American Insurance Association issued the following announcement on Aug. 30.
With Hurricane Dorian intensifying, the American Property Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA) is urging residents in Florida and the Southeast to prepare now as the threat of dangerous weather looms for mainland U.S.
“Coastal businesses and homeowners should take immediate steps to protect their property given the likelihood of intense rainfall, winds, and flooding in the days ahead,” said Logan McFaddin, APCIA’s assistant vice president for state government relations. “Inland communities should also prepare for the threat of flooding.”
Flooding from storm surge during hurricanes and tropical storms is especially dangerous for coastal residents but it can also devastate inland communities. According to FEMA, even in the highest risk areas, fewer than 50 percent of homes are insured against floods. And floods can be costly, as just one inch of flood water in a home or business can cause $27,000 or more in damage. Flooding is not covered by a standard homeowners policy and while flood insurance coverage can be purchased through the National Flood Insurance Program or your insurance company, there is a 30-day waiting period before it goes into effect.
Logan McFaddin continued, “As we saw last year with Hurricanes Michael and Florence, storms can intensify quickly and bring significant rain and inland flooding. Florida residents should carefully monitor weather reports and be prepared for whatever trajectory the storm ultimately takes.”
APCIA recommends taking the following precautions:
Safety first: Develop an evacuation plan for your family, including your pets. Always follow guidance from emergency officials both for evacuating before the storm and returning to an affected area after the storm.
Ensure you’re insured: Review your property insurance policy, especially the “declarations” page, and check whether your policy pays replacement costs, or actual cash value for a covered loss.
Create a home inventory: The contents of your home or business can be easily and accurately documented using photos or video on a smart photo. Take the phone and any important written records or receipts with you when you evacuate.
Secure your watercraft: Make sure watercraft are stored in a secure area, like a garage or covered boat dock. A typical homeowner’s policy will cover property damage in limited instances for small watercraft, and separate boat policies will provide broader, more extensive property and liability protection for larger, faster boat, yachts, jet skis and wave runners.
The American Property Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA) is the primary national trade association for home, auto, and business insurers. APCIA promotes and protects the viability of private competition for the benefit of consumers and insurers, with a legacy dating back 150 years. APCIA members represent all sizes, structures, and regions—protecting families, communities, and businesses in the U.S. and across the globe.
Original source can be found here.
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