Hurricane season is here, and it’s crucial to be prepared for the potential damage these powerful storms can cause. While New England isn’t hit as often as other regions, hurricanes still pose a significant threat. Knowing how to prepare your home and review your insurance coverage can help you avoid costly repairs and keep your family safe.
In this guide, we’ll provide essential hurricane preparedness tips and explain how to ensure your home insurance policy offers the protection you need, including flood and wind damage coverage.
Stay Safe During Hurricane Season with These Essential Tips
1. Monitor Storm Updates Regularly
Hurricanes can change course or intensity quickly. Stay informed by keeping a battery-powered radio or weather app handy. Receiving real-time updates allows you to make timely decisions, such as when to evacuate or shelter in place.
2. Check Emergency Equipment and Supplies
Ensure your flashlights, radios, and backup generators are in good working order, and replace batteries if needed. Emergency equipment is critical in case of power outages or communication disruptions during the storm.
3. Know Your Local Evacuation Routes
If you live near the coast, familiarize yourself with evacuation routes and the locations of local shelters. Planning ahead can make a significant difference when time is of the essence.
4. Stock Up on Non-Perishable Supplies
Before hurricane season starts, stock up on essential supplies like bottled water, canned food, medications, and first aid supplies. Make sure you have enough provisions to last at least 72 hours. Include pet supplies if you have animals.
5. Secure Outdoor Items
Loose items like garden furniture, tools, and trash cans can become hazardous in high winds. Secure or bring them inside to prevent potential damage to your home or neighboring properties.
6. Reinforce Windows and Doors
Consider adding storm shutters or covering windows with plywood to protect against flying debris and strong winds. Reinforcing your home’s entry points helps minimize potential damage.
Why Reviewing Your Home Insurance is Key
One of the most important hurricane preparedness steps is reviewing your home insurance policy. Many standard homeowners insurance policies don’t cover all the types of damage hurricanes can cause, especially flooding. Here are the key coverage areas to check:
1. Flood Insurance
Hurricanes often cause significant flooding, but flood damage is not typically covered by standard home insurance policies. Be sure to purchase a separate flood insurance policy if your home is in a flood-prone area.
2. Wind Damage
Check your policy for windstorm coverage, which protects your home from damage caused by high winds during hurricanes. Some policies in coastal areas may have separate wind deductibles, so review those details carefully.
3. Additional Living Expenses (ALE)
If your home becomes uninhabitable after a hurricane, ALE coverage helps cover temporary living expenses, such as hotel stays and meals. This can be a critical safety net while your home is being repaired.
Final Thoughts
Being prepared for hurricane season means more than just gathering supplies—it also involves ensuring your home is adequately protected by insurance. Following these hurricane preparedness tips and reviewing your coverage with your insurance provider will give you peace of mind as the storm approaches.
At CAV Insurance, we offer customized insurance solutions to help protect you from the unpredictable forces of nature. Contact us today to review your policy and get the coverage you need for hurricane season.