Florida Insurance Claim Lawyer Blog

Insurance companies often advertise how easy it is to become an insurance company's customer. But they seldom, if ever, advertise how difficult it is to get an insurance company to pay for a claim, especially if the claim is after a catastrophic loss such as say a Hurricane.

Insurance companies have significantly and methodically decreased their financial responsibility for weather catastrophes like hurricanes and floods in recent years. Indeed, and after an extraordinary year last year for natural disasters, many insurance companies took steps to leave weather challenged states like Florida.

For instance, Allstate informed many of its North Carolina policy holders that would not renew homeowner policies that were not bundled with auto policies. Alfa Mutual Group announced that it would not renew 73,000 Alabama policy holders after tornadoes caused $11 billion dollars of property damage in Alabama last year.

Yet Florida is probably in the worst shape of any state in the country as it is the midst of an on going insurance crises in light of the fact that insurers have been dropping coverage since Hurricane Andrew in 1992. As a result, Florida's premiums average $1,460 per home. That trails only the state of Texas for the average cost of insurance premiums. As a result, the state backed Citiznes Insurance Company has had to step in to cover some 1.5 million property via its publicly funded insurance company as insurers drop more and more homes each and every year. State Farm, for example, stopped writing new homeowner policies in Florida back in 2007.

Today, insurance companies are also offering less insurance coverage for more money. In other words, many policy holders are paying more money for less coverage. While rates have been increasing dramatically, coverages have been hallowed out.

With hurricane season upon us, it is important to check the financial strength of your property insurer. The reason for that is because a major storm could wipe out more than your home - it could wipe out an insurance company too. Not only should you check the financial strength of your insurance company, but you should also check, and understand, the scope of coverages you have purchased.

Continue reading "Are Insurance Companies Only Insuring You As Long As Nothing Happens? Insurers Go Missing After Catastrophic Losses" »

You come home one day from your 14 day vacation in Europe only to discover that your septic tank ruptured. The mess is everywhere, and that rare China your Grandmother gave you on your wedding is smashed as a result of your frustration.

You immediately get on the phone with your insurance agent and your insurance company. But yet they inexplicably deny your claim.

You want to sue the insurance company, and you want justice.

But before you commit to taking your case to court, make sure this is a battle for which you're truly prepared.

Lawsuits can be very costly in terms of time and energy, and they will also take an emotional toll too. So don't enter into litigation lightly. If there is a chance of resolving the dispute amicably, consider that option.

You may never have gone to court before, but insurance companies do it all the time. Their lawyers know the ins and outs of the legal system. So it is important that you do wish to file suit, that you hire an attorney that is familiar with the courthouse and with battling insurance companies on a daily basis.

Here are steps you can take before resting your fate on the scales of justice.

1. Understand your duties and obligations as set forth in your insurance policy.

How do you do that exactly? Well, it may sound so obvious, but the first thing you need to do is to read and completely understand your insurance policy.

Often times insurance companies aggressively defend lawsuits not on the actual merits of the loss, but rather on conditions and obligations that the insured failed to do. It would be very unfortunate to be in such a situation. Especially when you consider that an insurance policy is a contractual relationship that binds both parties to certain obligations.

It is therefore critical that you, the insured, understand each and every one of those conditions. It doesn't matter what your agent told you or what you heard on TV; the rules that must be followed are contained and found within the document you signed and in the insurance policy. And if you failed to follow those rules, and conditions, your lawsuit will likely fail.

If you don't have a copy of your insurance policy, contact your agent. If you don't understand your insurance policy, contact your agent or an attorney to help explain it to you.

2. What are the Odds that you Can Actually Beat the Insurance Company in Court?

Like with every important decision you ever make, you need to balance the pros and cons and perform a cost benefit analysis.

Never go to court unless you believe you have a very good chance of winning. The legal process is too costly to use merely to prove a point or assert your rights. If you file a suit to punish your insurer for things that went wrong during the claims process, you may end up being the one who is punished by wasting time and money.

3. Work with, not against, your insurance company during the claims process.

If your insurance company calls you, call them back. If your insurance company wants to inspect the property, let them do so. If your insurance company wants you to give a sworn statement, hire a lawyer and then make sure to appear for the sworn statement.

And even if you do everything the insurance company asks of you, it is possible that the insurance company will still deny your claim. But if they do, try to resolve the claim one more time before filing suit.

