Articles Tagged: Hurricane Season

With Home Insurance: The Unexpected Can Be Protected

Thursday, March 17, 2011

We have seen with the recent earthquake in Japan that tragedy can strike at any moment. Many lives were lost and loved ones’ hearts shattered as they watched all they worked for destroyed in such an unexpected natural disaster. Living in the sunshine state has its benefits, from the white, sandy beaches to a seemingly continuous summer season. Yet, along with our beautiful weather there is a downfall; hurricane season.  What many Florida residents fail to realize is that this can be avoided by taking the necessary precautions now, in order to avoid the inescapable later. That is why it is important to have proper home insurance coverage.

With hurricane season approaching, it is critical to be proactive in obtaining proper home insurance to protect not only your valuables but your loved ones as well. If you’re a home owner, chances are it is your greatest asset so why not protect it! The benefits of having home insurance speak for themselves:

• Mortgage lenders require it (if you take out a loan to buy your home).
• If you rent, your landlord’s policy will not cover your personal property.
• If you own a condo, the condo association’s policy does not cover your personal property and generally the interior of your condo.
• It can be a financial safety net in a disaster.
• Bad things do happen.

No one wants to be left without an option or without an avenue to turn to once tragedy strikes. The key is to have good home insurance, which will allow you to live worry free. Allow our trusted associates at The Salmon Agency to give you peace of mind and find the right home insurance policy for you. Think about it, if you can't financially afford to cover a loss on your own, then you can't afford not to be insured.

Hurricane Series: Developing Your Pet Plan

Thursday, July 15, 2010

Pets are an important part of the household and millions of you consider them a part of the family as well. That’s why developing a hurricane plan is so important; no one should be left behind.

Preparing in advance for a hurricane is a necessary step to take where pet protection is concerned. Here are some tips to follow:

• Ensure that your pets have been vaccinated recently as shelters may require proof of vaccines.
• Take a current photograph of your pet.
• Have an identification collar on your pet and keep a leash accessible.
• Have a properly-sized animal carrier for your pet (carriers should be large enough for your pet to stand and turn around).
• Potential refuges for you pet include: specialized shelters, animal control shelters, veterinary clinics and relatives or friends.
• If you plan to shelter your pet, work it into your evacuation route plan.

During a hurricane, don’t panic. Follow these guidelines to ensure that your pet is safe:

• Pet shelters will be filled on a first come, first served basis. Call ahead to determine availability.
• If you take your pet to a shelter, ensure that that have a proper identification collar and rabies tag, proper identification on all belongings, a carrier or cage, leash, ample supply of food, water and food bowls, necessary medications, specific care instructions and newspapers or trash bags for clean up.
• If an evacuation is not required, bring pets indoors well in advance of the storm.

After a hurricane has passed, pets need time to adjust to their surroundings again. It may be a slow process, as pets can become traumatized. However, with some care, they will be back to normal before you know it. Here are some tips to help speed the process:

• Walk pets on a leash until they are re-oriented. Often, familiar scents and landmarks may be altered and pets could get easily confused and lost. Also, downed power lines and reptiles brought in with floods and debris can all pose a threat for pets after a disaster.
• After a disaster, normally quiet and friendly dogs and cats can become aggressive or defensive. Monitor their behavior and look for changes.
• If pets cannot be found after a disaster, contact the local animal control office.

Don't forget to include your pet when preparing a family hurricane plan. Consider creating a pet disaster supply kit with items such as proper identification, food and water, carrier or cage, collar and leash, and medications. Making an effective plan will ensure that your pets are safe during a hurricane. For more information about developing a pet plan, visit the ASPCA website. For information about insurance policy coverage to protect you and your loved ones in case of a hurricane through the Salmon Agency, please visit our website and our team of trained professionals will assist you with obtaining the coverage you need.

Lincoln Salmon is the owner and founder of Salmon Agency (www.salmonagency.com). He is an active community leader and a trusted resource for insurance and financial planning needs since 1999.

