As hurricane season approaches, it is crucial to prepare both physically and financially to safeguard your home and family.
At Harris Insurance, we understand the importance of being proactive and have compiled a comprehensive guide to help you get ready for the stormy weather ahead.
By taking these steps, you can ensure that you’re well-prepared to face any hurricane that comes your way.
Physical Preparation Strategies
- Strengthen Your Home
- Inspect and Repair: Check your roof for loose shingles, secure any weak spots, and repair any damage. Ensure that your windows and doors are properly sealed.
- Install Storm Shutters: Protect your windows with storm shutters. If these aren’t available, plywood can be a temporary solution.
- Secure Outdoor Items: Bring in patio furniture, garden tools, and any other outdoor items that could become projectiles during high winds.
- Create a Hurricane Kit
- Essential Supplies: Stock up on non-perishable food, bottled water (at least one gallon per person per day for three days), medications, and first aid supplies.
- Tools and Equipment: Include a flashlight, batteries, a portable phone charger, and a multi-tool. A battery-powered radio is essential for staying updated on storm information.
- Personal Items: Pack important documents (insurance papers, identification), cash, and any necessary personal hygiene products.
- Develop an Evacuation Plan
- Know Your Zone: Determine if you live in an evacuation zone and be familiar with the nearest evacuation routes.
- Establish a Meeting Point: Plan a safe meeting location for your family in case you get separated.
- Communicate: Share your evacuation plan with all family members and ensure everyone knows the procedure.
- Protect Your Property
- Trim Trees and Shrubs: Cut back any overhanging branches that could cause damage during high winds.
- Secure the Roof: Consider adding hurricane straps to reinforce your roof and prevent it from being lifted off.
- Garage Door: Reinforce your garage door, as this is a vulnerable point that can be easily damaged.
Financial Preparation Strategies
- Review Your Insurance Policies
- Homeowners Insurance: Ensure your policy is up-to-date and understand what is covered. Consider adding flood insurance if you don’t already have it.
- Document Valuables: Create an inventory of your home’s contents, including photos and receipts, to streamline the claims process in case of damage.
- Create an Emergency Fund
- Savings: Set aside funds specifically for emergencies. Aim to have enough to cover living expenses for at least three to six months.
- Accessibility: Ensure that these funds are easily accessible in case you need to evacuate and incur unexpected costs.
- Backup Important Documents
- Digital Copies: Scan important documents (insurance policies, identification, property deeds) and store them in a secure cloud service.
- Physical Copies: Keep physical copies in a waterproof and fireproof safe.
- Understand the Claims Process
- Contact Information: Have your insurance company’s contact information readily available.
- Claims Procedure: Familiarize yourself with the steps to file a claim, including the necessary documentation and evidence.
Harris Insurance: Your Partner in Hurricane Preparedness
By preparing both physically and financially, you can minimize the impact of a hurricane on your home and loved ones.
At Harris Insurance, we are here to support you every step of the way. If you have any questions about your insurance coverage or need assistance with hurricane preparedness, don’t hesitate to contact us.
Stay safe and be prepared!
LEGAL DISCLAIMER
Views expressed here do not constitute legal advice. The information contained herein is for general guidance of matter only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice. Discussion of insurance policy language is descriptive only. Every policy has different policy language. Coverage afforded under any insurance policy issued is subject to individual policy terms and conditions. Please refer to your policy for the actual language.
