09/27/2022
Below is some very helpful info regarding hurricane preparation and survival. Due to the size of HURRICANE IAN, I am opening a friends and family list so I can get to them first. If you would like to be placed on this list please email me at [email protected] or text me at 954-729-1051. You may add family, friends and referrals. The people/businesses on the list will be placed in our queue for priority response after the storm. We are bringing additional staff in every department to expedite response time. If you know any business owners, especially in the manufacturing, hotels, restaurants, retail, industrial/distribution/warehousing we have secured forensic accountants to assist in business interruption and additional business expense coverage.
Please make a copy of the Declarations Page of your Insurance policy. You can take a picture with your phone and email it to yourself for easy reference.
BEFORE THE STORM
• Document your property. Photograph the structure inside and out. Walk through each room in your home or business and
photograph the contents—furniture, clothing, appliances, tools and machinery, office equipment, even pots and pans, linens, and towels. Take pictures and videos of your property and your insurance policies and store them on a remote server or cloud.
•In addition to securing your property, purchasing supplies, and deciding whether to evacuate or seek shelter outside of your home, make a plan for communicating with family, friends, employers, employees, business associates, and creditors.
• Review your insurance coverage.
• Take inventory of important supplies and purchase whatever is needed.
• Secure doors and install shutters with protective panels.
• Fill your car's gas tank. If you have a spare container, fill that as well. Moor small boats or move them.
• Secure chairs, tables and other outdoor and garden items or bring them inside.
• Frequently listen to official weather updates from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
• PAY ATTENTION TO THE MANDATORY EVACUATIONS OF FLOOD ZONES ON THE GULF COAST!!!
DURING THE STORM
• Remain calm. Remain inside your home until the storm has passed. Do not confuse the eye of the storm with the storm being over. Listen to official weather updates to know when the storm has passed.
• Disconnect circuit breakers before electrical power is cut off. Leave a single switch enabled with a lamp connected to it, to know when power has been restored.
• Shelter in the safest room of your house and do not leave it, even if you hear the sound of breaking glass in another part of your home. Keep your pets in their cages.
• If your home begins to collapse around you, cover yourself and your family with a mattress. If you are in the bathroom, get in the tub and cover yourself with a mattress.
• If you are in a high-rise building, avoid the upper floors. The wind speed on upper floors is much stronger. Go to a safe room and proceed with caution.
AFTER THE STORM
• Do not go outside until officials say it is safe to do so.
• After securing your safety, assess the damage to your property. Photograph broken windows, water intrusion, downed limbs, and obvious damage to the structure of a house or building. Unless it prevents a safety hazard, do not throw away any damaged item. If it is necessary to discard any property, photograph it first. Take steps to secure your property and mitigate against further damage, but do not start repairs without consulting with your insurer.
• Next, contact myself or your insurer. Keep the names and contact information for each representative or adjuster you speak with and take notes of your conversations. When large catastrophes occur, insurers may hire independent contractors to adjust claims. It is important to keep in mind that the insurance adjuster works for the insurer and not for you and that a public adjuster like myself works for you not the insurer!
• Report any downed power lines and stay away from them.
• Avoid standing water and obey all emergency orders.
• Take extreme care while making emergency repairs and clearing up storm debris.
Stay safe and please don't hesitate to contact me with any questions!
