Plymouth Rock Assurance and Hurricane Preparedness
Posted by Michael McDermott on Fri, Jun 29, 2012 @ 02:07 PM
Hurricane Awareness
The U.S. dodged the bullet with Debbie being downgraded to a tropical storm, but the southeast was still severly impacted. It really reinforces that fact that now is the perfect time to create a plan and to stock up on essentials like food, water, and batteries.
Not sure how to get started? Neither were we, until we started reading these links by the National Hurricane Survival Institute and the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety.
Here’s the low down on being prepared to file an insurance claim after the storm blows through:
Review your coverage with an independent insurance agent. Talk to your insurance agent to see if you have the right type and amount of homeowners coverage. For example, does your policy include deductibles for windstorms or hurricane damage? Find out before you need it.
What about flood insurance? Flooding—including wind-driven water and storm surges—may not be covered under regular homeowners insurance. Many homeowners along the coast of Massachusetts are required to buy separate flood insurance; your agent can help you determine whether or not you need to buy it if you live close to a flood zone, for example. Flood insurance is purchased as a separate policy available from the National Flood Insurance Program, which covers flooding caused by hurricanes.
Make an itemized list or inventory of your things. Videotape or photograph your belongings, and make a detailed list. Store the list and photos in a fireproof safe or safe deposit box. You may want to purchase extra coverage, or endorsements, for valuable and irreplaceable items such as artwork and jewelry.
[totally optional callout] Hurricanes, Categorized and Explained to the Nth Degree
(courtesy of the National Weather Service’s National Hurricane Center)
What’s in a hurricane? A type of tropical cyclone, a hurricane is a low pressure system that usually forms in the tropics. The cyclone is accompanied by thunderstorms and, here in the Northern Hemisphere, a counterclockwise circulating of winds near the earth's surface. Tropical cyclones are classified as follows:
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Category
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Sustained Winds
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Types of Damage Due to Hurricane Winds
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1
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74-95 mph
64-82 kt
119-153 km/h
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Very dangerous winds will produce some damage: Well-constructed frame homes could have damage to roof, shingles, vinyl siding and gutters. Large branches of trees will snap and shallowly rooted trees may be toppled. Extensive damage to power lines and poles likely will result in power outages that could last a few to several days.
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2
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96-110 mph
83-95 kt
154-177 km/h
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Extremely dangerous winds will cause extensive damage: Well-constructed frame homes could sustain major roof and siding damage. Many shallowly rooted trees will be snapped or uprooted and block numerous roads. Near-total power loss is expected with outages that could last from several days to weeks.
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3
(major)
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111-129 mph
96-112 kt
178-208 km/h
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Devastating damage will occur: Well-built framed homes may incur major damage or removal of roof decking and gable ends. Many trees will be snapped or uprooted, blocking numerous roads. Electricity and water will be unavailable for several days to weeks after the storm passes.
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4
(major)
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130-156 mph
113-136 kt
209-251 km/h
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Catastrophic damage will occur: Well-built framed homes can sustain severe damage with loss of most of the roof structure and/or some exterior walls. Most trees will be snapped or uprooted and power poles downed. Fallen trees and power poles will isolate residential areas. Power outages will last weeks to possibly months. Most of the area will be uninhabitable for weeks or months.
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5
(major)
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157 mph or higher
137 kt or higher
252 km/h or higher
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Catastrophic damage will occur: A high percentage of framed homes will be destroyed, with total roof failure and wall collapse. Fallen trees and power poles will isolate residential areas. Power outages will last for weeks to possibly months. Most of the area will be uninhabitable for weeks or months.
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Headquartered in Boston, Plymouth Rock Assurance Corporation provides auto insurance to personal and commercial auto insurance customers in MA and CT. Plymouth Rock is the flagship carrier of The Plymouth Rock Group of Companies, which together write and manage over $1 billion in auto and homeowner’s insurance throughout the Northeast.