Hurricane Season: Are You Covered?

Thursday, July 8, 2010

As a homeowner, at the beginning of every hurricane season, you should take the time to review your policy and ensure that your coverage is sufficient. Your insurance coverage will have some impact on how to prepare for the hurricane season and may even include helpful advice and specific rules you will need to follow in order to make claims.

Here are some insurance pointers to keep in mind and tools you can use to help as you review your policy and prepare for severe weather:

• Windstorm: Ensure that windstorms are covered by your policy. Some homeowners and renters’ insurance may not include this type of damage, so talk to your agent if you aren’t sure.
• Flood Insurance: Homeowner and renters insurance typically do not cover flood damages. You may find you will need separate flood insurance in addition to your homeowners or renters insurance. Flood insurance coverage can be purchased from a trusted agent like The Salmon Agency. Note: All flood insurance is underwritten by The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
• Replacement Coverage: After you purchase physical valuables –computers or appliances – and take them home, they begin to lose, or depreciate, in value. This is important to know because when you make an insurance claim, the insurance adjuster will include the depreciation of the item. Therefore, the amount you receive may not completely cover the damaged item. Take the time to ensure that your personal belongings have sufficient replacement coverage.
• Deductibles: Review the deductibles and other exclusions of your policy to be aware of how much you may have to pay out of pocket in case of damage. Note: Federal disaster loan programs may also be available to cover deductibles.
• Temporary Living Expenses: Take out an insurance policy that includes funds for temporary living expenses – or loss of value – in the event that your home becomes inhabitable.
• Before and After Photos: If you live within a hurricane-prone area, take pictures of the inside and outside of you home now! Make sure photos are clear and include each room of your house with appliances and furniture. Photos of your personal belongings that require special insurance coverage should also be taken. Use our home inventory tool to start the process. If a hurricane passes and causes damage to your home, take the same series of pictures for “after” photos.

For information about insurance policy coverage and claims through the Salmon Agency, please visit our website and our team of trained professionals will assist you with obtaining the coverage you need.

Lincoln Salmon is the owner and founder of The Salmon Agency (www.salmonagency.com). He is an active community leader and a trusted resource for insurance and financial planning needs since 1999.

Be Prepared for Hurricane Season

Thursday, July 1, 2010

As we enter hurricane season this year, you will want to be sure that you are taking the necessary precautions to keep you and your family safe. History has proven to Floridians that severe weather patterns can be unpredictable at times and easily take a turn for the worse. The lesson is to prepare as much as you can!

Because hurricane hazards can include storm surges, high winds, tornadoes and flooding, having a plan of action in the event that one threatens your home is key. The National Hurricane Center suggests these disaster prevention tips:

• Develop a family plan and ensure that every member of your family knows it thoroughly. The plan should be written out and a test-run should be done to ensure it works.
• Create a disaster supply kit that includes all the items you would need in the event of an evacuation.
• Have a place to go in the event of a mandatory evacuation in your area. (Sometimes there are designated evacuation places available, but you should be aware of them before a hurricane strikes).
• Protect your home by taking all the necessary safeguards.
• Have a pet plan. Contact your veterinarian or local humane society for information on preparing your pet for an emergency.

You also want to protect your valuables and that requires planning. Here are some quick, easy measures you should take before a hurricane strikes: 

• Secure your property. Permanent storm shutters are the best protection for windows, but an alternative is 5/8” marine plywood that is cut to secure the window.
• Straps connecting your roof to the frame structure can reduce roof damage.
• Cut/trim all trees around your house.
• Clear loose and clogged rain gutters and downspouts.
• Determine a safe room in you home where no windows are present.

By utilizing these safety measures, you can rest assured that you will be ready in the event of a threatening hurricane. In our next post, we will discuss asset protection for hurricane season and how The Salmon Agency can make sure you and your loved ones have the best coverage. Stay tuned!