Four Lessons From Hurricane Katrina

By heeding the lessons of Hurricane Katrina the Insurance Information Institute says you stand the best chance of weathering the next storm Hurricane Katrina was a powerful storm that packed some powerful lessons.

While hurricanes are not preventable, the Insurance Information Institute says there are 4 important steps you can take to protect yourself and your property:

STEP #1: Review Your Insurance Coverage
Be sure you have the right kind and amount of insurance, enough to rebuild your home and replace your belongings. Ask about flood insurance, which is not covered under a standard homeowners policy. Learn more about flood insurance at www.floodsmart.gov.

STEP #2: Create a Home Inventory
An up-to-date home inventory will speed up the claims process by substantiating losses and may provide documentation for tax purposes. It can also help you determine how much insurance to purchase. The I.I.I. offers free web-based software at www.knowyourstuff.org that makes the process easier.

STEP #3: Protect Your Property
Keeping wind and water out of your home is critical. Invest in storm shutters and reinforced garage doors. Secure roof shingles and seal any openings, cracks and holes. Gable end walls and roof sheathing should be strongly attached and braced, and double doors should have heavy duty anchors at the top and bottom and a dead bolt at least 1” long.

STEP #4: Have an Evacuation Plan
Decide where you will go and how you will get there, and have more than one option. Keep a map, phone numbers and addresses handy. Think about what you’ll need to take with you - items like medicines, important documents, clothing and food – and have them ready to go. The I.I.I. recommends practicing your evacuation plan by doing the Ten Minute Challenge– giving yourself just 10 minutes to pack up and get out. By taking these steps now you stand the best chance of getting your life back in order after a disaster.

More information can be found at www.iii.org.