Hurricane season rolls around each year on June first, but all homeowners should prepare in the calm before the storm. When you purchase your home in a hurricane area, you may have contingencies on the purchase depending on the insurance coverage you buy. Then, you need to look into your flood zones and see what type of flood insurance you need. The first step to hurricane preparedness is insurance coverage. After insurance, your following line of defense is physical preparedness, like maintaining your yard, shutters, sandbags, or even raising furniture off the floor. We get ample warning that a hurricane is coming, but hurricanes are rapidly intensifying, and they can gain strength overnight. You need to be prepared.
Protecting Your Property from Hurricane Related Damage
When Hurricane Beryl reached Houston, it ranged from a tropical storm to a category 1 hurricane. Those who deal with hurricanes treat that as an intense thunderstorm and don’t give it the respect they should. This storm brought extreme winds and flooding so early in the season that it left the communities in Texas with millions of dollars in damage.
The damage that hurricanes inflict open up the door for other types of damages you might not have prepared for. The wind and water barreling into your home and across your property bring your typical damage, such as:
- Roof damage
- Garage door damage
- Broken windows and doors
- Damaged siding
- Water damage and mold
- Flooding on your property or in your home
It’s important to understand that these damages go far beyond the surface. If your garage door is damaged at the beginning of the hurricane, wind, and water will continue to blow into your garage for hours. The storm is far from over when some of these damages happen, and with the wind pushing in the water and the rain still falling, your property will only get more damaged. Your insurance policy may not cover more than the initial hurricane damage. Understanding your insurance policies and your flood zones is vital to living in the states that are susceptible to hurricane-force winds.
Potential Hazards During a Hurricane
Hurricanes bring flooding, hail and potentially tornadoes to more than just the communities that are in the direct path. Remember that during these storms, emergency responders and their response times will be severely delayed. Be sure to have your own first aid kit and be aware of changing weather conditions.
- Car Accidents: Evacuations create high stress and congested road conditions, where distracted and emotional drivers can deal with less-than-ideal road conditions. After the storm, traffic signals could be out, and roadways could not be sufficiently cleared of debris, causing accidents.
- Drowning: Flood waters and storm surges create the perfect and terrifying conditions that can lead to unexpected drowning during hurricanes. Unexpected victims trying to get out of the rushing waters stuck in their cars or even trying to save pets and animals can be hit by debris or carried in a strong current.
- Trauma: Waiting inside until the storm is over and staying away from the windows are the most basic hurricane safety tips shared with those riding out the storm. Trauma from debris carried by hurricane-force winds is one of the most common injuries during storms. Board up your windows and stay indoors.
Things like dehydration and carbon monoxide poisoning are also among the common hazards. Make sure you have enough clean, fresh water and if you are using a generator, it’s at a safe distance from your house in the open air. After a storm, if you’ve suffered personal injury from someone’s negligence or something that could’ve been prevented, consult with an experienced personal injury attorney.
After The Storm: What To Do If Your Property is Damaged
To be successful after a storm you need to utilize the calm before the storm. In your hurricane preparedness you need to take pictures and videos of your entire property, including your possessions in your home. A simple video and photos of your electronics, closets, jewelry, and playrooms can save you a lot of heartache during the claims process.
Restoring your home to its original condition starts with a thorough hurricane claim with your insurance. After notifying your insurance agent you can start creating a game plan that complies with your home insurance policy. Simple insurance tips and outlines after a hurricane are:
- Notify your insurance
- Hire a hurricane lawyer
- Meet with the insurance adjustor
- Get repair and replacement estimates
- Collect your claim payments
Understanding Your Policy Coverage and Limits
Reading through your home insurance policies will give you the best idea on how to prepare for a hurricane. Some policies only cover certain damages, while some policies have a hurricane deductible and with all these complicated policies it’s best to use a legal team who can guide you. Don’t wait to speak with a hurricane injury lawyer until after a storm and you are swamped in damages. Utilize the calm before the storm and complete a written plan to share with your legal team so that you aren’t scrambling while you’re trying to recover from the storm’s damages.
Staying Safe After a Hurricane | Falcon Law Group
Returning to your home after an evacuation or going outside after the storm passes your home can be unrecognizable. You need to stay safe from flood waters, mold, and even down power lines. After the destruction, you shouldn’t be fighting to get your insurance to help you recover from the storm.
If you are struggling to navigate your insurance claims or dealing with the aftermath of the negligence of others, Falcon Law Group can help. Well versed in the most complex of cases, with a proven record of success, Falcon Law Group strives to provide superior legal representation so that you can restore your home after a storm.
