Hurricane and Home insurance

This time each year I start thinking about hurricane, and what to do. I rechecked my home insurance, and started to make preparations just in case. At the same token; hoping that we do not get hit badly by any of the storms that may come.

Read the following about home insurance by, Kelly Farrell with Naples News:

Making sure your property insurance is in order before the storm can make all of the difference after a storm.  Hurricane season, which began Friday, is an important time to make sure you know what your insurance covers — and what it doesn't.

It's important to learn the details of changes in flood risks based on the 2012 FEMA flood insurance rate maps that went into effect May 16. New changes to the maps were announced Friday with more specific information to be released by June 14 that could ease the need for new flood insurance policies for thousands.

Since half of the year is hurricane season, June through November, and the peak of that season lasts three months, August through October, it's good to know your risks and how to protect yourself and your property.

"Flooding is the most common and most costly natural disaster in the U.S. Many people don't know that flooding is not covered by their homeowner's insurance," FEMA spokeswoman Mary Olsen said.
There isn't a standard category of insurance for hurricane coverage. Standard home insurance may cover against wind in the case of the hurricane, but usually doesn't cover against flood and storm surge.
Renters also may want insurance for their personal property, even if their building is protected by the landlord's insurance.

If you want to be sure to protect your car, you may need comprehensive automobile coverage rather than the more common auto liability insurance, which covers the vehicle in case of a collision.
Insurance companies, including the government-operated Citizens Property Insurance Corp., which is Florida's primary provider, often stop writing new policies or making changes once the National Weather Service announces a tropical storm or hurricane threat to Florida. Policies generally take 30 days to go into effect.

Coverage options to consider include the cost to replace items versus current value, because it can be more expensive in many cases to replace items. Insurance experts suggest you check whether your policy covers expenses if you are evacuated or if it is unsafe to return to your home.
Business owners may want to consider coverage for expenses should a storm render their business inoperable.

Many policies don't cover loss of cash or valuable papers. Outdoor property, such as trees, septic systems, decks and fences, aren't always covered.

Florida home insurance rates vary greatly based on several factors. The higher the deductible, the lower the rates and it's best to prepare by having the deductible amount set aside. Deductibles may range from 1 percent to 5 percent of your property's value.
Furthermore, insurance experts said, it is the property owner's responsibility to have performed any maintenance necessary to protect the home.

Read the following by FEMA: Hurricane Preparedness Ideas.

Before a Hurricane
To prepare for a hurricane, you should take the following measures:
•To begin preparing, you should build an emergency kit and make a family communications plan.

•Know your surroundings.

•Learn the elevation level of your property and whether the land is flood-prone. This will help you know how your property will be affected when storm surge or tidal flooding are forecasted.

•Identify levees and dams in your area and determine whether they pose a hazard to you.

•Learn community hurricane evacuation routes and how to find higher ground. Determine where you would go and how you would get there if you needed to evacuate.

•Make plans to secure your property:

•Cover all of your home’s windows. Permanent storm shutters offer the best protection for windows. A second option is to board up windows with 5/8” marine plywood, cut to fit and ready to install. Tape does not prevent windows from breaking.

•Install straps or additional clips to securely fasten your roof to the frame structure. This will reduce roof damage.

•Be sure trees and shrubs around your home are well trimmed so they are more wind resistant.

•Clear loose and clogged rain gutters and downspouts.

•Reinforce your garage doors; if wind enters a garage it can cause dangerous and expensive structural damage.

•Plan to bring in all outdoor furniture, decorations, garbage cans and anything else that is not tied down.

•Determine how and where to secure your boat.

•Install a generator for emergencies.

•If in a high-rise building, be prepared to take shelter on or below the 10th floor.

•Consider building a safe room.

Hurricanes cause heavy rains that can cause extensive flood damage in coastal and inland areas. Everyone is at risk and should consider flood insurance protection. Flood insurance is the only way to financially protect your property or business from flood damage. To learn more about your flooding risk and how to protect yourself and your business, visit the Federal Insurance and Mitigation Administration (NFIP) Web site,www.floodsmart.gov or call 1-800-427-2419. For more detailed information on how you can protect your property, view NFIP’s printer-friendly handout Avoiding Hurricane Damage.


During a Hurricane


If a hurricane is likely in your area, you should:
•Listen to the radio or TV for information.

•Secure your home, close storm shutters and secure outdoor objects or bring them indoors.

•Turn off utilities if instructed to do so. Otherwise, turn the refrigerator thermostat to its coldest setting and keep its doors closed.

•Turn off propane tanks

•Avoid using the phone, except for serious emergencies.

•Moor your boat if time permits.

•Ensure a supply of water for sanitary purpose such as cleaning and flushing toilets. Fill the bathtub and other larger containers with water.

•Find out how to keep food safe during and after and emergency.

You should evacuate under the following conditions:
If you are directed by local authorities to do so. Be sure to follow their instructions.
•If you live in a mobile home or temporary structure – such shelter are particularly hazardous during hurricane no matter how well fastened to the ground.

•If you live in a high-rise building – hurricane winds are stronger at higher elevations.

•If you live on the coast, on a floodplain, near a river, or on an island waterway.

