Hurricane Preparation

With sizes that can span more than 300 miles, hurricanes have become one of the most dreaded natural phenomena on the East Coast. In the past ten years, a great deal of investment from national, state, and non-governmental platforms has gone towards preparation efforts.

To simplify the process, we've compiled some of our most prudent advice.

What's the difference between Hurricane Watch and Hurricane Warning?

Hurricane Watch

Weather centers will issue a hurricane watch when it becomes possible for hurricane conditions to manifest in as little as 2 days. This may often be the first sign of atmospheric changes following tropical storm watches.

Hurricane Warning This designation is issue to a specific area when it becomes expected that hurricane conditions will most likely manifest within 36 hours.

How do you prepare?

1. Check that you're covered by your insurance. Account for both water damage, flood damage, structural damage, personal property

2. Account for all valuable items in your home

3. Protect your property by effectively securing loose exterior fixtures and installing protective equipment, such as shutters

4. Ensure that all emergency supply kits in your home have been properly stocked and that you have ice packed in your fridge

5. Plan your evacuation completely; including routes, supplies, mode of transportation, and finances

Recommendations for Supply Kits

1. Enough water for you and your family for at least 3 days. A standard metric for preparation is one gallon per person per day.

2. A proportional supply of non-perishable food for 3 days

3. Battery powered or hand crank radio

4. First aid kit with bandages, thermal blankets, glow sticks, sterile gloves, anti-septics, etc.

5. Flashlights and extra batteries

6. Duct tape

7. A whistle in case help needs to be indicated

8. Plastic sheeting

9. Tools, such as wrenches, pliers and hammers

10. Plastic bags and plastic ties

11. Moist towelettes

12. Non-electric can opener

13. Local maps

14. Cell phones with chargers, battery packs and solar chargers

15. Candles

16. Electric cooking wear

When do you evacuate?

Evacuate ahead of time with plenty of space between you and the storm

Leave when authorities issue a mandatory evacuation

Evacuate if you have no means of fortifying your home with protective fixtures

Things to do before you evacuate

1. Be prepared to drive at least 50 miles and away from the coast

2. Pack emergency supplies

3. Prepare maps

4. Inform a friend or family of your destination or route

5. Turn off the gas, electricity and water in your home

6. Empty the refrigerator or freezer

7. Prepare home for possible water damage by securing valuables on higher ground

If you can't evacuate

1. Stay close to home

2. Stay aware of weather updates

3. Stay inside when the storm is closer or present

4. Stay away from windows and glass with all curtains and blinds closed

5. Close all interior doors to stifle potential air flow

6. Take refuge on the lowest level of the home unless the home floods

7. Do not exit in the eye of the hurricane

8. Turn off main circuit of home if electricity goes out

9. Avoid the use of candle supply behind closed doors- reserve those for lighting outdoors after the storm

What do you do after a hurricane?

1. Turn on the radio for weather updates

2. Return home from your evacuation destination only when authorities indicate that it is safe

3. If your home or area experienced flooding, be cautious of standing water- which may hide snakes and poisonous insects.

4. Check for gas leaks if you hear a hissing or blowing noise

5. Do not enter buildings if structural damage is evident. Stay away from con-caving ceilings.

6. Ventilate home by opening windows

7. Do not use open flames- verify the absence of a gas leak

8. Do not drink tap water until instructed otherwise

9. Reactivate the gas in your home if it was shut off

10. Stay away from electrical infrastructure and downed power-lines

Making a claim after the storm

1. Contact your coverage provider and speak to your agent

2. Document all damage with photos

3. Document all efforts to make temporary repairs- keep all receipts

4. Schedule an inspection

Resources:

www.flash.org

www.redcross.org

www.nhc.noaa.gov

Flooding in Florida

How do you prepare?

Flooding in Florida, particularly southeast Florida, has become consistent and predictable. Whether it be from heavy rains, flash floods, or floods instigated by large storms, Florida residents can expect 10 - 20 foot walls of water in severe conditions. Recent weather events have only indicated that flooding should become a more pressing concern in the future, and has hence prompted $3.5 million in precautionary investments from the Floridian government in the past year.

However, the responsibility to protect homes and personal possessions is ultimately left to homeowners. This includes basic safety measures during and before storms, but also includes the implementation of insurance plans in preparation for unforeseen events. After all, it only takes 2 feet of water to lift a car off the ground, and 11 inches to cause $50,000 worth of loss.

The point is: floods happen. They are designated as the number-one natural disaster in the United States, and happen to be a formally declared risk in all 50 states. However, most homeowners insurance policies do not cover flood damage. So what options are you left with?

One choice is known as Preferred Risk Flood Insurance. This provides coverage for direct physical loss due to flooding, including:

• Overflow of inland or tidal water

• Unusual and rapid accumulation or runoff of surface water from any source

• Mudflow

The alternative choice is Standard Flood Insurance- which is coverage for the same criteria, but typically required by your mortgage broker. This condition will likely be prompted by the location of your home being in a higher risk flood zone. For that reason, the rates for Preferred Risk Flood Insurance tend to be more affordable.

With peace of mind, you'll know you're ready.

Regardless of your flood policy, your agent has the capacity to integrate your coverage for flood insurance with your home insurance protections. In tandem with other safety measures implemented during weather events, you can rest assured that you are protected by your plan and the support of a good insurance professional.