The 2023 Hurricane Season is officially here. What does this season hold in store? NOAA expects 12-17 named storms this year, with 1-4 major hurricanes. If this number sounds less intimidating than other years, that’s because El Niño is officially here. In the Atlantic, when El Niño is active, we tend to see fewer intense hurricanes form.
Listen to facts. Not predictions.
It only takes one.
Hurricane Ian was just one storm, but it wreaked havoc on Florida and caused 150 deaths. Ian also topped the list as Florida’s costliest storm to date at over $112 billion in damage.
Many people make the assumption that media channels exaggerate hurricane season to get clicks and views. This may be true for some, but there is truth in saying, “prepare for hurricane season.” The fact is, if you live in Florida, you will be impacted by a hurricane. If not this year, then another. Homes in Florida are at risk of being severely affected by a hurricane every year.
Being prepared saves lives and helps you move forward in the event your home is damaged.
Applying these simple tips before a storm strikes can make a significant difference.
Being prepared for a hurricane means different things.
- Ensure your home is free of pre-existing damage that can worsen a hurricane’s impact on your property.
- Get your car ready. Make sure it’s gone through any needed maintenance. Check tire pressure levels. Definitely top off your gas as soon as a named storm is predicted to impact your area. If you have an electric car, keep it fully charged.
- Stock up on essentials like supplies, shutters, sandbags, food, water, medicine, and other key essential items for yourself and anyone who resides in your home.
- Take pictures and videos of your home and property before a storm strikes. We always recommend doing this at the start of hurricane season. Doing this simple tip can mean the difference between an approved claim and a denied claim. Make sure to capture pictures and videos of every part of your property, including your roof, if possible.
- Understand your coverage! Read your insurance policy to understand what you are entitled to in the event a hurricane damages your property. If you need to make changes, do so while the window to make changes to your policy is still open.
- Have an emergency plan in the event of a worst-case scenario.
- Understand the zone you live in and evacuate if you have to. Locate the nearest hurricane shelter to you and plan different routes to get there if you need to evacuate your home.
- Have a carbon monoxide detector if you or a neighbor plans on using a generator to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Secure any important documents and consider making copies of them and storing them in a separate secure area.
- Share the plan with everyone in your home.
It just takes one day to prepare.
One day of preparation can make all the difference. Make sure you take action to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your property.
Contact a Florida hurricane property damage lawyer.
JT Law Firm can help you with your hurricane property damage claim. Our team of lawyers know the tactics insurance companies deploy to deny, underpay, or delay claims. Furthermore, we know how to fight against these tactics to get your claim process moving forward.
