One year ago, Hurricane Sandy wreaked havoc on millions of residents along the Long Island Sound coast. Homes were destroyed, businesses closed and thousands of Connecticut residents lost income.
Just in Connecticut, more than $283 million was spent on repairs via federal disaster assistance, loans and insurance claims, according to FEMA, the Connecticut Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security.
But beyond the money spent on repairs, the impact was also grave to residents”™ personal incomes. Personal incomes from small businesses decreased by $190 million and disposable incomes dropped by $150 million, according to the Connecticut Center for Economic Analysis.
One year later, government officials and some environmentalists say we are more prepared for future 100-year storms. But on the individual level, not everyone can say they”™re prepared.
To prevent future property damages, Marty Henry, senior vice president of risk control at Travelers Insurance, outlined five tips to prepare for several weather conditions.
Before storm season is at its peak, Henry said Travelers recommends the following:
1. Create safety plans
“Families should have an evacuation plan that tells everyone where to go and how to keep in touch during an emergency. In addition, businesses should also have a business continuity plan that outlines what you will do and who you can call on to help keep your business running in the event of a disaster.”
2. Build a content inventory
“This should document the items in your home or at your business. To get started, businesses should record specific items by either taking a picture or video recording and create an electronic file to store the inventory list. It is particularly important to consider expensive items that may cost the business a significant amount of money to replace.”
3. Prepare a survival kit
“Homeowners and business owners should also create a survival kit that will sustain themselves and their employees if disaster strikes. At minimum, a survival kit should include a first aid kit, emergency credit cards, flashlights and batteries, extra clothing and blankets, canned food and other nonperishable items as well as a copy of a home or business insurance policy and content inventory document.
If a storm is imminent, consider taking the following precautions to help stay safe, including charging mobile devices, having chargers available and securing all outdoor objects or moving them inside.”
4. Perform routine maintenance
“Performing routine maintenance around the home or office includes things such as tree-trimming, gutter cleaning and debris removal around your home or office building. Make sure drains and sump pumps are clear.”
5. Review your insurance policy
“For homeowners and business owners, this is particularly important. Review your insurance policy closely to ensure you understand your coverage, and if you have any questions, reach out to your independent insurance agent right away. Taking these steps and talking to your insurance agent to understand your coverage will have you well on your way to having your home and business ready for storm season.”
