We at Maison Insurance are here to assist you in times of need, especially in the event of a hurricane. We have prepared this guide to assist you both before and after an approaching storm. Hurricane Season runs from June 1 through November 30, with the most active months being August, September and October. It’s a great idea to review your homeowner’s insurance policy to make sure you are adequately protected in the event of a storm. As always, if you have any questions about coverages call you agent, or reach out to our Underwriting department directly.
At the Start of Hurricane Season
Hurricane Season runs from June 1 through November 30 with the most active months being August, September and October. It’s a great idea to review your homeowners insurance policy to make sure you are adequately protected in the event of a storm. As always, if you have any questions about coverage, call your agent or contact us.
Is your coverage up to date?
Verify that the coverages on your declarations page accurately reflect the value of your home. If you have made upgrades like an addition or a remodeled kitchen or bathroom, make sure your coverage is adequate.
Do you have coverage for Additional Living Expenses (ALE)?
ALE will assist you by reimbursing you for unexpected costs of living away from your home in the event that it is uninhabitable as a result of a covered loss. It may include food and lodging. You should verify that you have this coverage, and if not, contact us or your agent.
Are you covered in the event of flooding?
Most homeowners policies do not cover flood damage. Even if you don’t live in a high-risk flood zone, it may be a good idea. Just know that there is a 30-day waiting period to purchase a flood policy, so don’t wait until a storm is approaching to decide.
Are your personal possessions and valuables adequately covered?
Most policies contain special sub-limits for contents (e.g. electronics, jewelry, cash, furniture, clothing, etc.). Review your policy’s sub-limits and make sure you’re comfortable with them. If you need more coverage, contact us or your agent for pricing.
Also, consider preparing an inventory of your possessions in the event they are lost or damaged beyond repair. Go from room-to-room videotaping items, and keep a log of the make and models of all your electronics, computer equipment and other fragile valuable.
There are a number of things you can do at the start of hurricane season to make sure your home is protected.
- Make sure your hurricane shutters are in good working order and organized for fast setup.
- Examine your trees and landscaping to prevent them from becoming hazards. Remove dead trees, plants or branches. Consider having limbs on thick trees cut back and thinned.
- Locate a garage or carpark on higher ground where your vehicles will be safe from flooding.
What should you do if a storm is approaching?
- Secure your home by putting up your hurricane shutters and removing any outside fixtures such as antennas, wind vanes, and/or turbine fans on your roof
- Any lawn furniture, outdoor decorations, hanging plants, trash cans, or anything else that can be turned into a wind-driven missile should be brought inside or anchored to the ground
- Take video of the interior and exterior of house including belongings
- Inventory contents with your Maison Insurance Inventory Worksheet and/or photos
- Charge cell phones
- Have numbers for power, gas, police and fire
- Make sure your vehicles have full tanks of gas
- Have a supply of emergency cash
- Fill all your propane tanks
- Set your refrigerator to its coldest setting
- Fill a clean bath tub with fresh water
What supplies should I have on hand?
- A five-day supply of fresh water as well as non-perishable food for all members of your household, including pets
- Make sure you have an adequate amount of any prescription medication, including eye glasses and/or disposable contact lenses
- A first aid kit with bandages, antiseptic, tape and pain relievers
- Several flashlights with extra batteries
- Personal hygiene items such as toilet paper, toothbrushes and toothpaste
- Any special items you may need for infants, elderly or disabled residents
- Coolers — at least one for food and one for ice
- Paper towels, disposable plates and utensils
- Mosquito repellent
- A heavy plastic tarp for roof or window repair
- Plastic trash bags
What do I need to know in case I have to evacuate?
Prior to hurricane season, make sure you have a plan in place in case you need to evacuate your home. Make sure everyone in the household understands and knows the plan, which should include:
- The best evacuation route. Keep it on a map in your car. Don’t rely on your phone or GPS.
- Make sure you have adequate transportation.
- Make a plan for your pets. Some shelters and hotels will not allow you to bring them.
- Identify a reliable contact person out of the area. If a member of your household gets separated from you, that is the person they should call. Make sure your contact person knows they’ve been designated for this responsibility.
- Gather and keep safe important paperwork, passports, insurance information, driver’s licenses, etc.
Print your own Maison Insurance Hurricane Prep Checklist. FedNat encourages you to always stay alert and prepared. We hope these helpful tips and tools help ensure you remain safe during storms and throughout hurricane season.
