Central Florida, home to vibrant cities like Orlando, Daytona, Melbourne, and Tampa, knows the annual challenge of hurricane season all too well. Each year, from June through November, property owners face the daunting prospect of severe storms and hurricanes. Here is a comprehensive guide on how you, as a Central Florida property owner, can effectively prepare for hurricane season, manage immediate aftermath scenarios, and ensure thorough recovery with the help of professional public adjusters like Surfside Claims.
Preparing for Hurricane Season
1. Create a Comprehensive Plan
Start by establishing a clear and detailed hurricane preparedness plan:
- Evacuation Routes: Identify multiple evacuation routes from your home or business.
- Emergency Contacts: Keep a list of important contacts, including emergency services, family, neighbors, and Surfside Claims.
- Insurance Policy Review: Regularly review your insurance policy to understand coverage limits, deductibles, and exclusions.
2. Secure Your Property
Perform proactive maintenance and safety checks:
- Roof Inspection: Schedule annual inspections to identify and repair vulnerabilities.
- Window and Door Reinforcement: Install hurricane shutters or impact-resistant glass.
- Tree Maintenance: Trim branches and remove weak trees that could damage structures during storms.
- Secure Outdoor Items: Move patio furniture, grills, and garden decorations indoors or secure them.
3. Emergency Supplies
Gather essential items to sustain your family and employees through and after a hurricane:
- Food and water for at least three days
- First-aid kit and prescription medications
- Battery-powered radios, flashlights, and extra batteries
- Important documents secured in waterproof containers
Immediate Actions Post-Hurricane
Visible Damage: What to Do First
- Safety First: Ensure everyone’s safety before inspecting damages.
- Document Damage Immediately: Take clear photos and videos of visible damage, including roofing, walls, windows, and external property.
- Temporary Repairs: Conduct emergency repairs like roof tarping to prevent additional damage. Keep all receipts and document every step.
Potential Hidden Damage: Stay Vigilant
Sometimes the worst damage isn’t immediately visible:
- Water Intrusion and Mold: Check attics, crawl spaces, and internal walls for dampness or mold odors.
- Electrical Systems: Watch for flickering lights or circuits tripping regularly, indicating potential hidden electrical damage.
- Structural Integrity: Pay attention to doors and windows sticking or walls and ceilings showing new cracks.
Filing Your Insurance Claim: How Surfside Claims Helps
Why Choose a Public Adjuster?
Insurance claims post-hurricane are complex. Insurers have adjusters protecting their interests; you need an expert advocating for yours. Public adjusters from Surfside Claims, all licensed professionals, exclusively represent property owners. They understand Central Florida’s specific storm impacts and insurance complexities.
Surfside Claims’ Proven Process
- Detailed Damage Inspection: Surfside Claims documents both visible and hidden damage meticulously.
- Policy Review: Identifies all coverages, exclusions, and special clauses relevant to hurricane damage.
- Claims Preparation and Submission: Prepares and submits a thorough, accurate, and timely claim to your insurance company.
- Negotiation and Settlement: Handles all communications and negotiations, aiming for the fairest and most comprehensive settlement possible.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Delayed Reporting: Immediately notify your insurer to avoid claim disputes.
- Incomplete Documentation: Insufficient proof of damage or repairs can lead to underpayment or denial of your claim.
- Premature Agreements: Avoid quickly accepting initial insurance offers, as these are often undervalued.
What If Your Claim is Denied or Underpaid?
If faced with a denial or insufficient payout:
- Appeal with Professional Help: Engage Surfside Claims immediately to review and contest the insurer’s decision. They have a strong track record of overturning underpaid claims.
Surfside Claims: Your Trusted Local Advocate
As a locally rooted team based on Florida’s Space Coast, Surfside Claims brings invaluable local knowledge, empathy, and determination to the claims process. They’ve successfully managed claims across Central Florida, ensuring property owners recover fully and fairly from hurricane-related losses.
Contact Surfside Claims
Before hurricane season hits or immediately after a storm, ensure Surfside Claims is your first call. Their dedicated team is always ready to provide a free consultation and property inspection, guaranteeing you the best possible outcome in your recovery.
Surfside Claims Contact Information:
- Phone: 321-503-2280
- Email: myclaim@surfsideclaims.com
- Website: Surfside Claims
Prepare early, stay vigilant, and recover comprehensively with Surfside Claims by your side. Remember, your property is more than just a structure—it’s your home, business, and peace of mind.
