Hurricane season is here again! This edition of ConsumerWise advocates hurricane protection through consumer education - by planning ahead you can minimize the dangers of these storms and reduce the discomforts of recovery and the time required to return your life to normal.
Did you know that the CSD website has a page dedicated to Disaster Preparedness, Prevention and Management? Our site offers a wealth of information that will help prepare you on topics ranging from preparing your trees prior to a storm to combating price gouging.
Our featured articles will guide you on how to prepare a household inventory, properly reviewing your insurance coverage, and protect you from the scams that arise from disasters.
There is never a better time to be Consumer Wise!
Cathy Grimes Peel is the Director of the Miami-Dade County Consumer Services Department. The Department functions as the consumer information and protection arm for Miami-Dade County residents and visitors.
Prepare for the Worst
The most important things that you can do prior to a hurricane are being informed and prepared. Disaster prevention includes preparing your family, yourself and your home in an attempt to minimize damages.
In order to minimize the likelihood of difficulty when filing a post hurricane/disaster insurance claim, it is important to inventory and document the value of your belongings. It's always a good idea to take photos and/or videos of your home and property before a disaster strikes to properly record their condition.
After a hurricane/disaster is not the time to become familiar with your insurance policy/coverage. If you have not done so already, review your insurance coverage now. A policy that was written several years ago may not reflect the value of your home today, especially if you've made additions or renovations. Take note of some important questions and considerations.
The hurricane/disaster has passed. Because you were prepared, you, your family and pets are all safe. However, your home has sustained storm-related damage. Where does the rebuilding process begin? Here are some guidelines to take you step by step along the road to recovery.
