Storm Damage from Hurricane or Tropical Storm Elsa is a concern as it is forecast to pass over Central Florida. Tropical Storm Elsa, the fifth named tropical storm of this season, has already strengthened into a hurricane. A hurricane warning has been issued in St. Lucia, St. Vincent, Barbados, and the Grenadines with tropical storm notifications for parts of the Dominican Republic, the coast of Haiti, and Martinique. As per the National Hurricane Center, Elsa could also affect the Florida Keys and other parts of Florida early next week.
Elsa’s winds have increased to nearly 75 miles per hour, and the storm is now moving northwest. While the forecast is not definite, its trajectory covers the eastern Caribbean Sea, then Jamaica, and Cuba before reaching Florida. A tropical storm like Elsa brings with it strong winds, storm surges, and torrid rainfall. Additionally, flying debris can damage your property. Electricity poles and tree limbs get knocked down. Your home will suffer damage as the strong winds hurl themselves against your roof, siding, gutters, walls, windows, and doors. With power failure and flooding, everyday life as we know it comes to a standstill. Higher wind speeds could even blow away your entire roof! Sometimes, hailstorms and tornadoes can occur, exponentially increasing the risk to life and property.
Living in Florida, you must ensure that your home is adequately protected with a good home insurance policy that not only takes care of damages due to natural occurrences like wind, storms, tornadoes etc but also risks like theft, vandalism, pipe leaks, etc. A standard homeowner’s insurance policy covers damage from storms, except for flooding. You need a separate flood insurance policy from the NFIP (National Flood Insurance Program) managed by FEMA (The Federal Emergency Management Agency). Some insurers may limit coverage for damage due to hurricanes if you live in an area susceptible to hurricanes. Also, be aware of the need to have alternate accommodation in case your home is uninhabitable.
Elsa is arriving soon, so please be prepared. Update your inventory of personal belongings and home contents. Fix your windows with storm shutters, cut protruding branches, especially those close to your roof, and may topple over under the assault of strong winds. Anchor free-standing garden furniture, or better still, store all loose stuff in your garage and secure the door with chains. Do not venture out in your car on the days of a storm warning. Create a safe space in your basement for your family with extra batteries for your torchlight, candles, food, and other important stuff for three days-worth of subsistence. Keep your id card on yourself and store important papers and valuables for safe-keeping with a friend who is not in the same area as you.
Flooding may cause contamination of your property due to bacteria or chemicals present in the dirty water. The wind and hail may cause tiny harm to the framework of your home, which could have severe consequences in the future. These are reasons enough to hire a good public adjuster like Experienced Public Adjusters to manage your claim process. We are present throughout Florida, and our team is conversant with all the latest statutes and building codes. Our team of licensed professionals takes care of the complete claims process, from documentation to claim settlement. We represent you in our negotiations with your insurance provider to get you a fair settlement.
You call us when Elsa comes calling, and we will ensure that your storm damage claim in Florida is taken care of!