What To Do While You Watch the Forecast on Potential Tropical Storm or Hurricane Imelda

Charleston, S.C. - Residents along the east coast from Florida to the Carolinas should closely monitor the forecast of a potential tropical storm or hurricane, which would be named Imelda. Some models have the system making landfall in the Carolinas, but its exact track and intensity are uncertain. While residents along the East Coast watch the forecast, the American Property Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA) recommends taking the following actions to help prepare for a potential storm:

1. Gather copies of your insurance policies. Keep copies of your insurance policies (home, flood, and auto) in a safe, dry, and accessible location or have your policy numbers saved.
2. Save your insurer's contact info. Save your insurer's toll-free claims number to your cell phone's contacts. APCIA has a list of insurer's toll-free numbers here.
3. Make a home inventory. Use your smartphone to take photos or videos of your belongings, such as furniture, appliances, clothes, lawn equipment, art, jewelry, and anything else of significant value. Save your inventory to a place where you can easily retrieve it, like the cloud, or email a copy to yourself. You can also check if your insurer has an app to assist policyholders with creating a home inventory.
4. Physically prepare your property. Clear your yard of any debris, clean out your gutters so that water can flow freely away from your home, and use a tube of caulk to seal any gaps or cracks aroundwindows and doors.
5. Restock your emergency supply kit. Have enough food, water, and medication for each member of your family, including your pets, for at least seven days.

"Don't wait until the last minute to begin preparing for a potential storm," said Jon Ward, department vice president of public affairs at APCIA. "These simple steps can help you be more prepared, especially in the event that your property is damaged and you need to file a claim."

Damage associated with wind and other severe weather is typically covered under a standard homeowners, renters, or business policy. Flood damage is not typically covered under these policies but can be covered under a separate policy through the National Flood Insurance Program or the private insurance market if the homeowner has purchased flood insurance. Water damage to a vehicle is typically covered if the policyholder's auto policy includes comprehensive insurance coverage.

Additional APCIA Resources:

APCIA's Hurricane Headquarters

What to Do Before a Hurricane

What to Do After a Hurricane

Flood Insurance: What You Need to Know

Be Better Prepared for Hurricane Season

How to Avoid Contractor Fraud & Abuse