SPECIAL HURRICANE EDITION: Be Prepared This Hurricane Season
In This Issue
ShelterPride
®
news
Preparing Ahead of the Storm
Hurricane Season is Upon Us
Flood Information
The Official Newsletter for Narragansett Bay Insurance Company Customers
Hurricane Season is Upon Us
Hurricane season runs from June 1st through
November 30th.
O
ne of the most dramatic, damaging, and potentially
deadly events is a hurricane. During a hurricane, your
home may be damaged or destroyed by many different
storm hazards. For example:
• Debris can break windows and doors, allowing high winds and rain inside the home.
• Large storms (i.e. Hurricanes Hugo, Andrew,
Katrina and Superstorm Sandy) can cause tremendous
devastation as trees and power lines topple.
• Weak elements of your home can fail, such as
windows, doors, and roofing material.
• Roads and bridges can be washed away.
• Coastal storm surges can flood basements and
lower levels of your home, threatening life in
many circumstances.
• Destructive tornadoes also can be present,
occurring well away from the storm’s center.
• Wind damage is not limited to the coastline –
it can extend hundreds of miles inland under
certain conditions.
Your home is a valuable asset. The costs associated with
property damage from hurricanes and the disruption
to your life in the aftermath can be significant. We
encourage you to carefully review the recommendations
in this bulletin on how to prepare your home and your
family for a hurricane. We also are including steps you
should take in the unfortunate event that you suffer
storm damage.
A HURRICANE WATCH issued for your part of the coast indicates the possibility that you could
experience hurricane conditions within 36 hours. This watch should trigger your family’s disaster
plan (please see our article “Preparing Ahead of the Storm”), and protective measures should be
initiated, especially those actions that require extra time such as securing a boat, leaving an isolated
area, etc.
A HURRICANE WARNING issued for your part of the coast indicates that sustained winds of at least
74 mph are expected within 24 hours or less. Once this warning has been issued, your family should
be in the process of completing protective actions and deciding the safest location to be during the
storm.
1
What To Listen For
HURRICANE WATCH:
An announcement that hurricane conditions (sustained
winds of 74 mph or higher) are possible within the
specified area in association with a tropical, subtropical,
or post-tropical cyclone. Because hurricane preparedness
activities become difficult once winds reach tropical storm
force, the hurricane watch is issued 48 hours in advance
of the anticipated onset of tropical-storm-force winds.
During a Watch, prepare your home and review your plan
for evacuation in case warnings are issued. Listen closely
to instructions from local officials.
TROPICAL STORM WATCH:
An announcement that tropical storm conditions
(sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph) are possible within
the specified area within 48 hours in association with a
tropical, subtropical, or post-tropical cyclone. During
a Watch, prepare your home and review your plan for
evacuation in case warnings are issued. Listen closely to
instructions from local officials.
HURRICANE WARNING:
An announcement that hurricane conditions (sustained
winds of 74 mph or higher) are expected somewhere
within the specified area in association with a tropical,
subtropical, or post-tropical cyclone. Because hurricane
preparedness activities become difficult once winds
reach tropical storm force, the hurricane watch is issued
36 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropicalstorm-force winds. The warning can remain in effect when
dangerously high water or a combination of dangerously
high water and waves continue, even though winds may
be less than hurricane force.
TROPICAL STORM WARNING:
An announcement that tropical storm conditions (sustained
winds of 39 to 73 mph) are expected somewhere within
the specified area within 36 hours in association with a
tropical, subtropical, or post-tropical cyclone.
EXTREME WIND WARNING:
Extreme sustained winds of a major hurricane (115 mph
or greater), usually associated with the eyewall, are
expected to begin within an hour. Take immediate shelter
in the interior portion of a well-built structure.
Additional Watches and Warnings are issued to provide
detailed information on specific threats such as floods
and tornadoes. Local National Weather Service offices
issue Flash Flood/ Flood Watches and Warnings as well as
Tornado Warnings.
Understanding
the Terminology
A Tropical Cyclone is a rotating, organized system
of clouds and thunderstorms that originates over
tropical or subtropical waters and has a closed
low-level circulation. Tropical cyclones rotate
counterclockwise in the Northern Hemisphere.
Tropical Depression — A tropical cyclone with
maximum sustained winds of 38 mph (33 knots)
or less.
Tropical Storm — A tropical cyclone with
maximum sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph (34
to 63 knots).
