The best way to endure hurricanes and tropical storms in Florida is to be prepared in advance. For this reason, our team at Aftermath has compiled a list of helpful tips to prepare you for the 2018 Hurricane season. It is important to start early so that you aren’t scrambling at the last minute.
Keep a Record of Everything
Start your hurricane season preparations off by creating a pre-loss report. This is one of the most important things you can do to protect your property from disaster. Whether your belongings are damaged or lost due to theft or storms, you must have adequate documentation. You will be responsible for proving ownership and the condition of your property. If you have no proof of your property’s conditions before the catastrophe occurred, your insurance company will not have to pay you for it. Make sure to take videos and pictures and keep a detailed documentation of everything. The more thorough your pre-loss report is, the better chance you have at receiving appropriate reimbursement.
Make a 72-Hour Kit
A 72-hour kit is something that can be easily taken with you if you are required to evacuate and need to leave quickly. A basic emergency supply kit for hurricane season should contain items such as water, non-perishable food, extra flashlights, etc.
Here is a good list you can reference:
- One gallon of water per person per day for at least three days
- Three-day supply of non-perishable food such as granola bars, trail mix, canned meat and veggies
- Manual can opener for food
- Paper towels, plates, cups, and utensils
- Battery-powered radio and a NOAA Weather Radio
- Flashlight
- Extra batteries
- Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery
- Prescription and non-prescription medications
- First aid kit
- Personal hygiene items
- A change of clothing and sturdy shoes
- Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person
- Local maps
- Important family documents like insurance policies, birth certificates, identification, etc. These should be saved either electronically or in a waterproof, portable container.
- Cash and/or credit cards
- If applicable, any infant or pet supplies needed
Create a 2018 Hurricane Season Plan
Another way to prepare for an emergency is to have a plan and make sure everyone in your family knows the details. There are several points to consider when making a plan. For example, what do you do if everyone isn’t together when the disaster hits? Discuss how you will find and contact one another. Come up with an evacuation plan and know the possible evacuation routes you will take. Make sure to properly shut-off utilities before leaving. Also, learn the necessary safety skills that will be important in an emergency situation, such as using a fire extinguisher and performing first aid.
Know Who You Want to Hire
It is very important not to wait until a catastrophe happens before choosing your contractors and repair team. Begin preparing today by interviewing several contractors from each area of expertise. Once you have found the ones that you like, keep these contractors’ information in your cell phone as well as your 72-hour kit.
You’ll also want to choose a public adjuster. Aftermath Adjusters and Consulting LLC has over 50 years of experience. We have worked with major hurricanes such as Sandy and Irma, helping our clients get the biggest possible payouts. Contact us today as part of your 2018 hurricane season preparation.
