Hurricane Prep Tips

Take Photographs For Insurance Co. Purposes

As a hurricane approaches, there are many precautions that coastal residents can take to prepare their homes for severe weather.

To make sure your home is prepared:

• Trim trees and bushes before hurricane season so that the wind can blow through easily. Limbs can become projectiles, breaking windows and damaging roofs.
  
• Make a list of loose items that need to be brought in or tied down such as patio furniture, garbage cans, plants, pool filter, etc. Dont forget the mailbox and TV antenna.
  
• Inspect the roof for loose tiles or shingles and debris.
  
• Know the location of the main electric breaker, water valve and gas valve.
  
• Put up your shutters to make sure: they fit; that you have all the necessary parts; that you remember how to install them.
  
• You now have more choices than ever for protecting you home. All shutters, impact-resistant windows, doors, and garage doors that have county approval are very strong. By definition, if they are legal, they are strong. Check with your county Building and Zoning Department to be sure that the products that you are buying are approved.
  
• Impact-resistant windows with the "glass" made out of a polycarbonate (plastic) or a sandwich of glass and plastic are cheaper than ever, and little or no more money than new windows and new shutters. Consider this alternative if you are building a new house or replacing your old windows.
  
• If you protect every opening in your house with shutters or impact-resistant windows that meet the current building code, your house stands a very good chance of surviving a hurricane intact.
  
• Every shutter, door, garage door, window, skylight, and awning that was sold before the new building code went into effect in September 1994 does not meet then new code.
  
• If you have a pool, keep extra chlorine on hand to help prevent contamination in the event of a hurricane.
  
• Photograph or videotape your house, as well as your personal belongings, to help document any losses. Put the negatives or tapes in a waterproof container, a safe deposit box, or send to an out of town friend or family member for safe keeping.

To make sure your boat is prepared:

• Plan where your boat will be in the event of a hurricane.
  
• If you plan to move it, make sure your vessel is in good running order, is fueled, and batteries are charged.
  
• Coordinate mooring plans with the boat owners around you.
  
• Find out from the Dock Master what the marinas hurricane plans are, so you can plan accordingly. For more information on Boats & Marine interests, call (305)273-6700 for a free booklet available in English or Spanish.

To make sure your pet is prepared:

• Pets are not allowed in evacuation centers and shelters. Only animals such as seeing eye dogs are permitted.
  
• If you live in an evacuation zone and plan to go where your pet will not be welcome, make arrangements for a safe place for your pet prior to a hurricane.
  
• Call your veterinarian to find out where you can board your pet if a hurricane threatens.
  
• Contact hotels and motels in non-evacuation areas to see if they will allow you and your pet to stay with them during a storm.
  
• Make sure you have supplies for your pets for 2 weeks.

To make sure your insurance policy is prepared:

• Review your homeowners policy every year before hurricane season begins June 1.
  
• If your property value has increased, youve added an addition, or youve purchased expensive items such as computers, stereo equipment, etc., you may want to increase your coverage.
  
• Check your policy for windstorm and flood coverage. Your standard policy does not cover flood damage. You or your agent can obtain flood insurance by calling the National Flood Insurance Program at 1-800-638-6620, but be advised there is a waiting period, so you must do this in advance of a hurricane threat.
  
• If you rent, purchase renters insurance for your personal property.
  
• Know what your policy does and does not cover. Many policies will not give you the money to "replace" the damaged contents of you home. You will just get the cash value, which is often far less than the cost of replacement. Be sure to check and see if your policy will pay for temporary living expenses if your home becomes uninhabitable. Ask your agent detailed questions to be sure you know what coverage you have.