Hurricane Preparedness in Plainview, NY 

Hurricanes can cause substantial harm. Flooding, storm surges, wind damage and rip currents are destructive, damaging anything in their path, including homes and properties. 

If you want to protect your home and belongings further, you should first know how to prepare for a hurricane and ensure that you have critical insurance protection. 

What Insurance Covers a Hurricane? 
Hurricane insurance isn’t one specific policy but separate policies that offer protection against hurricane damage.  

Many homeowners choose home insurance, flood insurance and additional coverages, such as sewer backup and windstorm coverage, to protect their homes and belongings. A standard homeowners policy doesn’t cover flooding, so you may need additional flood insurance.  

These are some of the coverages a homeowner may consider for hurricane protection: 

• Homeowners insurance might protect your home’s structure from certain aspects of storm damage. 
• Additional living expense (ALE) coverage may be helpful if a hurricane destroys your home and you must live elsewhere.
• Flood insurance may protect your home from flooding, storm surges and wind-driven water typical of hurricanes.
• Sewer backup coverage might provide invaluable protection since sewer backups are typical with hurricanes. 

You might purchase flood insurance separately through the National Flood Insurance Program or your insurance company. Affiliated Agency Inc. helps our customers with their insurance needs, and we can also help you. 

How Do I Prepare for a Hurricane? 
To prepare for a hurricane, you need a plan to evacuate and shelter safely. You should also gather any supplies required if a storm arrives. This information can help you prepare for a hurricane: 

• Know the difference between a “watch” and a “warning.” Listen for National Weather Service alerts on your TV or radio or check them online. A hurricane watch means hurricane conditions (sustained winds of 74 miles per hour or higher) are possible. A hurricane warning is more severe, meaning hurricane-force winds are expected. These warnings are usually issued 36 hours before tropical storm–force winds are expected so people have time to prepare.
• Make a plan. Make sure everyone in your household knows the evacuation plan. Keep emergency phone numbers nearby and have everyone add them to their cell phones.
• Prepare an emergency kit. Put together a kit with food, water, prescriptions and needed medical supplies to last 72 hours. Put essential documents, such as medical records, in a waterproof container.
• Get your vehicle ready. Ensure your gas tank is full and that you have your emergency kit inside your vehicle. If you don’t own a vehicle, plan to have a friend or family member give you a ride.
• Plan for your pet’s safety. Identify pet-friendly shelters or hotels, or ask an out-of-town friend or relative to take your pets if there’s an evacuation. Your local animal shelter can help you with what to do with your pets if you need to evacuate.
• Find the nearest shelter. Find a nearby shelter to get there quickly if you need to. Plan different routes to get there in case there are road closures.
• Get your home ready. Clean your yard and move bikes, outdoor furniture, grills or other items inside. Cover doors and windows to protect them. Turn off your power if you see flooding or downed power lines or need to leave your home. 

Who Needs Hurricane Insurance? 
Your home is a treasured possession, and you want to be sure you protect it at all costs, so you should consider having the appropriate coverage to protect it. Check your homeowners policy to determine if you have adequate coverage in case of a hurricane. We can help you review your policy to ensure you are prepared. 

Protect Your Livelihood 
Affiliated Agency can help you with your hurricane insurance needs. Call our team at 516-576-0166 to get the coverage you need for your home and belongings.