Storm season is still upon us, as news outlets continue to keep everyone up to date on what to expect. Meteorologists have been eying the Gulf of Mexico, and reportedly, a PTC6 or Potential Tropical Cyclone Six is expected to form into a tropical storm as soon as Monday. While it can potentially make its way to landfall as a hurricane, those keeping close watch can prepare by doing the following.
To get ready for a tropical storm, you need to do some useful things and make sure your insurance covers enough. By taking action before the storm, you can protect your property, keep yourself safe, and lower the cost of fixing damage caused by the storm.
First, make sure your home or business is safe. Check your property for possible dangers, such as gutters that aren't tight, broken branches, or outdoor furniture that isn't protected. Cut back trees and get rid of any trash that could fly off in strong winds. If you can, put up storm shutters or board up windows to keep falling objects out. Doors, even garage doors, should be made stronger, and the roof should be checked for any weak spots that could be hit by strong winds or heavy rain.
When tropical storms hit, power outages and road closures are frequent. Make sure you have plenty of emergency supplies on hand. A first aid kit, lamps, batteries, bottled water, and food that doesn't go bad are all important things to have. Make sure you have enough food, medicine, and baby items to last for a few days. Fill up your car's gas tank because gas shops might not be open after the storm. Especially if you live in an area that is prone to flooding, make an escape plan and learn how to get to the nearest safety exit.
Getting insurance is an important part of being ready for a storm. If you own a home or rent an apartment, check your insurance contract to make sure you're covered for storm damage like wind, hail, and trees falling. Standard plans usually don't cover damage caused by flooding, so make sure that your policy covers it. If you live in an area that is likely to flood, you might want to get separate flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Remember that most flood insurance policies have a 30-day waiting time before they start to cover you, so don't wait until a storm is coming to buy coverage.
Make an inventory of your personal and important things to keep track of what you own. When you take pictures or videos of each room, make sure to include expensive items like electronics, tools, and furniture. If your property is damaged, this will make it easy to file a claim. You can keep copies of your insurance policy, product list, and other important papers in a waterproof box or in the cloud.
As soon as a tropical storm is getting closer, keep an eye on the weather reports and leave if told to do so. Being proactive and prepared not only helps protect your property but also makes sure that your insurance will help you after the fact, giving you peace of mind during a stressful time.