season, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, and Fiat have many models equipped to deal with whatever is thrown their way. So take on the storms with the best partner there is and visit Mount Airy CDJRF today!

Vehicles – Are They Safe During These Events?

 While we’re on the subject of the right vehicles, knowing if they’re safe during these weather events is vital. So, are they? The short answer is that it depends.

Take this quote from the National Weather Service: “Being in a vehicle during severe thunderstorms is safer than being outside; however, drive to closest secure shelter if there is sufficient time.”

Take it from the professionals! It’s best to hunker down during events that bring heavy rains, floods, strong winds, and hurricanes. But that’s not always an option. It’s best to get away from whatever is coming towards you, and if there is a strong chance of thunder and lightning, staying in your vehicle in a low-lying area is a great idea.

Still, strong storms have been known to trap countless drivers in their cars, waiting for them to pass from once-in-a-lifetime blizzards to heavy rains and thunderstorms that force you to pull over.

If you’re in that situation, you want to ensure that your car, truck, or SUV is well-equipped with safety features to make it through whatever is passing. And there is good news there — every new model Mount Airy CDJRF offers the perfect set of safety features to keep you protected!

An Unrivaled Set of Safety Features

Mount Airy CDJRF offers so many different models and makes that it would be difficult to list every safety feature. However, we’ll do our best to touch on the highlights!

Chrysler – Many of the new Chrysler models offer 360-degree camera features, which will keep you aware of your surroundings. Eliminating blindspots is a huge bonus when in a tough situation, like navigating through fallen debris in a storm. See this feature in action on the 2023 Pacifica.

“The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica delivers on our firm commitment to provide customers with superior safety,”  – Chrysler Brand CEO Chris Feuell

Dodge – Dodge is a brand that can do it all. Their newer models include a feature known as Hill Start Assist. The Hill Start Assist program can detect when your vehicle isn’t level. The system then uses its brake to prevent rollback or a backslide. This can be the difference between disaster and safety when strong winds, rains, or ice are on the road—keeping you and your passengers stable, even when you’re not level. Find this in the 2023 Durango and other Dodge models.

Jeep – Jeeps are known for their toughness, owing to their origins as United States Army vehicles. This makes them one of the best choices during a severe weather event. Jeeps have several crash-prevention properties, notably forward collision warning with active braking. This is one of the most impactful features in preventing crashes and disasters. In the case of a severe weather event with low visibility, it could stop you from hitting debris you otherwise wouldn’t have seen. You can test it yourself on any of the Jeep models at Mount Airy CDJRF!

RAM – RAMs are tough, carving that perception out with their many impressive truck models. So, if you find yourself in a RAM, you’ll likely be able to navigate those roads impacted by severe weather. Still, the vehicles offer Rear Path Detection, which can scan the area behind and on the side of the vehicle. Perfect when you have to take an alternate path that’s filled with unknowns.

FIAT – The FIAT 500x has several features similar to those we’ve outlined in other models. Most notably, the FIAT has advanced adaptive cruise control, which bases your current speed on the vehicle before you. This ensures you stay a safe distance behind whatever’s ahead while making good time.

 Other Tips if You Find Yourself In A Severe Weather Situation

While the impressive safety lineup you’ll find at Mount Airy CDJRF is an impressive start to staying safe, knowing a few tips will be enough to maximize the protection for you and your passengers. Preparing for any situation is the best way to stay out of trouble! Here are a few important things to know to avoid danger.

Ways to Get Out Of Your Car if You Find Yourself In Water-  If you encounter standing water that looks high, do not try to drive through it. Never enter water you cannot cross on foot or water 6 inches or midway up your tires. If you do

If there is a situation in which your vehicle becomes submerged, it’s even more important to know what to do, as quick and calm decision-making is the best way to minimize potential harm to yourself.

The first step is to stay calm, which is sage advice whenever you’re in an emergency. In the case of a submerged car, you’ll likely have anywhere from 30 to 120 seconds before your car is completely submerged.

Secondly, roll down your windows when your vehicle hits deep water. It’s important because once they become submerged, pressure may keep them shut. They can serve as an easy exit. If you cannot get them down, try safely breaking them, as your windshield is the hardest piece of glass in any vehicle.

Then, be sure to undo your seatbelt, something that may seem obvious, but in a crisis situation, you could forget. Then, assist any passengers in your vehicle and exit safely through the window.

 What to Do if Fallen Debris Hits Your Vehicle – Storms can cause trees to fall, powerlines to snap, and other things to fall from the sky. This spells danger for you and your vehicle, even if you aren’t actively driving.

If you’re driving and something hits your car, it’s best to try and exit the vehicle as safely as possible, as you don’t know the damage the debris could have caused. Be sure to call for help if you’re injured and document the incident as best you can. Things like the tree’s location, your car, and the weather conditions can all help you make an insurance claim easily.

Items to Have In Your Car When Disaster Strikes – A few other items are good to have in your vehicle so you can use them whenever needed. This list is not exhaustive but does a good job of showing that the more prepared you are, the safer.

• Flashlight
• First-Aid Kit
• Blanket
• Cash
• Cell-phone Charger
• Water
• Jumper Cables
• Ice Scraper
• Shovel
• Litter or Sand to Help With Traction

Mount Airy CDJRF – The Safety Partner

It may already be obvious with the dealership’s models, but if it’s not — Mount Airy CDJRF takes safety seriously. It’s not only evident in the vehicles they sell but in the experience they bring to customers.

One element of safety we haven’t underlined is the necessity of keeping your vehicle ready. Tire alignment, replacement, and other regular maintenance forms are ways to be confident that you’re ready for whatever is thrown at you.

In their commitment to safety, Mount Airy CDJRF provides unrivaled maintenance support alongside an excellent sales team. Take this Google review, for example —

So, pick the safety partner that’s been serving the Mount Airy area for years! Reach out and schedule an appointment with a sales representative or the service team today.