Stay Safe During a Hurricane

Now through late October is considered peak
hurricane season. To help homeowners keep their families and their property
safe during a hurricane, we offer tips to help
prepare.

Being prepared in advance
and taking the appropriate actions to protect your family and property can help
to prevent or mitigate injury or losses. Don’t wait for the storm to be headed in your direction. Here’s a list
of easy-to-do action items that can be completed well in advance and improve
your odds of weathering the storm safely.

Hurricane preparation tips:

•
Create or
update a home inventory. It is
one of the most important, but often overlooked preparations. Homeowners’
insurance claims are more likely to be processed up to twice as quickly when
customers have completed a home inventory in advance of a loss, according to
The Hanover Insurance Company, a leading property and casualty insurer. 

•
Stock emergency supplies, including:
a battery-powered radio, flashlights, extra batteries, medicines, first aid
handbook and kit, and a week’s worth of non-perishable food and water.
Other items to have on hand include: prescriptions, pet supplies, plastic
sheeting, tape, and toiletries such as diapers.

•
Secure your home: Repair
loose boards, shingles, shutters, downspouts—the kind of things that could
become greater problems in high winds or torrential rain. If you live near
the coast, purchase and store materials you may need to board up windows.

•
Bring items
inside your home that could become dangerous as
flying objects, including toys, grills, planters and lawn
furniture. 

•
Purchase
battery-operated carbon monoxide and smoke alarms
if you have a generator you may have to use. To help ensure safe operation,
take time to read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. 

•
Develop an
evacuation plan, and know where local shelters are located. If you have a furry
friend, be sure you have a list of local shelters and hotels that allow pets.

•
Create a list
of key telephone numbers including, family,
friends, fire, police, insurance agent’s, etc. that may
be needed in the event of an emergency.

•
Sign up for
weather alerts. Stay
alert about approaching weather and follow advice from local
officials to stay safe during storms.

The staff at KENSINGTON INSURANCE is here to help you weather the storm. Please call us to review your policy to
determine whether you have adequate protection and/or to provide a quotation for flood insurance.