Insurance and Disasters
With the Damage caused by Harvey and possible issues with Irma, hurricanes are on everyone’s mind. It is safe to say that most business and homeowner’s insurance policies do not cover the risks associated with hurricanes. You need to add this coverage to your insurance policy package. Flooding is also excluded and will need to be added. Remember, once a flood or hurricane starts it is too late to obtain coverage.
Both the State and Federal government have learned a lot about hurricane planning, forecasting, emergency management, and response, and have made many recommendations. Here are some basic emergency preparedness suggestions to include in your planning process.
Remember The Key Terms
Hurricane Watch: A hurricane watch is issued when hurricane conditions are a real possibility for an area within 48 hours.
Hurricane Warning: A hurricane warning is issued when a hurricane is expected within 36 hours. Begin precautionary action at once. Important - once a warning has been issued for our community, insurance cannot be bound. If you are involved in closing on a new home, we recommend binding coverage early, especially in hurricane season.
Now is the time for you to build an emergency kit and create an evacuation plan. For more information on this, go to http://www.ready.gov/american-red-cross
Hurricane Planning:
- Review your insurance to make sure you have adequate coverage and limits.
- Hold an annual family meeting to discuss issues and plans.
- Develop an evacuation plan; this should include phone numbers, meeting places and routes of escape from your home, neighborhood and city.
- Check your home for vulnerable areas, such as leaking roofs.
- Make sure you have a secure place for recreation vehicles, boats, and motorcycles.
- Make plans for your pets as well.
- Notify neighbors and family members of your evacuation plan.
- Plan for any special medical needs.
- Make sure the gas tank in your car is full.
- Anchor or stow small boats and RV’s.
- Secure any outdoor furniture.
- Secure buildings by closing and boarding up windows.
- Trim any old trees.
- Secure any antennas.
- Make sure flashlights are working.
- Evacuate, if advised to do so!
Worthington Insurance specializing in competitive auto, home, contractor and business insurance as well as insurance in Philadelphia, Yardley, Morrisville, Langhorne, Newtown, Bensalem, Levittown, Bucks County and surrounding areas in Pennsylvania and New Jersey