Storm Readiness

We at FedNat are here to assist you in times of need, especially in the event of a hurricane. We have prepared this guide to assist you both before and after an approaching storm.

At The Start of Hurricane Season

Hurricane Season runs from June 1 through November 30, with the most active months being August, September and October. It’s a great idea to review your homeowner’s insurance policy to make sure you are adequately protected in the event of a storm. If you have a firm answer for the following questions, you should be well protected. As always, if you have any questions about coverages call you agent, or reach out to our Underwriting department directly.

• Is your coverage up to date?
  Verify that the coverages on your Dec Page accurately reflect the value of your home. If you have made any upgrades to your home, such as an addition or a remodeled kitchen or bathroom, you should contact your agent and make sure your coverage is adequate.
• Do you have coverage for Additional Living Expenses (ALE)?
  This coverage, ALE, will assist you by reimbursing you for unexpected costs of living away from your home in the event that it is uninhabitable as a result of a covered loss. This may include food and lodging. You should verify that you have this coverage, and if not, contact your agent.
• Are you covered in the event of flooding?
  Most homeowners’ policies do not cover flood damage. Even if you don’t live in a high risk flood zone, you may want to consider asking your agent if this is a good idea. Just know that there is a thirty day waiting period to purchase a flood policy, so don’t wait until a storm is approaching to make this determination.
• Are your personal possessions and valuables adequately covered?
  Most policies contain special sub-limits for you contents for items like electronics, jewelry, cash, furniture, clothing and other items. You should review these sub-limits and make sure that you are comfortable with these limits. If you need more coverage, contact your agent and they can give you pricing.
  You should also consider preparing an inventory of your possessions in the event they are lost or damaged beyond repair. Going from room to room videotaping items is a good idea. Also keep a log of the make and models all your electronics, computer equipment, and other fragile valuable.

There are a number of things you can do at the start of Hurricane Season to make sure your home is protected. These include:

• Make sure your hurricane shutters are in good working order, and organized for speedy set up.
• Examine your trees and landscaping to prevent them from becoming hazards. Remove dead trees, plants, or branches. Consider having limbs on thick trees cut back and thinned.
• Locate a garage or carpark on higher ground where your vehicles will be safe in the event of flooding.

What should you do if a storm is approaching?

• Secure your home by putting up your hurricane shutters and removing any outside fixtures such as antennas, wind vanes, and/or turbine fans on your roof.
• Any lawn furniture, outdoor decorations, hanging plants, trash cans, or anything else that can be turned into a wind driven missile should either be brought inside or anchored to the ground.
• Take video of the interior and exterior of house including belongs
• Inventory contents with your FedNat Inventory Worksheet and/or photos
• Charge cell phones
• Have numbers for power, gas, police and fire.
• Make sure your vehicles have full tanks of gas.
• Have a supply of emergency cash.
• Fill all your propane tanks.
• Set your refrigerator to its coldest setting.
• Fill a clean bath tub with fresh water.

What supplies should I have on hand?

• A five day supply of fresh water, as well as non-perishable food for you and any pets in the home.
• Make sure you have an adequate amount of any prescription medication, including eye glasses and/or disposable contact lenses.
• A first aid kit with bandages, antiseptic, tape, and pain relievers.
• Several flashlights with extra batteries.
• Personal hygiene items such as toilet paper, tooth brushes, and tooth paste.
• Any special items you may need for infants, elderly or disabled residents.
• Coolers. You’ll want at least one for food and one for ice.
• Paper towels, disposable plates and utensils.
• Mosquito repellent.
• A heavy plastic tarp for roof or window repair.
• Plastic trash bags.

What do I need to know in case I have to evacuate?

Prior to Hurricane Season, make sure you have a plan in place in case you need to evacuate your home. Make sure everyone in the household understands, and knows, the plan. Your plan should include:

• The best evacuation route. Keep this on a regular map in your car. Don’t rely on your phone or GPS.
• Make sure you have adequate transportation.
• Make a plan for your pets. Some shelters and hotels will not allow you to bring your pets.
• Have a reliable contact person out of the area. If a member of your household gets separated from you, that is the person they should call. Make sure your contact person knows that they have been designated for this responsibility.
• Gather and keep safe important paperwork, such as passports, insurance information, driver’s license, etc.

Print your own FedNat Hurricane Prep Checklist! FedNat encourages our family of Insureds to always stay alert and prepared. We hope these helpful tips and tools help you ensure that you and your families remain safe during a Storm and during Hurricane Season.