At the start of the season, if not sooner, make sure all your important papers are up-to-date and organized.
Consult your insurance companies to make sure your home and car are properly covered. There have been a lot policy changes. Talk to your agent to make sure you understand all the fine print and know exactly what you are covered for…flood? Windstorm? Mold? What is your deductible and how is it figured? Do you have actual value or replacement value coverage? What if you rent?
Also ask how things will be handled should you suffer damage during a storm. Knowing the protocol beforehand will make you feel more relaxed.
• Take photos of your house inside and out. Make sure all your valuables are photographed. If you can keep receipts for big ticket items in a safe dry place all the better. And ask your insurance company for a home inventory form.
• Once you have your insurances all in order, make copies. Have one in your safe deposit box, one in your safe room in a waterproof container, one in your evacuation bag, and send one to a friend or family member out-of-town.
• Do the same with all your important papers---your will, living will, life insurance, mortgage, birth certificates, passports, social security cards, visas, voter’s registration, bills, financial account information and more.
• Talk with your lawyer to make sure all your important papers are up-to-date: your will, living will, durable power of attorney, durable power of attorney for health and more.
• Inspect your home inside and out for any vulnerable areas—cracks, leaks, loose tiles and get them fixed now. Check all the shrubbery around your house, make sure you get them trimmed back well before any hurricane warnings are posted.
• Have a family hurricane pow-wow to make sure each member of the family knows how things will be handled should a hurricane approach. Thoroughly discuss possible evacuation plans. Make sure each member of the family knows who to call or where to go if you become separated during a storm.
