Although it has been a quiet hurricane season in Florida so far, homeowners still need to be ready. Here at Aftermath Adjusters & Consulting, LLC, we want to be sure you know what to do to keep your home as safe as possible during a hurricane or tropical storm. Here are a few tips that will help – even at the last minute.
1. Guard Against Wind and Water
Even if you have done nothing so far this hurricane season to prepare your home, there are easy things you can do to help guard your home against the perils of wind and water. Here are just a few:
- Clean out your gutters
- Bring in outdoor furniture, toys, and decorations
- Cover the windows with exterior grade plywood
- Add caulk to windows and doors
- Test your sump pump
- Tie down your roof with roof straps.
2. Think About Your Landscaping
Once you have taken care of your home, it is time to consider your landscaping – especially since your landscaping can affect your home! Here are quick things you can do to help your landscaping weather the storm:
- Trim trees – doing so helps them be better wind resistant. An added bonus is that you will eliminate any dead limbs that could hit the house.
- Consider newly planted or small trees that will not withstand the high winds. You may be able to help them by tying them down.
3. It’s Time to Take Inventory
Despite your best efforts, you may still receive damage from a hurricane. Therefore, it is important to have documented proof of your home and belongings. Although it is best if you can create an itemized list of the things in your home, this is not practical if a hurricane is headed your way.
Instead, use the video app on your smartphone to document your home – inside and out.
- Walk slowly around the outside of your home. Be sure to include outbuildings and landscaping. It will also be helpful to have photos or video of any hurricane-proofing measures you have taken.
- Video each room inside. Be sure to include closets, drawers, and cabinets. Don’t just sweep around the room, but go in for close-ups so that all your possessions can be seen.
- Be sure to include valuable items such as jewelry, art, guns, collections, etc.
Once you have the video, you need to store it in the cloud as well as send it to family or friends. You may also choose to send the video to your insurance agent to have on file. The video will be the evidence you need to support a hurricane loss claim.
After the Hurricane
We have the experience and expertise to help you file the claim, deal with the paperwork, and interface with insurance representatives. Our goal is to always get our clients the biggest payout possible based on their damage and insurance policy.
If you suffer hurricane damage despite your best efforts, give Aftermath Adjusters a call. We are here to help you.