Believe it or not, the start of hurricane season is less than a month away! Although this year's weather predictions are looking more positive than years past, according to the Old Farmer's Almanac, getting prepared now can save you time and stress later on, and provide you peace of mind knowing your home, vehicles, and more are protected.
Review Your Policy
Reviewing your insurance information can help you decide if you need to increase your coverage, make some changes, or add on additional policies. Is your policy enough to cover a rebuild of your home? What are your limits and deductibles? Does it specifically list if hurricanes are covered? What is the coverage on your policy?
Document Your Home and Personal Belongings
In the event you need to file a claim, having pre-storm pictures can help you when filing a claim and during the rebuilding process. Be sure to upload your pictures to a cloud or save them on an external drive in case your computer or phone is damaged in the storm.
Consider Adding Flood Insurance
Typically, your base homeowners insurance policy is not going to include flood insurance. Depending on where you live and your proximity to a body of water, adding flood insurance can protect your valuables and home in the event of a flood.
Double-check Your Car Insurance
To make sure your car is protected from damage during the storm, you'll need comprehensive coverage. Be sure you have enough to cover the value of your vehicle.
Protect Important Documents
Gather important documents such as insurance, financial, medical, legal, and personal documents and store them in a secure place. Keep a waterproof container handy in the event of a storm for safekeeping and to protect your important information from the elements.
Develop an Emergency Plan
The last thing you want is to be caught off-guard. Having conversations with your family members regarding what you'll do in the event of a hurricane is of vital importance, regardless of where you live in Florida. Knowing where to find the nearest shelters, your fastest evacuation route, and what items to bring with you will allow you to leave quicker and safer.
Gather "Hurricane Kit" Items
Before bread and bottled water start flying off the shelves, plan now to gather what you need for several days in the event of an emergency situation. Purchasing bottles of water, non-perishable food, flashlights, first aid items, and more can all help you prepare now before the stores are packed and items are scarce. Visit Ready.gov for a kit checklist.