History has proven that storms do happen; adequate preparation is vital and can be the difference between life and death. The number of named storms per hurricane season can be record breaking. Although there is no correlation between the number of predicted storms and the actual number that make landfall, preparations should be made before every storm. DO: * Do contact your insurance agent every year to analyze your hurricane policy, the insured value of your property, and the percentage amount of your deductible. * Do plan an evacuation route. * Do as asked when told to evacuate by authorities. * Do make a 72-hour emergency kit for all members of the family. Include food, water, personal ID, insurance papers, prescriptions, and any other necessities. * Do cover all windows with strong protectants such as storm shutters, plywood, or storm fabric. * Do trim trees that are close to your property. * Do turn the refrigerator down to the coldest temperature. * Do take ‘before and after’ pictures of your property following the storm, inside and out. * Do make storm preparations, even if you are inland. DON’T: * Don’t wait until there is a named storm to contact your insurance agent. * Don’t wait until everyone is leaving town to evacuate. * Don’t wait to leave until the storm is so severe that it is unsafe to drive. * Don’t forget pet identification and supplies. * Don’t make an X out of tape on the windows and think you are protected; this keeps the glass from shattering into small pieces but does not prevent it from breaking. * Don’t keep loose yard items that could blow through windows in open areas. * Don’t open the refrigerator door unless absolutely necessary. * Don’t venture into the storm to take pictures. * Don’t think you are safe from a storm because you do not live on the coast. The United States has not felt the impact of a major hurricane in over 10 years and we must not become complacent. Begin now to prepare for hurricane season and follow a plan to keep your home, business, and loved ones as safe as possible.
Our certified team of Public Adjusters at Morgan Elite Specialist Services are experienced and ready to assist with your insurance claim needs. Call today at 281-201-1110 or visit messtx.com. RELATED LINKS: www.messtx.com © 2016 MESSTX.com
0 Comments
Preparing for Hurricane Season
Part 2 Large amounts of time and money are spent every year analyzing storms and weather events that peril life and property. Our certified team of Public Adjusters at messtx.com would like to share some interesting facts and information from The Insurance Information Institute at http://www.iii.org/issue-update/catastrophes-insurance-issues. Total catastrophe losses over the 20-year period, 1993 to 2012 : Hurricanes and tropical storms - 40.4% Tornado losses - 36.0% Winter storms - 7.0% Terrorism - 6.3% Earthquakes and other geologic events - 4.7% Wind/hail/flood - 3.8% Fire - 1.7% Civil disorders, water damage, utility services disruption - >1.0%
The Saffir-Himpson Hurricane Wind Scale is used to determine the category of the storm along with the associated warnings: Category 1 - Wind speeds from 74-95 mph. Will produce some damage. Example: Hurricane Dolly 2008, South Padre Island, Texas. Category 2 - Wind speeds from 96 - 110 mph. Will cause extensive damage. Example: Hurricane Frances, 2004, Port S. Lucie, Florida. Category 3 - Wind speeds from 111-129 mph. Devastating damage will occur. Example: Hurricane Ivan, 20014, Gulf Shores, Alabama. Category 4 - Wind speeds from 130 - 156 mph. Catastrophic damage will occur. Example: Hurricane Charley, 2004, Punta Gorda, Florida. Category 5 - Wind speeds over 157 mph. Catastrophic damage will occur. Example: Hurricane Andrew, 1992, Cutler Ridge, Florida Source: U.S. Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Hurricane Center. Even the best predictions cannot outplay Mother Nature. Double-check your insurance policy for adequate coverage and take precautions to protect life and property. Always remove yourself from the path of destruction; your safety is worth more than anything you own! Our team of certified Public Adjusters stand ready to assist when disaster strikes. Contact us at 281-201-1110 or visit messtx.com. RELATED LINKS: www.messtx.com © 2016 MESSTX.com Hurricanes cause catastrophic amounts of property damage in coastal cities worldwide. In the United States, hurricane season is fast approaching and begins June 1st. Many agencies provide valuable information on preparing to protect our lives and property from these destructive storms. The following tips are from The Department of Homeland Security at https://www.ready.gov/hurricanes:
Purchase a portable generator or install a generator for use during power outages. Remember to keep generators and other alternate power/heat sources outside, at least 20 feet away from windows and doors and protected from moisture; and NEVER try to power the house wiring by plugging a generator into a wall outlet.
The Insurance Information Institutes defines a catastrophic event as the following: “An event is designated a catastrophe by the insurance industry when claims are expected to reach a certain dollar threshold, currently set at $25 million, and more than a certain number of policy holders and insurance companies are affected.” Hurricanes and tropical storms made up 40.4% of total catastrophe losses between 1993 and 2012. Following these kinds of catastrophic events, insurance companies hire temporary, independent ‘cat’ adjusters to facilitate the mass amount of insurance claims. Many of our certified public adjusters at Morgan Elite Specialist Services are also independent adjusters who understand every element of the claims process. If your property has been damaged by a hurricane, call Morgan Elite Specialist Services FIRST! Our certified and professional team of certified public adjusters will responsibly manage the many details of your claim to provide the most equitable and prompt settlement as possible. Call us at 855-445-3404 or visit messtx.com. RELATED LINKS: www.messtx.com © 2016 MESSTX.com |
MESSTX.comThe team of Public Adjusters at Morgan Elite Specialist Services have over 25 years of experience in the insurance industry. All of our adjusters are licensed and bonded by the Department of Insurance and are required to take continuing education courses annually. Archives
October 2020
Categories
All
|