Litigation should be a tool of last resort, not first. Explore all potential settlement options prior to filing suit.

4. Find a lawyer that has experience fighting the insurance companies.

If you decide to go forward with your lawsuit, you may need to find an attorney who will work on a contingency basis, taking his or her pay out of any settlement you win. If you agree to pay your lawyer this way, the fee will be a percentage of whatever is awarded. In highly adversarial insurance disputes, lawsuits can drag on for years, however.

Find an advocate who isn't afraid to go up against the big guys. You need someone who has a track record fighting and winning against the insurance companies.

5. Be patient, lawsuits take time.

Lawsuits often become waiting games. It easily can take a year or more to resolve a case. Attorneys representing insurance companies sometimes use delaying tactics to throw their opponents off their game or build up their own hourly fees. Expect these kinds of legal maneuvers and don't let them shake you.

Continue reading "Your Insurance Company Denied Your Claim, and You're Mad - Is It Time to Sue Them in Court? " »

Every insurance policy written in Florida contains numerous conditions that are imposed on the policy holder/insured. The policy holder must adhere to those conditions precedent before it can file a lawsuit against the insurance company. Those conditions are present so as to permit an insurance company to properly and timely investigate a claim.

The conditions typically involve providing "immediate" notice to an insurance company of the loss. An insured will typically need to allow the insurance company an opportunity to inspect the loss. The insured may be required to sit for an examination under oath, and may also be required to submit a sworn proof of loss. These are just but a few examples of the many conditions precedent found in an insurance policy.

Sometimes an insured may rush to court and file a lawsuit when the conditions precedent may have not all been satisfied. Or the lawsuit may have been filed after a delay in notifying the insurance company of the loss.

If you are in doubt regarding your legal rights under the insurance policy, or you are in need of assistance with your insurance claim, please feel free to call us today to discuss your claim.

Nonetheless, insurance companies typically attack such lawsuits on grounds that the insured failed to follow all the terms and conditions found in the insurance policy prior to filing the lawsuit.

Under Florida law, where an insured delayed in notifying an insurer of a potential claim, the insured must rebut the presumption that the delay prejudiced the insurer. Tiedtke v. Fid. & Cas. Co. of New York, 222 So.2d 206, 209 (Fla. 1969); XL Ins. America, Inc. v. Ortiz, 673 F. Supp. 2d 1331 (S.D. Fla. 2009); Keenan Hopkins Schmidt and Stowell Contractors, Inc. v. Continental Cas. Co., 653 F. Supp. 2d 1255 (M.D. 2009).

Therefore, Florida law provides that the failure to give timely notice creates a rebuttable presumption of prejudice to the insurer. However, that presumption may be overcome by the introduction of evidence tending to show that the insurer was in fact not prejudiced by the late notice.

Simply stated, although prejudice is presumed, this does not preclude recovery if the insured can show an actual lack of prejudice. National Gypsum Co. v. Travelers Indem. Co., 417 So. 2d 254 (Fla. 1982). Put differently, such presumption that the Defendant was prejudiced is overcome by a showing that the insurer was not deprived of an opportunity to investigate the facts of the incident at issue. Bankers Ins. Co. v. Macias, 475 So.2d 1216 (Fla. 1985).

In Haiman v. Federal Insurance Co., 798 So.2d 811 (Fla. 4th DCA 2001), the Fourth District Court of Appeal stated:

A total failure to comply with policy provisions made a prerequisite to suit under the policy may constitute a breach precluding recovery from the insurer as a matter of law. If, however, the insured cooperates to some degree or provides an explanation for its noncompliance, a fact question is presented for resolution by a jury.

As set forth above, if a policy holder cooperates to "some degree" or "provides an explanation for its noncompliance", then the policy holder's claim may not be barred as a matter of law.

On the other hand, if there was no cooperation of any kind then the claim may be barred all together. Take, for example, the case of Edwards v. State Farm, 64 So.3d 730 (Fla. 3d 2011). In Edwards, the Third District Court of Appeal concluded that: (1) the insurance company made requests for specific, basic documents relating to the loss that were never provided; (2) Edwards knew that, on numerous occasions, the insurance company requested Edwards submit to an examination under oath at a mutually convenient place and time, and he did not; and (3) Edwards never submitted any documents relating to the costs he alleges he expended to repair his roof.

In that case, the Court threw out Edwards's claim for failing to comply with all the conditions precedent, and failing to even cooperate to "some degree" and failing to "provide an explanation for its noncompliance."

