Hurricanes: Before and After

BAY COUNTY, FL - We all know there are four seasons in Florida: Tourist season, mosquito season, college football season, and hurricane season. This last one, of course, is what we are experiencing now, so it’s a good time to talk about storms. Many people are pretty good about either the “before” or the “after;” however, for the best end result, you should really consider both.  

The “before” is all about planning, and effective preparation can put you well ahead of the pack after a hurricane strikes.  Check your hurricane supplies on hand – supply lists are easy to find – and replace things like gas or batteries that may be old.  Then, get your important documents together (like your insurance policies) and put them in a waterproof case to keep them dry.  Have a “bug-out” bag packed and ready, along with some cash and a specific evacuation plan that you’ve discussed with your entire family.  Finally, have a printed list of the phone numbers of neighbors, contractors, and other key contacts you might need following a storm.  Also, early on, talk to your insurance provider about exactly what to do if there’s a hurricane and you return to a damaged home.  The details are essential.

The more challenging part is the “after.”  We all learned with Hurricane Michael that planning helps, but there’s no way to anticipate everything.  Staying safe after a storm is absolutely critical.  Should you be climbing on your roof with that tarp or taking a chainsaw to a large tree?  Are power lines touching anything they shouldn’t be?  A trip to the hospital won’t improve your post-hurricane recovery. Instead, concentrate on getting on the phone with contractors quickly (local ones, hopefully), which should put you in the front of the line.  Being able to contact your insurance agent or insurance company is, of course, important.  If you can meet in person with your agent, that’s even better as they can walk you through what to expect. One especially important thing to remember is to be very careful about signing anything when you’re under pressure to make repairs. Also, be especially cautious about anyone who comes to your house with a clipboard wanting to “help you.” Chances are, they really want to help themselves … to your insurance proceeds.  

Now is the time to plan. So, if you can create a plan, execute it, and exercise caution and common sense when faced with the damage, you’ll have the quickest recovery.