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Advanced Planning Saves Lives, Reduces Injuries and Prevents Property Damage, Says I.I.I.

INSURANCE INFORMATION INSTITUTE��
Contact: Press Offices��
New York: 212-346-5500; media@iii.org��
Washington, D.C.: 202-833-1580��

NEW YORK, May 26, 2009 — Meteorologists predict that there will be an average number of hurricanes during the 2009 Atlantic season. Though the forecast is for fewer storms than last year, coastal residents from Maine to Texas still should prepare for a hurricane, according to the ̽����ѡ Information Institute (I.I.I.).

Drs. William Gray and Philip Klotzbach of Colorado State University believe there will be12 storms this season, including six hurricanes and two storms that could reach “major” status with Category 3 winds or higher. They base their forecasts on expectations of a weak El Niño weather pattern in the mid- to late hurricane season. Some forecasters are also predicting more activity on the East Coast this year than on the Gulf Coast.

“Forecasts of an average season should not lead to complacency,” warned Jeanne Salvatore, senior vice president and consumer spokesperson at the I.I.I. “An average hurricane season was also forecast in 1992 when Hurricane Andrew destroyed much of South Florida, causing more than $23 billion (in 2008 dollars) in property losses. The time to prepare is now.”

“Those who take the time to prepare for a disaster such as a hurricane stand the best chance of surviving the storm and getting back to their normal lives,” added Salvatore.

To prepare for a hurricane and other disasters, the I.I.I. recommends the following five steps:

1. Review your insurance coverage.
   Speak to your agent or company representative to make sure you have the right kind and amount of insurance coverage. You need enough insurance to rebuild your home and to replace all your personal belongings. If you have made a major alteration or improvement to your home or have made significant purchases, notify your insurance agent so that the increased value is reflected in your policy.

   Speak to your agent or company representative about your deductibles. Most coastal residents have percentage deductibles for storm damage rather than the traditional dollar deductibles that are used for other types of losses such as fire or burglary.

   Ask about flood insurance. Flood damage is not covered under most standard home insurance policies. However, flood coverage is available from the (NFIP) and some private insurance companies. It can generally be purchased from the same agent or broker who provides your homeowners or renters insurance. Additional information on flood insurance can be found at , or by calling 888-379-9531. Should you need coverage over and above the $250,000 for property and $100,000 for contents provided by the NFIP, excess flood insurance is also available from private insurance companies.

2. Create a home inventory
   A home inventory will help ensure that you have purchased enough insurance to replace your personal possessions. It can also speed the claims process and substantiate losses for income tax purposes. A detailed home inventory is also helpful should you need to apply for disaster aid.

   To make creating a home inventory easier, the I.I.I. provides free Web-based software located at . The Know Your Stuff software allows you to easily organize and list your possessions, as well as add digital photographs of your valuables and save scanned receipts. The program provides free, secure storage of your inventory on Amazon Web Services. Storing your inventory online gives you the ability to access it from any computer in the event your own computer is destroyed.

3. Protect your property
   Keeping wind and water out is critical to your home’s survival. According to the Institute for Business & Home Safety, a house is most vulnerable to high winds when the building’s "envelope" is not sealed by approved forms of opening protection, such as storm shutters or reinforced garage doors. In addition, homeowners should secure loose roof shingles, seal openings, cracks and holes and strengthen soffits. Keep in mind that unsecured building materials or trash from partially completed homes could become airborne missiles impacting nearby buildings.
4. Plan your evacuation and what you will need to take��
   Identify where you will go and how you will get there. Try to have more than one option: the home of a friend or family member in another town; a hotel; or a shelter. Keep a map and the phone numbers and addresses of these locations handy. If you have a pet, identify locations where animals are welcome.
   When an emergency or disaster strikes you may be forced from your home for several days or even weeks. That’s why the First 72 is Up to You! Seventy-two hours is the most critical period after a disaster or emergency has occurred and the time it may take before rescuers can get to you.

   In the event of an evacuation, have the following items ready to take with you:

   • Medicines, prescriptions and first aid kit.
   • Bottled water
   • Clothing and bedding (sleeping bags, pillows)
   • Flashlight, battery-powered radio and extra batteries
   • Special items for infants or elderly or disabled family members
   • Computer hard drive or laptop
   • Photographs
   • Pet food and other items for pets (litter boxes, leashes)
   • Important documents such as insurance policies, passports, drivers licenses, wills and deeds, birth, adoption and marriage certificates, recent tax returns, stocks, bonds, and other negotiable certificates
   • Your home inventory.
5. Take the Ten Minute Challenge��
   Find out if you are ready to evacuate by doing a real-time test. Give yourself just 10 minutes to get your family and belongings into the car and on the road to safety. By planning ahead and practicing, you should be able to gather your family members and pets, along with the most important items they will need, calmly and efficiently, and with a minimum level of stress and confusion.

For related videos, go to Ten-Minute Challenge and Flood ̽����ѡ. Reporters who would like a DVC Pro or Beta hard copy contact: Susan Stolov at 301-728-1978 or SusanStolov@WashingtonIndependentProductions.com.

For related podcasts, go to Evacuation and Home Inventory.

For more information about insurance, go to the .

For more tips on protecting your property, go to the .

The I.I.I. is a nonprofit, communications organization supported by the insurance industry.