Each year, hurricane season presents risks for homeowners and business owners across South Florida. From powerful winds and heavy rainfall to storm surge and inland flooding, various risks threaten homes, businesses and personal property. Homeowners and business owners need to take steps to prepare in advance, and they need to be prepared to deal with the aftermath if their home or business is damaged by a major storm.
Of course, the COVID-19 pandemic continues to present potentially-serious health risks as well. With this in mind, South Florida residents need to take precautions as they take steps to prepare. In our brochure, Hurricane Season During COVID-19: Guide for Staying Safe, we provide tips for mitigating your risk of COVID-19 exposure while you take the steps necessary to protect your family and your property during the 2021 Atlantic hurricane season.
Tips for Hurricane Preparedness
State and local authorities recommend that residents who live in hurricane-prone areas take several steps to prepare for the possibility of a major storm approaching the coast or making landfall. These steps include:
- Have an evacuation plan in case you need to leave your home during a major storm.
- Gather essentials to take with you if you need to evacuate or shelter in place during a storm.
- Turn on wireless emergency alerts (WEA) in your smartphone settings.
- Sign up for your community’s warning system to receive local updates about hurricane warnings and evacuations.
- Make sure your important documents are in a safe place and create digital copies, if possible.
- Make sure you have plans for your pets’ safety as well.
- As a storm approaches, declutter your drains and gutters and bring in potted plants and patio furniture.
- Keep your phone charged and make sure you know how to contact your insurance company as well as the local emergency authorities.
- Review your home, flood and business insurance policies to make sure you know (i) what is covered, and (ii) how to file a claim.
Tips for Staying Safe During the COVID-19 Crisis
In order to prepare for hurricane season, you may need to purchase supplies; and, if a hurricane impacts your community, it may not be possible to avoid being in the proximity of others. With this in mind, here are some tips for staying safe in light of the risks presented by the COVID-19 crisis:
- If you need to go shopping, wear a mask, practice social distancing and avoid touching things unnecessarily.
- Avoid touching your face; and, when you get home, wash your hands thoroughly.
- After a hurricane, wear a mask and practice social distancing when surveying the damage, cleaning up, and meeting with insurance adjusters and contractors.
- Know the signs of stress, and take care of yourself and your loved ones.
Maus Law Firm | Property Damage Lawyers in South Florida
If your home or business is damaged in a storm during the 2020 Atlantic hurricane season, our lawyers can help you through the recovery process. We handle property damage claims on behalf of homeowners and business owners, and we have been serving South Florida residents for almost 30 years. For a free, no-obligation consultation, call us at 855-999-5297 or contact us online today.