The official start of hurricane season is upon us yet again! It seems like June 1st shocks us with how quickly it arrives each year. This time of year marks the start of summer, which means kids are done with school, and thoughts of summer vacations and summer camps may consume everyone’s spare time. Hurricane preparedness often takes a back seat. However, those who devote just a little bit of time to preparedness will be ahead of the game if and when a hurricane disaster strikes.
Do not be caught off guard. Be prepared and avoid a last-minute scramble. There is still time now to do the big things to help prepare your structure—don’t wait until days before a hurricane is forecast in your area to try and schedule windows that need reglazing or trees that need trimming.
Take steps to review policies to confirm and verify coverage, discuss other available coverage with insurance agents/representatives, photograph the condition of insured property, conduct basic maintenance like tree trimming and debris removal, and obtain peace of mind knowing that an action plan is in place. Develop an emergency plan for your household/business/community; load up on water, non-perishable food, and flashlights; and get a disaster supply kit. We have a hurricane checklist for residential policyholders, with tips on safeguarding your home and reviewing your insurance policy, and a Condominium Hurricane Preparedness Guide for multi-family properties. We have also created a Flood Claims Handbook outlining steps to take before and after a flood.
United Policyholders is an excellent resource for disaster preparedness tips, including creating a home inventory and evacuation checklist. Ready.gov has a downloadable emergency supplies checklist for basic items you may need should a hurricane or other disaster strike.
Do not assume that everything is set with your property insurance coverage. Pull out the insurance policy from your records and review the coverage declarations page to make sure that all the dates and coverage amounts are what you need. If there are any questions, contact your insurance professional immediately.
Remember, standard homeowners insurance policies do not cover damage from flooding, meaning policyholders are required to obtain supplemental flood insurance to protect their homes against potential storm surges. While most policyholders obtain flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program, there are private flood insurance options available to those looking for structure and contents coverage above the NFIP cap.
The best way to protect yourself and your loved ones against a hurricane is to prepare in advance on all fronts. So be sure that you are informed and ready. It can save your life.
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