Read more about evacuating yourself and your family. If you are unable to evacuate, go to your wind-safe room. If you do not have one, follow these guidelines:
•Stay indoors during the hurricane and away from windows and glass doors.

•Close all interior doors – secure and brace external doors.

•Keep curtains and blinds closed. Do not be fooled if there is a lull; it could be the eye of the storm – winds will pick up again.

•Take refuge in a small interior room, closet or hallway on the lowest level.

•Lie on the floor under a table or another sturdy object.

•Avoid elevators.

After a Hurricane


•Continue listening to a NOAA Weather Radio or the local news for the latest updates.

•Stay alert for extended rainfall and subsequent flooding even after the hurricane or tropical storm has ended.

•If you have become separated from your family, use your family communications plan or contact FEMA or the American Red Cross.

•FEMA has established the National Emergency Family Registry and Locator System (NEFRLS), which has been developed to help reunite families who are separated during a disaster. The NEFRLS system will enable displaced individuals the ability to enter personal information into a website database so that they can be located by others during a disaster.

•The American Red Cross also maintains a database to help you find family. Contact the local American Red Cross chapter where you are staying for information. Do not contact the chapter in the disaster area.

•If you evacuated, return home only when officials say it is safe.

•If you cannot return home and have immediate housing needs. Text SHELTER + your ZIP code to 43362 (4FEMA) to find the nearest shelter in your area (example: shelter 12345).

•For those who have longer-term housing needs, FEMA offers several types of assistance, including services and grants to help people repair their homes and find replacement housing. Apply for assistance or search for information about housing rental resources

•Drive only if necessary and avoid flooded roads and washed¬ out bridges. Stay off the streets. If you must go out watch for fallen objects; downed electrical wires; and weakened walls, bridges, roads, and sidewalks.

•Keep away from loose or dangling power lines and report them immediately to the power company.

•Walk carefully around the outside your home and check for loose power lines, gas leaks and structural damage before entering.

•Stay out of any building if you smell gas, floodwaters remain around the building or your home was damaged by fire and the authorities have not declared it safe.

•Inspect your home for damage. Take pictures of damage, both of the building and its contents, for insurance purposes. If you have any doubts about safety, have your residence inspected by a qualified building inspector or structural engineer before entering.

•Use battery-powered flashlights in the dark. Do NOT use candles. Note: The flashlight should be turned on outside before entering - the battery may produce a spark that could ignite leaking gas, if present.

•Watch your pets closely and keep them under your direct control. Watch out for wild animals, especially poisonous snakes. Use a stick to poke through debris.

•Avoid drinking or preparing food with tap water until you are sure it’s not contaminated.

•Check refrigerated food for spoilage. If in doubt, throw it out.

•Wear protective clothing and be cautious when cleaning up to avoid injury.

•Use the telephone only for emergency calls.

•NEVER use a generator inside homes, garages, crawlspaces, sheds, or similar areas, even when using fans or opening doors and windows for ventilation. Deadly levels of carbon monoxide can quickly build up in these areas and can linger for hours, even after the generator has shut off.

For more information, contact FEMA.  Be prepared - stay safe.

~ D. McPherson

Disasterville at MOSI pt.2

Recently, I experienced an exhibit at MOSI, the Museum of Science and Industry located in Tampa, FL. MOSI was established 50 years ago and continues to focus on educational programs for children and adults. MOSI is the largest science center in the southeast and 5th largest in the U.S.

While I was at MOSI visited one of the many exhibits, Disasterville.  Disasterville shows information  about wildfires, hurricanes, hail storms, and lightning. These exhibits are extremely important for Floridians and anyone considering moving to Florida because Florida is famous for its hurricanes and lightning. A hurricane is an intense, rotating oceanic weather system that possesses maximum winds exceeding 74 mph. Hurricane season starts June 1st and ends November 30th. Hurricanes form in tropical regions. They form there because they need warm water of at least 80 degrees, high humidity, and moist air. This exhibit is very important because Florida has extremely vigorous hurricanes and Floridians need to be aware of what hurricanes can do, and know ways to survive them.

This was the survive a hurricane simulator. It simulated how fast the wind can go during a hurricane. It went 80 mph, which is exactly how fast winds are during a hurricane.


The National Hurricane Center is a organization that warns the people of America when and where a hurricane is coming from. They also show what level hurricane it is and how big, and its path of travel.

The National Weather Service (NOAA's) is an educational website and it shows all the materials need to survive a severe weather storm

Written by Devin Duckett

Disasterville at MOSI

Disasterville is an interactive exhibit at the Museum of Science and Industry in Tampa Florida. Disasterville is where you can experience extreme weather conditions including tornado's, hurricanes, wildfires and so much more.  The Disasterville exhibit is HUGE! The exhibit is 10,000 square feet of hurricane pandemonium!

Understanding how a hurricane forms and the effect it has on people within a community is important.  Floridians experience hurricane season between June 1st and November 30th.  Florida has already seen some pretty vigorous weather in these last couple of weeks.  Disasterville shows what to do if a disaster were to happen in your area.  This is such an important exhibit because knowing what to do is very crucial to survival.

MOSI was established over 50 years ago, and continues to focus on educational programs for children and adults.  MOSI is the largest science center in the Southeast and the 5th largest in the U.S.