Insurance News

Get ‘hurricane ready’ before storms threaten home or business (UPDATE FOR 2026)

Mon, 22 Apr 2024 02:39:00 GMT

Get ‘hurricane ready’ before storms threaten home or business

Hurricanes can be among nature’s most destructive events.

Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, though storms can take place outside of those dates. Take steps to minimize damage and speed recovery.

First and foremost, take whatever precautions are necessary to protect yourself and the people around you. While property preparations are important, they’re not worth risking life or health. If you need to evacuate, do so, as long as you have time to reach a place of safety. Don’t be caught on the roads in your car or attempt to drive through water-covered streets. You can track storms through the National Hurricane Center. Once the storm reaches your area, stay inside, away from windows and possible flying debris.

If you have sufficient time, here are some simple things you can do to prepare your home or business:

PROPERTY

Clean out your gutters. Remove leaves and other debris, first by hand to get rid of the large particles and then with a scraping tool and water hose. This helps to prevent overflows that could cause interior damage.

Make sure downspouts and window drains properly guide the water away from the structure. Direct downspouts at least 6 feet from the foundation. Clear any obstructions.

Clear your yard and outdoor spaces of potential flying debris. Store lawn furniture, potted plants, bicycles, trash cans or other loose items.

Protect your windows and glass doors. If you have functional shutters, secure them.

Move business and construction vehicles to higher ground. Keeping vehicles and other movable property out of harm’s way can shorten the downtime faced by your organization and get you back in business sooner after the storm has passed. Building contractors and safety managers can find additional details for securing your construction site in the Loss Control Services section of our website.

EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES

Test your generator or battery backup. Be prepared for an extended power outage, especially if you have electrically powered medical equipment. Store extra fuel safely and only in approved containers. Don’t operate portable gas generators indoors or in enclosed spaces where it could lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.

Charge your cell phone and any extra batteries. Adjust settings to eliminate non-essential apps and preserve battery life. Store emergency phone numbers in your contacts, including family members, your doctor, your insurance agent and your insurance company’s claims phone number. Keep a paper copy in case you lose power.

Stock up on flashlights, spare batteries, food and water. Keep your emergency kit supplied with provisions for each family member. Don’t forget your pets. Keep extra diapers on hand for little ones.

Check your first aid kit. Keep it stocked with the basics to treat minor scrapes or injuries; in the case of a disaster, emergency medical services may be limited to life-threatening cases. Keep several days’ supply of prescription medications on hand.

Know where your emergency shutoff valves are located. In the event of damage, you may need to cut off electricity, water or gas.

GENERAL PREPARATIONS

Understand the coverage provided in your insurance policy. No one should be surprised that things like “flood” and “earth movement” may be limited or excluded under some insurance policies. If something isn’t clear to you, contact your agent and get an explanation of exactly what your policy will provide for you.

Store a copy of your insurance policy. It’s best to keep a copy offsite, in a safe deposit box or digitally in a location you can access from anywhere. If you must evacuate, take copies of key papers with you, including birth certificates, marriage records, property deeds, bank accounts, etc.

Identify the safe places in your home or workplace. Know where to go away from windows, skylights and glass doors in case the storm spawns a tornado.

Keep a property inventory. If a storm is imminent, it may be too late to thoroughly document your belongings, but even taking cellphone photos of each room can help if you need to file an insurance claim later.

RELATED INFORMATION

More information is available in several of our blog posts; a selection of our information is available on our Prepare page for Hurricanes.