Hurricane — A tropical cyclone with maximum
sustained winds of 74 mph (64 knots) or higher.
In the western North Pacific, hurricanes are called
typhoons; similar storms in the Indian Ocean and
South Pacific Ocean are called cyclones.
Major Hurricane — A tropical cyclone with
maximum sustained winds of 111 mph (96 knots)
or higher, corresponding to a Category 3, 4 or 5 on
the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale.
A Post-Tropical Cyclone is a system that no longer
possesses sufficient tropical characteristics to
be considered a tropical cyclone. Post-tropical
cyclones can still bring heavy rain and high winds.
2
Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale
The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale is a 1 to 5 rating based on a hurricane’s
sustained wind speed. This scale estimates potential property damage. Hurricanes
reaching Category 3 and higher are considered major hurricanes because of their
potential for significant loss of life and damage. Category 1 and 2 storms are still
dangerous, however, and require preventative measures. In the western North Pacific,
the term “super typhoon” is used for tropical cyclones with sustained winds exceeding
150 mph.
Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale for the Continental United States
Scale
Number
(Category)
Sustained
Winds
(MPH)
Types of Damage Due to Hurricane Winds
Hurricanes
1
74-95
Very dangerous winds will produce some damage: Well-constructed
frame homes could have damage to roof, shingles, vinyl siding and
gutters. Large branches of trees will snap and shallowly rooted trees
may be toppled. Extensive damage to power lines and poles likely
will result in power outages that could last a few to several days. Dolly (2008)
on South
Padre Island,
Texas
2
96-110
Extremely dangerous winds will cause extensive damage:
Well-constructed frame homes could sustain major roof and siding
damage. Many shallowly rooted trees will be snapped or uprooted
and block numerous roads. Near-total power loss is expected with
outages that could last from several days to weeks. Frances
(2004) in
coastal Port
St. Lucie,
Florida
3
111-129
Devastating damage will occur: Well-built framed homes may incur
major damages or removal of roof decking and gable ends. Many
trees will be snapped or uprooted, blocking numerous roads.
Electricity and water will be unavailable for several days to weeks
after the storm passes. Ivan (2004)
in coastal
Gulf Sores,
Alabama
4
131-156
Catastrophic damage will occur: Well-built framed homes can
sustain severe damage with loss of most of the roof structure and/or
some exterior walls. Most trees will be snapped or uprooted and
power poles downed. Fallen trees and power poles will isolate
residential areas. Power outages will last weeks to possibly months.
Most of the area will be uninhabitable for weeks or months.
Charley
(2004) in
Punta Gorda,
Florida
5
>156
Catastrophic damage will occur: A high percentage of framed homes
will be destroyed, with total roof failure and wall collapse. Fallen
trees and power poles will isolate residential areas. Power outages
will last for weeks to possibly months. Most of the area will be
uninhabitable for weeks or months. Andrew
(1992) in
coastal parts
of Cutler
Ridge,
Florida
3
Ways to Stay Informed
NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards
The National Weather Service (NWS) continuously broadcasts warnings,
watches, forecasts and non-weather related hazard information on NOAA
Weather Radio All Hazard (NWR). The average range of the 1000+ NWR
transmitters is 40 miles, depending on topography. For the best performing
NWR receivers, NWS suggests you look at devices certified to Public AlertTM
standards.
These radios meet specific technical standards and come with many features
such as Specific Area Message Encoding (SAME), a battery backup, both audio
and visual alarms, selective programming for the types of hazards you want
to be warned for, and the ability to activate external alarm devices for people
with disabilities. Similar to a smoke detector, an NWR can wake you up in the
middle of the night to alert you of a dangerous situation.
