Hurricane Preparation 101

Today Charleston residents are faced with extreme flooding across the low country due to remnants of Hurricane Erika. Although Hurricane Erika dissipated to a remnant low before reaching the coast it is important to always be well prepared before a storm hits. Sam Schirmer was here when Hurricane Hugo hit in 1989, and remembers the devastation that followed. Sam would suggest some of the following tips to follow in order to be fully prepared in the event of a Hurricane.

• Check with your insurance that all of your policies are up to date well before the storm hits! In the event of a strong storm, it is important to make sure that all of your policies such as your homeowners insurance, wind and hail insurance, flood insurance, and your auto insurance are active and you have sufficient coverages.
• Make sure that you have copies of all of your declarations pages for your different insurance policies in a safe place, where you would be able to easily access them in the event of a loss. These declarations pages will make the claims process much easier to get through! If you need an updated copy, contact your agent before the storm hits and they will ensure that you get one quickly!
• Plan your evacuation route now! In order to evacuate the area quickly and safely, make sure you know your evacuation route out of the city. If you need to look this up you can visit: http://www.scdot.org/getting/evacuation.aspx
• Before evacuating, make sure that all of your appliances, propane tanks and gas lines are shut off, and that your windows are protected by storm shutters or boards.
• Take your important documents with you when you evacuate! Things such as birth certificates, deeds, emergency contact information, and insurance declarations pages should be with you when you leave.
• And as always, ensure that you have a sufficient amount of non-perishable foods, water, plenty of gas in your automobiles, and a well-stocked first aid kit.

We here at Sam Schirmer Insurance Agency were here when Hurricane Hugo hit years ago, and worked day and night to help our clients through every claim. While we hope a storm like Hugo never hits again, if one does the knowledge we gained from that storm will continue to help our clients in the future.

If you would like to review your coverages, or have questions about how to best prepare for a tropical storm or a hurricane, please call us here at Sam Schirmer Insurance Agency today at 843-881-4707!