Forecasters are predicting another above normal hurricane season in the region. Therefore, it is critical to be prepared as this year’s hurricane season gets underway.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) forecast for the Atlantic, Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico is calling for 12 to 18 named storms. They predict that 6 to 10 of these named storms will become hurricanes. It is also predicted that 3 to 6 of these will become major hurricanes.

The forecasters believe that unusually warm water in the Atlantic Ocean is the major reason why we should expect a busy hurricane season. The impact of the La Nina climate pattern may also contribute to the hectic season.

We should give credence to this forecast because it is similar to an earlier prediction coming out of Colorado State University that calls for 16 storms in the Atlantic basin. Also, NOAA forecasts for named storms have been on point in 6 out of the last 11 years.

Luckily, hurricanes are not surprises like tornadoes, earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. Because of this, we have ample time to prepare. Don’t become complacent and prepare for a hurricane, especially since its predicted to be a busy season. Preparation will help protect your family and home from danger.

Indeed, history suggests that South Florida is due for a hurricane strike. Therefore, this is certainly not the season to take lightly. We’ve been spared the last few years, but this could be the year where we are hit by another hurricane. Hurricanes are a fact of life living in South Florida. Although inevitable, they are not surprises like earthquakes or tsunamis. You can prepare and be ready for a hurricane.

Considering the increased odds of South Florida getting hit by a storm you should take the necessary steps to safeguard your property and family. One exercise that is a must is a review of your insurance policy to determine what is excluded from your policy. Most importantly, review what you’re supposed to do in the event your property is damaged in a windstorm. You should also check the financial strength of your insurance company, and stock up on food supplies.
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EXTENDED BODY:
Consider Your Options. Contact Us Today.

Before opening our law firm in 2006, our attorneys worked for some of the state’s, and nation’s, largest law firms, and worked representing the insurance companies for years. Our attorneys are now uniquely positioned to use that experience to assist individuals and businesses alike throughout Florida with their insurance claims. As a result, our attorneys are well versed in the impact insurance has on businesses, condominiums, and individuals alike. Our insurance litigation practice group is prepared to tackle your insurance claim.

Given our extensive experience litigating for, and against, insurance companies, our insurance litigation practice group is prepared to provide aggressive, efficient and effective representation on a broad spectrum of insurance claims in Florida for local, national, and international clients. We are prepared to advocate insurance claims at the pre-suit stage, trial, appellate and arbitration levels.

If you are facing a dispute over an insurance claim in Florida, contact Alvarez & Barbara, LLP, for a free and confidential consultation to discuss your rights.

Call us today toll free at 1-866-518-2913 or at 305-263-7700.

With Memorial Day right around the corner many are making plans for the holiday. Some may be going on vacation and some may be planning a BBQ. But once the holiday weekend is over, we must prepare for the 2011 hurricane season which officially starts on June 1.

Many native South Floridians have been dealing with hurricanes since they were young children and simply brush off hurricane season without preparation. However, must we remind you of the damage caused by Hurricane Andrew or even the more recent Hurricane Wilma, the second worst hurricane in Florida history?

Advanced preparation is vital because right before a storm hits, supermarkets and home improvement stores are jam-packed with last minute shoppers. Waiting until the last minute on important supplies is especially dangerous because items fly off the shelves and you risk being left without necessary supplies. It also important to stock enough supplies to last you through a storm and beyond.

Here is what the National Hurricane Center recommends you make a part of your hurricane survival kit:

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.
—–
EXTENDED BODY:
Consider Your Options. Contact Us Today.

Before opening our law firm in 2006, our attorneys worked for some of the state’s, and nation’s, largest law firms, and worked representing the insurance companies for years. Our attorneys are now uniquely positioned to use that experience to assist individuals and businesses alike throughout Florida with their insurance claims. As a result, our attorneys are well versed in the impact insurance has on businesses, condominiums, and individuals alike. Our insurance litigation practice group is prepared to tackle your insurance claim.

Given our extensive experience litigating for, and against, insurance companies, our insurance litigation practice group is prepared to provide aggressive, efficient and effective representation on a broad spectrum of insurance claims in Florida for local, national, and international clients. We are prepared to advocate insurance claims at the pre-suit stage, trial, appellate and arbitration levels.

If you are facing a dispute over an insurance claim in Florida, contact Alvarez & Barbara, LLP for a free and confidential consultation to discuss your rights.

Call us today toll free at 1-866-518-2913 or at 305-263-7700.

According to news reports, we should get ready for a hectic hurricane season this year due to higher surface water temperatures. Also, South Florida is at a greater risk to be hit by a storm than in years past. Their meteorologists predict we will see 15 named storms. Of those, 8 should become hurricanes and 3 should become major hurricanes – meaning they will be at least Category 3 storms.

This is considered busy because the average season will bring 10 named storms, six which will become hurricanes and two of those being major hurricanes. Although the US was spared in the busy 2010 season, two storms caused enough damage that their names will never be used again.

Forecasters don’t like to make landfall predictions, but they are able to say that certain areas may be more prone to being hit by a hurricane this year. South Florida, Texas, and the Carolinas are being pinpointed as areas where chances of landfall are greater.

It’s certainly frightening to hear that South Florida is at great risk year to be struck by a hurricane. We’ve been spared over the last few years, but hurricanes are a fact of life in South Florida. Although this often leads us to brush off hurricanes, it’s important to be prepared.

One way of ensuring that you’re prepared is to make sure to having everything in place to contact your insurance company in the event of a windstorm because we have a duty to immediately notify our insurers of a loss. Whatever you do, and no matter how slight the damage, call your insurer if your home has been damaged by a windstorm.

However, there are times when immediate notice is still not enough because an insurer will treat their policyholder unfairly by wholly denying a valid claim or by not fully covering their insured’s loss. Realizing that most people are unaware of their rights, insurers may take advantage of their policyholders.

If you ever find yourself in a situation where you believe that your insurance company is treating you unfairly, don’t hesitate to contact Alvarez & Barbara, LLP. We have considerable experience dealing with insurance companies and working to make sure our clients get what they are owed.