Hurricane Season is Here, Are You Ready?

Website: FEMA

Material Excerpted From: FEMA – National Flood Insurance

The Northeast hurricane season officially launched June 1 and there have been thirteen tropical cyclones, all but one of which became named storms as of Sept 5th. The remaining names for 2023 tropical cyclones:

Protecting yourself today means preparing your home or workplace, collecting sources of information, developing an emergency communications plan and knowing what to do when a flood is approaching your home or business.

Things to Know and Do Now

Stay Informed:

It is important to stay informed about what is happening with the storm as it approaches and to always follow the instructions of local emergency management officials.

Take Photos:

 If you have contents coverage on your flood insurance policy, take photos of clothing, flooring, light fixtures, appliances, furniture, etc., anything that could be damaged by the flood. Having this can help if you end up filing a flood insurance claim later. If you are not sure what your flood insurance policy covers, call us.

Reduce Flooding:

• Make sure any sump pump is working. Then, install a battery-operated backup in case of a power failure.

• Install a water alarm, it will let you know if water is accumulating in your basement.

• Clear debris from all gutters and downspouts.

• Anchor any fuel tanks.

• Move furniture, valuables and important documents to a safe place.

Protect Valuable Documents:

Store copies of irreplaceable documents (such as birth certificates, passports, insurance documents, deeds, etc.) in a safe, dry place. It is also a good idea to photograph these documents and store the images in a safe place as well.

Prepare Your Family:

Visit www.Ready.gov  for a complete disaster supply checklist, and to find out how to prepare for and what to do during a power outage. 

Be Ready for Evacuation:

Plan and practice a flood evacuation route. Ask someone out of state to be your “family contact” in an emergency, and make sure everyone knows the contact’s address and phone number.

Plan for Pets and Animals:

Make a pet and animal plan. Many emergency shelters do not allow pets. Review your local shelters to find out which ones accept pets or make alternative plans for your pets if you are required to evacuate your residence.

Let us review your flood policy or quote you for a flood insurance policy now (remember, there is a 30-day waiting period for federal flood plans). Call our certified flood agents, they know Long Island flood coverage and will walk you through the process.

Make sure you have the coverage you need when something happens!

Call Hometown Insurance Agency at 1-800-568-SAVE (7283) or email us at service@hometowninsurance.com

We work for you!