Hurricane Dennis is expected to hit the Gulf Coast this weekend, bringing with it heavy rain, strong winds and possible storm surge. Progressive reminds motorists that the best way to stay safe and reduce property damage is to be aware of the dangers posed by major storms .

“Pay close attention to your area’s evacuation orders,” said Scott Snapp, catastrophe response director, Progressive. “Many people rely on their car to transport them out of harm’s way. But while evacuating, be aware of the dangerous flood waters hurricanes bring.”

A significant danger posed by hurricanes is inland flooding. According to the National Hurricane Center, more than half of all hurricane-related deaths in the past 30 years were due to inland flooding and one-quarter of those killed drowned inside their vehicle, or when attempting to abandon it.

Progressive offers the following tips for protecting yourself, your car, recreational vehicle or boat during Hurricane Dennis:

If you are leaving a car or recreational vehicle behind to weather the storm:

   * Drivers in the hurricane’s path who are not going to be driving their car or recreational vehicle to safety should park it on high ground, as close as possible to a sturdy building; don’t leave the vehicle in a low-lying area prone to flooding. If you have to park it outdoors, park it away from trees, poles or other large objects that may fall onto it.
   * Boats should be moved inland if possible. Make sure you have everything you need to secure your boat, including extra lines, chafe protection, fenders, anchors, port plugs, duct tape and extra batteries.

If you are evacuating the area with your car or recreational vehicle:

   * Avoid driving through standing water. The average automobile can be swept off the road in 12 inches of moving water, and roads covered by water are prone to collapse. If you come upon a flooded street, take an alternate route.
   * If no alternate route exists and you have no other reasonable alternative but to drive through standing water…
         o Do your best to estimate the depth of the water (if other cars are driving through, take note of how deep the water is).
         o Drive SLOWLY and STEADILY through the water.
         o Once you and your vehicle are out of deep water and are in a safe area, depress your brakes slowly to dry them.
         o If your vehicle stalls in the deep water, you may need to restart the engine to make it to safety (know, however, that restarting may cause irreparable damage to the engine).
         o If you can’t restart your vehicle and you become trapped in rising water, IMMEDIATELY ABANDON FOR HIGHER GROUND. If you are unable to get out of the vehicle safely, call 911 or get the attention of a passerby or someone standing on higher ground.