Hurricane Preparedness in Miami, FL

Each year, damaging hurricanes and tropical weather impact Florida residents. This storm damage can be financially devastating, especially without suitable insurance coverage. Knowing how insurance can help protect your home and belongings is essential, and these are some invaluable steps you can take to prepare for dangerous weather like hurricanes. Contact us and let us help you gain the protection you need to protect your assets.  

The Importance of Insurance in Hurricane Preparedness  
Safeguarding your home and possessions is essential if a hurricane is forecasted. The protection you need for hurricane insurance isn’t one specific policy but separate policies that can give you the protection you need against hurricane damage.  

Many homeowners choose a combination of home insurance, flood insurance and other endorsements, such as sewer backup and windstorm coverage for flood protection. The insurance you select should be enough to cover the costs of rebuilding your home and replacing any damaged possessions. Some types of insurance that homeowners choose include the following: 

• Homeowners insurance may protect your home’s structure from certain aspects of storm damage. 
• Additional living expense (ALE) coverage can help if a covered incident destroys your home and you need to live elsewhere.
• Flood insurance may offer protection from flooding, storm surges and wind-driven water. 
• Sewer backup coverage offers invaluable protection, mainly because sewer backups are typical with hurricanes. 

You might be able to buy flood insurance separately through the National Flood Insurance Program, or we may be able to help you get coverage. 

What Is Hurricane Preparedness?
There are many ways you can prepare for a hurricane. The most essential is to ensure your insurance coverage needs have been addressed. After this first important to-do, these are some items to help you get ready for bad weather: 

• Know the difference between a “watch” and a “warning.” Listen for National Weather Service alerts on your TV or radio or check them online. A hurricane watch means hurricane conditions (sustained winds of 74 miles per hour or higher) are possible. A hurricane warning is more severe, meaning hurricane-force winds are expected. Usually, these warnings occur 36 hours before tropical storm–force winds are expected to give people time to prepare.
• Make a household plan. Make sure everyone knows the plan. Put emergency phone numbers on everyone’s cell phones.
• Prepare an emergency kit. Prepare a kit with food, water, prescriptions and needed medical supplies to last 72 hours. Place any critical documents in a waterproof container.
• Get your vehicle ready. Fill your gas tank and put your emergency kit inside your vehicle. If you don’t have a vehicle, make a plan with a friend or family for a ride.
• Ensure your pet’s safety. Identify pet-friendly shelters or hotels, or ask an out-of-town friend or relative to take your pets if there’s an evacuation. Your local animal shelter can advise you on what to do with your pets if you need to evacuate.
• Locate the nearest shelter. Find a nearby shelter you can get to quickly if needed. Plan different routes in case of road closures.
• Prepare your home. Clean your yard and move bikes, outdoor furniture, grills or other items inside. Cover doors and windows to protect them, and turn off your power if you see flooding or downed power lines or need to evacuate. 

Protect Your Assets 
Tanenbaum Harber Insurance Group can help you with the insurance you need for a hurricane. Call our Miramar, Florida, office at 954-883-2900 or our Jacksonville, Florida, office at 904-807-9121 to get started on the coverage you need.