Insurance Policy and Responsibilities After a Disaster: How to Navigate

Insurance Policy and Responsibilities After a DisasterChaos often strikes unexpectedly. In the aftermath of a disaster, it can be challenging to ascertain what needs to be done and how to prioritize, especially if you weren’t prepared

 One of the first things you’ll need to address is your insurance policy to determine what damage is covered and your responsibilities. While this may not sound too difficult, it’s an entirely different matter when you factor in the added elements of stress and grief in the wake of devastation. 

 To make this process a little smoother, here are some of the key things you’ll want to focus on as you navigate your policy:

Evaluate the Damage

Before you look at your policy, it’s helpful to evaluate the type and extent of the damage you’re looking for. You don’t have to be an expert on these matters, but any details you can provide your insurance company will help the process move a little smoother. For example, what did your area experience? A hurricane? What category? Walk around the property and take notes and pictures first to get an idea of what you’re dealing with in advance. Continue reading “Insurance Policy and Responsibilities After a Disaster: How to Navigate”

Different Hurricane Categories, How Do They Affect Roofs?

Hurricane Categories Affect RoofsIf you live in Panama City, hurricane preparation is simply a part of life. Part of this preparation includes knowing what to expect with regard to roof damage. Many of our customers wonder, “How much will each hurricane category affect my roof?” In this guide, we’ll explore the answer.

What Are Hurricane Categories?

There are five categories of hurricanes. These are divided according to the rate of sustained winds: 

  • Category 1:  74-95 MPH winds
  • Category 2:  96-110 MPH winds
  • Category 3:  111-129 MPH winds
  • Category 4:  130-156 MPH winds
  • Category 5:  157+ MPH winds

Anything over Category 2 is considered to be an extreme weather event. While any of these can affect your roof, each category may cause distinctive effects. Continue reading “Different Hurricane Categories, How Do They Affect Roofs?”

Hurricane Season: How to Prepare Your Home

Hurricane SeasonHurricane Season: How to Prepare Your Home

Hurricane season can be a terrifying time for anyone. When the sky darkens and the winds pick up, however, you’ll breathe easier when you know that you’ve done everything you can to prepare your home against hurricane damage. 

In this post, we’ll go over some of the ways that you can make sure that your home is protected in time for the hurricane season.

Use the Right Roofing Material

Hurricanes can produce winds up to and exceeding 130 mph, which means that your roof needs to be as secure as possible. With the wrong material, your home can open up like a can, exposing your home’s interior to the storm. Continue reading “Hurricane Season: How to Prepare Your Home”

Your Roof and Hurricanes: What You Need to Know

Your Roof and HurricanesEveryone has seen the terrifying images of entire neighborhoods wrecked after hurricanes. Some of the most jarring images to see relate to roof damage. As one of the largest pieces of the home and an essential component of a shelter, roof damage can make a home entirely uninhabitable.

When it comes to protecting your home from hurricanes, the roof is one of the best places to start. Protection and reinforcement can be the difference between a safe space and incredible damage.

Continue reading “Your Roof and Hurricanes: What You Need to Know”

After a Hurricane or Tropical Storm: What to Do

What to Do After a Hurricane or Tropical Storm

You probably know that you should evacuate the area as directed in the case of a severe tropical storm or hurricane. It can be very nerve wracking to have to leave your home and all of your possessions behind to flee the area, and you might be anxious about what you will come home to. Although you may simply have relief that your home is still standing, it is important to take some steps when you arrive back at home to ensure that you and your family are safe.

Tropical Storm

Check All Points of Entry

Check all of the points of entry to your home, including every window and door. Make sure that the storm didn’t cause any holes, drafts, or shattered windows. If you do have broken windows or doors, get some plastic and wood to cover the entryways completely to protect your home and belongings while you are waiting for repairs. Call a contractor right away.

Continue reading “After a Hurricane or Tropical Storm: What to Do”

Repairing Storm Damage: 3 Reasons Not to Put It Off

Having your home in the path of a major storm can be extremely expensive and stressful. While you will need to contact your insurance right away, it is not wise to put off starting your repairs. Here are three reasons not to put off repairing storm damage.

storm damage

Reduce Chances of More Flooding

If you do not repair storm damage right away, you could experience additional flooding in your home. If another storm comes on the tail of the last, you could experience some additional water damage if you haven’t repaired the original damage. This can cost you even more money and damage your belongings.

Continue reading “Repairing Storm Damage: 3 Reasons Not to Put It Off”