As summer approaches, Alabamians are well aware of the
possibility of tropical storms and hurricanes.
The Alabama Department of Insurance encourages everyone to be
ready for the arrival of hurricane season by participating in Hurricane
Preparedness Week.
“Alabamians know
firsthand the destructive power of a hurricane. While we hope for a calm
hurricane season, we want everyone to make plans to protect their family and homes
in the event of a storm,” said Insurance Commissioner Jim Ridling.
Before a storm hits,
consider the following tips from the National Association of Insurance
Commissioners:
·
Make sure you have
bottled water, a first aid kit, flashlights, a battery-powered radio,
non-perishable food items, blankets, clothing, prescription drugs, eyeglasses,
personal hygiene supplies and a small amount of cash or traveler’s checks.
·
Re-evaluate your risk
profile at least once a year to ensure your existing homeowners policy provides
the protection you and your family needs. Plan to review your policy at the
same time each year. Note that floods are not covered by a typical homeowners
policy, so you’ll need additional coverage.
·
Take steps to mitigate
some of the potential damage to your home. Survey your home and the surrounding
area to identify objects like yard debris that could cause damage in high
winds.
·
If you need to evacuate
your home, turn off all utilities and disconnect appliances to reduce the
chance of additional damage and electrical shock when utilities are restored.
·
Keep a list of 24-hour
contact information for your insurance agent and insurance company. Make a list
that includes your policy numbers, as well as your insurance company and
agent's phone numbers, websites and mailing addresses. Check to see if the
company has set up an emergency information hotline. It is a good idea to store
this information, and a home inventory, in a waterproof/fireproof safe or a
safe deposit box. Also consider sending an electronic copy to someone you
trust. If you have to evacuate your home, you want this information to be
easily available to you.
·
A home inventory can be
invaluable when deciding how much insurance your life situation requires to
adequately insure your home in the path of a natural disaster.
·
Download the Insure U
Disaster Prep Guides to help you determine the best course of action before,
during and after specific disaster types. The guides include information and
tips for tornadoes, hurricanes, floods, earthquakes and wildfires.
Hurricane
season runs from June 1 to November 30.