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Hurricanes are a major threat to coastal communities in the United States. They can cause widespread damage to homes, businesses, and infrastructure. In order to protect yourself and your property from the dangers of hurricanes, it is important to have a plan in place.
Here is a hurricane safety checklist for insurance clients:
Before the storm:
- Review your insurance policy and make sure you are adequately covered for hurricane damage. This includes understanding your deductible, coverage limits, and what is excluded from your policy. You may need to purchase additional coverage, such as flood insurance, if you live in a flood-prone area.
- Trim trees and shrubs near your home to reduce the risk of damage from falling branches. If you have any trees that are dead or dying, have them removed.
- Bring in any loose items from outside, such as patio furniture, lawn ornaments, and garbage cans. These items can become dangerous projectiles during a hurricane.
- Fill your car’s gas tank and have a plan for where you will go if you need to evacuate. Make sure you have enough gas to get to your evacuation destination and back.
- Gather important documents, such as your insurance policies, birth certificates, and passports, and put them in a safe place. This will make it easier to access them if you need to evacuate.
- Pack a disaster preparedness kit with food, water, first aid supplies, and other essentials. This kit should be enough to last you for at least 3 days.
During the storm:
- Stay indoors and away from windows. The safest place to be during a hurricane is in an interior room, such as a closet or bathroom.
- Listen to local radio or television for updates. This is the best way to stay informed about the storm and any evacuation orders that may be issued.
- If you must evacuate, do so early and follow the instructions of local officials. Do not wait until the last minute to leave.
After The Storm:
- Stay away from downed power lines and flooded areas. These can be extremely dangerous.
- Check for damage to your home and property. If you have any damage, report it to your insurance company as soon as possible.
- Do not enter your home if it is unsafe. If you have any concerns about the safety of your home, call a professional to inspect it before you go inside.
- If you need to stay in a hotel, make sure you have travel insurance. This will help to cover the cost of your stay if your home is damaged and you are unable to return home.
Here are some additional tips for hurricane safety:
- If you have pets, make sure they are safe and secure during the storm.
- If you are elderly or have disabilities, make sure you have a plan in place for how you will get help if needed.
- If you live in a mobile home, you should evacuate to a safe location.
- If you live in a flood-prone area, you should have flood insurance.
By following these safety tips, you can help to protect yourself and your property from the dangers of hurricanes.
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