These websites contain additional preparation tips and advice:

Department of Homeland Security’s Ready.gov site

National Weather Service Hurricane Preparation Page

Read the full article at www.stewartandsonsinsurance.com

A Message From: Will Van Den Heuvel SVP, CIC

Mon, 11 Dec 2023 19:54:00 GMT

Over the past few years, record inflation has impacted almost every corner of the economy. While the overwhelming media coverage on inflation has lessened, the insurance industry is still feeling its effects. As the topic of inflation fades from the forefront of our minds, many policyholders are surprised to see increased rates at renewal. Part of the reason the industry may seem out of sync is because of the lengthy process to promulgate, file and implement rate changes in response to market conditions. The time it takes for rates to be filed with and, in most cases, approved by state regulatory bodies or insurance departments, combined with one year policy terms mean policyholders might not see rate changes on their own policies until 12-18 months after the media buzz around inflation has died down. Increased cost of materials for home and auto repairs along with weather-related catastrophes and other factors have forced the insurance industry to raise rates to remain financially strong so that we can confidently meet our obligations to pay future claims to policyholders.

Supply Chain Issues

As auto manufacturers struggle to maintain new vehicle inventory, the cost of new cars as measured by the Consumer Price Index increased 12.2% from 2021 to 2022 and 5.8% from 2022 through September of 2023. Unable to find new cars at an affordable price, consumer demand has shifted to used cars where the impact has been even more significant.

Increased Cost of Replacement Parts

The cost of auto parts also went up, causing vehicle repair costs to increase. Generally, car parts are a stable commodity with just 3% in annual increases from 2017 to 2020. But in 2021 there was an 8.5% increase followed by a 16.5% increase in 2022 according to the Producer Price Index.

Higher Home Construction Costs

Homeowners have not escaped the inflation pressures either. Home construction materials pricing increased 35.4% and labor costs rose by 30% between January 2020 and June 2023.¹

Increasing Weather-Related Catastrophes

Through September of this year, insurers have paid over $50 billion in losses related to natural catastrophes. Through October 2023, there have been 24 weather events with industry payouts of over $1 billion each. To put this into perspective, between 1980 and 2022 the annual average number of events was 8.1. Between 2018-2022 the number was 18.1 events.²

Read the full article at www.stewartandsonsinsurance.com

What Insureds Need to Know About Insurance and Hurricanes

Fri, 23 Sep 2022 19:51:00 GMT

What Insureds Need to Know About Insurance and Hurricanes

Here are the top five things policyholders need to understand about insurance and hurricanes:

Hurricane deductibles: Most homeowners’ insurance policies contain specific provisions related to damage caused by hurricanes, and a key feature is often higher deductibles for losses resulting from a hurricane. Under this provision, homeowners are responsible for paying a percentage of the insured value of the home, generally ranging from 2-10 percent. So for a home insured for $100,000 with a 2-percent hurricane deductible, the policyholder would be responsible to pay out of pocket for the first $2,000 in damages.
Wind-driven rain: Damage caused by wind-driven rain—for example, rain blown through poorly sealed door/window openings—is not covered in most instances. While damage caused by wind itself is likely covered (subject to the hurricane deductible), water damage caused by rain seeping into the home through doors/windows generally is not.
Repair scams: Homeowners should resist the temptation to sign up with the first repair crew that shows up at their door, and especially should not sign paperwork that assigns the rights and benefits of their insurance policy to someone else. Assignment of benefits scams are a leading cause of rising insurance rates, and fraud artists see a hurricane aftermath as a golden opportunity to prey on unsuspecting homeowners. Insurance policyholders should always call their agent or their insurance company first, to report a loss and determine the best way to proceed.
Flood damage: Damage caused by flooding, common in a hurricane, is not covered by standard homeowners insurance policies. A separate flood insurance policy is required for this type of loss.
Mitigate and document: Homeowners are expected to mitigate damage to their home to the extent they safely can, and to document their damage. So, putting a tarp over a damaged roof or boarding up a broken window can prevent further losses. Homeowners should document damage by taking photographs and save receipts for any out-of-pocket costs.

Read the full article at www.stewartandsonsinsurance.com

Get ‘hurricane ready’ before storms threaten home or business By Cincinnati Insurance

Fri, 26 Aug 2022 14:20:00 GMT

By Cincinnati Insurance

Hurricanes can be among

Hurricanes can be among nature’s most destructive events.

