Florida Website to Help Homeowners Prepare for Hurricane Season
Tips about how to prepare for hurricanes and tropical storms and lessen the impact of a major storm have been posted on the Florida Department of Financial Services website. According to DFS, Floridians may be entitled to discounts on insurance premiums if they take measures to strengthen their home against potential hurricane damage.
The site provides a link to the DFS Natural Disaster Guide, written to provide homeowners with information about how to prepare when a hurricane or tropical storm approaches. The Disaster Guide advises:
Purchase Insurance Now: Insurance companies do not accept new applications or requests for increased coverage once a hurricane nears Florida.
Know What Your Insurance Covers: Flood and wind damage are often covered in separate policies. Decide if you need this protection and contact your agent for more information.
Make Sure You Have Adequate Coverage: Consider increasing your coverage if your policy doesn’t cover the current value of your home and its contents.
Know the Name of Your Insurers: Write down the names of your agent and agency, your insurance company, your policy number and a telephone number to report a claim.
Safeguard Your Records: Store important insurance and financial papers in a safe and accessible place.
Secure Your Home: Fortify your home’s roof, garage and entry doors against hurricane damage.