CURRENT STORM INFORMATION
OTHER INFORMATION
• National Weather Service:
www.weather.gov
• Audio Podcasts:
www.nhc.noaa.gov/audio/
• National Hurricane Center:
www.nhc.noaa.gov
• Geographic Information System Data:
www.nhc.noaa.gov/gis/
• Central Pacific Hurricane Center:
www.prh.noaa.gov/cphc
• NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards:
www.weather.gov/nwr
HISTORICAL STORM INFORMATION
• Hurricane Tracking Charts:
www.weather.gov/os/hurricane/
• National Climatic Data Center:
www.ncdc.noaa.gov
FACEBOOK
• NOAA Coastal Services Center:
www.csc.noaa.gov
• NHC Facebook Page:
facebook.com/US.NOAA.NationalHurricaneCenter.gov
• CPHC/ NWS Honolulu Facebook Page:
EMERGENCY/PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION
• American Red Cross:
www.redcross.org
• FEMA:
www.fema.gov
MOBILE NHC AND NWS INFORMATION
• Mobile NHC website in basic HTML:
www.nhc.noaa.gov/mobile
facebook.com/US.NationalWeatherService.Honolulu.gov
TWITTER
• Atlantic: @NHC_Atlantic
• Eastern North Pacific: @NHC_Pacific
• Central Pacific: @NWSHonolulu
• Storm Surge: @NHC_Surge
• Mobile NWS website for smartphones:
mobile.weather.gov
• Mobile NWS website in basic HTML:
cell.weather.gov
4
Family Emergency Plan
Everyone needs to be prepared for the unexpected. You, as well as your family and friends, will most likely not be
together when disaster strikes. How will you find each other? Will you know if your children or parents are safe? You
may have to evacuate or be confined to your home. What will you do if water, gas, electricity or phone services are
shut off?
Steps to Take
I
II
Gather information about hazards. Contact your local National Weather Service office, emergency management
office and American Red Cross chapter. Find out what type of emergencies could occur and how you should
respond. Learn your community’s warning signals and evacuation plans. Assess your risks and identify ways to
make your home and property more secure.
Meet with your family to create an emergency plan. Pick two places to meet: a spot outside your home for an
emergency, such as fire, and a place away from your neighborhood in case you can’t return home. Choose an
out of state friend as your family’s point of contact for everyone to call if the family gets separated. Discuss what
you would do if advised to evacuate.
III Implement your plan.
1. Post emergency telephone numbers by the phone.
2. Install safety features in your house, such as smoke alarms and fire
extinguishers.
3. Inspect your home for items that can move, fall, break or catch fire and
correct them.
4. Have your family learn basic safety measures, such as CPR and first aid,
how to use a fire extinguisher, and how and when to turn off water, gas
and electricity in your home.
5. Teach children how and when to call 911 or your local emergency
number.
6. Keep enough supplies in your home for at least 3 days. Assemble an
emergency supplies kit. Store these supplies in sturdy, easy-to-carry
containers, such as backpacks or duffle bags. Keep important documents
in a waterproof container. Keep a smaller emergency supplies kit in the
trunk of your car.
IV Practice and maintain your plan. Ensure your family knows meeting places,
phone numbers and safety rules. Conduct drills. Test your smoke detectors
and NWR monthly and change the batteries at least once each year. Test
and recharge your fire extinguisher(s) according to manufacturer’s
instructions. Replace stored water and food every 6 months.
What to Bring
to a Shelter
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
First-aid kit
Medicine, prescriptions
Baby food and diapers
Games, books, music
players with headphones
Toiletries
Battery-powered radio
and cell phone
Flashlights
Extra batteries
A blanket or sleeping bag
for each person
Identification
Copies of key papers such
as insurance policies
Cash, credit card
REMINDER: If you are told
to leave your home, do so
immediately.
5
Preparing Ahead of the Storm
O
ne of the crucial parts to protecting your family and your possessions during a natural
disaster is the preparation you do well before the storm. No one can predict the outcome of an
event, so understanding the damage that can occur is important. The following information
will provide some insight as to how and when to protect the things you cherish most.
Taking the time to outline a protection plan for your family and property is essential and
must be completed well before conditions start to deteriorate. Develop a preparedness plan
to be executed when the time comes.
MAKE A KIT
HURRICANE
POWER OUTAGE
Basic things to include in your kit:
• A battery-powered AM/FM radio, flashlights, and extra batteries
When the winds of a tropical storm
reach a constant speed of 75 miles per
hour or more, it becomes a hurricane.
Hurricane winds blow in a large spiral
around a relatively calm center called
the eye. Hurricane season on the
Atlantic and Gulf coasts begins June 1
and lasts through November.
General Hurricane Preparedness
The beginning of hurricane season is a
good time to:
• Check your home emergency kit and
review and update emergency phone
numbers.
Power outages can happen because of
bad weather or extreme temperatures.
Power outages can last for a few
minutes or a few days.
If a Power Outage is Possible
• Fill your car’s gas tank.
