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10 Unusual Hurricane Preparation Tips

March 7, 2019 by NHSI

Are you ready note on corkboard

It’s a familiar feeling for Floridians. A hurricane warning has been issued across all news and radio stations – and masses of people are rushing to gas stations, supermarket aisles have been cleared of canned goods, and there isn’t a fresh battery to be found at the home supply store. You’re so focused on getting the absolute essentials, like three days’ worth of food and water, that some things inevitably slip your mind. In the hectic preparations, try not to forget these less common items for your hurricane emergency kit:

1. Battery-operated or handheld fan
The last thing you want is to ride out a hurricane in Florida in the middle of July with no air conditioning. Use a battery-operated or handheld fan to keep air flowing and have plenty of extra batteries on hand. Conversely, if the weather has already turned chilly, make sure you have some hand warmers ready.

2. Ready-to-use hygienic supplies
With the power and water supply out, it’s easy to feel unclean. Gone are the days of plentiful hot water and long, relaxing showers. Stock up on dry shampoo, mouthwash, hand sanitizer, wet wipes, and feminine products, among others – things that will help restore a much-needed sense of cleanliness. And if you wear contact lenses, don’t forget a supply of contact solution – you don’t want to sleep with your contacts in, as it can lead to infections or dry eyes, or find yourself forced to dig up an old pair of glasses with the wrong prescription.

3. Bug spray
Hurricanes bring a torrent – not only of water, but of bugs as well. Mosquitoes can carry diseases, and they especially thrive in the dampness and humidity of a storm’s aftermath. The CDC recommends that you choose an EPA-registered insect repellent to fight off the little critters.

4. Bleach
Pure, unscented bleach can serve a multitude of helpful purposes after a hurricane. Not only can it disinfect a variety of items, it can also sanitize water when boiling isn’t an option. The FDA advises 1/8 teaspoon of bleach per gallon of water, and then waiting 30 minutes until the water is safe to drink.

5. Disposable camera
To be ready in case your home suffers from flooding or other damage, you’ll want to take “before” photos of your belongings, especially valuables. If damage actually occurs, take “after” photos for your insurance provider. If you are unable to access the camera on your phone, a disposable camera will be helpful for quick snapshots. It will also show that your photos have not been altered and your description of the damage is true and accurate.

6. Cooler
Food and drinks aren’t the only things you’ll want to keep chilled – some medications require cool storage places to remain effective. A small cooler will do the trick, but make sure to wrap the medications in a plastic bag to avoid water damage as ice melts.

Florida’s unique geography places it squarely in the crosshairs of hurricane season ever year, yet a survey by the National Hurricane Survival Initiative showed that Floridians still do not sufficiently prepare. Take this Hurricane IQ quiz and don’t forget these incredibly helpful actions!

7. Waterproof important documents
It’s crucial that you safely store your important documents, but also that they stay safe. Consider using waterproof bags that won’t allow moisture to seep inside and keep the storage container away from areas of your home that are likely to flood. Make copies and have them laminated, and keep a printed contact information sheet. Additionally, don’t forget identification information for all members of your household, and store it with the important documents in an easily accessible place in case you must evacuate.

8. Make sure your fridge keeps its cool
Don’t forget to set your refrigerator and freezer to their lowest temperatures. Freeze containers of water or have ice packs to ensure that your food doesn’t spoil as quickly. By making a list of the contents in your fridge, you’ll know exactly what’s inside so you can minimize the time the door is open.

9. Don’t forget your pets
Make an emergency supply kit for your pets. Include three days of food and water, as well as any medications that your pet needs. Don’t forget to keep copies of your pet’s vaccinations and medical records in a waterproof container.

10. Educate yourself
Knowledge is power, and you’ll want to be armed with as much of it as possible before a hurricane hits. The FAIR Foundation aims to educate the public about natural disaster risks through Get Ready, Florida! The National Hurricane Survival Initiative promotes wind and flood mitigation in hopes of reducing uninsured risk and helping families stay protected throughout the hurricane season.

Learn more at fairfound.org and hurricanesafety.org.

Filed Under: Blog, Get Ready, Florida Tagged With: FAIR Foundation, Florida, Get Ready, hurricane preparation, hurricane season, Hurricane supplies, unusual supplies

FedNat Provides Stability in the Unpredictability of Hurricane Season

August 23, 2018 by NHSI

SUNRISE, Fla. —  Being a homeowner in Florida certainly has its perks — sandy beaches, sunshine, and tropical weather make for a vacation-like setting year-round. However, from June 1 to November 30 each year, the state becomes a perfect target for powerful storms like last year’s Hurricanes Irma and Maria. This unpredictable time of year calls for comprehensive homeowners insurance with a trustworthy, long standing and financially stable company. For this need, industry experts recommend FedNat Insurance Company.

