Hurricane season is officially underway and today we're going to be talking about buying and selling during hurricane season. On this podcast, I have been joined by Frank Gemma with Caliber Home Loans and Tracy Baer with Northshore Insurance.
Weather experts are predicting an active hurricane season with above-normal activity this year. In fact, we have already had three named storms so far. But this year brings added considerations as we are also dealing with COVID-19 and must also take additional provisions and guidelines into consideration.
Below are some tips from the National Weather Service and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) on how to best prepare for the season: (click here to get additional information on the below tips)
- Develop an Evacuation Plan
- Find out if you live in an evacuation zone
- Plan your route out
- Follow evacuation orders
- Plan for your pets
- Assemble Disaster Supplies
- Food/Water (have enough non-perishable food and water for each person for at least 3 days)
- Medicine
- Make sure you are stocked up with batteries, radio, chargers
- Gas up
- Have cash on hand
- If you need to go to a public shelter, you will need to bring masks for each person and hand sanitizer
- Get An Insurance Checkup
- Check with your agent
- Keep your documents with you
- Consider flood insurance
- Know your policy
- Make sure you have enough homeowners insurance to repair or even replace your home. Don't forget coverage for your car or boat.
- Remember standard hazard/homeowner's insurance doesn't cover flooding
- If you do not have a mortgage, there is a 30-day waiting period for flood insurance
- Determine the best policy for you...FEMA vs private flood insurance
- The Federal Alliance for Safe Homes also known as Flash and The Actuarial Foundation jointly put out a comprehensive insurance guide including tips for reducing potential damages and premiums ... (flash.org/pdf/ActuarialFoundationInsuranceGuideEnglish.pdf)
- Strengthen Your Home
- Cover Windows
- Trim Trees
- Secure Loose Outdoor Items
- Secure All Doors
- Move your car to a safe location
- Many retrofits are not as costly or time-consuming as you may think
- Remember, the garage door is the most vulnerable part of the home
- Be Prepared
- Have photo documentation of valuables
- Keep your important documents together for quick access
- Know who issues evacuation orders for your area
- Determine locations in advance where you will ride out the storm
- Get your supplies now
If you would like to connect with Frank Gemma with Caliber Home Loans, you can email him at frank.gemma@caliberhomeloans.com or by phone/text at 727-642-6382. And, Tracy Baer with Northshore Insurance can be reached via email at tracybaer@northshoreinsurancegroup.com or via phone at 727-896-5165.