Weather forecasters predict above-average activity this Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to November 30. Take steps to minimize damage and speed recovery.

If you have sufficient time, here are some simple things you can do to prepare your home or business:

PROPERTY

Make sure downspouts and window drains properly guide the water away from the structure. Direct downspouts at least 6 feet from the foundation. Clear any obstructions.

Clear your yard and outdoor spaces of potential flying debris. Store lawn furniture, potted plants, bicycles, trash cans or other loose items.

Protect your windows and glass doors. If you have functional shutters, secure them.

EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES

Know where your emergency shutoff valves are located. In the event of damage, you may need to cut off electricity, water or gas.

GENERAL PREPARATIONS

Identify the safe places in your home or workplace. Know where to go away from windows, skylights and glass doors in case the storm spawns a tornado.

RELATED INFORMATION

More information is available in several of our blog posts; a selection of our information is available on our Prepare page for Hurricanes.

These websites contain additional preparation tips and advice:

Department of Homeland Security’s Ready.gov site

National Weather Service Hurricane Preparation Page

This loss control information is advisory only. The author assumes no responsibility for management or control of loss control activities. Not all exposures are identified in this article. For policy and coverage questions, contact your local, independent insurance agent.

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nature’s most destructive events.

Read the full article at www.stewartandsonsinsurance.com

Entrust storm repairs to honest contractors By Troy Dohmeyer

Fri, 25 Jun 2021 16:04:00 GMT

Be cautious when contracting for repairs after storm damage or other disaster.

When businesses and homeowners are desperate for help to repair and rebuild after a disaster such as a hurricane, tornado or wildfire, they seek assistance from anyone who will offer help. Unfortunately, there are scammers who prey on those emotions and take advantage of good people in their darkest hour.

I have spent my entire career in both construction and insurance, and it is disheartening to me to see scams occur. It reminds me of a lesson that my father taught me long ago that shapes me to this day.

My father owned his own construction company, and when a weather event occurred in my small Wisconsin town, he would receive the calls from those who needed his help and expertise to repair their home or business. He was contacted by an elderly couple who had windstorm damage to their roof that blew a small tree onto their home. We arrived, and the damage was bad but nothing that would take him and me more than a half a day to fix.

We got to work and removed the tree, fixed the roof and repaired the damage to their home. My father asked me to clear all the debris in their yard while he went inside to speak with them. When he came back out, the woman was teary and begging my father to accept payment for the work. He refused to take the money, politely thanked the couple for calling him for help, and we left.

As we drove home, I asked my dad why he didn’t charge them and he said simply, “When people are in need, you must always ‘be of service’ to others. They needed our help and a safe place to call home. Others would take advantage of them; that’s not us.” Later I found out that the husband was a disabled World War II veteran, and my father, a Vietnam veteran, felt he had already paid his debt to us with his military service.

In the wake of a hurricane, tornado, flood, fire, earthquake or other unexpected catastrophe, fraudulent unlicensed and unethical contractors can be quick to surface. Often, however, they carry warning signs to alert you. You can distinguish between a scammer and a legitimate contractor by being aware of the following things before you contract for work:

Fake FEMA Endorsements. If a contractor claims to be endorsed or certified by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) they are lying. FEMA does not certify or approve contractors.
Get it in writing. I cannot stress enough the importance of a written contract. Get everything in writing before work begins, and get multiple bids. Don’t assume the lowest bid is the best bid.
No full payments up front. No honest contractor will demand full payment up front. Make sure you’ve agreed to a payment schedule that requires the work to be completed BEFORE the contractor receives the full balance. Using a credit card can offer some protection against scams.
License to repair. Most contractors are required to be licensed in their respective states. Licensing requirements vary from state to state. Review the Secretary of State website for your state to verify professional licenses; Find Your Secretary of State using the search tool on the National Association of Secretaries of State website.
Get a copy of their insurance. A reputable contractor should be able to provide you proof of insurance. If not, move on. Once you review or receive a copy of their insurance, call the contractor’s insurance company or their insurance agent to verify they have the appropriate coverage.

