Hurricanes are strong storms that cause life and property threatening hazards such as flooding, storm surge, high winds and tornadoes. Preparation is the best protection against the dangers of a hurricane. As forecasters track a hurricane the terms “hurricane watch” and “hurricane warning” will be used often. It is important to know the difference:

• Hurricane Watch – Hurricane conditions are a threat within 48 hours. Review your hurricane plans, keep informed and be ready to act if a warning is issued.
• Hurricane Warning – Hurricane conditions are expected within 36 hours. Complete your preparations and leave the area if directed to do so by authorities.

​What Should I Do?

• Listen to local forecasts on television and radio as well as National Weather Service (NWS) announcements.
• Check your disaster supplies and replace or restock as needed.
• Bring in anything that can be picked up by wind (furniture, toys, etc.)
• Close windows, doors and shutters.
• Turn refrigerator and freezer to the coldest settings and keep them closed as much as possible so that food will last longer if power goes out.
• Turn off propane tanks and unplug small appliances.
• Fill your car’s gas tank.
• Create an evacuation plan with your family. Plan routes to local shelters and make plans for pet care.
• Evacuate if advised by authorities. Be careful to avoid flooded roads and bridges.
• Because standard homeowners insurance does not cover flooding, it is important to have protection from floods associated with heavy rains, tropical storms and hurricanes. For more information visit the National Flood Insurance Program website here.

What Supplies Do I Need?

• Water – at least a three-day supply, one gallon per person, per day.
• Food – at least a three-day supply of non-perishable, easy to prepare food.
• Flashlight
• Battery-powered or hand-cranked radio
• Extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Medications seven-day supply) and medical items (hearing aids, glasses, syringes, etc.)
• Multi-purpose tool
• Sanitation & personal hygiene items
• Copies of personal documents (medications, proof of address, deed/lease, passports, insurance policies, etc.)
• Cell phones with chargers
• Family & emergency contact information
• Extra cash (ATMs may be down if power is lost)
• Emergency blankets
• Maps of the area
• Baby & pet supplies if needed
• Tools/supplies to secure your home
• Extra clothing (hats and shoes as well)
• Extra set of car & house keys
• Rain gear
• Insect repellent and sunscreen
• Camera for photos of damage for insurance claims

What Do I Do After A Hurricane?

• Continue to listen to weather forecasts and local news for updates.
• Stay alert for extended rainfall and flooding even after the storm has ended.
• If you evacuated only return home when officials say it is safe.
• Drive only if necessary and avoid flooded roads and bridges.
• Keep away from loose or downed wires and report them immediately.
• Stay out of any building surrounded by water.
• Inspect your home for damage. Take pictures for insurance claims.
• Use flashlights in the dark, NOT candles which can cause fires.
• Avoid drinking or preparing food with tap water until you are sure it is not contaminated.
• Check refrigerated food for spoilage. If in doubt, throw it out.
• Wear protective clothing and use caution when cleaning up to avoid injury.
• Watch pets closely and keep them under your direct control.
• Use telephones only for emergency calls

Let Your Family Know You Are Safe!
​If your community experiences a hurricane or any disaster, register on the American Red Cross Safe and Well website available through RedCross.org/SafeandWell to let your family and friends know about your welfare. If you do not have Internet access, call 1-866-GET-INFO to register yourself and your family.
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Click here to download a Hurricane Safety Checklist provided by the Red Cross.

Click Here for How To Prepare for Hurricane Safety!

The winter holiday season is full of family, friends and festivities, but unfortunately, all that extra celebrating, cooking and decorating can pose potentially serious hazards at home. Knowing the risks and how to help avoid injury, theft and damage to property through the holiday season are important and can save you from expensive homeowners’ insurance claims.​

1.Decorate wisely. To help reduce the risk of fire, use non-flammable or flame-retardant decorations. Planning your displays carefully is important to help reduce the risk of fire, electrical shock, trips and falls and property damage. If you decorate a Christmas tree, select a quality artificial tree and decorate with only UL-listed lights. If you choose to have a fresh tree, be sure to keep water in the stand at all times.

