While many of us are still weathering the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, we now must prepare for hurricane season 2020 as well.

While no one wants to experience a storm this year, planning and preparing will allow all of us to handle that event with less stress and far more safety. Hurricane preparedness is something we all need to focus on now, at the start of the season. If an occasion does arise when we have to place our plans into action, being prepared ahead of time will help tremendously.

Hurricane season runs from June 1st through November 30th and according to forecasters at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the Atlantic hurricane season is expected to be active.

While there are many resources available that go into great detail on how to create an effective and easy-to-use hurricane preparedness plan. We encourage you to take the time now to research a plan that is right for you; however, here are some common items to consider as you develop your plan for hurricane season 2020:

• Know in advance where you plan to evacuate, and regularly evaluate that location for availability and safety during a storm.
• Make preparations now for what you will do with your pets.
• Make a list of items and belongings you plan to take with you, and only carry what is most necessary.
• Know ahead of time how and which route you will follow to evacuate if the order is given.
• Build a home kit of supplies to have after the storm passes. This may include tarps, batteries, flashlights, radios, a first aid kit, and general tools.
• Be sure to have adequate bottled drinking water and non-perishable food on hand for you and your family. A good rule of thumb is to have enough of these items to last a minimum of 72 hours after the storm passes.
• Know your insurance policy, hurricane deductibles, and flood insurance requirements.

Here is a list of items that you may want to include in your hurricane preparedness kit:

• Reusable ice (reusable ice packs)
• Portable, self-powered light source (powered by battery, solar, hand-crank, or gas)
• Candles
• Flashlights
• Lanterns
• Gas or diesel fuel container, including LP gas and kerosene containers
• Batteries, including rechargeable batteries, listed sizes only (excluding automobile and boat batteries): AAA-cell, AA-cell, C-cell, D-cell, 6-volt and 9-volt
• Coolers and ice chests (food-storage; nonelectrical)
• Bungee cords
• Ground anchor systems
• Radios (powered by battery, solar, or handcrank) either Two-way or Weather band
• Ratchet straps
• Tarpaulins (tarps)
• Tie-down kits
• Visqueen, plastic sheeting, plastic drop cloths, and other flexible waterproof sheeting
• Portable generators used to provide light or communications, or to preserve food in the event of a power outage

Understandably, the last thing many of us want to focus on is preparing for Florida hurricane season, but now is the best time to start – before a storm hits. As always, Claims Aid Consultants Public Adjusters will be here for you – before, during, and after the storm.

Should you ever need to file a claim with your homeowners insurance to help you recover from this type of loss, it is important that you review your policy carefully because hurricane deductibles are frequently higher than other covered perils and they can vary greatly.  

If you are experiencing roof leaks, or staining on your ceiling you may have hurricane damage. Contact one of our licensed professional public adjusters at Claims Aid Consultants for a free inspection and evaluation today at 888-244-GET PAID.