Tips for Florida Homeowners to Prepare for the Hurricane Season

Now that the summer is upon us, it is not just the days that are warmer and longer. Every year, June 1st marks the official start of the Hurricane season in Florida, which runs through November 30th. If you haven’t already started to prepare for the strong possibility of severe storms, United Public Adjusters & Appraisers’ (W912955), a licensed Florida public adjuster, offers these tips so you can be ready for whatever this season brings. This way, should you have to prepare hurricane damage claims, the process will be far less stressful and ultimately successful.

1. Review Your Insurance Policies
   We know this is not an exciting read, and likely have not been updated since you applied for your mortgage. Over the years, however, your home has doubtless increased in value so it is very important that you review your coverages and policy limits. If you need assistance, give United Public Adjusters & Appraisers’ (W912955) a call at 800-718-5677. As your Florida public adjuster, we’ll be glad to assist you in reviewing your coverage, and point out any omissions or items that need updating.
2. Document Your Possessions
   There is no excuse not to find the time to do this. Just take your cell phone and create a video as you walk from room-to-room. Don’t forget closets, storage rooms, attics, basements, and of course, your garage. If you can spare the time, take photos, and take photos of receipts. Keep hardcopies in a watertight box, as well as on your cell phone. Do not forget to back up your photos and videos on the cloud via icloud, dropbox, or sharepoint folders.This way if you have to prepare hurricane claims, you’ll have everything you need, right in your hand for convenient reference. For additional information, review these tips United Public Adjusters & Appraisers provided to a New York news station.
3. Consider Purchasing a Generator
   In the event your home loses power, it could be days before it is restored. Look into having a generator installed and store some 5-gallon gasoline tanks (unless you have a solar powered backup system) at the start of the season as gas stations will likely be closed if a storm is severe and damage widespread.
4. Test Your Home Backup Systems
   Drains, sump pumps, even mandated storm shutters should be tested at the start of the season. Do not wait until these are needed to find they require repairs or replacement. Having a non-functional sump pump, for example, could cause your hurricane damage claims to be denied so it is well worth looking into.
5. Maintain Your Roof and Foundation/Install Roof Straps
   If your roof and/or foundation is already showing signs of wear or needs repair, make these fixes. High winds can destroy a poorly maintained roof in seconds. Make sure your foundation is sealed to prevent floods from inundating your home. Metal roof straps have been recommended for decades in Florida. These are attached to the attic beams and ensure that your roof will not blow off. If you do not have them, consider this vital, and relatively inexpensive addition to your home. You may qualify for an insurance deduction as well. Look at it this way, that ounce of pre-storm prevention can reduce the likelihood and stress of having to submit hurricane damage claims later.
6. Know Where Your Water, Electricity, and Gas Shut Offs Are
   Equally important when the power grid goes down, is knowing that when service returns there will be a potentially destructive power surge. If you have to evacuate your home, be sure all your utilities are shut off.
7. Best Tip of All – Put United Public Adjusters & Appraisers’ (W912955) Phone Number in Your Cell Phone Contacts List.
   Just call our team at 800-718-5677, and we’ll be there when you need us most. We have decades of experience assisting homeowners in Florida to submit successful hurricane claims. As your Florida public adjuster we’ll be with you as soon as you call us and remain by your side throughout the claims process. Contact us today to learn more!