What we learned from Hurricane Irma
What we learned from Hurricane Irma
Hurricane Irma made the history books by being the most powerful Atlantic hurricane. It started as a Category 5 with winds of 185 miles per hour for 37 hours. At its height, tropical storm force winds extended 185 miles from the center of the storm causing the storm surge to rise 20 feet above normal sea levels. With the help of Hurricane Harvey, Hurricane Irma also made history as being one of two storms in 100 years to hit the U.S. with a Category 4 or larger in the same year. Irma hit the Leeward Islands on September 6, 2017 with devastating winds over 180 mph and took out the power in Puerto Rico by September 7, 2017. By September 8, 2017, Irma remained a strong hurricane at a Category 5 with winds up to 175 mph and by September 9, 2017 the storm had reached Cuba causing flooding with waves heights measured at 29 feet and wind speeds of 150 mph. By this date the storm was downgraded to a Category 3. However, by September 10, 2017, the storm was upgraded to a category 4 hitting both Key West and Naples. The Keys received 12 inches or rain and 10 foot high storm surge. By the time the storm headed toward Tampa, it was downgraded to a Category 1 but it still left approximately 6 million people without electricity in Florida. By the time it hit George it was just a tropical storm but still left 1.5 million people without power.
It has been estimated that the death toll was around 102 people with 75 of those deaths being Florida residence. It was also estimated that Florida ordered 6.3 million residences to evacuate. Miami Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties have around 6 million residences alone. We are still in the process of determining the full extent of the damage. Some early estimates said the damage could rise to 300 billion. The Insurance Journal cited estimates of losses from 25 billion to 65 billion. The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation reported total estimated insured losses at more than 5.8 billion as of November 13, 2017 with more than 689,000 residential property claims and 51,396 commercial property claims. They business interruption claims reached more than 3,700 claims as of November 3, 2017. The Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund claims the State fund would pay about 5.1 billion in claims and that Florida has already spent about 650 million in emergency resources and clean up.
Citizens Insurance Company, Florida’s biggest insurer, is expected to have about 1.2 billion in losses and 70,000 Irma claims. One of the biggest issues for insurance companies is the shortage of insurance adjusters. Insurance companies have turned to drones to assess damage like EagleView.
Given all of this, what have we learned from Hurricane Irma in the wake of the aftermath? What do we need to know given that we are about to start a new hurricane season which promises to be active?
- If you are in an evacuation zone, determine where you should go ahead of time. Even if you are staying to ride out the storm, you should have a backup shelter plan. It is also a good idea to have a family communication plan with contact information for each member. Designate meeting places ahead of time.
- Place copies of your insurance policies in a safe place like a safe deposit box or safe, along with your other important documents such as wills, deeds and family medical information.
- It is a great idea to take a video of the inside of your home. Many times, if the hurricane does damage to your home and its interior, you will be required to make a list of your contents. It can be very difficult to remember everything you had in the house but a video can be a very effective tool to jog your memory or even to give a copy to the insurance company to prove what you do have. If you are evacuating, I would suggest taking this video with you or storing it in a very secure location.
- As the hurricane approaches, don’t wait too long to buy supplies. Supplies will start to run low as the storm gets closer. It is also a good idea to take out some cash and gas up the cars. If you have a propane grill, you may need that for cooking if the electricity goes out so make sure you fill your propane tanks.
- Don’t forget your boat if you own one.
- As the storm approaches, bring in patio furniture, garbage cans, potted plants, or any other item that can become windblown flying objects that can cause more damage. Make sure you get plywood early before supplies run out and cover your windows if you don’t have permanent storm shutters. It is recommended that you use 5/8” exterior grade or marine plywood if you can get it.
- If you are not evacuating, when the storm is about 6 hours out, turn your refrigerator and freezer to the coldest settings and keep them closed as much as you can to conserve the temperature. If the power goes out, food will stay cold and last longer.
- Make sure your cell phone is charged. That may be the only way someone can reach you if the power is lost.
- When the storm hits, stay inside and stay calm. Try to get your family into the strongest interior room, preferably one without windows. If you notice leaks in the roof or if there is flooding, it is a good idea to turn off circuit breakers to prevent electrical problems.
- After the storm, inspect your property. Remember all insurance policies state that you as the insured have a duty to preserve and protect your property from further damage. This means that if you have a section of the roof damaged, you need to either find someone to tarp it or tarp it yourself. I would recommend having some tarps on hand just in case. It can be very difficult after the storm to find someone to tarp your roof due to demand. Board up any broken windows and do your best to prevent any further damage. It is also a good idea to take pictures of the damage. If you have trees that have fallen on the house and you have the capability to remove them, take pictures first and then remove the tree and tarp the roof.
- If you have damage, call in your claims. You will likely need your policy number so have that information handy. The insurance company will want to know what date the damage occurred, what damage do you know about and will likely assign you a claim number. Make sure you write down the claim number because you will need it for any further contact with the insurance company.
- Insurance companies will be very busy during this time period. They may want to take a recorded statement when you call. Ever policy requires that you cooperate with the insurance company and failure to do so could hamper your claim. If they ask for a recorded statement, give them one. Just be as honest as you can be.
- As you progress through the claims process, you may be asked to give an examination under oath. In my opinion, it is always a good idea to get some representation for this process. We are always available to assist insureds with any aspect of the claims handling process like examinations under oath at Christopher Ligori & Associates. An examination under oath is like a deposition but the rules of evidence don’t apply. You are required by the policy to give an examination under oath if you are asked. Don’t refuse because this could void any possible claim you may have. Also, don’t lie. Florida law provides that if you make a material misrepresentation during the submission of your claim, it could void your entire policy even if you have a valid claim.
- If the insurance company requests documents or receipts, you are required by the policy to give them if you have them. Don’t provide the originals because they could be lost, only provide copies and keep the originals.
- You also may be required to provide a proof of loss. Be very careful filling out this form because if it is done incorrectly, it will cause many problems in the claim and could cost you some money that is rightfully due you. If you have questions, call us for a free consultation.
- Finally, you may be asked to allow the insurance company to view the property or allow an expert from the insurance company, like an engineer, to view the property. You have to give the insurance company reasonable access but it must be reasonable.
Hopefully, this will assist you in preparing for the next hurricane season and keep your family safe. Before you act, please give us a call for a free consultation so that you can ensure that you obtain the maximum amount you deserve for your family. We are always here to help.