Review and Update Homeowner’s Insurance 

Before hurricane season begins, review your homeowner’s insurance policy. Ensure it provides adequate coverage for your property and possessions. Consider additional coverage options if needed, such as windstorm protection. Stay informed about policy changes to avoid surprises during a crisis.

Purchase Flood Insurance

Floods often accompany hurricanes, and standard homeowner’s insurance does not cover flood damage. Protect your property by purchasing separate flood insurance. Act early, as most flood insurance policies have a waiting period before they become effective.

Create a Hurricane Emergency Kit 

Assemble a well-stocked hurricane emergency kit with essential supplies, including non-perishable food, water, first-aid items, flashlights, and batteries. Keep the kit in a readily accessible location to grab and go if you need to evacuate.

Develop an Evacuation Plan 

Have a detailed evacuation plan in place for your family and pets. Identify evacuation routes and shelters in your area. Practice the plan with your family to ensure everyone knows what to do in case of an emergency.

Secure Your Property 

Inspect and reinforce your home’s structure, securing doors, windows, and roofs. Trim trees and shrubs to reduce the risk of falling branches. Consider investing in storm shutters to protect your windows from flying debris.

Clear Gutters and Drains 

Keep your gutters and drains clear of debris to prevent water from backing up and causing damage. Proper drainage is vital during heavy rains and floods, as it can help minimize water pooling around your property.

Back-Up Important Documents 

Make digital copies of essential documents like insurance policies, identification, and medical records. Store them securely in the cloud or on an external drive to ensure easy access, even if your physical copies are damaged.

Stay Informed 

Stay tuned to weather updates and official advisories from local authorities. Sign up for emergency alerts on your phone to receive real-time information about evacuation orders and safety instructions.

Reinforce Garage Doors 

If you have a garage, reinforce it to withstand strong winds. Garage doors are often vulnerable during hurricanes and can lead to severe structural damage if compromised.

Install Sump Pumps 

Consider installing sump pumps in your basement or low-lying areas to prevent water accumulation during heavy rains. This can help reduce the risk of flooding and water damage.

Elevate Electrical Appliances 

Raise electrical appliances like water heaters, air conditioning units, and generators above potential flood levels. Elevating these items can help prevent damage from flooding and ensure they continue to function after the storm passes.

Reinforce Your Roof 

Inspect your roof for any signs of damage or weakness. Secure loose shingles and consider adding hurricane straps or clips to strengthen the roof’s connection to the walls, making it more resistant to strong winds.

Install Storm Surge Barriers 

If you live in a coastal area prone to storm surges, consider installing storm surge barriers around your property. These barriers can help prevent seawater from inundating your home and causing extensive damage.

Stock Up on Emergency Fuel 

Ensure you have an adequate supply of emergency fuel for generators and vehicles. Gas stations may close during hurricanes, so having extra fuel on hand can be crucial for maintaining power and evacuating if needed.

Protect Windows with Plywood 

If you don’t have storm shutters, cover windows and glass doors with plywood to shield them from flying debris. Properly securing these openings can prevent them from breaking and protect your interior from damage.

Reinforce Garage Door Tracks 

Strengthen your garage door tracks to resist strong winds. Installing horizontal bracing systems can help prevent garage doors from buckling under pressure and causing damage to your home.

Organize Important Contacts 

Compile a list of emergency contacts, including local authorities, utility companies, and your insurance agent. Keep this list in your hurricane emergency kit for easy access during power outages or when phone lines may be down.

Consider a Home Inspection 

Hire a professional to conduct a thorough home inspection, checking for any vulnerabilities that could worsen during a hurricane. Addressing these issues beforehand can minimize potential damage and save you from costly repairs.

Learn Basic First Aid 

Familiarize yourself with basic first-aid techniques to administer initial care in case of injuries during the storm. Accidents can happen, and being prepared to provide immediate aid can make a significant difference.

Reinforce Fences and Outbuildings 

Inspect and reinforce fences, sheds, and other outbuildings on your property. Secure loose panels and strengthen the structures to prevent them from becoming dangerous projectiles during strong winds.

Visit Cathy Sink Insurance, a reputable agency in Florida dedicated to helping you find the perfect flood insurance and homeowner’s insurance in Fort Myers, tailored to your specific needs.

Our experienced team of insurance agents is well-versed in navigating the complexities of flood insurance and homeowner’s insurance to ensure you get the comprehensive coverage you deserve. Don’t leave it to chance. Act now before it’s too late. Reach out to Cathy Sink Insurance today to explore the array of options available for homeowner’s insurance and flood insurance in Fort Myers.

As a full-service independent agency, we collaborate with multiple insurance providers, ensuring we secure the best coverage options and rates for our valued clients. Throughout the process, our knowledgeable agents will be at your side, ready to answer any questions you may have. Your safety and protection are our top priorities, so let us assist you in safeguarding your home and loved ones with the right homeowner’s insurance and flood insurance coverage.

