The National Weather
Service is predicting Hurricane Dorian to strengthen to a major hurricane over
the weekend. That news has many Floridians trying to figure out how to prepare.
“Getting a plan in order, certainly cannot hurt, even if this
time around you do not use it, you might the next time,” says Dustyn Shroff,
Vice President of GreatFlorida
Insurance, Florida’s leading homeowners
insurance agency.
The Insurance Information Institute (III), has tips to help you prepare when a hurricane is close.
A hurricane watch is issued when a threat of a hurricane is within
a 24- 36-hour period.
Once a
hurricane watch is issued
Purchase any emergency supplies that you do not already have
on hand such as batteries, candles and flashlights.
Prepare your yard by securing or moving indoors all outdoor
furniture, lawn items, planters and other materials that could be picked up by
high winds. Trim back weak branches and lower antennas and retractable awnings.
Prepare for a potential evacuation, get a plan.
Charge your cellphone
Fill your car’s gasoline tank
Have the name and phone number of your insurer and insurance
agent handy in your purse, wallet or phone.
A hurricane warning is issued when hurricane conditions are
expected in 24 hours or less, meaning a storm is imminent.
Once a
hurricane warning is issued
Remain informed of the storm’s progress via the TV or radio.
Install hurricane shutters, board up or securely shutter large
windows and draw drapes across windows and doors.
Get off the boat- never remain on a boat during a hurricane.
Check mooring lines of boats in water.
If an evacuation
becomes necessary
Bring along supplies
Keep important papers with you
Take warm, protective clothing for the family in case you get stuck.
Lock all your windows and doors when leaving, to protect your home from
looters.
Keep all receipts for anything that might be considered an additional
living expense in the event your home is destroyed or damaged.
If you stay home during a hurricane
Stay indoors. Don’t go out even
during the brief calm.
Avoid windows and glass doors and
move furniture away from exposed doors and windows.
If your home has an “inside”
room, stay there during the height of the hurricane.
After a hurricane
Notify your insurance agent as
soon as possible of any losses.
Avoid signing any repair
contracts before checking with your insurance agent first.
Get written estimates for any
proposed repairs and use only a qualified, licensed contractor.
Car
“Vehicles damaged or destroyed by wind or flooding
are covered under the optional comprehensive portion of an auto insurance
policy,” says Ellsworth
Buck, Vice President of GreatFlorida
Insurance, Florida’s top homeowners insurance
agency.”
Renters
Renters insurance
covers a renter’s possessions, the landlord is responsible for insuring the
structure.
Before a storm
is in the area, take inventory of your home, car, boat and other belongings.
Videos and pictures are great. Check to see if your insurance company has a mobile app available
to help with your inventory.
GreatFlorida Insurance can secure your home and belongings before a storm strikes. Give us a call with your questions today.
