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Hurricanes.
Hurricane season is in full swing, and
with Dean in the news, now is a good time to remind our customers
what they can do to stay ready in case of an emergency. Here
are some helpful tips and resources.
Safety first
If you are in the path of a hurricane or other
storm:
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In buildings, avoid elevators;
for tornadoes, move to an underground shelter, or
interior room or hallway on the lowest floor and stay away
from corners.
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Stay inside and away from
windows, skylights and glass doors.
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Know your community’s
evacuation plan and do so immediately if asked.
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Avoid washed-out and wet roads
that can hide downed electrical lines.
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If you’re in your car
in the vicinity of a tornado, get out immediately and find
safe shelter or lie flat in a ditch. Do not take shelter under
an overpass or bridge.
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Flying debris causes injuries
and fatalities, so use your arms to protect your head and
neck.
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Drive only if it’s absolutely
necessary. If you’re in an evacuated area, don’t
return to your home or business until authorities say it’s
safe.
Before the storm
You can take action to reduce storm damage:
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Install storm shutters
or impact-resistant window systems
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Keep
your roof in good shape; choose material designed to withstand
high winds
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Remove
yard debris, like dead tree limbs, that high winds could transform
into missiles
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Make sure you, your family
and/or employees know how to shut off utilities
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Back up computer records and
store them at least 50 miles off-site
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Gather important records,
including inventory lists and insurance information, to take
with you if you must evacuate
An emergency kit
There are six basics every family should
have on hand in case of an emergency. Keep them in an easy-to-carry
container in case you need to evacuate.
Water: A three-day supply
(one gallon per person per day)
Food: A three-day supply
of non-perishable food that requires no refrigeration or
cooking, and little or no water to prepare
First-aid kit
Non-prescription and prescription
drugs: Pain relievers, antacid, anti-diarrhea
medication, etc.
Tools and supplies:
Battery-operated radio and extra batteries, flashlight and extra
batteries, cash or traveler's checks, non-electric can opener,
etc.
Clothing and bedding:
Include at least one complete change of clothing and footwear
per person
Other useful items
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Any gas or diesel fuel
container
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AA-, C-, D-cell and
6-volt-batteries (rechargeable), coolers (non-electrical)
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Two-way radios, weather
band radios, tarps, waterproof sheeting, ground anchor
systems, tie-ins
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Portable generators
to provide light, communications or to preserve perishable
food in the event of a power outage
Know your insurance policy – and your
needs
Storm-related expenses insurance typically
covers:
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Damage to roofs and
walls
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Damage to cars
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Damage to personal belongings
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Additional living expenses
(if you cannot live in your home during repairs)
Costs insurance typically does NOT cover,
unless optional coverage is purchased:
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Flood damage (the National
Flood Insurance Program is one source for coverage)
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Loss of business income
(this is typically included in Safeco Businessowners, Special
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Services and BOP Access™
policies, but you should verify coverage)
If you have damage
If your home or business has been damaged,
contact your Vaughan agent as soon as possible.
Provide at least a general description of your damage, and our
claims professional will call later
– usually within 72 hours.
If you have serious damage, you’ll
probably need a contractor to handle repairs. But be
careful – scam artists posing as legitimate contractors
sometimes target victims of
storms when they’re most vulnerable.
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