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Storm Preparedness Advice From a Hurricane Attorney

Regardless of where in the United States you reside, chances are at some time or another you are faced with various storms. And at times, these storms can be quite destructive. So it's important that you be prepared for the next big one. That said, odds are you already know you need water, batteries, flash lights, and all of that. However, maybe you aren't aware of the following advice given from the point of view of a hurricane attorney:

• Get windstorm insurance - Why windstorm? Well this just might be your greatest line of defense against a storm. For example, say a window is blown out in your home and rain pours in. Or perhaps shingles and decking rip off of your roof causing the downpour to flood your home. If you don't have windstorm insurance in these cases then you're out of luck. On the other hand, if you have it, then you're covered.

• Get flood insurance - Too often people think "my home will never flood!" So they go uninsured. And too often those same people end up seeing water fill their home. The truth is, no one is 100 percent safe from flooding. That said, any worthwhile hurricane attorney will recommend that you get flood coverage.

• Review current policies and make sure coverage is adequate - Just being insured isn't enough. You need to make sure that your coverage is adequate. For example, being covered for 120K isn't going to do much good if your home is worth double of that. Also, make sure your policies are all up to date. What could be worse than finally needing to make a claim only to find out your insurance expired a few months ago?

• Have a list of important contact information with you - You can't make a claim if you don't know who your insurance company is or how to get a hold of them. So if you evacuate, be sure you have a list of necessary numbers on you. That list might include insurance companies, relatives, and even a good hurricane attorney!

• Keep a detailed inventory of your home - If your home faces massive destruction, you'll be more likely to be compensated for what you truly deserve if you keep a detailed inventory. Better yet, take pictures of everything and have a photo inventory. That way your insurance adjustor will know exactly what you had, as well as what condition it was in. There's nothing like photo evidence to hand over to your hurricane attorney.

• Backup all computer files - Storms can wreak havoc on your PC in a variety of ways. One of which is power surge. So before a big storm rolls through, be sure all your important data is backed up somewhere safe.

• Have supplies for damage mitigation - You also may want some key supplies on hand to mitigate damage if the situation arises. For example, it's not a bad idea to own a tarp that could be used to cover a hole in your roof.

Keep in mind the above advice in case you ever face a big storm. And remember, if you experience property damage because of a storm, you need to get yourself a hurricane attorney as soon as possible.