Hurricane season begins June 1st. Is your home ready?
Texas Department of Insurance released this video on preparing for hurricane season. At the end of the post are additional resources on getting ready for hurricane season.
Here is what you need to know before the next storm heads your way! Being properly prepared ahead of time can ease some of the stress and concern as well as supply shortages that may arise before a storm.
Consider Flood insurance.
Floods can happen anywhere. You don't have to live in a flood plain to need flood insurance. Homeowners policies typically do not cover floods even during a hurricane. Get a quote for flood insurance today! There is typically a 30-day waiting period once you purchase your flood policy before you will have any coverage. So don't wait until it's too late!
Add your insurance agent and your insurance carrier to your phone contacts.
Make copies of important documents, such as your policy's declaration page and auto and health insurance ID cards and email them to yourself or save your documents in the cloud so you can access them from anywhere in the event that you must leave your home.
Make a home inventory.
It is fairly easy to do and will be well worth the time in the event you need to file a claim. Take pictures or videos of each room in your home and don't forget to video items insides closets and drawers. For larger, more valuable items, write down or take pictures of the serial numbers, document what you paid for the item, and the date you purchased. Taking the time to do this will be one of the best things you can do to ensure you are getting the correct values on your claim. Download this worksheet to help you document your personal items.
Consider adding comprehensive coverage on your auto policy.
Comprehensive auto insurance covers damage to your vehicles from flood, hail, fire or wind. Talk to your agent to verify what coverages you have or refer to your declarations page.
Get your roof checked.
Damaged shingles or leaks around chimneys or skylights will get worse during the storm. Have a professional secure loose shingles and check the metal flashing around openings or on roof valleys for leaks.
Toughen up your home exterior.
They say the best two investments in your home you can make are storm shutters for your windows and wind--resistant garage doors. Garage doors can be especially vulnerable in high winds and can collapse inward. This puts tremendous pressure on your roof and walls. If your door is not designed for high winds, or you are concerned, you can add a brace to the garage door for added protection.
Get your yard ready.
Remove dead tree limbs and branches that hang over your home. Check for items that can become windborne, such as yard furniture, trampolines, flowerpots and more. Tie them down or bring them inside.
Have a plan.
Talk to your family and friends and let them know what your plans are. In the event of severe storm, communication may become an issue. Talk to your neighbors and find out their plans and exchange contact information for close family or friends.
More resources
For tips to protect your family before, during, and after the storm, visit Ready.gov and TexasReady.gov
For more insurance tips visit Before the storm (texas.gov)
For more information on how to prepare visit the Disasters: How to prepare and recover page Disasters (texas.gov)
Comments