In times of crisis, it’s important to remain vigilant of unscrupulous people preying on those in need. I remain hopeful that the many legitimate and honorable contractors follow my father’s advice to always be of service.

Read the full article at www.stewartandsonsinsurance.com

Before hurricane watch turns to warning By Cincinnati Claims

Fri, 31 Jul 2020 18:39:00 GMT

Make a hurricane emergency plan ahead of the storm.

The Atlantic hurricane season runs June 1 to November 30 each year. Residents of Atlantic and Gulf coastal areas should have a plan in place for rough weather. The National Hurricane Center monitors tropical storm activity as it develops, issuing a hurricane watch or warning as necessary.

A hurricane watch means that hurricane conditions are possible in a specified area and is issued 48 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical-storm-force winds in an area.

A hurricane warning indicates that hurricane conditions are expected somewhere within the specified area.

Hurricane Watch

In the event of a hurricane watch:

Listen for weather updates on local stations and on NOAA Weather Radio.
Stock up on battery powered flashlights and a radio. Avoid using candles, especially around children and pets.
Review your disaster plan with your family. If you don’t have one, make one.
Update your emergency supply kit.
Gather important papers – insurance, titles, deeds, birth certificates, prescriptions – along with any valuable or irreplaceable objects, like family photos and memorabilia. Place items that you cannot evacuate in watertight containers or seal them in plastic bags.
Refill prescriptions and obtain an adequate supply of baby food, diapers and sanitary needs. Maintain at least a two-week supply of these items and nonperishable food during hurricane season.
Clear your yard of potential flying debris, like lawn furniture, potted plants, bicycles and trash cans.
Protect your windows and glass doors.
Fill your vehicle’s gas tank and check oil, water and tires. Gas pumps don’t operate without electricity.
Secure your boat early. Some drawbridges on evacuation routes may be locked down and closed to boat traffic after an evacuation is ordered.
Leave your swimming pool filled and super-chlorinated. Cover your filtration system.
Get cash. Banks and ATMs cannot operate without electricity, and stores may not be able to accept credit cards.
Take your pets with you or board them at a veterinarian. Evacuate large and exotic animals early. Pets are not allowed in American Red Cross shelters.

Hurricane Warning

Evacuate if you live in:

an area that will be subjected to storm surge
a mobile home
a flood-prone area
an area where officials have issued an evacuation order

When you evacuate:

Evacuate early – evacuation routes will likely be busy.
Take an emergency supply kit with you.
Take important papers with you.
Tell friends or family where you are going.
Turn off your electricity, gas and water at their main switches or valves. Do not attempt to turn off gas at a meter.
Bring travelers checks since banks and ATMs may be closed or out of cash.
Never try to ride out the storm in your car. If it becomes apparent that traffic will prevent you from getting anywhere, seek shelter immediately.

If you choose not to evacuate:

Stay off roads.
Protect your doors and windows.
Store drinking water in clean containers and your bathtub. You may lose public utilities for weeks following a hurricane.
Stay inside and away from windows, skylights and glass doors. Find a safe area in your home – an interior, reinforced room, closet or bathroom on the lower floor.
Turn off major appliances, such as air conditioners and hot water heaters, to reduce damage if you lose power.
Turn off the electricity at the main fuse box if flooding threatens your home.
Be aware of your surroundings and be prepared to locate to an upper floor quickly. Flooding by tidal surge is a leading cause of death and destruction in hurricanes.
Consider purchasing a portable generator, especially if someone in the household is on oxygen or other electrical powered medical equipment. If you do choose to use a generator, please follow all instructions and safety precautions. Do not operate it indoors as this may lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.
Do not go outside. Once the eye of the storm passes over your area, there will be a short period of calm. However, on the other side of the eye, wind speed will increase rapidly to hurricane force and will come from the opposite direction. There may be flying debris.

