Louisiana Guide to Hurricane Season: Preparation & Insurance Claims
When hurricane activities in New Orleans, Louisiana occur, they can be serious. That’s why it’s important to get ready ahead of time. One big part of getting ready is putting together a hurricane go bag and knowing what to do with your insurance if something happens.
While being prepared can’t eliminate the danger, having a well-stocked hurricane go bag and a plan for your home and insurance claim can significantly ease the burden during a storm. This way, you can keep your stuff safe when a hurricane comes.
Short Summary
- A hurricane go bag is a portable collection of essential supplies meant to sustain you for several days in case of an emergency evacuation due to a hurricane.
- Hurricane insurance is typically covered under existing homeowners insurance, with a separate deductible for hurricanes.
- Louisiana, prone to hurricanes, requires additional coverage for flooding and wind damage through separate policies or endorsements.
- Home insurance in Louisiana commonly covers dwelling, other structures, personal belongings, temporary relocation costs, and optional hurricane-screened enclosure endorsement.
- Document hurricane damage thoroughly (before/after photos, lists) to get fair compensation quickly. File claims promptly to avoid delays and explore other options if needed.
- In the event of hurricane damage, prioritize safety, document damage thoroughly, minimize further damage, discard spoiled items, restore utilities safely, and contact insurance promptly.
Living in New Orleans means hurricane season is a reality. To keep yourself and your stuff safe, it’s important to be prepared.
What Is A Hurricane Go Bag?
A hurricane go bag, also known as a bug-out bag, contains essential supplies for a few days during an evacuation. It’s designed to sustain you in case of a hurricane emergency. A hurricane go bag helps you leave home fast with survival items. It ensures comfort until you return or find a safe shelter.
What Are The Essential Items To Include In A Hurricane Go Bag?
Key items to include in a hurricane go bag are:
- Water and Non-Perishable Food: Pack at least a three-day supply of water (one gallon per person per day) and non-perishable food items like canned goods, energy bars, and dried fruits.
- First Aid Kit: Ensure your kit contains essential medical supplies such as bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and any prescription medications needed by family members.
- Flashlights and Batteries: Include multiple flashlights and extra batteries to provide illumination during power outages.
- Portable Radio: A battery-powered or hand-crank radio can help you stay informed about weather updates and emergency instructions.
- Personal Hygiene Items: Pack hygiene essentials such as soap, hand sanitizer, wet wipes, toothbrushes, toothpaste, and menstrual supplies.
- Clothing and Blankets: Prepare a change of clothes, sturdy shoes, and blankets or sleeping bags to keep warm in case of evacuation or sheltering in place.
- Important Documents: Store copies of essential documents in a waterproof container or sealed plastic bag. These may include identification, insurance policies, medical records, and proof of address.
- Cash: Keep a supply of cash in small denominations, as ATMs and card readers may not be operational during power outages.
- Emergency Contact Information: Write down important phone numbers, including family members, emergency services, and out-of-town contacts, in case cell phone service is disrupted.
- Tools and Supplies: Include a multi-tool, duct tape, matches or lighters, and any necessary supplies for basic repairs or improvisation.
- Special Needs Items: Remember to pack supplies for infants, elderly family members, or individuals with special medical needs, such as baby formula, diapers, and medical equipment.
- Entertainment and Comfort Items: Include books, games, or toys to keep children occupied and alleviate stress during evacuation or sheltering.
By assembling a hurricane go bag with these essential items, you can better prepare yourself and your family for potential emergencies and ensure you have the necessary supplies to stay safe and comfortable during and after a hurricane.
What Is Hurricane Insurance In Louisiana?
Hurricane insurance isn’t its policy specifically for hurricane-related damage. Instead, it’s typically covered under your existing homeowner’s insurance, which likely includes protection against damages caused by hurricane winds.
Moreover, your homeowner’s policy typically incorporates a separate deductible specifically for hurricanes. This deductible is distinct from your regular home insurance deductible. Notably, only 19 states, including Louisiana, permit these hurricane deductibles.
