The Atlantic hurricane season started on June 1st and will end on November 30th, reminds the Insurance Information Institute. Hope for the best, but be prepared for the worst. Go over the steps you should take to get through the stormy season prepared.
The Insurance Information Institute has available English and Spanish-language experts, who can talk to you about the economics of insuring against natural disasters, provide you with tips and updated news, and even give historical perspective on Hurricane Katrina, the calamity which made landfall in August ten years ago. You can find the list with spokespeople here.
If you haven’t yet reviewed your insurance yet, be advised that wind damage from both tropical storms and hurricanes is covered under standard renters, homeowners, and business insurance policies. However, flood damage resulting from storm surge caused by hurricanes is excluded under the standard policies. Still, flood coverage is available from FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program. Furthermore, damage to cars from tropical storms and hurricanes is covered under the optional comprehensive portion of an auto insurance policy – this includes wind damage, flooding, and even falling objects such as trees.
For those living in threatened areas like Dr. Tim Reinhold, director of Engineering and vice president at Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety has identified five steps homeowners can take to make homes more hurricane-resistant: (1) Shutter all openings, (2) Protect gable end vents, (3) Secure loose roof shingles, (4) Seal openings, cracks and holes, and (5) Strengthen doors. Talk to your landlord and check that your rental is strong enough to get you safe through the stormy season. Maybe even show him the video below.
The folks at Resident Shield wish you a safe summer and an uneventful hurricane season.