• First aid kit
• Prescription and nonprescription
medicine
• Eyeglasses
• A list of medical conditions,
prescriptions and allergies for all
household members
• Supplies and equipment for infants
and/or household members with
special needs
• Important phone numbers
• Copies of important documents (birth
certificates, naturalization documents,
licenses, passports, health insurance
cards, insurance policies, bank account
numbers, credit cards numbers) in a
waterproof container.
• Learn about the evacuation route in
your community.
• Make plans to protect your house,
especially the windows and doors.
• Trim dead or weak branches from trees.
Before a Hurricane Hits
• Fill your car’s gas tank.
• Photos of household members and pets
in case someone gets lost
• Shutter or board up the windows in
your house.
• Extra set of car keys
• Secure loose items in your yard, such
as lawn furniture.
• Map of area
• Cash (ATM may not work)
• Matches in a waterproof container
• Water in plastic container
(1 gallon/person/day)
• Non-perishable food (ready-to-eat
canned/dried meals, fruits and
vegetables, crackers) for two weeks if
possible
• Basic personal hygiene items (soap,
toothbrush, toothpaste)
• Pet supplies (including food and water,
leashes, carriers and records of shots)
• Small tools including a manual can
opener and wrench or pliers to turn off
utilities
• Fill the bathtub with water to use for
washing and cleaning.
• Turn refrigerator and freezer to the
coldest setting.
If a Hurricane Is Going to Hit
• Make sure you have enough flashlights
and extra batteries.
• Make sure that you have food that does
not require refrigeration or cooking.
• Fill your bathtub with water for
washing and cleaning.
• Fill clean containers with drinking
water.
If the Power is Out
• Use only battery-powered lights to see.
Do not use a candle or other open
flame.
• Turn off any appliance or equipment
that was being used when the power
went out.
• Avoid opening the refrigerator or
freezer.
• Do not run a generator inside the house
or in a garage.
• If the power is out for more than four
hours, throw away perishable food
such as meat, poultry, fish, soft cheeses,
milk, eggs, deli items and leftovers.
• Listen to TV and/or radio stations for
official information.
• Throw away frozen food if the temp. in
the freezer goes above 41°.
• Stay away from windows and glass
doors.
• If there is a Boil Water Advisory, boil
tap water for one minute or more
before you use it for drinking, preparing
food, washing dishes or bathing small
children.
If have You Have to Evacuate
• Advise your point of contact for
emergencies.
• Lock your home and leave
immediately.
• Be careful around downed power lines
and other debris on the ground.
6
How to Reduce Damage to your Home
1. Shingles – Spend $4 on a 10 oz. tube of roofing cement and use it
to re-adhere shingles. 1 tube = 25 feet of shingles.
• Focus on shingles near the roof edges and near gable ends.
• Place three 1-inch diameter dabs under each shingle tab (near
the edges and in the middle).
• On gable ends, secure the three shingle tabs closest to the
gable edge.
2. Soffits – Spend $6 for 10 oz. of polyurethane sealant and stainless
steel screws and use to secure soffits.
• Apply a bead of sealant along the joint between the edge of
the channel and the wall.
• Install sharp pointed stainless steel screws through the fascia
and channels so that they connect the soffit material.
• Apply sealant in the grooves where the fascia material butts
up against the fascia and wall channel.
3. Seals – Spend $2 on 10 oz. of caulk and use to seal:
• Holes where wires, cables and pipes enter and exit the house;
• Openings for cable TV and telephone lines;
• All the way around electrical boxes and circuit breaker panels;
• Pipe penetrations include AC refrigerant lines, AC condensate lines, water heater pressure relief lines
and water pipes;
• Cracks around wall outlets, dryer vents, bathroom and kitchen vents and electrical devices such as
wall lights.
4. Surroundings – Spend $3 per bag and replace gravel/rock landscaping materials.
• Choose a soft mulch material;
• In a particularly strong hurricane, gravel has been found in mailboxes and has shredded vinyl siding;
• Work with neighbors to make sure everyone’s home is protected from this risk.
5. Shutters – Spend $9-$30 per square foot of openings.
• Determine what openings need protection: all windows, entry doors, sliding glass doors, garage doors
and gable end vents;
• Then, make a plan:
Choose permanent window and door protection, or
Install permanent fasteners long before storm warnings and pre-cut shutter panels so they can be
put in place quickly and time can be spent focusing on other needs.
Choose a product with the proper approval for impact-resistance.
7
Water Damage Solutions
1. Seal Gaps
Aging and weather can lead to gaps around the penetrations
entering your home and around windows and doors.