Remember that hurricanes often spawn tornadoes during and after the main storm. Keep your home property inventory up to date, and store it in a safe location that you will be able to access even if your home is damaged or destroyed.

After a hurricane blows through, non-coastal areas should be on the alert for residual effects.

More information is available from:

The National Hurricane Center

Ready.gov Hurricanes page

Our Hurricanes page

Read the full article at www.stewartandsonsinsurance.com

Prepare your construction site before a hurricane hits By Troy Dohmeyer

Sat, 04 Jul 2020 22:12:00 GMT

Keep an eye to the sky to prepare your construction site when a hurricane approaches.

family for an impending hurricane, you’ll also want to prepare your construction job sites. The steps you take could make a significant difference in how well your construction site fares during the hurricane and how soon your workers can return afterwards.

Be certain to keep in contact with local emergency operations officials and the National Weather Service for the most up-to-date hurricane landfall probabilities.

BEFORE THE STORM

3-5 days before expected landfall:

Review your schedule to identify critical path materials/equipment deliveries and installations for the next one to two weeks. Call the contractor or supplier to halt delivery or reroute to a safe location.
Ensure that critical path materials and equipment are properly secured and that you have adequate insurance coverage to provide protection in case of a loss. This includes any off-site storage facility used to house building materials and equipment.
Call a mandatory jobsite safety meeting to communicate emergency action planning. Outline necessary precautions that all contractors on site must take, including material and equipment securement, proper tool storage and removal, securement of the structure and any other preparations.

2-3 days before expected landfall: Consider canceling the delivery of common building materials to your job site except those materials needed to secure the building site from storm damage. Any loose material can cause significant damage to the building or adjacent property.

1-2 days before expected landfall: Stop construction activities onsite and begin final site protection.

Lower all ground-based crane booms and properly secure.
Attend to any tower crane onsite
- At a minimum, make sure that the crane is left with the jib luffed up in parking position if a luffing jib is in use.
- If a hammerhead or flat top crane is in use, make sure the hook block is brought back to the jib and left slightly away from the cabin. This will ensure that the hook block will not blow in the wind freely and hit the cabin.
- Release the crane parking brake and leave it in free slew when high winds are expected. For safety, ensure that nothing can make contact with the jib within a 360-degree radius around the crane.
Clean up and remove all construction debris.
Tie or band all loose plywood, lumber and sheet metal. To prevent looting, make certain the materials stay out of plain site.
Secure all loose building materials and supplies. Consider placing all roofing materials, especially foam, inside the building and properly secured or in nearby off-site storage.
Remove necessary computer equipment, vital records including redlines and any other important project information from the jobsite trailer.
Secure or remove all flammable tanks and bottles.
Remove the permit board and all jobsite signage. Zip ties are no match for hurricane force winds.
Locate and turn off all electricity, water and gas.

24 hours prior to expected landfall: Advise all subcontractors to leave and not return until the hurricane threat has passed. Have an updated contact list for all subcontractors stored in a secure, dry place. Let them know who will contact them after the hurricane passes.

AFTER THE STORM

Assessing the damage: After the storm has passed AND local authorities have given the go-ahead, return to the project site to assess damage and start cleanup.

Use extreme caution when navigating every area of the project site, especially those with standing water, as the accompanying sharp or jagged debris could pose a danger.
Use the same care when entering a building after a storm; depending on the extent of the damage, some structural elements could be compromised.

If you’ve experienced damage, contact your insurance agent to start the claims process.

MORE INFORMATION

How to Prepare for a Hurricane, (PDF 13MB) Federal Emergency Management Agency

Read the full article at www.stewartandsonsinsurance.com

Tips for sanitation in the age of coronavirus By John Fisher and Steve Heiden

Mon, 23 Mar 2020 17:51:00 GMT

Clean door handles and other high-touch areas frequently.

