Insurance Tips for Hurricane

Pre-Storm Preparations...

• Before hurricane season begins, take time to meet with your local insurance agent to determine if your property and belongings are adequately protected
• It would be a good idea to make a detailed inventory of all your belongings. A photographic record of all items is very valuable when it comes to fast settlement of claims
• Obtain protective coverings for windows and garage doors. Purchase hurricane shutters, pre-cut plywood or laminated glass. Give yourself plenty of time to install these before the hurricane arrives
• Garage or store the vehicles you plan to leave behind
• Moor boats securely or place inside a building
• If you have a manufactured home, check tie-downs

After the Disaster...

• Take any necessary measures to protect and dry out your building
• Dispose of damaged property which presents a health hazard or which may hamper local clean-up operations. Be sure to adequately document discarded items by saving your reciepts, photographing items and by compiling a room-by-room inventory of missing or damaged goods
• If you perform any of the clean-up activities yourself, consider your safety and the safety of others in performing these tasks
• Do not dispose of any large dollar items tha are damaged, such as large televisions and furniture, untill authorised by your claim representative, as this property may need to be inspected
  
• Move personal property to a protected area
• If there is a lot of water inside your home, remove the water and wet items. Try to leave it as well ventilated as possible to help in the drying out process
• Handle antiques, art objects, sterling and brass with special care. You can dry them, but do not oil or rub them since this could damage finishes or surfaces
• Clean and dry wood furniture as soon as possible. Be careful not to rub in abrasives such as soil or plaster that may have fallen on the surfaces
• Try to dry bedding and upholstered furniture that is saturated with water. Don't sore other posessions near these items
• Dry and clean any carpet or rug that has minor water damage
• To prevent corrosion of metal objects, dry and rub or spray with oil
• Dry, but don't oil radios, televisions and other electric devices. Have all electrical equipment exposed to water professionally serviced before using them
• Do not attempt to start a flood-damaged car before it has been inspected as this may cause additional engine damage