Smart preparations help protect homeowners in peak hurricane season
Tips to Stay Safe During a Hurricane
Peak hurricane season is upon us and many may be impacted by the current storms predicted to make landfall along the eastern seaboard. To help homeowners keep their families and their property safe during a hurricane, Arthur Hall Insurance offers tips to help prepare.
Here’s a list of easy-to-do action items that can be completed in advance and improve your odds of weathering the storm safely.”
Hurricane preparation tips*:
• Create or update a home inventory. It is one of the most important, but often overlooked preparations. Homeowners’ insurance claims are more likely to be processed up to twice as quickly when customers have completed a home inventory in advance of a loss, according to The Hanover Insurance Company, a leading property and casualty insurer.
• Stock emergency supplies, including: a battery-powered radio, flashlights, extra batteries, medicines, first aid handbook and kit, and a week’s worth of non-perishable food and water. Other items to have on hand include: prescriptions, pet supplies, plastic sheeting, tape, and toiletries such as diapers.
• Store ice if you can. If you have an ice maker, run it now and place bags of ice in your freezer to preserve food in the event of a power outage. Freeze tap water for pets, drinking and cleaning.
• Secure your home: Repair loose boards, shingles, shutters, downspouts—the kind of things that could become greater problems in high winds or torrential rain. If you live near the coast, purchase and store materials you may need to board up windows.
• Bring items inside your home that could become dangerous as flying objects, including toys, grills, planters, trash cans and outdoor furniture.
• Purchase battery-operated carbon monoxide and smoke alarms if you have a generator you may have to use. To help ensure safe operation, take time to read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Develop an evacuation plan, and know where local shelters are located. If you have a furry friend, be sure you have a list of local shelters and hotels that allow pets.
• Create a list of key telephone numbers including, family, friends, fire, police, insurance agent’s, etc. that may be needed in the event of an emergency.
• Sign up for weather alerts. Stay alert about approaching weather and follow advice from local officials to stay safe during storms.
• Review your homeowners policy with your insurance agent to determine whether you have adequate protection. In particular, consider whether you have flood insurance and if your policy will cover current rebuilding costs.
Should you need to evacuate your home:
• Bring outdoor furniture, decorations, grills, trash cans and other belongings inside.
• Remove small furniture, electronics, area rugs and other items from the floor. Raise drapes and curtains or put the bottoms in trash bags and tie them tightly.
• Place valuable belongings in a central room that is not directly under the roof, such as a walk-in closet or bathroom.
• If there is a possibility that electrical outlets could become submerged, turn off electrical service at the main breaker.
• Close all interior doors, exterior doors and windows in order to provide your home’s frame with as much stability as possible and compartmentalize any wind pressure that occurs.
• When possible, bring valuable belongings (including important documents) with you when you leave.
• Lock your doors before you leave.
• Do not return to your home until the authorities in your area declare that it is safe to do so.
• Fine art and collections: Take art and decorative items off the walls. Place collected items in crates or wrap them to protect them from flying debris. Elevate items and place them in a room where there are no windows.
The professionals at Arthur Hall Insurance are committed to helping you protect your home and possessions. Please stay safe during the storm.
*Tips courtesy of Hanover Insurance and Chubb