Hurricane Dorian could impact South Carolina next week
COLUMBIA, SC. – August 31, 2019 When a severe weather threat is looming, there is little time to get your home ready and take your family to safety.
Forecasts put parts of South Carolina in the path of Hurricane Dorian, which could bring strong winds and heavy rains into South Carolina by Thursday.
With serious weather conditions possible, the S.C. Insurance Association is offering these reminders:
Emergency plan
Have a plan in place if a storm is threatening and evacuations have been ordered.
• Prepare the exterior of your home and yard if strong winds and water are imminent. Nail any loose shingles or boards and cover windows with plywood or storm shutters. Bring lawn furniture, potted plants, garbage cans, grills, and outdoor decorative items into the garage. Cut weak limbs and those overhanging structures and remove yard debris.
• Decide ahead of time where you’ll go if an evacuation order is issued and have more than one alternative – the home of a friend or family member, a hotel, a shelter, etc. Be sure to listen to NOAA Weather Radio or local radio and TV stations for evacuation information and instructions.
• Plan what to take with you. Disaster kits should include prescriptions, bottled water, clothing, flashlights, a battery-powered radio, batteries, items needed for pets, insurance policies, your home inventory, passports/drivers licenses/ID cards, birth and marriage certificates, and bank account numbers and other financial information.
Insurance reminders
Standard homeowners and renters insurance policies do not cover flood damage – the most common natural disaster in the U.S. However, it is important to note that the National Flood Insurance Plan (NFIP) has a 30-day waiting period before policies take effect.
For flooded automobiles, comprehensive coverage is needed to cover flood damage.
A saturated ground can increase the likelihood of falling trees. A basic homeowners insurance policy does provide coverage for trees that fall on insured structures.
Consult with your insurance agent or company to see if you’re protected.
Filing a claim
For car, home, or business owners who have damage from the storm, here are some tips for filing an insurance claim:
• Survey the damage and notify your insurance agent or company of any losses and leave contact information if you are not at home.
• Make any temporary repairs necessary to protect property from further damage. Keep all receipts for material used.
• Do not dispose of damaged personal property until an adjuster has had the opportunity to examine it.
• Photographs or video documentation of damaged property may be helpful.
• Find your insurance policy and have your policy number handy when you are ready to make
For more information from the S.C. Insurance Association, or to schedule an interview, call (803)252-3455.
For almost 40 years, the South Carolina Insurance Association has been providing free insurance information to consumers and the media about property and casualty insurance issues as the S.C. Insurance News Service.
For more information, contact the South Carolina Insurance News Service at 803-252-3455 or use our contact form.