Weathering the Storm: Hurricane Preparedness
September 07, 2021
September 07, 2021
If you live in an area prone to hurricanes and flooding, knowing what to expect with a major storm and what you can do to safeguard your home can help you weather the storm and ease your recovery.
It is important to understand exactly what your homeowners insurance covers so that you can adequately repair your home after a natural disaster, such as a hurricane. A good place to start is the Insurance Information Institute’s hurricane season insurance guide.
Check if your insurance policy covers flood damage and if it doesn't, consider looking into flood insurance. This applies to renters as well. Flooding is not generally covered by renters insurance, so if you rent in an area at risk of flooding, consider a separate flood insurance policy in addition to your current renters insurance.
If you have questions about your current policy, contact a trusted insurance professional so that you can avoid surprises during the recovery process.
Additionally, you should take an inventory of your property annually and ensure that you have enough insurance to replace personal possessions.
When the storm hits, if you need to evacuate, bring your home inventory list along with other important documents to fast track your recovery. It will speed up your claims process and will help in applying for disaster aid.
If you are not in immediate danger, there are ways that you can secure your home in advance to protect against the dangers of flooding and hurricane-force winds.
If you live in an area regularly affected by these types of natural disasters, consider adding these five items to your home maintenance list.
If you are facing an impending storm, there are immediate precautions you can take to protect your home and your family.
For more resources and information about disaster preparedness and recovery, FEMA.gov or MyHome by Freddie Mac®.