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Forecasters have predicted an above normal storm season for the current hurricane season which began June 1st. As everyone knows, hurricanes can hit land with speeds in excess of 74 miles per hour (mph), causing widespread devastation. Although we never can know with absolute certainty where a hurricane will strike and how severe it will be when it does, it is critical that everyone understands the importance of hurricane preparedness and takes the necessary steps to be prepared when a storm hits. For example, at the beginning of hurricane season, everyone should check their supplies, replace batteries and use food stocks on a rotating basis.
Florida’s unique location between the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico makes it the most hurricane prone state in the Nation. Our state has experienced several major hurricanes, four of them back-to-back last summer, and one devastating tropical storm in the past century. The Nation’s most expensive hurricane, Hurricane Andrew, made landfall near Miami, with wind speeds exceeding 175 mph and caused more than $25 billion in damage.
According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), there are three main steps to disaster preparedness: (1) make a plan, (2) make a kit, and (3) get informed. These simple steps are vital to guarding against injury to life and property that could result from the devastating effects of a hurricane or other natural disaster. FEMA has valuable hurricane preparedness information available at www.fema.gov/media, including how to prepare a “go kit” and how to hurricane-proof a home. To get a list of what contents should make up a disaster supply kit, visit www.ready.gov
Floridians living near flood-prone areas may not realize that most homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage which can occur during hurricanes. In fact, many private insurance companies operating in Florida have elected to stop offering coverage to homeowners in flood-prone areas. While the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) has provided some assistance, it hasn’t fully addressed the needs of residents in coastal and other flood-prone areas. Congress needs to comprehensively address this important issue to improve access to affordable insurance.
In that regard, I have cosponsored H.R. 846, the Homeowners’ Insurance Availability Act, which would create an alternative market for primary insurers to purchase reinsurance to help reduce the cost of property and casualty coverage for homeowners. To learn more about flood risks and flood insurance, visit www.floodsmart.gov or call (800) 427-4219.
Taking time now to prepare can reduce your chances of injury or major property damage in the event of a hurricane or other natural disaster.
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