The Atlantic hurricane season occurs from June 1 to November 30.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is predicting another above-normal Atlantic hurricane season. Forecasters predict a 60 percent chance of above-normal season, 30 percent chance of near-normal season and a 10 percent chance of a below-normal season.
“It only takes one storm to cause devastating effects to a home,” says Dustyn Shroff, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance, Florida’s leading independent homeowners insurance agency.
For 2021 NOAA anticipates a likely range of 13 to 20 named storms, with 6-10 becoming hurricanes including 3-5 major hurricanes expected.
Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody released the 2021 Hurricane Preparedness Guide this week. The guide has information about major storms, tips for preparing your home for a hurricane, checklists, storm resources, an evacuation plan and how to avoid scams in the aftermath of a storm.
Storms are an unfortunate reality for Floridians. Planning ahead will help you avoid shortages and long-lines when a storm is bearing down.
“The best way to prepare for a storm is check your current homeowners insurance policy,” says Dustyn Shroff, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance, Florida’s leading independent homeowners insurance agency.
It is important for homeowners to make sure they are not underinsured. Ask your agent if your policy covers the current value of your home. Also, if your home is damaged, will your home insurance cover a place for you to stay during repairs? Do you have flood insurance? Flood insurance is the only way to cover water or flood damage caused by a storm. Keep in mind, it takes 30 days for a flood insurance policy to kick in, so planning ahead is required.
Recent legislation created the upcoming 2021 Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday, from May 28- June 6 to help aid with storm preparation.
Items eligible to purchase without paying sales tax include the following:
Reusable ice packs-$20 or less
Candles, flashlights lanterns-$40 or less
Gas containers-$40 or less
Batteries-$50 or less
Radios-$50 or less
Coolers-$60 or less
Bungee cords-$100 or less
Ratchet straps-$100 or less
Tarps-$100 or less
Plastic sheeting-$100 or less
Portable generators-$1,000 or less
Bottled water
Canned/ jar foods
First-aid kits
Prescription and non-prescription medications
Baby food & formula
Feminine hygiene products
Don’t wait until it is too late, contact GreatFlorida Insurance for homeowners insurance or flood insurance. Our agents can answer your questions leaving you no gaps in your homeowners insurance.