In Louisiana, hurricane deductibles apply to wind damage, not flooding. To protect against floods during hurricanes, it is best to get separate flood insurance.
Hurricane Insurance Prep & Claims
Going through natural disasters can be really tough. The most important thing is to keep your family safe, but it’s also crucial to organize your hurricane insurance claims properly so you can get the right compensation for any damage. And take note of the following:
- Before the Hurricane: Take detailed photos (inside & out) of your home, business, and cars. Save copies online and on a flash drive.
- After the Hurricane: Document damage with new photos and a list of lost/damaged items.
- Immediately File Your Claim: Faster claim filing speeds up reimbursement.
- Know Your Options: If your claim is denied or undervalued, you have time to explore next steps (legal help if needed)
Weathering the Storm: How Your Homeowners Insurance Protects You During Hurricanes
First and foremost, it’s crucial to recognize that insurance companies don’t offer standalone policies exclusively for hurricanes. There isn’t a specific type of insurance known as “hurricane insurance.”
Instead, insurance providers offer policies that cover homeowners for potential damage caused by hurricanes. The National Weather Service (NWS) outlines various types of damage homeowners might experience during a hurricane, including:
- Roof damage due to strong winds
- Damage from fallen trees
- Structural harm to the home caused by high winds
- Basement flooding
- Water damage within walls
- Electrical wiring damage
Here are some additional items for which you may require supplemental homeowners insurance coverage in the event of a hurricane:
- Flooding usually requires separate flood insurance. Rain damage from a damaged roof might be covered.
- Wind damage is usually covered, but hurricane-prone areas may require an additional wind coverage add-on.
- Hurricane deductibles are often higher than regular storm deductibles and kick in with a hurricane warning.
Understanding hurricane coverage can be tricky. Consider seeking help deciphering your policy.
What Is The Common Hurricane Coverage In Louisiana?
Here are the common coverages included in Louisiana hurricane insurance:
- Dwelling: Covers your main house.
- Other structures: Protects additional structures on your property like garages, fences, sheds, etc.
- Personal belongings: Covers your furniture, clothes, electronics, and other possessions inside your home.
- Temporary relocation costs: If wind damage makes your house unlivable, this coverage will help pay for temporary housing.
- Optional coverage: You can add a hurricane-screened enclosure endorsement to your policy. This covers wind damage to:
- Screened porches
- Aluminum-framed carports
- Awnings
- This additional coverage typically comes in $5,000 increments, up to a maximum of $50,000.
What If A Hurricane Damages My Louisiana Home?
Living in Louisiana means being prepared for hurricane damage. If your home is unfortunately impacted by a hurricane or tropical storm, here’s a crucial first step-to-do list:
- Safety First: Once the floodwaters recede, prioritize your safety. Wear protective gear to avoid exposure to mold and other contaminants.
- Minimize Further Damage: Take temporary measures to prevent further issues – pump and remove any standing water to prevent mold growth.
- Document Everything: Thoroughly document the damage with photos before starting any repairs or cleanup.
- Discard Spoiled Items: Dispose of any contaminated or spoiled food to avoid health risks.
- Restore Utilities Safely: Only after it’s safe to do so, turn on your utilities.
- Professional Help: Consider professional cleaning services to address water and mold damage effectively.
- Contact Your Insurance: Don’t delay contacting your insurance company. A claim representative will guide you through repairs and utilize your coverage.
Be Hurricane Ready: Gear Up & Get Covered With The Help Of Our LA Attorneys
Being prepared for hurricane activities in New Orleans, Louisiana, is crucial for protecting yourself, your loved ones, and your property. Prepare with a hurricane-go bag and home readiness to lessen storm impact. Understanding insurance coverage is key.
At Hammond Law Firm LLC, we will ensure you receive fair compensation for any damages incurred. Our New Orleans law firm offers support and advocacy during tough times with our expertise and dedication to the community.
Contact Hammond Law Firm LLC today for a free consultation. Take the first step towards securing your peace of mind in the face of hurricane season.