Continue reading "Is Your Insurance Claim Barred If You Fail To Comply With All Of The Conditions Set Forth In Your Insurance Policy Prior To Filing a Lawsuit?" »

Whenever a small business or individual files an insurance claim, it often turns into a battle between the claimant's adjuster and the insurance company's adjuster. In many ways, it's a fight between David and Goliath due to the difference in resources available to each side. As a result, you would think that our government would do a better job of leveling the playing field. However, whenever David does something wrong he is often punished by state officials. On the other hand, when Goliath mishandles a claim, the chances of a crack down are very slim.

Here is a very telling fact that shows the amount of power insurance companies have in Florida: when there's a complaint against an insurance company's adjuster there's a less than 16 percent chance the adjuster will be disciplined; however, whenever there's a complaint against a public adjuster, representing a home owner, or business owner, there's a 75 percent chance the state will discipline that person.

On both sides there are certainly adjusters that need to be investigated and disciplined. By and large, most adjusters approach their jobs with honesty and complete professionalism. Nevertheless, that doesn't mean you shouldn't be prepared to file a complaint against an insurer's adjuster for mishandling a claim.

During the claims process make sure to request and keep all documents related to the claim. Also, keep a journal noting phone calls and the dates and people you spoke to. Make sure to check the licenses for any adjuster, contractors or roofers helping with your claim. This can be done at www.myfloridacfo.com. Lastly, if you feel that your claim is being mishandled, don't hesitate to immediately contact the Department of Financial Services.

The insurance claim process is often daunting and time-consuming. At Alvarez & Barbara, LLP, we have the resources and expertise to properly help you with your insurance claim especially if your claim is being mishandled by your insurance company, or the adjuster hired by your insurance company.

Continue reading "Adjusters Hired By Insurance Companies are Seldom Disciplined" »

For the past few years insurance companies have given many property owners discounts on their premiums for installing tile roofs.

However, some insurers have stopped giving the discounts because of Florida's complicated new form. For many this means that their insurance premiums may go up few hundred dollars a year.

The new form used by inspectors is based on a 2002 state study that did not examine tile roofs. As a result, the form doesn't mention tile roofs, which are one of the two most common roofs in South Florida. The roofs are especially popular in upscale communities throughout the area.

Some inspectors are going the extra mile and added commentary that the property meets the latest building codes and should qualify for a discount. Nonetheless, some insurers are taking a hardline approach and strictly following the form.

According to research, metal roofs are considered the strongest in hurricane force winds. Concrete tile roofs are second. Although relatively strong, a 2008 study showed that tile roofs led to about 30 percent higher losses for one insurer because they are more expensive to repair and replace. A FEMA studied showed, however, that tile roofs do a better job of keeping water out of homes. Water damage is more expensive to fix than a roof alone.

We've all heard about the recent property insurance law changes and the end/cutback of these discounts is a result of that new law. For example, some inspectors are erring on the side of caution when it comes to the grey areas on the form because of a new law that makes it a crime to give unwarranted discounts. It seems like the form needs to be clarified so that policyholders are not cheated out of discounts.

Continue reading "Many Insurance Discounts are Discontinued" »

Governor Rick Scott recently signed into law a piece of legislation that changes many aspects of property damage claims, and that also makes it easier for insurance companies to raise your property insurance rates in the years to come.

Below is a summary of Senate Bill 408 that was signed into law by Florida's Governor recently.

Time Limits for Claims and Statute of Limitations

The bill places time limits for bringing a hurricane or sinkhole claim and also creates a statute of limitations for bringing a breach of contract property insurance action in court. A claim, supplemental claim, or reopened windstorm or hurricane claim must be given to the insurer within 3 years after the hurricane first makes landfall or the windstorm causes covered damage. An initial, supplemental or reopened sinkhole claim must be given to the insurer within 2 years after the policyholder knew or reasonably should have known about the sinkhole loss. The bill also enacts a 5 year statute of limitations for bringing an action for the breach of a property insurance contract that runs from the date of loss.

Public Adjusters

The bill limits public adjuster fees related to reopened or supplemental claims to a maximum of 20 percent of the reopened or supplemental claim payment. The bill also limits public adjuster fees to 20 percent of an insurance claim payment made by the insurer more than one year after events that are the subject of a declaration of a state of emergency by the governor. A public adjuster fee related to a policy issued by Citizens Property Insurance Corporation may not exceed 10 percent of the additional amount actually paid in excess of the amount originally offered by Citizens on the claim.