With broad product offerings and a Florida focus, Floridians are wise to remember FedNat when preparing for hurricane season. As a sponsor of the National Hurricane Survival Initiative’s Get Ready, Florida! program, in partnership with the FAIR Foundation, FedNat understands the importance of providing education on how to best protect what matters most.

“It is crucial that Floridians meet with their agents to understand how they’re covered prior to hurricane season,” said Michael H. Braun, CEO and President of FedNat. “Our company is committed to providing peace of mind to policyholders through expedient claims handling and personalized protection.”

Having paid over $2 billion in claims in its 26 years, including approximately $500 million after Hurricane Irma in 2017, FedNat’s proven coverage allows policyholders to rest easy in the midst of even the worst storms. Jay Neal, CEO of the Florida Association for Insurance Reform, sees firsthand that all insurance providers in Florida are not created equal. When he had to make a choice for coverage on his own home, he turned to FedNat.

“Financial stability matters,” said Jay. “FedNat offers great coverage at a competitive price and backs it up with exceptional customer service.”

ABOUT FEDNAT INSURANCE COMPANY

FedNat Insurance Company has been providing individuals with peace of mind for more than 26 years. FedNat Insurance Company currently holds a Financial Stability Rating® of “A” (Exceptional) by Demotech, Inc. and an A+ by the Better Business Bureau. FedNat specializes in homeowners’ multi-peril (“homeowners”), dwelling fire, federal flood, personal umbrella and various other products in Florida. In addition, FedNat also underwrites homeowners’ and dwelling fire policies in Alabama, Louisiana, South Carolina and Texas through its partnership with SageSure Insurance Managers.

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: FedNat, flood insurance, Florida, homeowners insurance, insurance

Assured Risk Cover Making Big Waves in Immediate Protection for Hurricane-Prone Florida

August 23, 2018 by NHSI

CLEARWATER, FL & PLEASANTON, CA — While much of Florida is still recovering from the catastrophic damage caused by Hurricane Irma, many Sunshine State residents and businesses have found there’s a way to bounce back from a storm faster than ever before. When a hurricane hits and there are immediate costs, homeowners and commercial insurance usually don’t offer a quick fix — that’s where StormPeace comes in.

Unpredicted expenses such as debris removal, business interruption, spoiled food replacement, and evacuation costs rapidly add up and aren’t covered by the average homeowners and commercial insurance policy. StormPeace is parametric insurance offered by Assured Risk Cover that automatically pays eligible policyholders based on the strength of the hurricane and distance of the hurricane track at its closest point from their property. Policyholders can use the funds for virtually any hurricane-related costs.

“Our company paid 100 percent of eligible claims for Hurricane Irma, most within 24 hours of attestation,” said Alok Jha, CEO and founder of Assured Risk Cover. “With experts predicting active storm seasons to be the new normal, it’s crucial that residents are aware of products that will better help them recover from what is an inevitable event in the state of Florida.”

StormPeace recently partnered with the FAIR Foundation and the National Hurricane Survival Initiative to produce the 30-minute TV special, Get Ready, Florida! Through this sponsorship, the company was able to educate Floridians on how preparing early for the unexpected is necessary particularly in a state with 1,300 miles of coastline.

“Because of StormPeace, I can enter hurricane season with greater peace of mind,” said Jay Neal, CEO of the Florida Association for Insurance Reform. “Renewing my policy is now a part of my pre-season preparation — it’s comforting to know that many unplanned storm costs will be immediately covered.”

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ABOUT ASSURED RISK COVER

Assured Risk Cover (ARC) is a venture-backed Silicon Valley corporation based in Pleasanton, California. ARC is founded by an experienced team of catastrophe risk professionals whose singular vision is to bring immediate financial relief to people globally following catastrophes. Alok Jha (CEO), Kanwal Rekhi (lead investor from Inventus Capital Partners) and Kevin Schrage (former President of Aon Smalln Commercial Lines) form the Board of Directors of ARC. StormPeace is backed by highly rated insurance and reinsurance companies—ranked A- and A+ by A.M. Best, respectively. For more information, visit www.stormpeace.com and www.assuredriskcover.com.

 

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Assured Risk Cover, Florida, hurricane preparation, hurricane season, parametric insurance, StormPeace

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