If you live in a region of the US that suffers from hurricanes, it’s no doubt you know about the incredible damage tropical cyclones can cause. 

The forceful winds can turn garden decorations and patio furniture into projectiles that destroy windows, doors, and even walls beyond repair. Additionally, the worst damage often occurs after the winds die down and rain or groundwater begins seeping through cracks in walls, broken doors, windows, or roofs. 

As an attorney that exclusively handles property-casualty insurance with my New Orleans-based firm Insurance Claim HQ, I’ve seen firsthand the damage caused by hurricanes and the reluctance of insurance companies to pay claimants all of the funds they are due.

Thankfully, thorough preparation before hurricane season can help minimize the damage of high-impact winds and water on your property — and hopefully, keep you from having to tangle with the insurance companies. 

Safeguarding your home will help to keep it and your family safe and protected throughout the treacherous weather. While many of these home improvements might be time-consuming, costly, or both, it’s possible to perform them in stages and spread them throughout the year. 

If a catastrophic hurricane hits your neighborhood and you notice damage to your neighbor’s home while your address is intact, you’ll be grateful for the time and money you laid out in the interest of safety. 

Below are my favorite, time-tested tips for keeping your property and loved ones safe during hurricane season and what to do if you sustain severe damage and need to file a homeowner’s claim.

Know Your Codes

The first thing to do when creating a hurricane prep home plan is to check your town’s building codes concerning hurricanes. In addition, FEMA conducts periodic thorough studies on what could go wrong in specific regions and creates strategies that also address these possible natural disasters. Using these two tools, you should get a firm idea of what needs to be done to protect your property. 

Check Your Insurance

Of course, double-check your policy and get in touch with your agent to be sure that you carry the most hurricane insurance possible for your home. If you aren’t, it’s an excellent idea to max out your protection against these destructive storms. 

Additionally, if you have a boat, RV, or camper on your property, be sure that it is appropriately stored and anchored to the house or ground.

Remove Possible Hazards

Gravel and rock may look gorgeous in your landscaping or driveway, but these pebbles are among the worst culprits for damaging your property during a hurricane. Try replacing them with lighter materials that won’t cause as much damage if they get swept up in the winds.

Placing all lawn and garden decorations and patio furniture indoors is also a must before any big storm. 

Cutting back weak tree branches or those that hang over your house is also an excellent idea. However, I also recommend completely removing unhealthy trees or those that are very close to your home and keeping shrubbery trimmed.

Hurricane-proof Windows and Doors 

Windows and doors are where you are most likely to have your home compromised in a storm, so shore them up as well as you can. 

Install storm shutters over your windows to keep them from smashing or create plywood panels to nail into window frames when a storm is predicted. Exterior doors must be hurricane-proof, and be sure to choose a model with at least three hinges. After it’s installed, add an additional deadbolt at least an inch long.  

Have a Property Insurance Attorney on Speed Dial

Experienced hurricane damage attorneys, such as those I employ at Insurance Claim HQ, can help fight back against an insurance company that denies a rightful hurricane damage claim. 

A specialized attorney can help evaluate your claim to determine what you are entitled to — and develop a game plan for how to get it. Expect an honest, no-holds-barred opinion from a reasonable attorney and a recommendation about whether or not they believe you have a strong case. 

They can also gather and analyze evidence (such as photos, video, repair bills, and estimates) and perform a detailed inspection of your insurance policy — delving into the fine print many of us miss. 

Next, they can file the claim and handle all communication with your insurance company on your behalf. Finally, should your claim be denied, they can fight back against bad faith denials and ensure full accountability for the hurricane damage.

I hope you won’t need such assistance after using these hurricane preparedness tips, but rest assured, attorneys like me are here when you need us. 

About Galen M Hair

Galen M Hair, Owner at Insurance Claim HQ, is a property insurance attorney who has helped over 1200 families rebuild their homes and businesses. He has been rated a Super Lawyers Rising Star and voted one of the National Trial Lawyers Top 100. Click here to learn more about protecting your property from disaster: http://www.insuranceclaimhq.com