Hurricane Disaster Tips

Before a Hurricane:

• Make a written or videotaped inventory of household possessions/property and store in a safe place with insurance policies, documents and other valuables.
• Identify evacuation locations.
• Keep telephone numbers and road maps handy.
   
• Listen to local radio and TV stations for evacuation instructions.
• Take a first aid class from your local Red Cross chapter.
• Assemble a disaster supplies kit including:  first aid kit, essential medications, canned food, can opener, at least three gallons of water per person, protective clothing, rainwear, sleeping bags, battery-powered radio, flashlight, extra batteries, special items for infants, the elderly and the disabled and written instructions for how to turn off gas and water if so advised.
   
• Install hurricane shutters or precut 3/4" marine plywood for each window of your home.
• Make trees more wind resistant by removing diseased or damaged limbs, then strategically removing branches so that wind can blow through.
• Fill your car's gas tank.
   
• Recheck manufactured home tie-downs.
• Be alert for tornadoes.
• Stay away from flood waters.

After a Hurricane:

• Call your independent insurance agent as soon as possible.
• Make temporary repairs to prevent further damage.
• Delay permanent repairs until your insurer approves reimbursement.
   
• Get any necessary construction permits from your community.
• Keep all receipts.
• Prepare an inventory of all damaged or destroyed personal property.
   
• Take photos of damaged areas.
• Save remnants of damaged or destroyed property for your insurance company adjuster.
• Meet with your adjuster first, before signing anything with contractors, lawyers or public adjusters.