Over time, gaps can form in areas such as where water faucet
pipes, gas pipes and air conditioning pipes enter the walls. Gaps
also may exist behind electrical outlets, junction boxes, circuit
breaker boxes and electric and water meters. Cracks or voids
under window sills also can appear due to weather and aging.
Water can enter through these openings and cause significant
damage that you may not notice until it is too late and major
repairs are needed.
To seal these gaps, apply caulk. The type of caulk you use will depend upon the location where it’s needed.
The following are basic categories of caulk: waterproof or waterproof and paintable. All outdoor applications
should use waterproof caulking.
Waterproof Products
Caulk that keeps water out is a necessity in areas that will be exposed to water, such as windows,
doors, kitchens, and baths, so a permanently waterproof caulk is needed. If the caulk is not permanently
waterproof, the area could be left vulnerable to water damage and mold growth.
Waterproof and Paintable
Some projects require a caulk that is waterproof and paintable. If the area will be exposed to water or the
outdoor elements, a permanently waterproof and shrink/crack-proof caulk is needed. If the caulk is not
permanently waterproof and shrink/crack-proof, the area could be left vulnerable to water damage and mold
growth. If the caulk needs to match the exact color of the adjacent surface, it also needs to be paintable.
2. Redirect Pooling Water
Pooling water near a house can lead to significant interior damage.
If the finished floor of a house is at least 6 inches above soil and mulch, wind-driven water can accumulate
next to the house and blow up against the wall. This could lead to water getting inside and damaging the
walls and other interior finishes.
• Address this problem by looking at the grading of the
property.
• The grading should direct water away from the house to
avoid pooling water.
A house is at significant risk of damage if water has gotten inside
after heavy rains or there is standing water next to the house.
• Evaluate the drainage of the property and consider adding a
waterproof membrane to the wall where leaks have occurred.
• A
dding ground or French drains can help move water away
from the house.
8
Returning Home Safely
Returning home after a disaster can be both physically and
mentally challenging. Remember to always use caution.
Your first concern after a disaster is your family’s health
and safety. You need to consider possible safety issues
and monitor family health and well-being.
BEFORE YOU ENTER YOUR HOME: Assess the damage
by carefully walking around the outside and check for
loose power lines, gas leaks, and structural damage. If
you have any doubts about safety, have your residence
inspected by a qualified building inspector or structural engineer before entering.
DO NOT ENTER IF: You smell gas, floodwaters remain around the building, and/or your home was
damaged by fire and the authorities have not declared it safe.
GOING INSIDE YOUR HOME: When you go inside your home, there are certain things you should
and should not do. Enter the home carefully and check for damage. Be aware of loose boards and
slippery floors.
The following items are other things to check inside your home:
• Natural gas - If you smell gas or hear a hissing or blowing sound, open a window and leave
immediately. Turn off the main gas valve from the outside, if you can. If possible, call the gas
company from a neighbor’s residence.
• Sparks, broken or frayed wires - Check the electrical system unless you are wet, standing in
water, or unsure of your safety. If possible, turn off the electricity at the main fuse box or circuit
breaker. If the situation is unsafe, leave the building and call for help. Do not turn on any
electrical appliances until you are sure they’re safe to use. You may want to have an electrician
inspect your wiring.
• Roof, foundation, and chimney cracks - If it looks like the building may collapse, leave immediately.
• Appliances - If appliances are wet, turn off the electricity at the main fuse box or circuit breaker.
Then, unplug appliances and let them dry out. Have appliances checked by a professional
before using them again.
• Water and sewage systems - If pipes are damaged, turn off the main water valve. Check with
local authorities before using any water; the water could be contaminated. Pump out wells and
have the water tested by authorities before drinking. Do not flush toilets until you know that
sewage lines are intact.
• Food and other supplies - Throw out all food and other supplies that you suspect may have
become contaminated or come in contact with flood water.
• Your basement - If your basement has flooded, pump it out gradually (about one third of the
water per day) to avoid damage. The walls may collapse and the floor may buckle if the basement is pumped out while the surrounding ground is still waterlogged.
• Open the cabinets to check for damage - Be alert for objects that may fall.
• Clean up household chemical spills - Disinfect items that may have been contaminated by raw
sewage, bacteria, or chemicals. Also clean salvageable items.
CALL YOUR INSURANCE AGENT: Take pictures of damages. Keep good records of repair and cleaning costs.
9
Flood Insurance
Flood Insurance –
Why is it important?
