A tropical storm is expected to bring heavy winds and rains to the Florida Keys and across parts of South Florida through the weekend but authorities thus far have not announced any mandatory evacuations, the Miami Herald reported.
Our Miami insurance dispute attorneys encourage residents to use news of this storm to review whether or not they are prepared for the hurricane season. While South Florida has gotten a pass thus far this summer, serious storms, including the threat of tropical storms or hurricanes, will become commonplace through the remainder of summer and well into the fall.
We recently published tips for hurricane preparation on our Florida Insurance Lawyer Blog, including the need to store food, water, prescription drugs, cooking fuel, batteries and First Aid items. This is also a good time to make sure all of your important documents — including your homeowner’s insurance policy — are gathered together in a waterproof container.
Chances are good this will just be one of those South Florida summer storms with which we are all familiar. But it is a good time to prepare for the more serious storms that can damage or destroy property and lead to life-threatening conditions. Mild storms can quickly turn dangerous once in the warm waters of the Gulf — Katrina passed over South Florida as a Category 1 hurricane before fueling itself in the Gulf’s warm waters and slamming into New Orleans as a Category 5 monster.
And even relatively mild storms can down trees and power lines and cause other property damage for which an insurance claim will need to be filed.
The depression formed Thursday over the Bahamas and hurricane forecasters say it could become a tropical storm. A tropical storm warning is in effect for the Florida Keys but the Monroe County Emergency Management Agency said no mandatory evacuation is expected. As a precaution, storm shelters will be opened for tourists and for residents who live on boats or have other special needs.
The storm is moving toward the Florida Peninsula with maximum sustained winds of 35 mph. When it comes to summer storms in South Florida, it is always best to hope for the best … but plan for the worst.
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If you are facing a dispute over an insurance claim in Florida, contact Alvarez & Barbara, LLP toll free at 866-518-2913 for a free and confidential consultation to discuss your rights.