Hernando County Hurricane Claim Lawyer Whittel & Melton: Preparing for Tropical Storm Dorian

August 29, 2019

Have you started preparing for the arrival of Tropical Storm (or perhaps Hurricane) Dorian? Our Hernando County Injury Attorneys at Whittel & Melton want you and your loved ones to take all the necessary precautions to be ready for the storm. We have compiled a list of tips to keep you from scrambling at the last minute and minimize any potential damages that you could incur. We urge you to familiarize yourself with these pointers and protect yourself and your loved ones if the storm hits near you.

Have an Evacuation Plan

Evacuation will be necessary if Dorian is headed for Hernando County and you reside in a mobile home. Instructions will be provided by local authorities if problems arise. It is best to have a plan in place should you have to leave quickly. Locate your nearest shelters and get a plan on how to get there safely.

Don’t forget your furry family members. Not all shelters allow pets, so have an evacuation plan ready for them as well.

Stock Up on Supplies

As soon as a tropical storm warning is issued, people dash out to buy their essential supplies. When you are in a time crunch, this can be quite frustrating. We urge you to not wait until the last minute. Make a list and have these things in stock during hurricane season. You and your family will be glad you have done this.

• Batteries
• Lamps with candles and fuel
• A water-tight container filled with matches
• Prescribed medications for you and your loved ones
• 3 days’ worth of drinking water – at least 5 gallons of water per person
• Clean water containers
• Tools and materials for emergency home repair
• Chlorine bleach or iodine tablets
• Nonperishable food/meals
• A first aid kit
• Fire extinguisher
• Weather radio (NOAA)
• Flashlight
• Pet food
• Enough baby formula or food
• Extra blankets/sleeping bags
• Hand sanitizer
• Diapers and baby wipes

Inventory Your Belongings

List the things you own ahead of time, so that in the event of a disaster, insurance claims can be expedited. Your personal inventory should serve as a guide should you have any losses. Once you have prepared these documents, place them in an important documents folder and lock it away in a safe or filing cabinet that you can access later.

Review Your Insurance Policies

We strongly encourage you to review your insurance policies every few months, and have them professionally reviewed so that you can avoid any potential disputes. Your home insurance policy should cover the cost of repairs caused by tropical storm damage, required living expenses, etc. It does not cover flood damage, however. You will need to purchase separate coverage for flood insurance.

Protect Your Home From Storm Damage

You will want to do everything you can to make sure your home is prepared for a tropical storm. Before Dorian hits, we recommend doing the following:

• Get rid of weak trees and excess branches to keep your roof safe.
• Storm shutters should be installed to prevent window breakage.
• Deadbolt door locks and hinges should be installed to protect exterior doors.
• Sliding doors can be covered with shutters or plywood.
• Use a garage brace or lock if you have one or consider replacing old garage doors.
• Seal outdoor electrical outlets, other wall openings and vents.
• Bring any outdoor furniture inside and clear the yard of other objects that may become airborne.

Call Us for Help

If you or any of your loved ones suffer any damage from Tropical Storm – or Hurricane – Dorian, our Hernando County Hurricane Claim Lawyers at Whittel & Melton will be available 24/7 to help you. Do not hesitate to call us at 352-666-2121.