Disaster Preparedness Overview 
Before the Storm
- Make sure you're covered – Insurance companies do not accept new
applications or requests for increased coverage once a hurricane nears Florida.
- Know what your policy covers – Flood and wind damage are often
covered in separate policies. Decide if you need this protection and contact
your agent for more information.
- Make sure your coverage is adequate – You may have made recent home
improvements or purchases. Consider increasing your coverage if your policy
doesn't cover the current value of your home and contents.
- Keep policy documents safe – In addition to information on your
agent, you should write down the name of your insurance company, policy number,
and a telephone number to report a claim.
- Fortify your home - Inspect your roof, making sure you have roof
anchors installed on your home. Replace your windows and doors that don't pass
the impact test, or cover them with shutters. A fortified home with the right
doors, windows and shutters will save you money on your insurance premiums (link
to discounts).
- Secure your property and clear your yard of any debris, lawn
furniture, tools or other objects that could turn into dangerous projectiles in
high winds.
After the Storm
- Immediately report property damage to your insurance agent and
company. If you must make emergency repairs, document them.
- Maintain copies of your household inventory and other documentation.
This will assist the adjuster in assessing the value of the destroyed property.
- Take precautions if the damage requires you to leave your home. Let
your agent or company know your temporary forwarding address and home number.
- Beware of fly-by-night repair businesses. Hire licensed and reputable
service people.
- Know what kind of licensed adjuster you will deal with (i.e. company
adjuster, independent adjuster or public adjuster). Ask for identification, and
if a question arises, call the Department of Insurance hotline for assistance.
- If you encounter any instances of price gouging, call the Florida
Department of Agriculture’s Division of Consumer Services at 1-800-357-4273.
Financial Safety
When you hear warnings that a storm is near, you should also take precautions
to protect your financial interests. These tips can help you secure your
financial safety.
- Remember to withdraw money before a pending natural disaster. Carrying or
keeping large amounts of cash in your home, however, might put you at risk of
being robbed. Also, you could lose interest payments if you take too much out of
an interest-bearing account.
- Normally, financial institutions will be closed at least two days after a
direct hit, and ATMs could be out of commission even longer.
- During all cash withdrawals, be aware of your surroundings and any
suspicious persons.
- Get receipts for cash purchases before and after a storm.
- Have a credit card on hand with at least $1,000 available.
- Use credit cards to finance minimal repairs when necessary. Document all
these transactions.
- If you pay bills by phone or online, pay them before a hurricane hits, even
if they are not yet due. Otherwise, a hurricane could interrupt phone service
causing you to miss payments and get late charges.
- If you pay by mail, send payments at least two days before a hurricane,
because the post office will not pick up mail within 24 hours of a strike.
- Keep copies of all payments mailed within 3 days of a hurricane making
landfall.
- After a storm, contact those you've sent payments to and confirm they have
received them.
- Store important financial papers in a safe and accessible place.
- Before you use any "fast-cash" lender, be sure you understand what the fees
will cost for the service.
- Beware of anyone offering to help after a storm, who wants cash only.
Disaster Tips