Public adjusters are prohibited from making deceptive or misleading advertisements or solicitations. Written solicitations must include a disclaimer notifying the consumer that a solicitation is being made. A public adjuster contract related to a property and casualty insurance claim must contain the full name of the public adjuster and public adjusting firm, the business address, license number, and other specified information.

Public adjusters must give prompt notice of a property loss claim to the insurer and include with the notice the public adjuster's employment contract. The public adjuster must also ensure that the insurer has access to inspect the property, can interview the insured directly about the loss and claim, and allow the insurer to obtain information necessary to investigate and respond to the claim. The insurance company's adjuster or other persons acting on the insurer's behalf must provide at least 48 hours notice before scheduling an inspection of the property or a meeting with the claimant. The insurer also must allow the public adjuster to be present during the insurer's in person meetings with the insured.

The bill requires licensed contractors to be licensed as a public adjuster in order to adjust a claim on behalf of the insured.

Continue reading "Summary of Property Insurance Reform in Florida" »

Once again, our lawmakers are siding with insurance companies. Representative Plakon of the Florida House has proposed legislation that takes away the Insurance Consumer Advocate's ability to give letter grades to insurance companies based on how they treat their policyholders.

The Insurance Consumer Advocate position is established by law and is appointed by the CFO. Their job is to look out for Florida's insurance consumers by acting as our representative in the law-making process and in various boards. Basically, the Advocate is charged with representing our best interests.

State Farm and Rep. Plakon are trying to get rid of the one independent individual who represents insurance consumers in State government. Considering the wealth of the insurance lobby, you can imagine this is quite the difficult task. It is quite the bold move to eliminate this position in light of the insurance industry's recent push to deregulate our rates. They have also been supporting legislation that makes it harder to file a claim and get fully paid on a claim.

How have the insurance companies been able to accomplish this? Well, they have seemingly convinced lawmakers that they are losing so much money that the whole system needs to be overhauled in their favor. However, the numbers tell a different story.

For fire insurance policies, insurers made a net profit, after dividends, of $448,803,211. For homeowners and commercial property insurance, insurers made $1,666,262,684 and $49, 479,326, respectively.

Sure, insurance companies are entitled to making a profit. If they don't make a profit then they would be unable to pay out claims. However, there's no need to take away the Advocate's ability to give insurers letter grades. Most importantly, there's no need take away this power as it will only keep Floridians from understanding how fair an insurer truly is.

While this advocate in government looks out for your interests in the lawmaking process, sometimes it is necessary to hire an advocate that represents you in the courtroom. If you're having difficulty with your insurer after filing a claim, don't hesitate to call us so we can represent you in the claims process, and, if needed, in court.

Indeed, 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.

South Florida hasn't reached dry land just yet.

As our Miami hurricane damage lawyers continue to report, October and November have witnessed half of the South Florida hurricane activity during the past century. Wilma, the last major hurricane to strike the region, hit during the last week of October five years ago.

The Treasure Coast Palm reports three low pressure systems in the Atlantic have a better than even chance of becoming tropical cyclones as South Florida enters the month of November.

The National Hurricane Center reports the storms form a triangle between the southern tip of Florida and the coast of Africa. The storms were given a 20-60 percent chance of reaching tropical cyclone strength on the eve of Halloween weekend.

Consequently, forecasters are calling for 6- to 8-foot seas with even higher seas in the Gulf Stream.

So far, the Atlantic Hurricane Season has brought:

June: Hurricane Alex, first category 2 hurricane in June since 1966.

July: Tropical Depression #2 and Tropical Storm Bonnie.

August: Tropical Storm Colin, Tropical Depression #5, Major Hurricane Danielle, Major Hurricane Earl, and Tropical Storm Fiona.

September: Tropical Storm Gaston, Tropical Storm Hermine, Major Hurricane Igor, Major Hurricane Julia, Major Hurricane Karl, Hurricane Lisa, Tropical Storm Matthew and Tropical Storm Nicole.

Continue reading "Three Low Pressure Systems Could Strengthen Into Tropical Storms as South Florida Enters November" »

This week marks the five year anniversary of Hurricane Wilma, the last major storm to strike South Florida.

