Shepard on Insurance Current events and feedback on insurance

High wind speeds and heavy flooding experienced last year in the northeast affected many of us. Fallen trees, damaged roofs, power outages, flooded basements, broken windows and collapsed garages & sheds were sights that lined the streets of our neighborhoods. Homeowner’s Insurance does not cover a vast amount of the damage that would occur in storms of this nature; leaving yourself unprotected could make storm and flood damage a catastrophic, financial bombshell.

 Flood insurance is a decidedly important insurance product that no strong insurance portfolio is complete without. The insurance is inexpensive and the coverage is extremely important as homeowners insurance will not provide flood protection. That being said, other effective measures can be taken to reduce damage to property and to help keep your family safe.

Preparation is essential to mitigating the dangers of hurricanes, flooding and other natural disasters.

    As part of an effective disaster kit, FEMA recommends the following items: food, water, medical supplies, battery-powered radio, batteries, flashlights, and other items that will allow you to get by for 3 days after a hurricane hits.

    Because you may need to leave your home immediately during a disaster, filling your car with gasoline before a storm is also important.

 Planning ahead can reduce the amount of destruction in a hurricane or flood and help tremendously in avoiding unnecessary damage.

    Removing loose objects such as ornaments and furniture from your yard can protect your family and home from objects that can become projectiles when exposed to high wind speeds.

    Overgrown trees and shrubs near a home can crush buildings and destroy property, maintaining trees prior to a storm can prevent damage.

    Lastly, having gutters cleaned of obstructions and before a storm can greatly increase the likelihood that the gutters will be able to carry and direct water away from your house, preventing flooding.