August 29th, 2019 9:32 AM by Linda Holley
BKS Insurance recommends:
PREPARING YOUR HOME: Caulk around exterior doors and windows to avoid water intrusion; Purchase back-up power source such as a generator; Secure fireplace dampers and flues; Install Knox box on front door in case police and fire departments need to access your home.
BEFORE STORM HITS: Prune weak branches and trees; ensure drains on terraces and balconies are not clogged; replace standard windows with impact resistant window systems.
WHEN HURRICANE IS COMING: Move personal possessions to the center of your home, away from windows and doors. Remove all patio furniture from yard or terrace and store in garage or house; Fill fuel supply for back-up electrical generator; Place important documents, such as insurance policies, bank information, credit card information and important contact numbers, in a plastic container.
AFTER A HURRICANE: If you discover water in your home, contact a restoration company and begin the water extraction process; Run the air-conditioner to dehumidify your home; Remove any wet items and store them in garage if possible; Call your insurance broker to report any damage.
VEHICLES: Have any basic maintenance done before storm threatens and keep your gas tank full. Have survival kit for your car that includes first aid, tire inflater, basic toolkit, jumper cables, road flares, flashlight, DC to AC power inverter, cell phone chargers, map with shelter locations, working jack and spare tire; can opener, cash, nonperishable food and bottled water.
VALUABLES: Maintain a current and complete inventory. Format can range from a simple list or spreadsheet to a comprehensive collections management database including: description of each object; detailed location description of every object; images to help identify objects.
Store oil-based paint, solvents, or flammables in fire-proof container away from your valuable paintings because they can spontaneously combust.
PROTECT PERSONAL DOCUMENTS; use bank safe deposit box, other off-site storage or in waterproof containers. You may also scan these items to keep an electronic copy on a flash drive for easy access.
PERSONAL ITEMS: Birth certificates, marriage licenses, immunization records, pet vaccinations, photos that would be difficult to replace.
FINANCIAL DOCUMENTS: stock and bond certificates, account numbers with contact information, first two pages of your latest income taxes, backup disc of financial management software.
INSURACE: Copies of all policies - homes, vehicles, boats, health, life, along with appraisals, home inventory (photos or video of your home's contents) and pertinent contact information.
LEGAL PAPERS: Deeds; titles for vehicles and boats, living wills, passports, military records, powers of attorney, child custody or divorce records.
IN THE EVENT OF EVACUATION: Become familiar with your community's disaster preparedness plan; Know your evacuation route and have a predetermined destination in mind; Select a point of contact and common meeting place if separated during the evacuation process; Gas will be scarce, so all vehicles should be well fueled; Bring essential items (cell phone, flash light and National Oceanic & Atmospheric Admin (NOAA) radio).
IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO EVACUATE: Identify a "shelter" room in your home, enclosed area on the first floor, in central part of home with no windows; Remain in contact with neighbors who are staying in their home during the storm; Park your vehicles on high ground if possible, parallel to the building; Remove insurance information from the car for safe keeping and take pictures of your vehicle before the storm; Make arrangements to use alternative means of communication; Consider installing a gas-powered generator to power your home in the event of a power outage; Test and refuel it regularly to ensure it is operational at the time you need it; If flooding threatens the home, turn off electricity at the main breaker; Unplug or turn off major appliances.
UNDERSTAND YOUR INSURANCE COVERAGE: Review policies with insurance broker and understand the amount you will receive in the event of a covered loss and if it will be adequate to rebuild your home. Know the deductibles, special provisions such as building code upgrades, replacement cost extension, replacement cost coverage, additional living expenses and additional policy information (flood policies, collections, etc.); Know responsibilities such as having your home secured. If away, verify emergency generators and sump pumps are functioning; Include your insurance company's toll-free claims number and insurance broker's name in your emergency kit.
For more about our insurance partner, BKS, go to bksmsc.com
Good luck everyone, be smart, be safe. BLOW AWAY DORIAN!
Most sincerely yours,
Linda Holley, Realtor, GRI, Phone 941-914-4914
Do you have a question? We can help. Simply fill out the form below and we'll contact you with the answer, with no obligation to you. We guarantee your privacy.