2. Use candles responsibly. December is the peak time of year for home candle fires — the top three days for home candle fires are Christmas, New Year’s Day, and New Year’s Eve. Each year between 2012 and 2016, an average of 8,200 home candle fires were reported each year. Keep lit candles at least 1 foot away from anything that burns and make sure candles are out of reach of children and animals. Also, extinguish all candles when leaving a room or before going to sleep.

3. Keep your tree away from heat sources. U.S. fire departments respond to an estimated annual average of 200 home structure fires that begin with Christmas trees, according to the National Fire Protection Association. These fires cause an estimated annual average of $14.8 million in direct property damage. A heat source too close to the tree causes one in every four Christmas tree fires.

4. Prevent theft. Unfortunately, the holiday season sees an increase in break-ins. Always lock your doors, keep the garage closed, lock windows, and make note of strangers in your neighborhood. Whether you are hosting a party for the neighbors or leaving home for a holiday get away, secure your valuables in a personal safe or a locked room in your home. If you don’t have one already, consider purchasing an alarm system. Also, with the gift giving season in full swing, if you have recently acquired new valuables, inform your insurance agent so that your homeowners’ insurance policy can be updated so you have adequate protection.

5. Protect your pipes. Nothing could ruin the holiday more than the unanticipated damage a burst pipe could cause. The three central causes of frozen pipes are quick drops in temperature, poor insulation and thermostats set too low. Insulate pipes in your home’s crawl spaces and attic, even if you live in a climate where freezing is uncommon. Exposed pipes are most susceptible to freezing.

6. Be a responsible party host. If you plan to serve alcohol at any type of party, it’s important to take steps to limit your liquor liability and make sure you are covered with the proper insurance. Offer guests the option to stay over, have a designated driver to take people home at the end of the night and ensure no one is driving after they have been drinking.

7. Protect your identity. Protect yourself from hackers and identity thieves as you shop in stores and online this holiday season. Keep  wallets, passports, smartphones and other sensitive items secure in bags or pockets and only take them out when needed. Only share your credit card and payment information online on trusted websites.

8. Test all your fire and carbon monoxide detectors. Help avoid fire and smoke damage by making sure your home’s fire safety prevention system is working correctly. The National Safety Council recommends you install a battery-operated carbon monoxide detector in your home near the bedrooms. Check or replace the battery when you change the time on your clocks each spring and fall.

9. Inspect and clean your fireplace. Whether you have a natural or gas fireplace, it’s a source of heat and potential danger. Have your fireplace cleaned and inspected regularly. Also, don’t position your Christmas tree — or anything else — near the fireplace.

10. Practice kitchen safety. Cooking is the leading cause of home fires year round, and the increased use of stovetops and ovens for preparing holiday meals can increase the risk. Christmas Day and Christmas Eve are the second and third most common days for home cooking fires. The leading cause of fires in the kitchen is unattended cooking.

11. Don’t overload electrical outlets & use proper extension cords. Don’t plug all of your holiday lights into one outlet or one circuit. Try to distribute the electrical load across several circuits to prevent any one from being overloaded. Extension cords should always be heavy-duty, quality cords that are grounded for fire safety. Never run extension cords under rugs or in areas where they pose a tripping hazard.

12. Follow dryer safety recommendations. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, the number of dryer fires increases in the winter months and peak in January. Be sure to empty the lint screen before every load and remove all snow from the outside opening to the dryer vent. Also, never run the dryer while you’re asleep or away from home.

13. Avoid injuries in the home. Injuries requiring medical attention occur more often at home than in public places, the workplace and motor vehicle crashes combined, according to an analysis by the National Safety Council. The number and rate of unintentional home injury deaths has been steadily rising since 2000, largely due to increases in unintentional poisonings and falls, according to the Insurance Information Institute.

14. Keep matches and lighters away from kids. The number of blazes — and, tragically, the number of deaths — caused by children playing with fire goes up significantly during the holidays. From January through March, 13% of fire deaths are the result of children playing with fire, the U.S. Fire Administration reports, and  in December, that percentage doubles.

15. Prevent pet bites. The holidays are a busy time and can cause a lot of stress, especially on your furry companions. Pets can become over-excited or territorial when unfamiliar individuals enter your home. Dog bites are a common cause of injury to guests and as the home/pet owner, you could be liable for resulting medical bills.

For more information, please visit Property Casualty 360.