• Get out your insurance policy and check your coverage. Flooding coverage is not included in homeowners policies, and a separate flood insurance policy must be purchased to protect against flood damage. There is a 30-day waiting period, with some exceptions, before a flood insurance policy becomes effective.
• If you don't have replacement cost coverage on your contents, you should talk with your insurance company representative about adding the coverage.
• Unless you have replacement cost coverage, your policy will pay actual cash value which includes depreciation; therefore, most household items go down in value.
• Homeowners policies limit coverage on jewelry, furs, cameras, electronics, and some other items. Full coverage for these items usually can be obtained through policy endorsements for additional premiums, so check with your company representative.
• Make an inventory of your home's contents. A video or still camera makes the job easier. You should keep serial numbers of appliances, cameras, computers, etc. Keep your inventory in your bank safe deposit box or other secure location away from your house. If your house is damaged or destroyed by storm or fire, the inventory will speed the settlement process.
• Assemble a storm preparedness kit. It should include a powerful flashlight, a battery operated radio, extra batteries for flashlight and radio, first-aid supplies, any essential medicines, canned and other non-perishable food and containers for storage of water and blankets.

Pre-Disaster: How to Protect You and Your Family:

Check people around you for injuries. Begin first aid or seek help if necessary.

When you go outside, watch out for downed power lines.

After-Disaster: Protection for You and Your Property:

Make temporary repairs to prevent further loss from rain, wind or looting. These costs are reimbursable under most policies so keep the receipts.