Preparing for Hurricane Season

As hurricane season approaches, it’s important to start preparing.

While Hurricane Ian in Florida may seem like it was only yesterday, we’re only a short time away from the start of another hurricane season. The current projections indicate up to 15 named storms could arise from the Atlantic Ocean in 2023, with up to eight of them forming into hurricanes.

What to do to prepare:

• Check Insurance Coverage: Make sure your insurance policy covers your home, roof, pool, shed, carport, and personal property, and includes additional living expenses in case your home becomes uninhabitable. If needed, consider increasing your coverage.
• Check the Age of Your Roof: Insurance companies are getting stricter when it comes to providing coverage for roof damage. If your shingle roof is over 20 years old, you could have difficulty getting your insurance company to cover the damage.
• Check Doors and Windows for Leaks: Windows and doors can also cause water damage during a hurricane. Test them by spraying water on them with a hose and check if any water intrudes into your home.
• Check for Cracking on the Exterior of Your Home: Cracks in the exterior of your home, especially with stucco, can cause flood waters to enter your home. If you find any cracks, have them checked to determine if they are cosmetic or could allow for water intrusion.
• Buy Tarps: If you’re concerned about roof damage from a hurricane, buy tarps now. Prices increase and tarps go fast once a hurricane is on the way.
• Know Your Flood Zone: The closer you are to a flood zone, the more likely your home will be impacted by a hurricane. Knowing your flood zone can help you determine whether you need to evacuate and whether you need sandbags to keep water out.
• Take Photographs: Take pictures of your home before any damage occurs. This will help you show the insurance company what your property looked like prior to the hurricane.

For yourself and your family, here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Know Your Evacuation Routes and Shelters: Make sure you know where to go if you need to evacuate and where your local shelter is located.
• Pack a Bag: Have a bag with essentials ready to go in case you need to evacuate quickly. This should include clothes, snacks, water, bathroom essentials, and a map.
• Buy Non-Perishable Goods: Stock up on gallons of water and water bottles, as water goes fast when a hurricane hits.
• Keep a Current Copy of Your Insurance Policy: Print out a complete copy of your insurance policy, as you may not have access to it if you lose power.
• Have Your Insurance Company’s Contact Information: Save the phone number and email address of your insurance company in case you need to make a claim.
• Keep Your Insurance Agent’s Information: Have your agent’s information on hand in case you need to call in a claim after the hurricane.
• Contact Murray Law Group: Keep our firm’s number saved in case you need assistance with any hurricane-related questions or insurance claims. We can help move you through the process as quickly and efficiently as possible, especially if there are thousands of homeowners making claims after a hurricane strikes.

Being prepared can make all the difference.

While you cannot control the weather, you can take steps to prepare yourself, your families, and your homes for the next hurricane season. By taking the time now to check your insurance coverage, inspect your homes, and gather necessary supplies, you can ensure that you are ready to face any potential storms that may come your way. Remember, the safety of you and your loved ones is the most important thing, and being prepared can make all the difference.