Disaster Preparedness Guide Importance of insurance

By Danielle Puleo danielle.puleo@thecoastlandtimes.com

No matter where your property lies on the coast, it is critical to carry insurance, especially in the case of a hurricane or large storm. Rhonda Hansen, a personal lines associate agent with Midgett Insurance, has been working with the agency since 2004. Over the past almost 20 years, Hansen has dealt with countless storm-related insurance issues and urges everyone to carry both flood and wind insurance policies on their properties.

“I recommend that everybody gets flood insurance …” said Hansen. Flood insurance covers water that rises from ground level and enters a property. There are some areas on the Outer Banks that FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) has designated as a “flood zone,” where property owners are required to carry flood insurance. However, whether a property is located within a flood zone or not, almost everywhere on and around the Outer Banks is subject to flooding.

Flood insurance does not cover wind damage, which is why securing a wind policy is crucial. Wind insurance is needed when wind comes in under a windowsill, a sliding door or a door jam and causes water to enter anywhere but the ground floor. Usually, one will see damage to the outside of home in the case of strong winds. Flood and wind policies do not overlap, but both are typically called upon in the event of a large storm. They key to preparing for a large weather event is to have insurance policies in places prior to the onset of a catastrophic storm.

Flood insurance can take up to 30 days to become active. When a large storm (a tropical storm or hurricane) forms, insurance companies watch for the storm to enter “the box.”

The box is an area within close proximity to the location where insurance policies are being written for. Once a storm enters the box, policies cease to be written.

Hansen’s biggest piece of advice for local property owners is to ensure all premiums are paid prior to a storm watch or warning being issued. Communication within the household is imperative in order to ensure insurance coverage is active. Another significant factor in preparing for a storm is to secure insurance for boats, something Hansen has seen many overlook when past storms have hit.

In the event that a hurricane makes landfall, assess the damages after the storm has passed. “Make sure that you’re securing your home to prevent any additional damage; best case scenario is that you’re here, or a rental management company can come out and secure your home if not.” Next, call your claims number. Hansen shared that some companies need clients to call in directly, and each policy has that information. Calling your insurance agency may delay the process, as the agency may not have power after the storm. Other companies may provide their clients with an email, or a website link to file a claim. 1-800 numbers operate 24/7 for questions or concerns. Hansen noted that having insurance policies in place for your property is “peace of mind.” She has seen cases where property owners have lost everything, but insurance agencies will serve as a partner to their clients and help those affected get back to a “new normal” after a catastrophe.

By Danielle Puleo danielle.puleo@thecoastlandtimes.com

Lightning is truly a force of nature. Perhaps the most underrated weather hazard, lightning has the ability to make every thunderstorm a tragic one, whether a storm produces one lightning bolt or thousands.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), lightning kills 20-30 people on average every year in the United States. It is important to remember that lightning can strike outside of a storm itself.

“It is the first thunder hazard to arrive and the last to leave,” as NOAA puts it. Studies have shown that most people struck by lightning are struck before or after the thunderstorm has hit its peak. NOAA states, “Lightning can strike more than 10 miles away from the location of rainfall.” The sound of thunder indicates that your location is within striking distance, and shelter should be sought out immediately. It is recommended that those subject to a thunderstorm stay in a safe location for at least 30 minutes after the last sound of thunder.

Although lightning is unpredictable and there cannot be guaranteed protection from it, there are several things you can do to stay as safe as possible during a storm. NOAA shared that the safest location during a thunderstorm is inside a “large, enclosed structure with plumbing and electrical wiring,” including, but not limited to, the inside of shopping centers, schools, office buildings and private residences. This is because plumbing and wiring will conduct the electricity from the lightning more efficiently than our bodies will. If there are no nearby buildings, staying inside of a metal vehicle such as a car, truck, van or school bus is an alternative.

NOAA advises those located in an area experiencing a thunderstorm should not stay inside of a beach shack, metal shed, picnic pavilion, carport, porch or anywhere that has exposed opening(s). Convertible vehicles do not offer safety from lightning. Golf carts, tractors and construction equipment are not viable options for hunkering down during a thunderstorm.

Once you have a safe location to stay during a storm, stay away from electrical appliances and plumbing fixtures. Going to an interior room within the aforementioned safe buildings is best. Do not use electric appliances, particularly cordless telephones, unless it is an emergency. If you have a cell phone or laptop that is not plugged in, that would be a preferred method of communication. Avoid taking showers or baths.

