Preparing for Life Events

Disaster Planning

Other Valuable Tips

Here is a list of other things to do to help protect your family and your assets.

• Prepare a personal evacuation plan. Be prepared when a hurricane warning is issued. Identify a safe location for shelter and plan driving directions and alternative routes. Fill your car's gas tank and keep enough cash handy for emergencies.



• Review your disaster insurance policies, including flood, homeowners, and/or renters insurance. Check to verify the property is fully protected from damage in weather-related natural disasters. Lenders may be able to assist rebuilding efforts with insurance claim information. Often, the lender is listed as a lien holder on the insurance policy and can act as a valuable source of information.



• Review your mortgage information, including loan agreements and escrow papers. Major disasters often rely on records to establish ownership. Having mortgage documentation may shorten the time it takes to collect insurance and benefit claims due to natural disaster loss. Residents who have questions or concerns about their mortgage can contact their local lender, where they can receive information about loan options to rebuild their homes.



• Protect your important financial information. This information should be stored in protected, watertight containers and include receipts and family records, wills, deeds, stock certificates, proof of residence, bank statements and credit card information.



• Have a plan to prepare for heavy winds and to secure the property. Residents should make sure the property is protected by boarding windows, locking doors, turning off electricity and gas and unplugging major appliances. Make trees more wind-resistant by removing dead limbs prior to the storm.



• Prepare a disaster supply kit. This kit should include daily necessities, such as blankets, bottled water, first-aid supplies, flashlights and emergency generators, non-perishable food, medicine, and battery-powered radios.



• Maintain copies of your household inventory and other documentation, including photos. This will assist the adjuster in assessing the value of the destroyed property.



• Take precautions if the damage requires you to leave your home. Let your agent or insurance company know your temporary forwarding address and phone number.



• Write down the name, address and claims-reporting telephone number of your insurance company, which may differ from your agent's contact information. Keep this information, along with a copy of your policy, in a safe place and make sure you have access to it if you are forced to evacuate your home.