OK folks, here we go again. On June 1, 2011, she starred in another season of Windstorm. Most media outlets, television stations, and newspapers distribute hurricane preparedness checklists and tracking maps. Go out and pick one up today and do as you’re told.
Stock up on food, water and batteries; make sure you have at least a 30-day supply of your prescription. My personal favorite, always make sure you have a hand crank can opener. But I want to address a few things that are not listed in those posts.
If you have to evacuate, make sure you bring the right things. Remember that your jewelry, your computer, big screen television and sound systems are things that will be covered by your insurance. What you need to keep safe are your keepsakes, like wedding photos, artwork (if not specifically added to your policy), and keepsakes and other things you feel are “irreplaceable.” Things like “Art”, paintings, rare books and items that are not easy to take with you should be added to your homeowners policy or added to a “PAF” personal floating item RIGHT NOW! Remember that Florida, as well as other coastal states, will “STOP” underwriting all homeowners insurance when there is a tropical number of hurricanes in the area.
Things to do before storms hit include:
Digitize your photos first, scanners are only a few dollars, spend a weekend scanning all your images into your computer. An offsite/backup program like Carbonite or Mosi will set you back less than $50 per year, well worth the money.
Second, open a Gmail or Yahoo email account. Remember to use a strong password. Scan your important document and save it to your online account. As long as you use a strong password, it will be safe.
Third, buy a strong plastic storage box; the ones with the locking top are the best. If you have to evaluate, take your photos and keepsakes, put them in the box, write your name and a contact number inside, close it, and then tape the top. The duct tape will make the storage box airtight. If it’s lost, it’s likely to remain untouched until someone finds it and opens it.
Keep an eye out, remember that for less than $15 you can buy a weather band radio. Let’s hope we have an uneventful hurricane season.
To get information or review your insurance, call us at 800 604 7249 or send us a note.
Christopher Kazor, CIC – NuSurance
