PCI Urges Consumers to Stay Alert and Plan Ahead During Hurricane Season

The Property Casualty Insurers Association of America issued the following news release:

As the New England and Mid-Atlantic coast states brace for Tropical Storm Danny, which could strengthen and become a hurricane over the weekend, property owners should be sure to take some basic precautions to protect themselves and their belongings.

"Even if Danny ultimately avoids making landfall, it is a good idea to take precautionary measures to prevent damage to vulnerable property and keep out of harms way," said Frank O'Brien, vice president for the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America (PCI). "If residents along the coast are ordered to evacuate they should be prepared to report claims to their insurer as soon as it is safe to return to their homes and businesses and assess the damage."

Insurers will be ready to respond, as soon as it is safe, with catastrophe teams at the scene should Danny make landfall. PCI, insurance companies and other industry groups work with state governments, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), part of the Department of Homeland Security, on disaster planning for both individual homeowners and businesses to facilitate a coordinated response.

Although the beginning of the 2009 hurricane season was quiet, we have hit the peak of the season which lasts from mid-August through October. As the ocean waters in the Atlantic warm during the summer we have seen four named storms -- Ana, Bill, Claudette and Danny - develop in rapid succession. These storms serve as a reminder that coastal communities need to always be alert and aware of weather patterns during hurricane season.

PCI recommends the following hurricane precautions:

-Review your property insurance policy, especially the "declarations" page, and check whether your policy pays replacement costs, or actual cash value for a covered loss.

-Inventory your household items, and photograph or videotape them for further documentation. Keep this information and your insurance policies in a safe place.

-Keep the name, address and claims-reporting telephone number of your insurer and agent in a safe and easily accessible place.

-Protect your property by covering all windows with plywood or shutters, moving vehicles into the garage when possible and placing grills and patio furniture indoors.

-Keep all receipts for any repairs so your insurance company can reimburse you.

-Check with your insurance adjuster for referrals to professional restoration, cleaning and salvage companies if additional assistance is needed.

Make sure watercraft are stored in a secure area, like a garage or covered boat dock. A typical homeowner's policy will cover property damage in limited instances for small watercraft, and separate boat policies will provider broader, more extensive property and liability protection for larger, faster boat, yachts, jet skis and wave runners, said O'Brien.

Rain from tropical storms can cause serious flooding up to hundreds of miles inland. As a result, it is also important to remember that while damage caused by most disasters is covered, there are a few exceptions including damage caused by a flood. The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is the primary source for flood insurance and it must be bought as a separate policy. If you purchase flood insurance, there is a 30-day waiting period before the coverage becomes effective so it is important to plan ahead.

In case of flooding there are simple steps for clean up and to prevent further damage:

-Shovel or scrape mud off walls, floors and furniture, then hose from the ceiling down before the mud dries.

-To prevent mold and odors, clean walls and floors with diluted chlorine bleach.

-Gradually pump flooded basements (about one-third of the water per day).

Contact: Frank O'Brien, 617/723-1976, frank.obrien@pciaa.net

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