Important Hurricane Information For Home Owners

2016-10-06
By: Denise Koslowsky

With Hurricane Matthew heading toward the East Coast, Advocate Brokerage wants to offer the following tips to help you prepare as much as possible and recover as quickly as possible.

First and foremost, safety first!  If you have been asked to evacuate, please do!  Do not attempt to ride out this storm; it is looking like it will be a BIG ONE.  Property can be replaced but you cannot.

Next, if you need us, we are here for you.

You can call us at 914-723-7100.  Click here to gain easy access should you need to contact your insurance company and report a claim. 

• Install Storm Shutters right away and be sure to deadbolt and lock your front door.
• Secure all outdoor objects such as garbage cans and lawn furniture and bigger items such as boats. Bring in plants, grills and any lightweight items you can in doors.
• Protect Important Documents in a fireproof safe or plastic container. If you are planning to evacuate, put them in a Ziploc bag to bring along with you.
• Move electronic equipment away from windows and doors and cover them with plastic
• Prepare for flooding by moving items of value to a higher elevation
• Do a quick inventory with a video camera to help with the claim process after the storm
• Clear gutters by removing any debris that can block the flow of water
• Shut off utilities and if you are planning to evacuate, electricity
• Plan an evacuation route once you’ve made the decision to evacuate
• Gas up, make sure you have fuel for back-up generators and all vehicles
• Pack up, we’ve got a great list of items you should try to bring with you should you make the decision to evacuate. You can find it here.

When the storm is over:

• Do not enter your home if you see significant structural damage
• If you have suffered a loss, report it as soon as possible
• If it is safe, you should remediate the damage as quickly as possible to keep it from getting worse, document by taking photos and keep all receipts

Click here to report a claim directly to your insurance carrier.  

• Have your policy number available, if possible
• If you can safely do so, take photographs of the damage or provide a verbal description
• Make a note of the claim adjuster’s name, telephone number and inspection schedule
• Prepare a list of damaged or lost items for your adjuster
• Keep damaged items or portions of them aside until the claims adjuster has visited your home
• Keep your receipts if you are unable to return home for a time to help with the claims process