Harden & Associates

	1. Before the threat of a catastrophe 2. As the storm approaches 3. If officials indicate evacuation is necessary 4. What to do after a catastrophe 5. What to do about flood damage
Before the threat of a catastrophe:
	Alert police and fire departments to special conditions, such as an invalid who might require emergency evacuation.
	Prepare an inventory list of personal valuables, household furnishings and equipment so losses can be authoritatively itemized (photograph or video if possible)
	Keep your insurance coverage current with rising building replacement costs. Make sure you have adequate coverage for the furnishings and other items you've purchased since you first bought insurance. Buy flood insurance, if you're eligible and vulnerable.
	Review your insurance policy. Keep your insurance policy in a safe place where it can be retrieved easily prior to the disaster. Keep a quick-reference list containing your agent's telephone number, all your policy numbers and the respective insurance company names.
	Know how to shut off your gas, electricity and water and how to board up vulnerable places around the house, such as doors and windows.
	Plan a family evacuation and relocation strategy. Develop an emergency communication/contact plan. Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to serve as the "family contact" and make sure everyone in the family knows the name, address and phone number of the contact person.
	Plan for what to do with pets if the family needs to evacuate. Most hurricane shelters do not accept pets.
	In event of a hurricane watch, keep a supply of non-perishable foods and an emergency water supply; have cash, essential medications and first-aid kit available.
	Keep fresh batteries available for transistor radios and flashlights and an extra supply of fuel for portable grills and stoves.
	Have available the hammer, nails, tape, visquine, and boards needed for protecting your residence from a storm or making necessary emergency repairs afterwards.
	Post emergency telephone numbers. Make sure children know how and when to call 9-1-1

As the storm approaches:
	Complete items from first checklist.
	Remind authorities about special conditions for your home.
	Get your car filled up with gas. Fully charge cell phones, laptop computers and any rechargeable lanterns, rechargeable batteries, flashlights etc.
	Board up doors, windows and other vulnerable places which can be damaged.
	Pack durable clothing and essential medications.
	Secure or bring inside all tools, lawn furniture, etc. that can become projectiles in a windstorm or be destroyed by the storm.
	Store drinking water in clean bathtubs, jugs, bottles and cooking utensils.
	Turn refrigerator and freezer to coldest settings. Open only when absolutely necessary and close quickly.
	Moor boat securely or move it to a designated safe place. Use rope or chain to secure boat to trailer. Use tie downs to anchor trailer to the ground or house.
If officials indicate evacuation is necessary:
	Unplug appliances and turn off electricity and the main water valve.
	If you live in an identified storm surge zone, elevate furniture (or move it to a higher floor) to protect it from flooding
	Lock up home
	Take pre-assembled emergency supplies, warm protective clothing, blankets and sleeping bags to shelter or alternative location.
What to do after a catastrophe:
	Get in contact with your agent as quickly as possible to advise damages. If you relocate temporarily, let your agent know your temporary address.
	Make only those repairs necessary to prevent further damage to your home or business. Do not have permanent repairs made without first consulting your agent.
	Wait for an insurance adjuster to arrive to appraise your damage.
	Keep all receipts for expenditures you've incurred for temporary repairs.
	Prepare a detailed inventory of all damaged or destroyed personal property for the adjuster. Keep a copy.
	Collect cancelled checks, invoices or other papers that will assist the adjuster in obtaining the value of the destroyed property.
	Secure a detailed estimate for permanent repairs from a reliable contractor and give it to the adjuster when he arrives.
	Take photos of the damaged property and surrounding areas.
	Do not get rid of damaged items until after they have been examined by an adjuster.
	If you car has been damaged or submerged in a flood, move it to high ground and let it dry out. Do not attempt to start or operate it until it is dried.
	Wooden furniture should be cleaned as quickly as possible.
	Your dry cleaning establishment can help you evaluate the cleaning or restoration costs for clothing, furs and draperies.
	Metal objects should be dried and rubbed/sprayed with oil to prevent corrosion. Electronic systems should be dried out but not oiled.
	Bedding and upholstered furniture must be dried immediately if saturated with water.
	Antiques, paintings, art objects, silver and brass must be given special care. Dry them with soft cloths but do not apply oil or rub them.

What to do about flood damage:
	Notify your agent so your loss can be assigned immediately to a qualified adjuster, who will call on you as soon as possible to inspect the damage.
	Before you enter a flooded building, make sure it is not in danger of collapse. Let our house air to remove foul odors or escaped gas.
	Be alert for holes in the floor, loose boards, hanging or loose plaster, snakes and other hazards.
	Don't smoke or use an open flame until you are sure it is safe to do so.
	Turn off gas at meter tank. Do not turn on the electrical system.
	Pump or bail water out of the house and shovel out the mud while it is moist.
	Before the house is fully aired out, scrub all woodwork and floors with a stiff brush. Always start washing a wall from the bottom up.
	Take all wooden furniture outdoors and remove all drawers. Clean off mud and dirt. Do not leave them in the sun as they will warp.
	Upholstered furniture should be cleaned, dried and examined by an experienced upholsterer.
	Clean metal objects as soon as possible.
	Wall-to-wall carpets should be raised to allow air to circulate. Draperies, upholstery and clothing should be laundered.
	Do whatever you can to avoid further damage and to make temporary repairs. Keep records of expenses incurred in preventing further damage.