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Community Corner

We Should Be Ready for Chantal, Just in Case

As Tropical Storm Chantal develops in the Atlantic, Florida residents are waiting to see if the storm will make landfall or simply pass us by. 

Here are five easy, and important, steps Sarasota residents can take to protect their loved ones and property this week and in the event of future storms (shared by the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America):

1) Storm Proof Your Property

Simple actions such as covering windows with plywood or shutters, moving vehicles into the garage when possible and placing grills and patio furniture indoors can minimize damage in the event of a storm. Also assess how to best fortify your roof and doors against approaching storms.

If you own any watercraft, make sure to store in a secure area, like a garage or covered boat dock. A typical homeowners policy will cover property damage in limited instances for small watercraft, and separate boat policies will provide broader, more extensive property and liability protection for larger, faster boats, yachts and jet skis.

2) Maintain a Storm Kit

All residents should assemble and store a weatherproof emergency preparedness kit including a radio, flashlight, batteries, bottled water, and basic first-aid supplies. Medicine and/or specialty items for family members with medical conditions or allergies should also be included in addition to non-perishable foods and toiletries. For car owners, storing sealed and portable gas containers should also be kept on hand.

3) Form an Evacuation Plan

Taking time with your family to form a strategic plan can help eliminate confusion and provide a way for you to communicate in the event of a natural disaster. Discuss the location of your shelter options, where you will meet if your family is not together and phone services are down after a storm, and who will be responsible for certain tasks if required to quickly evacuate.

4) Review Your Insurance Policy

Property owners should be sure to take some basic precautions to protect themselves and their belongings from an oncoming powerful storm. The first step is to call or visit with your insurance agent or company well in advance of a storm to discuss your policy. Review your property insurance policy, especially the “declarations” page, and check whether your policy pays replacement cost, or actual cash value for a covered loss. Also keep the name, address and claims-reporting telephone number of your insurer and agent in a safe and easily accessible place. (Click here to review PCI's Tips on Insuring Your Home for more details.)

5) Inventory Your Possessions

In the event of damage, residents should regularly maintain an up-to-date inventory of their possessions and property. This includes receipts and descriptions of your household items, and photographs or video footage for further documentation. Keep this information and your insurance policies in a safe place, such as a safety deposit box.

Residents should also be sure to review PCI’s Hurricane Preparedness Infographic which can be easily shared online or printed on paper for residents to have on hand as they prepare for possible storms. FloridaDisaster.org has information on how to review and purchase the best flood insurance options and StateOfFlorida.com offers preparedness tips and guides.

About PCI: PCI is composed of more than 1,000 member companies, representing the broadest cross-section of insurers of any national trade association. PCI members write over $190 billion in annual premium, 40 percent of the nation’s property casualty insurance. Member companies write 46 percent of the U.S. automobile insurance market, 32 percent of the homeowners market, 38 percent of the commercial property and liability market, and 41 percent of the private workers compensation market. Contact Cliston Brown at (847) 553-3671 or cliston.brown@pciaa.net for more information.

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