Preparing for the hurricane season
Tower Group Companies offers a
broad range of specialized property
and casualty insurance products
and services to small to mid-sized
businesses and to individuals. By
targeting select market segments
and expeditiously delivering needed
products and services, Tower is
able to offer favorable policy terms,
conditions and pricing, creating
opportunities for agents and
protection for policyholders.
Many people will be heading to the beaches along the East and Gulf Coasts this summer to enjoy the
sunshine and water. Even though these beaches are beautiful, they are also located within the paths of
tropical storms and hurricanes.
Hurricane season occurs during the months of June to November and usually affects states on or near
the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts. Both tropical storms and hurricanes can bring heavy rain and high winds.
Here are some tips for homeowners and travelers who may find themselves in the path of a storm:
Preparing for the storm:
Hurricanes and tropical storms are usually tracked well ahead of landfall, but being prepared before a
storm develops will help ensure potentially less damage during the storm.
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Tower Group, Inc. and its insurance
subsidiaries are rated A- (Excellent)
by A.M. Best.*
*For the latest ratings, visit www.ambest.com
Tower Group Companies
U.S. Address:
120 Broadway, 31st Floor
New York, New York 10271
Ph: (212) 655-2000
Fax: (212) 655-2199
www.twrgrp.com
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MKT 04-341 (05/13)
Have an evacuation plan set and ready with your family. Get to know where your local emergency
shelters are located
Have a “hurricane kit” ready in case of a storm. Have a three-day supply of water for each person in
your family. Have non-perishable food, flashlights and first-aid supplies ready to go during hurricane
season so you know you will be ready if a severe storm hits your area
Be sure to charge all electronics ahead of the storm, in case of power outages, cell phones, laptops,
etc. As well as other devices that you can utilize as charged items
Locate all chargers, including those that are adapted for automobile use, and have ready for when
power returns
For those with battery back-up, be sure to stock extra batteries
Consider flashlights and radios that are crank-charged (some may have battery back-ups)
Have materials ready to board up windows in your home. Homeowners should consider installing
impact-resistant window or wind-resistant shutters to put over windows. Both systems will withstand
a storm better than regular windows
Make sure outdoor furniture can be secured quickly and easily to reduce home damage during a storm
Watercraft vehicles should also be secured or kept in a garage or storage space during a storm
Make sure to have a full tank of gasoline in your car in case you and your family need to drive to an
evacuation center or inland location
If your home has a gravel or rock driveway or path, you should consider replacing these with shredded
bark. The bark will cause less damage in high wind conditions than rock or gravel
If you have a pet, make arrangements for where they will stay during the storm. Contact your local
shelter or vet for more information
During the storm:
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Stay indoors and away from windows. Find a room in your home that does not have windows,
such as a bathroom or closet
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Do not use candles for light because this increases the risk of fire. Make sure flashlights are
readily available before a hurricane hits and that fresh batteries are installed
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If evacuation is needed, unplug appliances to prevent any damage from an electrical surge
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If you find yourself driving during a severe storm, keep both hands on the wheel and slow down.
Keep a safe distance between other cars on the road (especially trucks and SUVs) and watch
for flying debris. If winds get too strong to drive safely, pull over and wait until conditions get
better for safer driving
Travel tip:
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If you are taking a vacation during hurricane season, make sure to check with your hotel to see
if they have hurricane reimbursement policies should your trip be cancelled due to a storm.
You will be able to book with confidence knowing that your money will be refunded if a storm
changes your summer plans.
Sources:
Tower Group Companies
120 Broadway, 31st Floor
New York, New York 10271
Ph: (212) 655-2000
Fax: (212) 655-2199
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www.travelchannel.com/intrests/travel-tips/articles/hurricane-safety-tips
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http://www.weather.com/outlook/weather-news/hurricanes/articles/hurricane-damage-effects_2010-05-24
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http://www.weather.com/outlook/weather-news/hurricanes/articles/hurricane-seasons_2010-05-24
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http://www.iccsafe.org/safety/Pages/hurricane.aspx
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http://www.weather.com/life/safety/hurricane/article/protecting-pets-during-emergency_2011-11-21
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http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/prepare/ready.php#gatherinfo
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www.nyc.gov/html/oem/html/hazards/storms_safetytips.shtml
www.twrgrp.com
The information provided in this document is for information purposes only to aid the reader in better understanding the topic.
Tower Group Companies and its affiliates do not guarantee the information contained herein and assume no liability in connection with the information provided in this document.