How to prepare yourself for hurricane season?

Meteorologists are predicting an active 2010 hurricane season with above-normal threats on the U.S. coastline.* These powerful storms can cause extensive damage to your home and may even bring financial hardships. While you can’t stop a hurricane from striking the area where you live, there are things you can do to protect both you and your family.

Hurricane season begins every year in June and can last until the end of November; therefore, it is wise to start planning as soon as possible and prepare a plan of action for you and your family to follow. Below are a few helpful tips you should keep in mind when preparing for hurricane season.

 

Tips

Create an emergency kit – The kit should include non-perishable food, water, first-aid items, clothing, battery powered radio, flashlights and batteries. You should have enough supplies to last you a couple of weeks in case your area is affected.

Protect your home – In order to protect your home from any flying objects due to the high force winds that are accompanied by a hurricane, make sure you purchase pre-cut plywood or hurricane shutters to board up your windows.

Make an evacuation plan – Make sure everyone in the family knows where you will evacuate to in case of a hurricane. Find out where the nearest official shelter is located in case you have to leave your home. Also, keep cash at hand for any type of emergencies.

Take inventory of your personal property – Make a detailed list of your personal property. Make sure you have photos, receipts or videos of your possessions. Your inventory will help with insurance claims and tax deductions for any losses due to a hurricane. Also, make sure you review your insurance policies and keep copies of any important documents with you.

Stay informed – The more information you have, the better prepared you’ll be during hurricane season.

*Source: www.AccuWeather.com

These programs may be underwritten by one of the following: American Bankers Insurance Company of Florida, with its home office in Miami, Florida, American Security Insurance Company, Voyager Indemnity Insurance Company. Each insurer has sole financial responsibility for its own products.

© Copyright 2014 Assurant, Inc. All rights reserved. Legal Notice | Privacy Policy | Regulatory Notices.  PS28949-0114