Also checkout: Liability Coverage blog.

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Understanding Your Homeowner’s Policy

Insurance is one of those things that people typically buy, then never look at again until they need it. So as we head into hurricane season, we’re sharing some tips that will help all insurance consumers exercise better judgment when purchasing or reviewing their coverage.

Review your homeowner’s declaration page.

The declaration is a good place to start to get an overview of the coverage included in your policy. It contains details of what your policy covers as well as the deductibles. In states where homeowners are more vulnerable to high-risk events like hurricanes, the monetary total of a deductible should be listed.

Flood insurance doesn’t cover everything.

As part of FEMA’s definition of what a flood is, two or more properties must be underwater. This definition is how insurance companies typically determine what is covered.

Policies don’t take effect immediately.

The effective date when people actually become protected under a policy varies. You should check your policy to confirm when your policies take effect. The National Flood Insurance Program established a 30-day wait period so that people buy insurance instead of waiting for the water to rise.

Know what activates your policy.

Both insurance companies and states have stipulations that need to be met before a deductible can take effect. The triggers may include events when a:

• A tropical storm is elevated to a hurricane;
• The storm is officially named;
• Hurricane reaches a certain category;
• Warning or watch is declared.

Auto Insurance:

Making a decision between comprehensive and collision-only auto insurance plans is challenging for people who might feel the value of their car is not worth getting complete coverage. However, when it comes to damage from a storm, comprehensive plans are the best choice to protect your car.

Choosing insurance is not an exact science. Policies are personalized to meet your exact needs. Researching your options to find the best choice for you is critical to making sure you’re prepared when hurricane season rolls around.

At the end of the day, your best option is to have a local agent who has your best interests in mind. We take the stress off of you and ensure you have the insurance coverage you need. Don’t take any chances with Mother Nature – contact us today so we can make sure that you and your home are prepared this hurricane season!

P.S. From 2016 through 2018 the hurricane season brought us devastating storms, including Matthew, Harvey, Irma, Maria, Florence, and Michael. Click here to view a list of hurricane names for the 2019 season.

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1. Surge Protection:

Power surges can happen at any time during a storm and can cause damage to your electronics and appliances. Add a surge protector to your electrical board and utilize power strips that have built-in surge protection. Your air conditioning and heating system may also require special protection.

2. Protect your air conditioner.

It’s essential to protect your outdoor air conditioning unit against projectiles and airborne debris that can lodge in your unit, causing damage. But be sure to purchase a manufacturer-approved protective cover because using a do-it-yourself solution such as a garbage bag or tarp could trap moisture inside and void your warranty.

3. Pile up the plywood.

This is an affordable solution to protect windows that don’t have shutters from airborne projectiles. So stock up on it to prepare for the next storm. Make sure that the plywood you purchase complies with state inspection standards. But don’t wait – during hurricane season, plywood supplies typically fly off the shelves.

4. Seal doors and windows.

Leaky doors and windows can allow water to seep in, so make sure they are properly sealed. Sealed doors and windows also help with making your home more energy efficient.

5. Do away with debris.

While you can’t clear out your entire neighborhood of possible missiles, you should secure or remove anything around your home that could convert into an airborne projectile. That includes toys, lawn furniture, and low-hanging limbs or branches.

6. Clear drains and gutters.

Keep your gutters and downspouts clear of debris so they can prevent water from collecting around your home. In the event there is a severe storm, clean gutters will help prevent instant flooding of your basement or attic.

7. Be ready for the storm.

Depending on the strength of a storm or where it lands, you may be able to ride it out at home. Make sure you have everything you need to stay safe at home. For example, make sure that you have flashlights and spare batteries as well as a fully stocked first aid kit. You should also keep a supply of water and nonperishable food.

8. Have a hurricane evacuation plan.

If there’s a mandatory evacuation or if you choose to leave town to avoid the worst of a storm, have a plan in place for your evacuation. Plan your evacuation route, and choose your shelter locations for your journey. Make sure you have enough supplies including medication for everyone’s needs, including your pets.

9. Review your insurance and update your plan if necessary.

If you have coverage, you should review your existing homeowners’ insurance policy to ensure that your most valuable items are covered for loss or damage.

You’ll also want to confirm that your policy includes flood insurance because any home in an area that is vulnerable to storms can benefit from coverage. Keep in mind that the policy won’t go into effect for 30 days, so it’s critical that you purchase your insurance way before a storm is on its way.

Imagine not only getting hit by a hurricane, but having your home destroyed by the storm and not having the right insurance – or enough insurance – to cover the damage. We don’t want that to happen to you, so we always keep your best interests at heart.

With everything that goes along with purchasing homeowners’ insurance coverage, we will do everything we can to relieve your stress and ensure that you have the coverage you need. Mother Nature is unpredictable – especially here in Florida –  so take a moment to contact us today so we can make sure that you and your home are properly protected!

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