Hurricane Resource Page

Hurricane Preparedness

Hurrican Preparedness Page – The 2022 Hurricane Season is upon us, and The National Hurricane Center predicts it to be a busy season!  We have put together a few links and resources to help you this Hurricane Season.

Here is an excerpt from the National Hurricane Center:

“For the 2022 hurricane season, NOAA is forecasting a likely range of 14 to 21 named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher), of which 6 to 10 could become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher), including 3 to 6 major hurricanes (category 3, 4 or 5; with winds of 111 mph or higher). NOAA provides these ranges with a 70% confidence.”

 

Before The Storm:

⦁ Take photos of your property- Interior of Home, Exterior of Home, Roof, Pool and Pool Area, Fencing, Trees, Front Yard, Back Yard.
⦁ If you are not able to take photos before a storm, collect the most recent photos you have taken of your property.
⦁ Document belongings- with proper documentation, you may also be able to recover lost expenses for home contents, personal property, and other items. Here is a list of some items to consider keeping receipts for or appraising: Televisions, Furniture, Jewelry, Artwork, Appliances, Computers, Antiques, Beds, Decks, Other Electronic Equipment
⦁ Know what is in your homeowner’s insurance policy.
⦁ Have records of your property’s condition in the event that you need to file a claim with your insurance company.
⦁ Review your mold coverage.
⦁ Review your flood coverage. This is normally separate insurance policy.
⦁ Ask your insurance agent about coverage for water damage, law and ordinance, debris removal, and additional living expenses.
⦁ Check your hurricane deductible, it can be much higher than your regular deductible.
⦁ Have a plan to move yourself and your family – especially those with special needs.
⦁ Have a portable radio, TV or NOAA Weather Radio on hand to monitor important information.
⦁ Homeowners who depend on well water should draw an emergency supply.
⦁ Get cash or travelers checks in case banks or ATMs are not operational.
⦁ Ensure all your electronic/mobile devices are fully charged.
⦁ Gather important documentation and place in waterproof container.
⦁ Make arrangements for pets; emergency shelters may not let you bring your animals with you.
⦁ Find out where the nearest shelter is located and the routes to get there.
⦁ Fill your automobile(s) with gas or ensure your electric vehicle is charged.
⦁ If you have an emergency power source, learn how to use it properly.

After The Storm:

⦁ When it is safe to do so, photograph your property’s: Interior, Exterior, and Roof
⦁ Consult with an attorney experienced in handling insurance claims before giving any recorded statements or meeting with an adjuster assigned to the claim.
⦁ Call the insurance carrier and timely report the claim.
⦁ Homeowners should obtain an inspection by a qualified contractor and/or roofer to assess whether the hurricane force winds have damaged or diminished the roofing system and building envelope.
⦁ Take photos and record the questions and answers when talking to adjusters.
⦁ Make sure to keep track of the name and number of every person you talk to at your insurance company.
⦁ Check your Co-Insurance penalties.
⦁ Make a copy of the insurance policy and keep it in a safe place.
⦁ Check your policy coverage’s and sub-limits.
⦁ Just because water has not began to enter the structure does not mean that there is not damage to their property.
⦁ We have seen too many homeowner claims where an engineer is hired months after the storm and the engineer states the damage preexisted the hurricane.

Emergency Numbers:

FEMA | 800-621-3362

Florida Disaster Insurance Helpline | 800-227-8676

Red Cross | 866-438-4636

 

Important Links:

National Hurricane Center – https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/

CDC Hurricane Center – https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/hurricanes/index.html

Red Cross Hurricane Preparedness – https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/hurricane.html

Lee County Hurricane Shelter List : https://fortmyers.org/lee-county-2019-hurricane-shelters/

Collier County Hurricane Shelter List: https://www.colliercountyfl.gov/

Charlotte County Hurricane Shelter List: https://www.charlottecountyfl.gov/services/emergencymgmt/Pages/Refuge-Site-Listing.aspx

NBC 2 Hurricane Tracker Page: https://www.nbc-2.com/interactive-hurricane-tracker

Helpful Files:

Emergency Preparation List

EDS – Hurricane Preparedness Resources-4

24 HR Water Removal