I.I.I. Offers Four Key Tips On How To Prepare For Hurricane Sandy

NEW YORK, Oct. 26, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- East Coast residents should prepare now for Hurricane Sandy, which may bring a mix of strong winds and intense rainfall, as well as the possibility of heavy snow, according to the Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.).

The four key steps are:

1) Protect your property

Hurricane-proof your home by keeping wind and water out; secure roof shingles and seal any openings, cracks or holes. Take inside all outdoor furniture so that these items do not become dangerous projectiles. The I.I.I.'s "Know Your Plan" app provides checklists to guide you through the steps you need to take to protect your home. The Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) has additional tips.

2) Create a home inventory

A home inventory is simply a list of your personal possessions together with information about their value. The I.I.I. has developed the Know Your Stuff – Home Inventory software and mobile app to make creating a home inventory simple and easy. An updated home inventory will make filing a claim or substantiating financial losses for tax purposes simpler should a disaster strike.  For more on creating a home inventory, see the I.I.I. video

3) Have an evacuation plan

Know where you will go, and what you will take, if the authorities insist you evacuate, and have more than one option. Review the I.I.I.'s five step evacuation plan and download the podcast on evacuation for easy reference on your PDA.  If you have pets, contact your veterinarian for a list of preferred boarding kennels and facilities, or ask your local animal shelter if they provide emergency shelter or foster care for pets. Also identify hotels or motels outside of your immediate area that accept pets. For more information, review the I.I.I.'s article about including your pets in evacuation and disaster planning.

4) Review your insurance coverage

The time to review your insurance policy is before you have to file a claim. You should have enough insurance to rebuild your home or business and replace all of its contents. Flood and/or storm surge-caused damage is covered under National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), as well by some private insurance companies. More on the NFIP can be found at FloodSmart.gov.  It takes 30 days for a flood insurance policy to go into effect, so it's important to buy insurance before the floodwaters start to rise.

RELATED LINKS

• Issues Update: Catastrophes and Insurance
• Video: Making Your Home More Hurricane Resistant
• Disaster Preparedness: Software and Mobile Apps

The I.I.I. has a full library of educational videos on its YouTube Channel. Information about I.I.I. mobile apps can be found here.

THE I.I.I. IS A NONPROFIT, COMMUNICATIONS ORGANIZATION SUPPORTED BY THE INSURANCE INDUSTRY.

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SOURCE Insurance Information Institute