Hurricane Preparedness

During emergency situations there are many issues to manage in addition to insurance matters.

In the event of a hurricane, like any major catastrophe, we are available to help you start the recovery process as soon as you are ready. While you are preparing, we have made our own preparations to ensure we can be here for you.

Our disaster response plan goes into effect when an emergency strikes and allows us to respond to clients, even when our own offices are located in the same disaster area. Our national operational structure enables us to re-route calls to our other offices where client advisors are able to assist you.

Prepare a Hurricane Disaster Plan

• Consider the types of hazards that could affect your family and have an emergency plan in place. Periodically review your plan so that all family members know what to do.
• Know your home’s vulnerability to storm surge, flooding, and wind.
• Locate the safest areas in your home for each storm hazard.
• Determine escape routes from your home and places to meet.
• Plan where you will go if evacuation is necessary.
• Post emergency telephone numbers by your phones and keep a copy with you.

Assemble Emergency Supplies

Your supply kit should include:

• One gallon of drinking water per person per day.
• Iodine tablets or one quart of unscented bleach (for disinfecting water ONLY if directed to do so by health officials) and eyedropper (for adding bleach to water).
• Nonperishable, ready-to-eat canned foods, and a manual can opener.
• First-aid kit, medications, and prescriptions.
• Fire extinguisher.
• Phone that does not rely on electricity.
• Child-care supplies or other special care items.
• Portable cooler with ice.
• Plastic garbage bags.
• Plywood or other shuttering material for windows.
• Other supplies and tools you may need.

Put Together a Go Bag

Every household member should consider assembling a “go bag” — a collection of items you may need in the event of an evacuation. Each bag should be packed in a sturdy, easy-to-carry container such as a backpack or suitcase on wheels.

A go bag should include:

• Copies of your important documents in a waterproof and portable container (insurance cards, birth certificates, deeds, photo IDs, proof of address, etc.).
• Emergency contact and meeting place information for your household and a small regional map.
• Credit and ATM cards, and cash, especially in small denominations.
• Extra set of car and house keys.
• Flashlight, whistle, emergency radio, and extra batteries.
• Cell phone charger(s) including one that can be used without electricity, such as a car charger and an extra cell phone battery.
• Bottled water and nonperishable food such as energy or granola bars.
• Medication for at least one week and other essential personal items. Keep a list of any medications for each member of your household and their dosages, or copies of all your prescription slips, and your doctor’s name and phone number.
• Sturdy, comfortable shoes, lightweight raingear, and a mylar blanket.
• Child -are supplies or other special care items.
• Personal items: soap, feminine hygiene products, toothbrush, and toothpaste, etc.

As a Storm Approaches

• Stay informed through radio and TV broadcasts.
• Secure your home.
• Bring loose, lightweight objects indoors.
• Anchor objects that are unsafe to bring inside, like gas grills or propane tanks.
• Shutter windows securely and brace outside doors.
• Place valuables in waterproof containers or plastic bags.
• Ensure your vehicles’ gas tanks are full, and if told to evacuate, do so immediately.
• If you are going to an evacuation shelter, pack what you need for several days, including your go bag, sleeping bag, blankets, pillows, and auxiliary medical equipment.
• Check on friends, relatives, and neighbors. Assist them with their preparation if needed.

Before Leaving Your Home

• Turn off home electricity with a main switch.
• Shut the gas valve at the appliance, not the main.
• Tell friends, relatives, and neighbors where you are going.