Homeowners Insurance | Boizelle Insurance Partnership - Page 2

How to Prepare for a Hurricane

Preparing for a hurricane is crucial to ensure your safety and reduce damage to your property. Here’s a comprehensive list of hurricane preparation tips:

 Before the Hurricane (Preparation Stage)

1. Know Your Risk

• Find out if you live in a hurricane evacuation zone.
• Stay informed about local flood-prone areas.

2. Make a Hurricane Plan

• Identify where you’ll go if you need to evacuate (friend’s house, shelter, hotel).
• Share your plan with family and establish a meeting point.
• Know multiple routes out of your area.

3. Build an Emergency Kit

Stock enough supplies for at least 3–7 days:

• Water (1 gallon per person per day)
• Non-perishable food
• Flashlights and batteries
• First aid kit
• Medications and medical items
• Personal hygiene items
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
• Phone chargers & power banks
• Important documents in a waterproof container
• Cash (ATMs may not work)
• Pet food and supplies if applicable

4. Prepare Your Home

• Install storm shutters or board up windows with plywood.
• Bring in outdoor furniture, decorations, and anything not tied down.
• Check your roof, gutters, and drainage systems.
• Secure or brace garage doors.
• Fill your car’s gas tank.
• Test generators and have fuel ready (use safely—outdoors only).

 When a Hurricane is Approaching

5. Stay Informed

• Monitor local news, weather apps, or NOAA Weather Radio.
• Obey evacuation orders immediately.
• Don’t wait until the last minute to leave.

6. Final Preparations

• Charge all electronics.
• Set refrigerator and freezer to coldest settings.
• Fill bathtubs and containers with water for cleaning and flushing toilets.
• Turn off propane tanks and unplug small appliances.

During the Hurricane

• Stay indoors and away from windows.
• Do not go outside during the “eye” of the storm—it’s only a temporary calm.
• Use flashlights, not candles (fire hazard).
• Monitor updates through your radio or phone.

 After the Hurricane

• Wait for official notice before returning if evacuated.
• Avoid floodwaters—they may be contaminated or electrically charged.
• Check for structural damage before entering buildings.
• Take photos of damage for insurance claims.
• Watch out for downed power lines and gas leaks.

What To Do In Case of a Power Outage

Surviving a power outage comfortably and safely depends on preparation and situational awareness. Here are the best ways to manage and survive a power outage, whether it lasts a few hours or several days:

 Before a Power Outage (Preparation)

1. Emergency Supplies Kit:
   • Flashlights (with extra batteries)
   • Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
   • First-aid kit
   • Power banks for phones
   • Cash (ATMs may be down)
2. Food & Water:
   • Non-perishable food (canned goods, protein bars, dry snacks)
   • Manual can opener
   • 1 gallon of water per person per day (3-day minimum)
3. Backup Power:
   • Portable generator (only use outdoors)
   • Uninterruptible power supply (UPS) for critical electronics
   • Solar chargers or power stations
4. Know Your Home:
   • Learn how to manually open garage doors
   • Know how to shut off gas/water if needed
   • Install surge protectors
5. Communications:
   • Keep your phone charged and have emergency contacts written down
   • Sign up for local emergency alerts

During a Power Outage

1. Stay Informed:
   • Use a battery-powered or crank radio to get updates
   • Monitor phone alerts if you still have service
2. Preserve Food:
   • Keep refrigerator/freezer closed—food stays safe in a full freezer for ~48 hours
   • Use a cooler with ice if outage is prolonged
3. Stay Warm/Cool:
   • In winter: Layer clothes, use blankets, close off unused rooms
   • In summer: Stay hydrated, wear light clothing, open windows for ventilation (if safe)
4. Use Power Wisely:
   • Use generators safely—NEVER indoors or near windows
   • Only plug in essentials
5. Avoid Carbon Monoxide Risks:
   • No gas stoves, charcoal grills, or propane heaters indoors
   • Ensure proper ventilation

 If You’re in an Urban Area

• Be aware of security risks in the dark—keep doors locked
• Avoid elevators
• Stay off roads unless necessary (traffic signals may be out)

After the Power Returns

1. Check Food Safety:
   • When in doubt, throw it out (especially perishable items that got above 40°F for more than 2 hours)
2. Inspect Appliances:
   • Make sure they’re working properly before turning everything back on
3. Replenish Supplies:
   • Restock anything used (batteries, food, water, etc.)

