If you have any questions about what types of damages are covered by your renters, homeowners
and/or auto insurance policies, check with your insurance damages expert right away. You don’t want to
find out after the fact, that you didn’t have insurance protection in place.

Summer storms can have damaging effects on your home and
your life no matter where you live. Everyone should have (at the very least)
basic emergency preparation to care for themselves and/or neighbors should
disaster strike. And when damages are present, your insurance provider can give you an Insurance Benefits Breakdown,

These three steps will help you be ready:

Step One:  Be Aware

You may already be aware of what types of severe weather
can visit your area, but if not, ask around and do some online research. Pay
attention to the 5 and 10-day weather forecasts. Install severe weather alert
apps on your smart phone that notify you immediately when the forecast for your
area changes for the worse. The National Weather Service offers the StormReady site, which provides updates on thunderstorms and tornadoes,
flooding, hurricanes, and fire weather.

Step Two: Be Prepared

Roofs and windows are susceptible to wind damage – think
about what you can do to protect and reinforce those areas. Heavy duty
window shutters and impact windows provide more protection that plywood sheeting, and hurricane
straps can be installed in your attic to help keep your roof where it is
supposed to be. 

Consider adding an ICF (Insulated Concrete Form) safe room
into your home or to your property. 
These strong, relatively inexpensive rooms provide excellent protection.
Otherwise, identify a well-sheltered spot in your home, such as a basement, or
an interior room as far away from windows and exterior walls as possible, where
you can ride out the storm.  Please note, mobile homes or vehicles
are not safe shelter.

Step Three: Have Portable Essentials

A portable 72-hour kit that you can easily take with you
is a must – even if you’re not leaving your home, it will provide comfort and
help reduce stress. The simplest
approach is to prepare small backpacks filled with essentials:

  • WATER

Plan for 1-2
gallons of drinking water per person per day.  Include purification
tablets or other portable filtration methods in your kit.  

  • FOOD

Pack durable and
calorie dense foods that do not require cooking.  Make sure they are in water-proof
packaging.  

  • CLOTHING

Include a set of
dry, durable clothes for everyone, plus extra underwear and. In the winter
months, have coats and boots ready, too.

  • BEDDING

Wool blankets are
best because they will keep you warm even when wet.

  • SHELTER

A thick tarp with heavy duty grommets can
be used to block out wind and rain and provide needed shade.  Keep about
50′ of sturdy nylon cord with your tarp.

  • SANITATION &
    HYGENE

Camping buckets are
preferred, but a five gallon bucket will also work for containing human waste.
Don’t forget the toilet paper, and/or diapers and/or feminine hygiene
items. Don’t forget little things like a toothbrush, comb and eye glasses,
if used.

  • FIRST AID KIT

Well-equipped first
aid kits are inexpensive. Have at least one in your emergency supply kit – and
be sure to include prescription medications.

  • LIGHT/EMERGENCY
    RADIO

Hand-cranked radios
and hand-cranked flashlights will work in any conditions, and will provide
welcome news and light in emergency conditions.

  • MONEY / FINANCIAL
    RECORDS

It’s a good idea to
keep some cash on hand, and to place important documents like your insurance
policies and bank records in a secure, water-proof container that can be easily
carried along.

Again, if you have any questions about what types of damages are covered by your renters, homeowners and/or auto insurance policies, check with your insurance damage expert right away. You don’t want to find out after the fact, that you didn’t have insurance protection in place.