While it may be impossible to prevent infection from the new coronavirus, you can take steps to minimize the risk of COVID-19 illness in your home or office.

HOME CLEANING

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says transmission may occur when infected persons cough or sneeze, releasing respiratory droplets in the air. In this manner, the virus can spread to people within about 6 feet. According to the National Institutes of Health, evidence also suggests the virus may remain viable for hours to days on surfaces. Adequate cleaning and disinfection are important, especially in homes where a person is suspected or confirmed to have COVID-19, according to the CDC.

Cleaning refers to the removal of germs, dirt and impurities from surfaces. Cleaning does not kill germs, but by removing them, it lowers their numbers and the risk of spreading infection.
Disinfecting refers to using chemicals to kill germs on surfaces. This process does not necessarily clean dirty surfaces or remove germs, but by killing germs on a surface after cleaning, it can further lower the risk of spreading infection.

Detailed information on how to clean and disinfect surfaces is available on the CDC.gov website. In general, the CDC recommends cleaning and disinfecting high-touch surfaces daily in household common areas such as tables, hard-backed chairs, doorknobs, light switches, remote controls, handles, desks, toilets and sinks. Use a bleach solution of 4 teaspoons bleach per quart of water. Use disposable gloves while working and clean your hands immediately after gloves are removed.

If a person is ill, consider reducing frequency of interaction to an as-needed basis to avoid unnecessary contact. As much as possible, an ill person should remain in a specific room, away from other people. The CDC offers guidance for home care of an ill person.

WORKPLACE CLEANING

The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration provides its publication, Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19 (PDF, 1.1MB), for businesses. Page 11 of the document advises businesses to maintain regular housekeeping practices, including routine cleaning and disinfecting surfaces, equipment and other elements of the work environment by using Environmental Protection Agency-approved disinfectants.

GENERAL HYGIENE

Both at work and at home:

Wash your hands frequently, especially before, during or after preparing food; before eating; before and after caring for someone who is sick; after using the toilet or changing a diaper; after blowing your nose.
- Follow these five steps every time:
  1. Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap and apply soap.
  2. Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers and under your nails.
  3. Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice.
  4. Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.
  5. Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.
Maintain social distancing of at least 6 feet
Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue, then dispose of the tissue
Avoid touching your nose, mouth or eyes with unwashed hands

MORE INFORMATION

The World Health Organization offers a detailed Q&A on coronaviruses (COVID-19).

Read the full article at www.stewartandsonsinsurance.com

Go out and play, but keep one eye toward home security

Thu, 02 Jan 2020 20:39:00 GMT

Make sure windows have a secure lock.

Good weather gives you opportunities to get out of the house and enjoy the outdoors. It also gives some unscrupulous people the opportunity they are looking for to burglarize your home or car and take your valuable possessions. You cannot prevent 100 percent of the thefts, but there are steps you can take to minimize the potential problem.

According to the FBI Uniform Crime Statistics, victims of burglary offenses suffered an estimated $4.9 billion in lost property in 2011: overall, the average dollar loss per burglary offense was $2,185. Burglaries of residential properties accounted for 74.5 percent of all burglary offenses.

These statistics clearly show that we have to be very aware of the potential for theft and take necessary steps to minimize this crime.

The National Crime Prevention Council offers the following tips to help you protect your property:

Light the outside of your home to eliminate hiding places
Leave some lights on in your home to make it appear occupied (timers on lights are a good option in the event you will be gone)
Plan landscaping to provide maximum visibility to and from your home
Cut tree limbs back from your home to prevent access to windows
Use a strong exterior door — either solid wood or metal — and add lighting at every door
Install locks on all sliding glass doors and place metal or wooden bars in the tracks to prevent opening
Make sure your windows are secure and have a good locking mechanism
Use strong and reliable locks; this is one of the most cost effective ways to help secure your property
Always keep doors and windows locked, even if you are going to be gone only a few minutes

Some additional suggestions for keeping your property safe:

Purchase a home security alarm
Let a trusted neighbor, friend or relative know when you are going to be gone for more than one night
Don’t allow newspapers or mail to accumulate; have a friend pick them up
Let your local law enforcement know if you will be gone for an extended time

While you may not be able to prevent every break-in, making a few changes in home security can help minimize thefts.

