MIAMI – May 25, 2012 – Thanks to El Nino and other conditions, forecasters predicted yesterday that the 2012 hurricane season – which starts exactly one week from today and runs through November – will be normal. It will see nine to 15 tropical storms with four to eight of those becoming hurricanes. One to three of those could become major storms, defined as ones with winds greater than 110-miles per hour.
Before the season begins, homeowners should prepare. “It’s crucial for policyholders to know about their insurance coverage before a storm hits,” says Ken Enscoe, Nationwide’s director of catastrophe claims operations. “Advance planning is key to surviving the aftermath of a hurricane.”
General steps to prepare for storm season
• Before an event, examine your property for physical or liability hazards.
• Find out if your home meets current building code requirements for high-wind regions.
• Check the four critical areas where wind can enter a home: roof, windows, doors and garage doors. Either you or a building contractor can build and install temporary protection, such as approved wind shutters or plywood on windows and coverings for patio and entry doors, strengthen and stiffen garage doors, and install heavy-duty door hardware.
• Read and understand your insurance policy.
• Inventory valuables and contents in the home with pictures or video. Note the approximate value of each item and the date of purchase. You can also send an inventory to a family member outside your region for safekeeping.
• Make sure important documents, such as an insurance policy or mortgage papers, are stored in a safe deposit or fire safe box.
• Floodwater that enters into a home may be covered by specialized flood coverage underwritten by FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program. Check with your insurance agent about flood policies, but note that they take 30 days to become effective once you sign up.
© 2012 Florida Realtors®
Reprinted with permission. Florida Realtors®. All rights reserved.
Note from JOHN ELWELL: Next week I will post more information about the hurricane season and how to prepare for one if it hits us. I will include links to state websites that you will find useful as you get ready. So check back after Memorial Day!
