Floridians are well-acquainted with hurricane season—a period of unpredictability that coincides with prime vacation time each year. Approximately 78% of tropical storms occur during this window of time, as well as 87% of category 1-2 hurricanes, and 96% of major hurricanes in category 3-5. Effective preparation is crucial for homeowners during this time. If damage occurs and your insurance falls short of providing the coverage you need, Woodward, Pires & Lombardo, P.A. is here to assist you.
Effectively Prepare Your Home and Property for Hurricane Season
In Florida the certainty of storms makes preparation essential and completely doable. Conducting a thorough property assessment well in advance can mitigate the risk of damage. Some essential steps you can take include:
- Secure or clear objects in your yard like empty pots, old/unused patio furniture, or piles of scrap wood
- Keep your shrubbery trimmed to help prevent breaking
- Clean your gutters and drains and remove any clutter that might be on your roof or balcony
- Complete an inventory of the property at your home, so that if items are lost or damaged, you know what to claim with your insurance
- PRO TIP: Take a video walkthrough of your home so you have an accurate reflection of the state of your home and your belongings should tragedy strike
- Ensure to have a back-stock of supplies in the event a storm results in shortages
- Make any large purchases you deem necessary like propane tanks or generators
- Reinforce any fences or supplemental dwellings on your property (sheds, chicken coops, dog runs, etc.)
- Carefully review your insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for hurricane damage
- PRO TIP: Pay special attention to whether you are insured for flooding. In Florida, this is a separate policy and likely not included with your standard hurricane coverage.
While not all homes have hurricane shutters, if you do keep them easily accessible during hurricane season so you can use them before it is too late. Even with the most effective insurance coverage, it can take time to make repairs and replace property, so taking preventative measures will help to not only protect your property and belongings, but will also prevent time-consuming complications in your life.
Even a fully weather-proofed home with effective hurricane safeguards may experience damage. When this happens, it is important to file a comprehensive insurance claim to ensure approval and to cover your damaged property. The damages you are able to collect are limited by what you request, and what you can prove. If you’ve had a proper claim denied, or been paid less than you are entitled to, a Florida hurricane lawyer may be able to assist.
Woodward, Pires & Lombardo, P.A. is Here to Help
We hope 2024 proves to be a quiet year and that you don’t have to face the devastating effects of severe storm damage to your home or business, which also means the subsequent correspondence with insurance companies and the need to hire contractors for rebuilding. But if you do, we’re here to assist. To speak with an attorney at Woodward, Pires & Lombardo, P.A. please call or contact us online.