Newspapers as far away as California marked the anniversary, as the Sacramento Bee reported the storm's $10.3 billion in claims have resulted in insurers leaving the state even as Citizen's Property Insurance -- the underfunded state-backed insurer of last resort -- has been forced to step into the gap.

Make no mistake about it: Despite the fact that most of these companies have collected on double-digit premium increases in each of the past five years, claims for the next major storm in South Florida will be best handled by an experienced Miami insurance dispute attorney. Citizens will quickly become insolvent and the private insurers will run for the hills, which likely means delaying and denying claims and generally making it as difficult on homeowners as possible in an effort to avoid paying claims.

Some are claiming a bill vetoed by Gov. Crist earlier this year would have helped return the system to solvency. We don't buy it. The bill would have limited the amount of time for filing claims to three years, from the five years currently permitted by law. The insurance industry is bound to try again this year. It passed lawmakers once. Enough lobbying dollars and campaign contributions will likely see it pass again, thereby eroding just a little bit more of the rights of homeowners.

The bill would also move to regulate discounts homeowners are permitted to get for hurricane resistant construction. The insurance industry is crying foul over this measure, saying homeowners are taking advantage by having inspectors claim phantom improvements. As we reported on our Florida Insurance Lawyer Blog, this entire issue was prompted by the fact that many insurers were not providing basic hurricane deductions available by default on most newly constructed homes. Instead, insurance companies were treating homes as if they were built in the 1950s and 1960s unless a homeowner understood the process well enough to hire an inspector, retrieve a form from the agent, and proactively seek the deductions.

Wilma plowed into Marco Island shortly before dawn on Oct. 25. Flooding in Collier County was the first report of major damage. Heavy damage in Clewiston and the Lake Okeechobee region left thousands without power. By shortly after lunch, the storm was back out in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Palm Beach.

Tornadoes touched down as far away as Melbourne.

As South Florida heads deep into the final weeks of hurricane season, it is worth noting that this storm hit the peninsula during the last week of October. As we have reported previously, Florida is not clear of the hurricane threat yet, even as winter tourist season begins. Historically, half of the state's hurricanes have struck South Florida in October and November.

Hurricane season officially ends Oct. 30.

Continue reading "Anniversary of Hurricane Wilma a reminder of the lessons learned in South Florida" »

Florida's previous administration was so concerned about the influence of re-insurers -- those who insure the insurance companies -- that then-Governor Jeb Bush said it could literally come to define who could afford to live in the state.

Our Miami storm damage lawyers frequently report on the issues involved in the high-cost of homeowner's insurance in South Florida. Following the busy 2005 hurricane season, many of the insurance companies left the state. Last month, we reported on our Florida Insurance Lawyer Blog that Citizen's Insurance -- the state-backed property insurer of last resort -- would quickly become insolvent in the event of a major hurricane. The state system has $10.5 billion in cash and $433 billion in exposure; it insures some 1.2 million Florida properties.

The Herald Tribune reported that former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush was so concerned about the issue that he privately urged his brother, President George W. Bush, to create a national public fund that would replace private re-insurance for large natural disasters such as hurricanes, earthquakes or wildfires.

Jeb Bush also reached out to governors in California, Texas and New York to create a pool to backstop property insurers. California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger did not personally respond and the Bush White House eventually declared such a plan unsound. Even the other high-risk states considered Florida's hurricane risk too great to get involved.

Reliance on the private system of re-insurers has grown no less costly -- In the last four years, Florida-based home insurers have paid $15 billion to the profit-driven system of re-insurers.

And there have been no storms.

These companies, most of which are overseas, are not regulated by insurance regulators and answer only to Wall Street. Should Florida make it to the beginning of next hurricane season without a major hurricane strike, it will still be out $19 billion paid to re-insurance companies.

It's an issue behind the record increase in premiums in 2006 and 2007 and is making worse the problem of canceled policies and the decision of insurance companies to pull out of the state altogether.

As a consequence, Florida is now saddled with a dubious distinction: It has the highest insurance failure rate in the nation. Just one more reason hiring a Miami insurance dispute attorney is critical to protecting your rights in the wake of a homeowner's insurance claim.

Continue reading "Miami Storm Damage Claims Should be Handled by Attorneys as Solvency of Insurance Companies an Issue Amid Reinsurance Scandal" »

Citizens Property Insurance Corp. is taking the steps necessary to raise homeowner's insurance rate by up to 11.3 percent in parts of South Florida, the Sun-Sentinel reported.