What Do I Do When A Flood Disaster Strikes?

Handling a flood effectively requires both immediate response and preparedness, and knowing how your insurance covers flood damage is crucial to your financial recovery. Here’s a comprehensive guide:

During a Flood: What to Do

1. Stay Informed

• Monitor alerts from local authorities via radio, weather apps, or emergency broadcasts.
• Pay attention to evacuation orders and flood warnings/watches.

2. Evacuate Safely

• If ordered to evacuate, do so immediately. Don’t wait — floods escalate fast.
• Know your evacuation routes in advance.
• Never drive through flooded roads (“Turn Around, Don’t Drown”).

3. Protect Yourself

• Move to higher ground or the highest level of your home if trapped.
• Avoid walking through floodwaters; just 6 inches can knock you off your feet, and water may be contaminated or electrically charged.

4. Secure Property (if time allows)

• Move valuables to higher floors.
• Shut off gas, electricity, and water if instructed to and safe to do so.

After a Flood: What to Do

1. Stay Out Until It’s Safe

• Wait for official word before returning.
• Beware of structural damage, mold, gas leaks, and contaminated water.

2. Document the Damage

• Take photos/videos of all affected areas and items.
• Don’t discard damaged property until an insurance adjuster has seen it, unless absolutely necessary.

3. Contact Your Insurance Provider

• Notify them immediately to start your claim.
• Follow their instructions for inspections and documentation.

4. Clean Up Safely

• Wear gloves, boots, and a mask.
• Ventilate the area and dry out as much as possible to prevent mold.

Insurance Coverage for Floods

Homeowners Insurance:

DOES NOT typically cover flood damage from natural disasters like overflowing rivers or heavy rainfall.

National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or Private Flood Insurance:

• Separate policy required, often through FEMA (via NFIP) or private insurers.
• Covers:
  • Structure (foundation, electrical, HVAC, appliances, etc.)
  • Contents (furniture, clothing, electronics)
  • Policy limits vary (e.g., $250,000 for structure, $100,000 for contents under NFIP).

Key Points:

• Must have purchased the policy 30 days prior to the flood (NFIP rule).
• Some private flood insurers offer more flexible terms and higher limits.
• Temporary housing may not be covered under NFIP (some private policies do).

How to Prepare in Advance

• Buy flood insurance (NFIP or private).
• Keep an up-to-date home inventory for claims.
• Install sump pumps, elevate electrical systems, and use flood-resistant materials.
• Have an emergency kit with water, food, meds, flashlight, and documents.

I Have a Squirrel In My Attic. What Should I Do?

Having a squirrel in your attic can lead to property damage and potential health hazards. Here’s a step-by-step approach to deal with it:

1. Confirm It’s a Squirrel

• Listen for noises during the day (squirrels are usually diurnal).
• Look for signs like chewed wires, insulation damage, or droppings.

2. Find the Entry Point

• Check the attic, roof, vents, soffits, and eaves for holes or chewed openings.
• Squirrels can squeeze through holes as small as 1.5 inches.

3. Encourage It to Leave (Before Sealing Anything)

• Use light, noise, or strong smells (e.g., apple cider vinegar, ammonia-soaked rags) to make the attic less hospitable.
• Leave the attic light on and play a radio.
• Avoid sealing the entry until you’re sure all squirrels are out.

4. Install a One-Way Door

• These allow squirrels to leave but not return. You can buy one or have a professional install it.

5. Seal Entry Points

• Once you’re sure they’re gone (wait a few days to be safe), seal all holes with metal mesh or hardware cloth. Check for babies (usually born Feb-May or Aug-Oct).

6. Clean and Repair

• Remove contaminated insulation, droppings, and nesting material.
• Disinfect the area and repair any chewed wiring or wood.

7. Consider Professional Help

• If you’re unsure or can’t safely access the attic, contact a licensed wildlife removal expert.