Disaster Preparedness

No one knows when, where or how often a disaster will strike. Planning ahead can help save lives, protect property and save money.

 What to do BEFORE a Disaster strikes:

 1.    Call your Insurance agent, verify your policy and if necessary, update your policy.  It pays to have

        adequate coverage year-round.

      · Do I need flood coverage?  Flood insurance is not covered through your standard homeowners? policy.

      · Standard policies usually limit the coverage of valuables such as jewelry, silverware, guns, antiques,

        boats and other items.

      · Do you need/have windstorm coverage?

      · Do you have Actual Cash Value or Replacement Cost covered loss?

      · What about Additional Living Expenses coverage?

      · What does your policy exclude?

2.    Does your personal property itemized inventory, include costs, purchase dates and serial numbers, if

       applicable? Take photos and video if possible.

3.    Place all your important documents in a safe place, easy to find and take them with you if you are

       ordered to evacuate your house for safety reasons.

      · Insurance Policy, Agent phone and Claims phone numbers.

      · List of important phone numbers

      · List of prescription medicines.

      · Some cash and credit cards with at least $1,000.00 available.

4.    If a storm or any disaster is announced, protect your property the best you can.

5.    If you are ordered to evacuate your home, take your valuables and save receipts of temporary

       housing and expenses.

What to do After the Disaster:

1.      Call your Insurance Agent or Claims Department.

2.      Take pictures of your property.

3.      Secure (lock windows and doors if you have to leave) your house.

4.      Protect your property of further damage.

5.      Do emergency repairs.

6.      Take pictures of completed work.

7.      Submit photos of before and after repairs with your claim.

8.      Save receipts of purchases related to the disaster.

9.      As soon as possible, make an itemized list of damages and missing items, if applicable.

10.    Know and understand the differences between your insurance company adjuster and an

         independent adjuster.

11. Beware of "fly-by-night" repair businesses.

12. If you have any insurance problems or questions, call the Consumer Helpline toll free # 1-800-342-2762