Hurricane Season Far From Over, PCI Creates Emergency Checklist for South Orange Residents

With more than a month left in the official 2013 Atlantic hurricane season, the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America (PCI) has created an emergency items checklist to help South Orange residents prepare well in advance of a tropical storm or hurricane. Despite a quiet summer, most weather analysts agree that the hurricane season is far from over, with five of the 10 most destructive hurricanes made landfall in the United States after September 15th.

“Although this year’s hurricane season has been fairly quiet, late season storms can still pack a punch,” said Chris Hackett, PCI’s director of personal lines. “It’s important to be ready to respond if you are ordered to evacuate and prepared to report claims to your insurer as soon as it is safe to return to your home or business.

“PCI has created an emergency items checklist for all residents to use as a guide when preparing for future storms. Taking action now with these simple steps will be a huge relief in the long-term in the event of a storm that requires you to file an insurance claim or rebuild.” 

In the event of an evacuation, people in the path of a storm should also heed guidance provided by local officials and monitor updates provided by the National Weather Service.

PCI’s South Orange Hurricane Emergency Items Checklist:

Important Papers: 

·      Driver's license or personal identification 

·      Social Security card 

·      Proof of residence (deed or lease) 

·      Insurance policies 

·      Home inventory

·      Birth and marriage certificates 

·      Stocks, bonds, and other negotiable certificates 

·      Wills, deeds, and copies of recent tax returns

Basic Supply Kit:

·      Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation

·      Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food

·      Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both

·      Flashlight and extra batteries

·      First aid kit

·      Whistle to signal for help

·      Dust mask to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place

·      Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation

·      Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities

·      Manual can opener for food

·      Local maps

·      Cell phone with chargers, inverter or solar charger

Additional Resources for Emergency Preparedness:

·      Insurance Information Institute Suite of Apps for Disaster Preparedness

·      American Red Cross Emergency Response Apps

·      Federal Emergency Management Agency Emergency Tips & Shelter Information Apps