Does my Narragansett Bay insurance policy cover flooding
from storm surges and other surface water damaging my
house?
No. It is very typical of homeowners insurance to exclude
damage from flooding, including your policy with NBIC.
Flood insurance is generally purchased through your agent
from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), a
federal agency, and an arm of the Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA).
Is a storm surge from a hurricane considered “flood” or
“wind”?
Storm surges are floods. A storm surge is simply water
that is pushed toward the shore by the force of the winds
swirling around a storm. This advancing surge combines
with the normal tides to create the hurricane storm tide.
The rise in water level can cause severe flooding in coastal
areas, particularly when the storm tide coincides with the
normal high tides.
What kind of flood coverage can I get from the NFIP?
Standard flood policy limits are $250,000 for your
dwelling, and $100,000 for your personal property. This is
the maximum coverage you can purchase from NFIP. See
your agent for more details and advice.
For more information, visit www.nbic.com and click on
Resources.
10
What You Can do to Combat Flooding
Floods can happen when it rains for several days or there is heavy rainfall in a
short period of time. Floods are the most common natural disaster and cause
the most damage of any natural disaster. Many homes and businesses across
the United States are built on floodplains, which is land that is likely to flood.
Flash floods happen very quickly when heavy rains cannot be absorbed by the
ground.
Storm, or tidal surge, can happen during a tropical storm when high winds push
water higher than ordinary sea level.
Before a Flood
• Elevate the furnace, water heater, and
electric panel if susceptible to flooding.
• Install “check valves” in sewer traps to
prevent floodwater from backing up into
the drains of your home.
• Seal the walls in your basement with
waterproofing compounds to avoid seepage.
During a Flood
• Turn off utilities at the main switches or
valves if instructed to do so by authorities.
• Disconnect electrical appliances and do
not touch electrical equipment if you are
wet or standing in water.
• Do not walk through moving water since
even six inches of moving water can
make you fall.
After a Flood
• Listen for news reports to learn if the
community’s water supply is safe to drink.
• Avoid floodwaters since it may be
contaminated by oil, gasoline,
or raw sewage.
• Water may also be electrically charged so
stay out of any building if it is surrounded
by floodwaters.
A Backup System Can Protect your Home in a Power Outage
When a powerful storm passes through cities and towns, it often
takes out an entire neighborhood’s power supply. In addition to
being left without light, heat and running water, a home is also left
with a disabled sump pump. A sump pump is your home’s first line
of defense against groundwater that could potentially enter your
home and cause destruction. To ensure that your home is not left
vulnerable after a loss of power, install a reliable backup system
for your sump pump that will allow it to continue working.
A battery-operated backup sump pump system looks very similar
to an oversized car battery. In the event of an emergency, when
water rises above the level of the backup sensor, the backup
system uses its DC power to turn itself on. Depending on the
particular model, there is generally enough power to keep your
sump pump working for several hours.
Consider a Generator Backup System
When buying a generator, it is crucial that you choose one that
has enough power to actually run a sump pump in the case of an
emergency. Most generators are gasoline-powered, a few run on
diesel, and some models have multi-fuel capabilities - running on
gasoline, propane or natural gas. These are generally full-featured
machines with engine idle control, GFCI receptacles and 120 volt
full power switch.
For more information on NFIP go to www.floodsmart.gov.
• Return home only when authorities
indicate it is safe.
11
Insurance Company
PO Box 820
Pawtucket, RI 02862
800.343.3375
www.nbic.com
ShelterPride
®
A value added service to policyholders
As a value added service to policyholders, Narragansett Bay has developed ShelterPride®, our exclusive
risk management and underwriting program. Part of our initiative is to increase homeowners’ awareness
of what causes loss, whether it is a tripping hazard which may lead to the injury or a condition which
may cause a water loss that could ruin personal items such as irreplaceable family heirlooms or photo
albums.
Ensuring that your home has the proper amount of insurance based on its value is another benefit of
ShelterPride®. In some cases, your home may be over insured, entitling you to a reduction in your
premium.
With the ShelterPride® interior and exterior home report, Narragansett Bay is in a better position to
evaluate a loss situation. It helps us to identify the scope of loss and reduces the time required to settle
a claim in the event of a catastrophic loss. In addition, the more we are able to increase the awareness
of reducing risk among our policyholders, the fewer claims we have to pay, enabling us to help lower
the cost of homeowners insurance along with our partner agents.