Are You Prepared For Hurricane Season?

I have to admit right up front; getting prepared for incoming hurricanes is not on the top of my Saturday to-do list but this year I’m taking it serious because all the experts are predicting an extremely busy year with many major storms.

Following are a few reminders to help our clients be prepared for hurricane season:

• Prepare an inventory of your personal property, videotape or photograph it, and store the proof safely off site.
• Buy lots of batteries of all sizes, bottled water, canned goods, manual can opener, bleach (to sterilize the tub before storing water in it), flashlights, tarpaulin (to cover the holes in roof), weather radio, camera to take photos of damage, matches and propane for grill.
• Make sure your cell phone is charged and purchase a generator if possible to keep your pump and essential items running. And a chainsaw to chop up limbs.
• Trim any limbs overhanging your roof to prevent damage and trim any dead limbs anywhere as they turn into missiles during a storm.
• Tie down and store loose items like garbage cans, boats, toys, patio furniture; anything that can be airborne in strong winds.
• Keep all your insurance policies (home, auto, flood, or wind only) close so you can file the claim to your carrier if necessary. Or call our office for claims number if we’re not hunkering down too!
• Buy plywood at least 1/2 inch thick to cover all windows and secure with concrete anchors.
• Evacuate when the media recommends it as it is not worth losing your life! Your insurance policy will replace your house, but not you!
• Check the National Weather Service website for the best up to date forecasts. You can access it by clicking on our website atozinsurancefl.com and then hit the NOAA logo on left side of home page or go directly to weather.gov and then click on Hurricanes on the menu.

Scott Love
June 9, 2010