Storm Damage Claims?
Photos Are Indeed Worth 1,000 Words
Forecasters predict 13 named storms - eight of them hurricanes - before the season ends in November. It's time to photograph your belongings.
Even a relatively minor tropical storm has the potential to do major and costly damage to homes and property. That’s why it’s extremely important to keep an up-to-date photo record of your belongings. A detailed inventory will greatly facilitate the claims process if you suffer storm damage or loss.
Nearly half of U.S. consumers have no inventory of their possessions, according to a survey by The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC). Of those who kept a record, almost a third had taken no photos, and almost two-thirds had no receipts to validate the cost of their possessions.
Today’s digital cameras and camcorders greatly simplify inventorying your belongings. Experts recommend going sequentially from room to room to avoid overlooking anything. After you have completed your inventory, be sure to leave a copy with a relative or friend, in your safety deposit box, or in any other safe location away from your home.
Be Prepared
When forecasters track a storm on a collision course with the Cape, you can minimize the effects on yourself and your family by following preparedness guidelines issued by NOAA, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. These range from securing all potentially “flying” objects in your yard to designating a spot for all family members to gather in an emergency. Complete information is available on the NOAA website.
Please take the time to visit the comprehensive site. It could be a life saver.
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