Insurance group says to plan for safety, recovery in event of severe storms

Homeowners need to prepare for severe storms that could bring tornadoes, lightning, hail or windstorms.

In March, many parts of the country experienced heavy storms and flooding. But two more months remain in the severe weather season and then the county moves into hurricane season from June through October.

"Each area of the country faces different weather-related threats, but every family can take the same steps to be prepared,” Don Griffin, vice president, policy, research and international for the American Property Casualty Insurance Association, told Insurance News Net. “This includes having a plan for severe weather, making an emergency kit, creating a home inventory and reviewing or updating your insurance policy with your agent or company to make sure you have enough coverage."

First check your insurance coverage. Homeowners, renters or commercial property policies cover most tornado, windstorm, hail and similar weather-related losses. Flood damage coverage requires a separate private policy or coverage through the National Flood Insurance Program.

Keep your insurance agent and insurance company’s contact information accessible. You can expedite the recovery process by photographing any damages from severe weather and making an inventory of losses or damages, Griffin told Insurance News Net.

Beware of dishonest contractors going door-to-door trying to take advantage of you in a desperate time. They’ll take payment up front and never complete the repairs, Griffin told Insurance News Net.

Another way to prepare for severe storms include using your cellphone to create a digital inventory of your home and belongings with photos and videos.

Creating an emergency kit and a family plan for what to do in severe weather is also a smart way to prepare. Keeping a cellphone always charged when severe storms are in the forecast should be a part of that plan. If you have a laptop, try to keep it safe because you can submit claims online for most insurance companies.

Do you know if you live in a floodplain or a place that has flooded in the past? In Florida, the answer is often yes. If you live in an at-risk area, find out if you need flood insurance.

If you have coverage, is it enough to come back from the damages or destruction of your home?

Heat and humidity have warmed the Gulf of Mexico, which now has sea-surface temperatures well above average. Intercoastal waterways across Florida reported water temperatures above 80 degrees in early March. Since Accuweather meteorologists predict a busy hurricane season for 2020, temperatures in the Gulf of Mexico and intercoastal waterways are raising a serious concern for this year.