Every year hurricane season officially begins in the Sunshine State on June 1st. With hurricanes come strong winds and storm surges that can easily cause flooding in low-lying areas along the coast of Florida. Now is the time to make sure your Tampa homeowners insurance policy is up to date and that your home is prepped for the upcoming hurricane and potential flood season. Follow along for four helpful steps that will ensure you are prepared well before authorities issue a warning that a tropical storm or hurricane is on its way.
Make An Emergency Plan
If an evacuation occurs, you will need to know ahead of time where you and your family can safely go, as well as how you will get there. After checking that your Tampa homeowners insurance policy is up-to-date, creating an emergency plan and sharing it with your family is the next step in flood prepping. Address issues that may come up if you’re ordered to evacuate, like where your family will meet if you’re not together when the evacuation is ordered. Make sure you have plenty of gas stored so that you can get to where you need to go once everyone starts panic buying fuel for travel and generators.
Prepare Your Home
If your home is already raised, this won’t be as big of a task. But if your home is lower, you should elevate utilities like furnaces, water heaters, and electric panels. You can also use sandbags or other home barriers to protect lower floors in your home, install a water alarm, or get a battery-operated backup sump pump in the event that water gets inside. If possible, furniture and other valuables should be moved to the highest spot in your home, like the 2nd floor or attic.
Put Together An Emergency Kit
A grab-and-go bag that is prepared ahead of time can really come in handy, especially if you are evacuated in the middle of the night. This emergency kit should include water, non-perishable food that doesn’t require prepping, a battery-powered radio, a flashlight, batteries, a first aid kit, any necessary medication you need, blankets, a whistle, necessary toiletries, cash, and copies of important documents like ID’s and health cards.
Consider Purchasing Flood Insurance In Addition To Tampa Homeowners Insurance
In addition to your Tampa homeowner’s insurance, you may want to consider investing in flood insurance for your home as well. According to FEMA, just 1 inch of water in your home can cause up to $25,000 of damage to your home! Don’t get caught underinsured, contact HH Insurance to discuss your potential flood risk, and if investing in flood insurance is a smart move for you!
**This blog provides a brief overview of the terms and phrases used within the insurance industry. These definitions are not applicable in all states or for all insurance and financial products. This is not an insurance contract. Other terms, conditions and exclusions apply. Please read your official policy for full details about coverage. These definitions do not alter or modify the terms of any insurance contract.