Hurricane Tips

Thursday, June 01, 2006  
             

What to Remember Before the Storm

• First-aid kit, prescription medication and essential medications
• Canned food and can opener
• Protective clothing, rainwear and bedding, including sleeping bags and pillows
• At least three gallons of water per person
• Battery-operated radio, flashlight and extra batteries
• Important documents including driver’s license, Social Security card, proof of residence, insurance policies, wills, deeds, birth and marriage certificates and tax records
• Special items for infants, elderly or disabled family members
• Written instructions on how to turn off electricity, gas and water if authorities advise you to do so--also keep in mind that a professional will be needed to turn them back on
• Camera for documenting damage after the storm
• Install hurricane shutters or purchase precut 1/2 inch outdoor plywood boards for each window in your home
• Install anchors for the plywood and predrill holes in the plywood so it can be put up quickly
• Make trees more wind resistant by removing diseased and damaged limbs, then strategically remove branches so wind can blow through

What to do When a Hurricane Watch is Issued

• Listen to local radio or television for the most relevant information.
• Prepare to bring in any lawn furniture or outdoor decorations, plants,  trash cans and anything that can be picked up by the wind.
• Prepare to cover all windows in your home--tape does not prevent windows from breaking and is not recommended.
• Fill your car’s gas tank.
• Recheck manufactured home tie-downs.
• Check batteries, stock up on batteries and other supplies as listed above.

What to do When a Hurricane Warning is Issued

• Listen to authorities advice and evacuate if told to do so
• Complete preparation  activities
• If you are not advised to leave, stay indoors and stay clear of windows

Be aware that the calm "eye" of the storm can be misleading--the storm is not over and the calm of the storm will be followed by the worst part of the storm when the winds blow from the opposite direction. Trees, buildings and other objects damaged by the first winds can be destroyed by the second winds and create more debris

Be alert for tornadoes which can happen during a hurricane and after it passes. Remain indoors, in the center of your home in a closet or room without windows.

Stay away from flood waters. If you come across a flooded road, turn around and take a different road. If you are caught on a flooded road and waters are rising rapidly around you, get out of the car and climb to higher ground.

What to do After a Hurricane is Over

• Continue listening to local radio and television stations for instructions.
• If you evacuated the area, only return when authorities tell you to do so.
• Inspect your home for damage--use flashlights in the dark, not candles.
• Report property damage to your insurance agent immediately--you should receive claims forms and arrange for an insurance adjuster to visit the property and assess the damage.
• Make emergency repairs and document them--keep all receipts and document any damage incurred with video or still photos (before and after emergency repairs) to submit with your claim.
• If damages require you to leave your home, secure your property and remove valuable items. Contact your agent and leave a number where you can be reached.
• Do not dispose of any damaged property before an adjuster has been able to look at the damage--including water-damaged carpet, furniture, etc. Place these items in another dry place until an adjuster arrives.
• Take all necessary steps to prevent further damage, such as securing doors and boarding windows. If these steps are not taken and more damage occurs, it may not be covered.
• Make a list of all damaged property including age, description original cost and place of purchase and estimated replacement cost. If you have any receipts or canceled checks for these items, submit them along with the list.
• Beware of uninvited people offering to do home repairs.
• Obtain estimates from several companies.
• Ask for references and use them.
• Be sure the contract, business card and any other paperwork has contact information, including address, numbers and license numbers.
• Insist on obtaining a written estimate or contract on the cost and amount of time the repairs will take. Insist on start and completion dates in the contract and do not pay the final balance until work is completed to your satisfaction.
• Do not feel pressured into making a decision. 

Eustis Insurance, a member of the Independent Insurance Agents of America, is one of the area's largest independent insurance agencies. Founded in 1946, Eustis Insurance has offices in both New Orleans and Mandeville.