Hurricane 2012: Before the storm - Be thorough before, after hurricane to ensure coverage

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Before the storm

■ Contact an insurance agent for the protection level you choose and can afford. Update existing policies to reflect purchases, improvements and property value adjustments. Be sure to consult the flood insurance rate maps, your mortgage lender or agent to see how recent flood category changes affected your flood insurance needs. In thousands of cases, lenders will be requiring flood insurance this year.

■ Create a file containing information about all of your possessions and keep it in a secure place, such as a safe deposit box or waterproof container. This file should have a copy of your insurance policies, agent’s contact information, plus an inventory of property with a videotaped or photographed record of all major items and valuables. Include serial numbers and store receipts for major appliances and electronics. Have jewelry and artwork appraised.

When disaster strikes

■ It is your responsibility to take reasonable precautions to protect your home from damage. If water is pouring in from a hole in the roof or a broken window, covering those with wood or plastic may prevent further loss until a proper repair can be made. Take photos of the damage before and after making temporary repairs.

■ Don’t throw away damaged items until an adjuster visits the property. If you are evacuated or must leave for safety reasons, be sure to contact your insurance agent as soon as possible.

■ File insurance claims as quickly as possible. Be aware of time limits and make your notification in writing as soon as possible.

■ If your home is uninhabitable after the storm, keep all receipts for food, lodging and travel. If your property is evacuated, yet it wasn’t damaged, check to see if your insurance covers this and what the deductible is.

■ Record all damage with photos and videos to submit to the insurance company.

2012 SOUTHWEST FLORIDA HURRICANE GUIDE

Before the storm

• Play it safe, be prepared
• Start early to make trees storm-safe
• Take steps to minimize damage to pool area
• Storm prep vital for boats, boaters
• Protect your loved ones and history
• Plan ahead to get into special needs shelter
• Keep medical records safe by storing them electronically
• Be thorough before, after hurricane to ensure coverage
• Hurricane Andrew 20-year anniversary
• Have a plan for evacuation
• Generator safety crucial before use
• Types of window protection
• Types of hurricane intensity

During the storm

• Stay safe by heeding these weather tips
• Be alert to these road projects during 2012 hurricane season

After the storm

• What is the best way to repair your roof?
• Check out contractors before you hire someone to do repairs

Other stories

• Florida faces other weather risks, too
• Emergency managers tap new apps, social media for 2012 hurricane season

2012 Hurricane Guide

• John Patrick: Busy season or not, one direct hit is all it takes, so be prepared

Links

• Hurricane shelters for south Lee and Collier counties
• Evacuation routes for south Lee and Collier counties
• On the Web
• Important phone numbers
• Hurricane Photos
• Hurricane Videos