06 NEWSLETTER. July 2014

Security

Weathering the Storm

As the seasons change and temperatures rise, so does the potential for severe—and damaging— weather. Minimize the risk to your home and car by taking these steps before and during a storm. Plus, learn what you should do after the storm passes if there is damage.

DURING

AFTER Home:  Follow authorities’ guidance on evacuation orders.  Go to the safest place in the house, preferably a central room with no windows or outside doors.  Keep a battery-powered radio with you for updates and alerts. Car:  Avoid driving when a storm is threatening. If the weather gets severe when you’re on the road, find a safe, protected place to pull over. And never drive through standing water. What looks like a shallow puddle could actually be several inches deep, enough to stall your engine and strand you. When it’s safe to go outside, walk around the house and look for damage. Don’t forget to look at the roof for subtle damage, such as missing shingles, and watch for downed wires.  If there is damage that is covered by your homeowners policy, contact your insurance company immediately so they can start the claims process.  Be highly suspicious of strangers who come to your house and claim to be a contractor—or tell you they know a contractor—then offer to make repairs for far less than a contractor you might secure. Car:  If there is damage that is covered by your auto policy, contact your insurance company immediately so they can start on the claims process. Home: 

BEFORE

Home: 

Walk through your house, looking for things that might be affected by threatening weather and considering ways to prevent problems. For example, electronics are vulnerable to lightning strikes, so unplug them as stormy weather approaches. Look for potential problems outside as well, such as an old tree that could fall on your roof or unsecured items of furniture that could become projectiles in high wind.  Create (or update) an inventory of all your possessions and valuables. Use a digital camera or smartphone to take photos and/or video of your possessions, then store these digital files on a cloud-based site or in a secure place such as a safe deposit box.  Review your homeowners insurance policy to understand what it covers—and doesn’t cover. If you have questions or need better coverage, take your policy to an insurance agent for a comprehensive review. And make sure you have a separate flood insurance policy: Homeowners policies do not cover flood damage.  Stock up on canned food, bottled water, flashlights and batteries. Car:  Park in a protected area, such as a garage.  Review your auto insurance policy to understand what storm-related damage it covers and consider meeting with an insurance agent for a review.

Newsletter

July 2014

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