Hurricane season is upon us. Forecasters have predicted another active hurricane season, so it’s imperative for business owners to have their hurricane preparations done sooner than later.
Steps to Prepare for Hurricane
Below are some ways business owners can make sure they’re personally prepared, and their property is prepared, should the worst happen.
Trim Trees
Having trees not trimmed could prove to be dangerous should strong winds come through your neighborhood. Especially look for trees that are closest to your home or are on or near your roof as these would be the most likely to cause potential damage.
Take Pictures of Your Home or Business
Having pictures of your home or business prior to a storm rolling through is as important as the pictures afterward. By having these pictures you have proof of what your house or building looked like beforehand and can show the impact of the damage should a storm happen. A good rule of thumb is to take pictures at the beginning of each hurricane season, or, anytime any significant improvements are made to the outside of your home or business.
Check Gutters and Downspouts
Having a lot of rain all at once can be damaging to gutters and downspouts. By checking them at least once a year to make sure they’re clear will give you the best opportunity of preventing additional damage to your home or business.
Look for Leaks
If you notice a leak during a regular storm, imagine what the damage could be during a hurricane. It’s important to identify any leaks as soon as possible and get them fixed before any more potential damage could happen.
Update Your Disaster Kit and Supplies
Having a disaster kit is crucial should the power go out. Important items to keep in a disaster kit include:
- \Water;
- \Non-perishable food that doesn’t need to be heated up;
- \Flashlight with extra batteries; and,
- \A first-aid kit.
You should be checking to make sure the disaster kit is up-to-date every six months, but it’s especially important to reinspect it prior to hurricane season.
Review Your Insurance
While you should already have a home or general liability insurance, it’s also important to have hurricane insurance. Neither home insurance nor hurricane insurance is required by law, however, having these types of insurance are your best protection when it comes to protecting your home or business and assets should a storm roll through.
When reviewing your policy, make sure to take note of what is covered, what isn’t covered, and have your agent’s contact information readily available.
If the worst would happen, and your insurance is refusing to cover your loss, contact Hawash Cicack & Gaston, LLP. We handle insurance claims and will work for you to have the best possible outcome. Get started today by calling us at (713) 589-7249.
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