Top Five Tips on Hurricane Preparation

Actor Christopher Bullock famously wrote, “Tis impossible to be sure of anything but death and taxes”.[1] If Mr. Bullock had lived in Florida, he would have certainly added hurricanes to his list as well.

This hurricane season is expected to be an active one, but less so than the record-setting 30 named storms in 2020[2]. Dan Kottlowski, meteorologist at AccuWeather, is predicting that the 2021 Atlantic hurricane season will have 16-20 named storms, 7-10 hurricanes, and 3-5 major hurricanes (which is defined as a Category 3 storm or greater)[3].

As a Florida homeowner, if even one of these hurricanes makes landfall near you, it’s vital that you are well-prepared.

Following are five tips to help make sure that you are ready to literally “weather the storm”:

Familiarize yourself with your insurance coverage.

Review the Declarations page of your homeowner insurance policy so you understand what is covered and what your deductibles are. Make sure to save a copy of the policy in a waterproof container.

Document your home and landscaping condition.

Take photos and videos of each room of your home, your possessions, the exterior of your home, and your landscaping. In case you sustain hurricane damage, you can use these to show the insurance company evidence of your home’s condition pre-hurricane.

Ensure your home is as hurricane damage-resistant as possible.

Inspect and test your hurricane shutters to make sure they are fully functional. Clean your gutters to minimize the chance of them backing up and causing water damage. Inspect your roof to see if any tiles or shingles need repair. If the National Weather Service advises that a hurricane may come your way, take in or tie down all outdoor furniture, toys, and anything else that could become a projectile in the wind.

Create your evacuation plan.

Determine specifically where you will go, what you will bring, and how you will get there. Keep in mind that the roads are likely to be congested and hotels/motels may be at capacity. Make a plan for what you will do with your pets.

Create a disaster supply kit.

Your kit should include essential items to last for 1-2 weeks including: medications, flashlights, batteries, battery-operated radio, cash, clothing, first aid supplies, non-perishable food, bottled water, essential documents such as insurance cards, credit cards, homeowner insurance policy, and COVID-19 supplies, such as face masks, hand sanitizer, and disinfectant wipes[4].

If you do find yourself in the path of a hurricane, once the storm passes and you assess the damage, contact the expert public adjusters at United Claims Specialists. They will negotiate on with your insurance company on your behalf to ensure that you receive the maximum possible coverage for your losses.

When you have damage to your home or business, it can be daunting. Dealing with your insurance company can be incredibly stressful. Do not let your inexperience dealing with the insurance company cost you time and money! Our team at United Claims Specialists is here to provide you with the best service so you get the highest settlement for your claim.

United Claims Specialists has a team of experienced, dedicated, and professional public adjusters who work for you to ensure you receive the settlement you deserve when your property or business has property damage. We work on both residential and commercial claims and will make sure that your loss is handled quickly and properly and that you get the highest settlement possible.

With offices throughout Florida, New York and New Jersey, United Claims Specialists have helped thousands of home and business owners around the country. Contact us today so we can help you.

[1] Adam Smith Institute. Death and Taxes — Adam Smith Institute. Accessed April 27, 2021.

[2] AccuWeather. AccuWeather’s 2021 Atlantic Hurricane Season Forecast | AccuWeather. Accessed April 27, 2021.

[3] AccuWeather. AccuWeather’s 2021 Atlantic Hurricane Season Forecast | AccuWeather. Accessed April 27, 2021.

[4] Florida Division of Emergency Management. Disaster Supply Kit Checklist | Florida Disaster. Accessed April 27, 2021.