If you are staying inside a metal vehicle, ensure all windows are up and avoid contact with items that will conduct electricity, such as radios, ignitions and CBs. The best way to minimize the risk of being struck by lighting is to plan ahead. Check the weather report before gatherings and events, and stay on top of developing storms by utilizing local weather TV channels, smart phone weather apps and portable radios. If you are outside and notice a storm approaching, seek shelter immediately. If you hear thunder, do not wait to go to a safe location. Avoid resuming outdoor activities until 30 minutes after the last thunderclap.

By Danielle Puleo danielle.puleo@thecoastlandtimes.com

What do you do when a hurricane watch is issued? What action should be taken when a hurricane warning is in effect? Where should you evacuate to? Here is everything you need to know if a hurricane is on the horizon.

When a hurricane watch is issued, be ready. A hurricane watch is issued when hurricane conditions (sustained winds of 74 mph or higher) are possible with 48 hours. Sign up for emergency alerts from Dare County Emergency Management at www.obxalerts.com so you can be notified immediately if a storm is approaching. Monitor the radio or Current TV channel (channel 191 on digital cable or streamed live online at www.currenttv.org). NOAA Weather Radio should be checked for official bulletins on storm progress. All windows and door openings should be covered with shutters or building materials. Lawn furniture and other loose, lightweight objects (garbage cans, garden tools, etc.) should be brought inside. Your emergency supply kit should be stocked with water, food, a first aid kit and medications along with other necessary essentials unique to your family. Load your supply kit into a fueled and serviced vehicle and prepare for an evacuation. Use your cell phone and take pictures and/or video of your home and belongings. Email the files to yourself so you can access them in the event your home is damaged by the storm. And don’t forget to check on friends, family members and neighbors.

In the event that a hurricane warning is issued, take action. Hurricane warnings are issue when sustained winds of 74 mph or greater are expected within 36 hours. If a warning is issued, follow instructions issued by local officials, and if an evacuation order is issued, leave immediately. Call 252-475-5655 if you need assistance. Monitor the radio, Current TV and NOAA updates. Complete all preparation activities and store valuables and personal papers in watertight containers in a high spot. If an evacuation order is issued, take them with you. Regardless of evacuation order, residents in mobile homes should evacuate or relocate to a suitable location as soon as a hurricane warning is issued. If an evacuation order is issued, your family should know the best evacuation

By Danielle Puleo danielle.puleo@thecoastlandtimes.com

The best way to survive a fire is to be prepared for one. It is possible for a fire to be started by a large storm, especially if lightning strikes your home or a nearby object or structure. Whatever the case may be, there are several steps you can follow to prepare and prevent a fire from starting in your home.

Kevin Zorc, emergency manager and fire marshal for the Town of Manteo, said that the most common causes of fires can be summed up in five categories: cooking fires, heating incidents, electrical issues, smoking and candles. When it comes to storms, electrical issues can become increasingly likely due to lightning strikes as well as energized electrical circuits, such as exterior outlets, that have not been weatherproofed. All exterior outlets should have a weatherproof cover, and exposed wires should be addressed prior to onset of a storm to prevent electrical fires. Lightning strikes to structures can also cause fires; if you suspect your home has been struck, call 911 immediately and safely evacuate the structure to another safe building (see lightning article elsewhere in this edition for more information).

Thunder, from 6B

Storms can cause power outages within and around the affected areas. If candles are in use as a light source during a power outage, be sure to not leave the candles unattended. John Risoldi, Kill Devil Hills fire marshal and health and safety officer, cautioned against using a candle to walk around in your surroundings, and to ensure candles are in a noncombustible container to prevent a fire from starting. He recommends using battery powered lanterns and flashlights instead, if available. If using a generator in the event of a power outage, use portable generators responsibly. Zorc suggested keeping a generator at least 10-feet from a property, with the exhaust pointed away from doors and windows to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Fuel should be stored properly in a safety can. If you are using a portable generator, do not connect the generator directly to the home system; use an extension cord to connect the generator to singular appliances, such as a refrigerator or air conditioner. Zorc added that fueling a hot generator can lead to a fire. It is best to wait until a generator is cool to fuel it. Risoldi noted, “If your surroundings flood and power is off, be mindful when the power is turned back on that