Did you know:
- Winter storms bring ice, snow, cold temperatures
and often dangerous driving conditions.
- Two of the 10 most costly insured catastrophes in
U.S. history were winter storms.
- In December 1983, wind, snow and freezing in 41
states caused estimated losses of $880 million.
- The March Blizzard of 1993 was the fifth most
costly insured catastrophe in the United States, causing an estimated
$1.75 billion in damage.
Before a Winter Storm:
- Make a written or videotaped inventory of household
possessions/property and store in a safe place with insurance policies,
documents and other valuables.
- Keep a supply of extra blankets.
- Make sure each member of your household has
adequate winter clothing: at least a warm coat, mittens or gloves, a hat
and water-resistant boots.
- Assemble a disaster supplies kit including: first
aid kit; essential medications; portable, battery-powered radio;
flashlight; extra batteries; canned food; non-electric can opener; and
bottled water.
- Winterize your car before winter storm season
begins.
- Keep your car's gas tank full for emergency use and
to keep the fuel line from freezing.
- Take a first aid class from your local Red Cross
chapter to learn how to treat frostbite, hypothermia and exposure to the
cold.
After a Winter Storm:
- Call your independent insurance agent as soon as
possible.
- Make temporary repairs to prevent further damage.
- Delay permanent repairs until your insurer approves
reimbursement.
- Get any necessary construction permits from your
community.
- Keep all receipts.
- Prepare an inventory of all damaged or destroyed
personal property.
- Take photos of damaged areas.
- Save remnants of damaged or destroyed property for
your insurance company adjuster.
- Meet with your adjuster first, before signing
anything with contractors, lawyers or public adjusters.
Protecting yourself is easy!
Flood insurance picks up where your homeowners
insurance leaves off. It is not expensive, especially when compared with
the monthly payments for disaster loans, and it's easy to get--just call
your insurance agent.
What to ask your insurance agent?
- Do I have flood insurance?
- How much flood insurance should I purchase?
- How much contents coverage should I purchase?
- Should I consider a three-year policy to reduce my
premiums?
- Do I qualify for a preferred risk policy?
- Can I finance my premiums?
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