Read the full article at www.stewartandsonsinsurance.com

Before hurricane watch turns to warning

Thu, 29 Aug 2019 18:52:00 GMT

By Marty Skidmore

Make a hurricane emergency plan ahead of the storm.

A hurricane watch means that hurricane conditions are possible in a specified area and is issued 48 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical-storm-force winds in an area.

A hurricane warning indicates that hurricane conditions are expected somewhere within the specified area.

Hurricane Watch

In the event of a hurricane watch:

Listen for weather updates on local stations and on NOAA Weather Radio.
Stock up on battery powered flashlights and a radio. Avoid using candles, especially around children and pets.
Review your disaster plan with your family. If you don’t have one, make one.
Update your emergency supply kit.
Gather important papers – insurance, titles, deeds, birth certificates, prescriptions – along with any valuable or irreplaceable objects, like family photos and memorabilia. Place items that you cannot evacuate in watertight containers or seal them in plastic bags.
Refill prescriptions and obtain an adequate supply of baby food, diapers and sanitary needs. Maintain at least a two-week supply of these items and nonperishable food during hurricane season.
Clear your yard of potential flying debris, like lawn furniture, potted plants, bicycles and trash cans.
Protect your windows and glass doors.
Fill your vehicle’s gas tank and check oil, water and tires. Gas pumps don’t operate without electricity.
Secure your boat early. Some drawbridges on evacuation routes may be locked down and closed to boat traffic after an evacuation is ordered.
Leave your swimming pool filled and super-chlorinated. Cover your filtration system.
Get cash. Banks and ATMs cannot operate without electricity, and stores may not be able to accept credit cards.
Take your pets with you or board them at a veterinarian. Evacuate large and exotic animals early. Pets are not allowed in American Red Cross shelters.

Hurricane Warning

Evacuate if you live in:

an area that will be subjected to storm surge
a mobile home
a flood-prone area
an area where officials have issued an evacuation order

When you evacuate:

Evacuate early – evacuation routes will likely be busy.
Take an emergency supply kit with you.
Take important papers with you.
Tell friends or family where you are going.
Turn off your electricity, gas and water at their main switches or valves. Do not attempt to turn off gas at a meter.
Bring travelers checks since banks and ATMs may be closed or out of cash.
Never try to ride out the storm in your car. If it becomes apparent that traffic will prevent you from getting anywhere, seek shelter immediately.

If you choose not to evacuate:

Stay off roads.
Protect your doors and windows.
Store drinking water in clean containers and your bathtub. You may lose public utilities for weeks following a hurricane.
Stay inside and away from windows, skylights and glass doors. Find a safe area in your home – an interior, reinforced room, closet or bathroom on the lower floor.
Turn off major appliances, such as air conditioners and hot water heaters, to reduce damage if you lose power.
Turn off the electricity at the main fuse box if flooding threatens your home.
Be aware of your surroundings and be prepared to locate to an upper floor quickly. Flooding by tidal surge is a leading cause of death and destruction in hurricanes.
Consider purchasing a portable generator, especially if someone in the household is on oxygen or other electrical powered medical equipment. If you do choose to use a generator, please follow all instructions and safety precautions. Do not operate it indoors as this may lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.
Do not go outside. Once the eye of the storm passes over your area, there will be a short period of calm. However, on the other side of the eye, wind speed will increase rapidly to hurricane force and will come from the opposite direction. There may be flying debris.

After a hurricane blows through, non-coastal areas should be on the alert for residual effects.

More information is available from:

The National Hurricane Center

The Federal Emergency Management Agency

Read the full article at www.stewartandsonsinsurance.com