With the recent Hurricane Ian wreaking destruction of Fort Myers, Florida. We here at Property Lawyers PLLC feel it is our responsibility to ensure you are safe during the hurricane season. We are here to provide you with some of our hurricane prep tips.
Our lead attorney, Dahlene Miller is no stranger to hurricanes being born and raised in Tampa Florida. Being able to protect our homes, businesses, and loved ones is something you can never fully prepare for. Although it is better to be somewhat ready then to not have anything ready at all so here's some tips.
6 Tips to Ensure You are Prepared for the storm
Our office specializes in accidents of all kinds. Our property damage team is here to help you pre and post the storm. Here’s a few tips you may want to keep in mind to prepare for the upcoming storms.
Tip #1: Determine the Risks and Monitor the Storm
Hurricanes in Florida are not uncommon, especially during hurricane season. One of the most important steps towards ensuring both you and your family are safe from the storm is to monitor where the storm is going according to the most recent model. Then assess the area in which you live, such as does this area flood a lot? Or what hazards in my area might I face? It’s important to keep in mind that along with hurricanes come other things such as tornadoes, strong winds, rip currents, storm surges, etc. It is important to keep these things in mind so you know what your risks are if you decide to stay.
Tip #2: Have an Evacuation Plan
Some people in the state of Florida live in what is referred to as an evacuation zone. If you are one of those individuals, you need to figure out exactly where you are going to go if that is the case. You have options and it does not necessarily mean you need to go to a shelter, you can stay with friends or relatives if that is what you choose.
If you have household pets, you are also going to need to consider a safety plan for them. Not all places welcome pets, such as local shelters, and they need to be assured safety as well. So try and figure out a place they can stay beforehand so that if it does come down to that everyone is accounted for.
Step 3: Make Sure Your Home Is Protected
There are so many options as to how you can attempt to protect your home. Some people board up their houses with plywood, while others have impact windows or shutters. It is important to ensure you are taking every precaution possible. This includes removing anything from around your house that can be a projectile such as a bench on your front porch, old tools laying on the patio, etc.
Step 4: Know Your Home Insurance Policy
With these types of storms sometimes comes severe damages to your home. You need to ensure that you are protected, of course, our property damage attorneys can help you if a claim needs to be filed but it is important to know what your policy includes when it comes to storm loss damages. If you are interested in knowing a bit about the different policies you can have when it comes to hurricane damages click here.
Step 5: Help Others
If you are done with your own hurricane prep, you may want to try and see if you can help others. Whether it’s lending a hand to your neighbor by putting up their shutters or helping an elderly individual with putting groceries in their car. As scary as this time is it's important to give back and help if possible.
Step 6: Equip Yourself with Supplies
Make sure you have everything you would need during a storm. Things such as flashlights, batteries, water, etc. It is also important not to go overboard when buying supplies as well. Make sure you have enough for you and your family. There are programs to assist if you have no access to these resources and need them.
So if you keep these things in mind before the storm and have a plan, things should go slightly more smoothly. If you do end up with damage to your home, call our property damage attorneys. Our staff will review your policy and help you find the best solution.