Wilma in 2005, was the last hurricane to strike South Florida. Still, five years later, property insurers are seeking double-digit rate increases. The availability of Citizen's Property Insurance is particularly critical for coastal homeowners. The state-run insurer is the insurance company of last resort for homeowners in high-risk areas who otherwise may not be able to get insurance.

On that note, there is some good news. Citizens is proposing a decrease in the average rates in Miami Beach and along the coast in Broward and Palm Beach counties.

Statewide, Citizens proposed an average increase of 9.4 percent for policies that cover homes, condominiums, renters, mobile homes and vacation or rental property. Condominium buildings would see an average increase of 12 percent in parts of Broward, Palm Beach and Miami-Dade counties.

Meanwhile, the company reports that rates in parts of Broward, Palm Beach, Miami-Dade and Orange counties should be as much as 120 percent higher -- or more than twice the current rate. However, a 2009 state law limits annual increases to 10 percent.

Our Miami insurance claims attorneys question the need to increase rates more than 10 percent, never mind the assertion that rates should be twice as high as current rates. Citizens has had few claims in the absence of hurricanes and, in most cases, the properties it insures are worth just a fraction of their value several years ago, thanks to South Florida's plummeting real estate values.

Since the company is backed by the state, we have little question that the state will approve the rate increase. And we will stand ready to ensure that Citizens' customers, and the customers of other Florida insurers, are treated fairly and paid in a timely manner in the event the area is hit by another storm this year.

After years of skyrocketing home insurance rates in South Florida, it's an obligation we intend to see that these companies fulfill on behalf of our clients.

Continue reading "Citizens Property Insurance Requests Rate Increase as South Florida Braces for another Hurricane Season" »

Another hurricane season is upon us here in South Florida. The pelting rain. The howling wind. The mad rush of weathermen on both local and national TV. The long lines in the gas stations and food stores.

It is difficult to forget the damage Hurricane Andrew caused to South Florida in 1992, and Hurricane Wilma in 2005. It is just as hard to forget the haunting images of what the residents of New Orleans, and coastal Mississippi went through after Hurricane Katrina made land fall in 2005. These hurricanes, and other smaller storms over the years, caused extensive damage to many properties in Florida, and the Gulf states.

The good news, however, is that with modern technology - and yes, those weatherman that appear constantly on TV - we should have at least 3 to 4 days advance notice of an arriving hurricane. It will be important to use that time wisely.

The most cumbersome part of a hurricane is often the aftermath. For instance, after Hurricane Wilma struck South Florida in 2005 there were many parts of South Florida that was left without electricity for days, and many gas stations that could not dispense fuel for weeks.

Therefore, it becomes important to have a plan in place to deal with hurricanes. And your hurricane preparedness plan should include preparations to address the coming hurricane before it arrives, as it is hitting, and after it makes land fall.

For instance, it will be important for you to take photographs of your property, including vegetation, your roof, personal belongings, etc., prior to the arrival of a hurricane. This will allow you to make the strongest case possible with your insurance company should your property be damaged as a result of the hurricane.

More importantly, you should have ample supplies to last you through the hurricane and beyond. The National Hurricane Center recommends including these items in your hurricane survival kit:

- Water - at least 1 gallon daily per person for 3 to 7 days
- Food - at least enough for 3 to 7 days
- non-perishable packaged or canned food / juices
- foods for infants or the elderly
- snack foods
- non-electric can opener
- cooking tools / fuel
- paper plates / plastic utensils
- Blankets / Pillows, etc.
- Clothing - seasonal / rain gear/ sturdy shoes
- First Aid Kit / Medicines / Prescription Drugs
- Special Items - for babies and the elderly
- Toiletries / Hygiene items / Moisture wipes
- Flashlight / Batteries
- Radio - Battery operated and NOAA weather radio
- Telephones - Fully charged cell phone with extra battery and a traditional (not cordless) telephone set
- Cash (with some small bills) and Credit Cards - Banks and ATMs may not be available for extended periods
- Keys
- Toys, Books and Games
- Important documents - in a waterproof container or watertight resealable plastic bag
insurance, medical records, bank account numbers, Social Security card, etc.
- Tools - keep a set with you during the storm
- Vehicle fuel tanks filled
- Pet care items
- proper identification / immunization records / medications
- ample supply of food and water
- a carrier or cage
- muzzle and leash

To learn more, please contact our office today.