Hey it is that time again, and it comes around every year at this time. If you haven’t figured out what we are talking about--Well, it is hurricane season.
Mike Chenny at Insurance Commissioner’s Office sent out some helpful information regarding home inventory and an easy way to conduct your home inventory through the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. The home inventory app can be accessed through App Store or Google Play.
Its features include the following:
Group belongings by category
Scan barcodes for accuracy
Upload and export photos with ease
Find disaster preparation advice
Review information about insurance claims
Commissioner Cheney recommends that you review your policy and familiarize yourself with coverages and how to make claims in the event of storm damage.
Flood damage is not generally covered with a standard homeowner’s policy, but seperate provisions can be made if there is a need. One important reminder is that there is normally a one- month waiting period before coverage goes into effect. The advice here is don’t wait until the night before the storm. You may be penny wise and pound foolish.
Policies may also contain provisions about named storms and the likes and may well have certain deductible levels depending on coverage. If you have questions you may contact Cheney’s office at 601-359-3569 or email to consumer@mid.ms.gov or visit their website at www.mid.ms.gov.
There are also some common sense things you may do in the event of a predicted storm for our area. One of the biggest is to make sure you have enough gasoline in your vehicle if you are forced to evacuate. Some of us still remember Katrina and being without power for an extended period of time.
It is a good time to make sure that your back up power is functional, specifically that your generator will start and you have fresh fuel available. Five gallons will not keep the lights on for a long period without power.
You should have an emergency supply kit, and the number one item is water. You need to plan on a gallon per day per person. It should also include necessary prescriptions, including those for your favorite pet.
You should have a three-day supply of non-perishable food. Access to a flashlight as well as a battery powered radio is helpful. Cellphone batteries are important if you have service. That was not the case during Hurricane Katrina.
A first aid kit is important as is a can opener for canned foods. It is not a bad idea to have a little extra cash on hand in the event you have to trave on short notice.
Speaking of pets, don’t forget to have food and water available for them also.
A little prior planning will go a long way in the event of a bad storm and loss of power. It is always good to have a plan worked out with family members so they will know what to expect in the event that you have to leave your home.
We’ve been relatively lucky for the last 16 years since Katrina, but let’s don’t just trust to luck.
