Protect your Home from Windstorms

Hurricane season is now in full swing and being prepared now for a windstorm or hurricane can save you from devastating financial losses, severe injuries and even loss of life. To lessen the damages or injuries from the impact of a storm, preparation steps should be taken. These steps can also help to speed up restoration work and the filing of insurance claims afterwards, if necessary. Let's have a closer look now on how to be better prepared.

Home Inventory

Having a detailed and thorough inventory list will go a long way towards filing claims efficiently and quickly. Document each room with video and written documentation. Keep receipts, model numbers, and manufacturer names to speed up the settlement process. You may need to consider extra insurance for the more expensive items.

Home and Landscape Improvements

Bark is a great choice for landscaping your grounds. If it gets blown around, it will do far less damage than gravel or rocks. Trim trees back to reduce the possibility of large or dead branches from being broken off and blown around, which could cause severe destruction.

Metal roofs are the most durable against windstorms and other severe weather, more so than tiles or shingles. Consider installing impact windows and/or hurricane shutters for better protection against gale force winds.

Review Your Insurance Coverage

Review your homeowners insurance policy on a regular basis to ensure that it provides coverage for full replacement value. You may need to purchase separate policies for wind, flood, and hail damage. Check with your state regulators as you may require storm resistance construction before qualifying for coverage. 

If your home does get damaged and you need to do major renovations, you may be required to bring your home up to municipal building standards. Review your policy to see if you have land and ordinance coverage. This type of policy will recover costs related to bringing your home up to building standards. If your home insurance policy does not cover this or you think you need more, consider adding it to your policy.

Safety Plan

Have a safety route mapped out that avoids low lying areas. If bridges or roads are washed out, you don't want to run the risk of being swept away in your vehicle.Become familiar with the location of emergency shelters and include them in your safety route. Know how to turn off electrical power, gas, and water and include these tasks in your to-do list. Make a meeting place designated outside the neighborhood for all family members in the event that the storm occurs when people are away from home. 

If you would like to review your policies with a professional who specializes in these types of policies, please give Pro Player Insurance Group a call at 855-367-7744 for further details about Fort Lauderdale Windstorm Insurance.