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Hurricane Ike struck the Texas Gulf coast on Sept. 13, 2008, causing tremendous property damage over a wide swath of the Galveston-Beaumont region. As the one-year anniversary of the landfall of Hurricane Ike approaches, the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association is launching a consumer education campaign to help raise awareness of some basic precautions coastal residents can undertake that may help mitigate losses from future hurricanes.

Ten Tips for Hurricane Preparedness

1. Protect your home by keeping up with routine home maintenance. For

instance, keeping your roof in good condition and your foundation sound

can go a long way to preventing wind and water damage.

2. You may be able to lessen hurricane damage to your home by making some

simple structural upgrades.

3. Be sure you have BOTH flood and windstorm insurance coverage. Flood

insurance does not cover wind damage and windstorm insurance does not

cover flood/storm surge damage.

4. At least once a year, take an inventory of your property. Consider

videotaping a "tour" of your belongings. Keep all property records in a

location away from your home.

5. Insure your property for what it will cost to REPLACE your belongings

rather than basing coverage on current value.

6. Schedule an insurance "check-up" with your agent at least once a year

well ahead of hurricane season.

7. If changes to your insurance coverage are needed, plan ahead. New

policies and/or changes to current policies cannot be accepted

immediately prior to a hurricane.

8. Be sure you know how to initiate an insurance claim. Keep your agent's

contact information with you at all times.

9. Read your insurance policies and know what is covered and what is not

covered. If you are not sure, discuss with your agent.

10. Take the time NOW to ensure that you and your family will be prepared

when the next storm strikes.

For more information about these tips and others, coastal residents are urged to contact their insurance agents.

About the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association

The Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA) is the state's insurer of last resort for wind and hail coverage in the 14 coastal counties and parts of Harris County (east of Highway 146). TWIA provides wind and hail coverage when insurance companies exclude it from their homeowners and other property policies sold to coastal residents. TWIA employees are committed to promote hurricane safety and education, together with the development and enforcement of coastal building codes, in an effort to save lives and property.

Contact: Meg Meo, 512-494-2867,

mmeo@echristianpr.com SOURCE Texas Windstorm Insurance Association