Are You Hurricane and Storm Proof?

Taking a few precautions will give you peace of mind during this season

No matter what the forecast for this hurricane season is, the best way to face and overcome an emergency caused by a storm or hurricane is prevention.

The best time to prepare is before a storm hits, so there is still time to take precautionary measures. Here are some tips to help you minimize your risks:

• Walk through your property and community to see what risks you are exposed to. For example:
  • Are there any creeks that can overflow?
  • Is there debris that could become projectiles?
  • Do you live in a flood-prone area?
  • Do you have storm shutters or panels?
  • Do you have solar panels, an electric generator, and a cistern? Is the maintenance of these systems up to date?

• Prepare an emergency plan for your family, including the needs of children, older adults, and pets. This should include food and water for several days, medication supplies for chronic health conditions, and an evacuation plan in case your home is damaged, among other things. To learn more about how to prepare for a storm or hurricane, visit the disaster guide.

Review Your Insurance Policies

During this time, it is also important to check your property insurance policies. Be sure to check the following details:

• Review what insurance policies you have, including their limits (maximum amount of money an insurance company will pay), types of coverage, deductibles, and conditions. If necessary, contact your insurance agent to update these policies according to your current situation.
• Consider purchasing flood insurance, since traditional property insurance policies do not cover flood damages. This insurance policy is offered through a federal program: https://www.floodsmart.gov. Your insurance agent can guide you.
• Keep an updated inventory of your belongings. If possible, take photos and videos. This will help expedite the process in the event of a claim to your insurance company.
• Store all your important documents (i.e., insurance policies, birth and marriage certificates, deeds, bank account numbers, cash, passports, among others) in water-proof containers, and keep them in an accessible place in case of emergency.

Contact your insurance agent for more information on how to protect your property during hurricane season.