Staying Prepared and Protected: Navigating a Late Hurricane Season
October 3, 2024
As we enter the latter stages of the Atlantic hurricane season, which runs through the end of November, experts predict that we’re far from out of the woods. While the season officially starts in June, we often see the most active storms during the peak period from mid-August to late October––and this year’s forecast may keep the Gulf Coast in a state of heightened activity in November as well. If you haven’t already made preparations or have been hit hard by a recent storm, now is the time to act.
The aftermath of a hurricane can be overwhelming, especially if you’re dealing with storm damage and struggling to navigate complex insurance claims. This is where Anderson Traylor Edwards in Hammond can step in to help you.
Preparing for Late-Season Hurricanes
There’s about a month left in the hurricane season, but that doesn’t mean it’s a good idea to let your guard down just yet. Here are a few essential steps you should take to get prepared for a storm if you haven’t already:
Review Your Homeowners Insurance: Verify that your policy covers hurricane damage, especially if you live in a coastal area. Some companies impose restrictions on hurricane-related claims, so it's essential to understand how your coverage works.
Secure Your Property: Inspect your home for any vulnerabilities that could become more significant problems during a storm. Consider installing storm shutters, trimming trees, and reinforcing doors and windows.
Emergency Kit: Ensure you have a well-stocked emergency kit with non-perishable food, water, batteries, flashlights, a first-aid kit, and necessary medications.
Evacuation Plan: Familiarize yourself with local evacuation routes and shelters. Have a clear plan in place for where your family will go if you need to leave your home.
Backup Documents: Store copies of essential documents such as birth certificates, social security cards, insurance policies, and home inventories in a waterproof container or a secure digital storage space that can be accessed from anywhere.
What to Do If You Have Damage From a Storm
In the unfortunate event that your home has been damaged by a storm, your top priorities are to ensure your safety and contact your insurance company. However, navigating insurance claims for hurricane-related damage can be a frustrating experience. Many Tangipahoa Parish residents learned this the hard way after Hurricane Ida in 2021, when numerous homeowners felt that their insurance companies were more focused on avoiding payouts than helping with recovery.
If your home has sustained significant damage, here’s what you need to do:
Document the Damage: Take photos and videos of all damage as soon as it’s safe to return home. Keep detailed notes of the date, time, and extent of the damage for your insurance claim.
Mitigate Further Damage: Make temporary repairs, like placing a tarp over a leaky roof, to prevent additional damage. Keep receipts for all purchases related to these repairs, as your insurance company may reimburse you.
File a Claim: Contact your insurance company as quickly as possible to start the claims process. Be prepared to provide your policy number and specific details about the damage.
Stay Organized: Keep all communications with your insurance company in writing when possible, and document everything, including the names of the representatives you speak with and any promises they make.
How Anderson Traylor Edwards Can Help
As many Tangipahoa Parish residents experienced after Hurricane Ida, dealing with insurance companies can be a battle. Insurance companies may impose strict limitations or delay payouts, particularly for those in coastal areas. This can be incredibly stressful for homeowners who are trying to rebuild their lives in the wake of a storm.
At Anderson Traylor Edwards, we understand the challenges that come with negotiating insurance claims. Our experienced legal team is ready to fight for you. Here’s how we can help:
Insurance Claim Disputes: We will review your insurance policy and help you understand the benefits you’re entitled to under your coverage. If your claim has been delayed, denied, or underpaid, we’ll take the necessary steps to hold your insurer accountable.
Maximizing Your Payout: Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts by undervaluing the cost of repairs. We’ll work with you to ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve.
Litigation if Necessary: If negotiations with your insurance company fail, our attorneys are prepared to take your case to court to secure a favorable outcome.
You’ve invested in your homeowners insurance to protect your property, and you deserve to rely on that coverage during a time of crisis. Our experienced attorneys at Anderson Traylor Edwards will fight to ensure you get the compensation you need to rebuild and recover after a hurricane.
