By James R. Hood
ConsumerAffairs.com
September 22, 2005
As Hurricane Rita churns toward the Texas coast, homeowners need to move fast to protect their life and property and prepare to recover from the storm as soon as possible.
Every individual should have a plan. In Hurricane Katrina, hundreds died waiting for government to help them. Passively waiting for help is not a good idea. If you are able to move to higher ground, now is the time to do so. Don't forget to check on elderly relatives, neighbors, friends and, for that matter, strangers. They may need a ride. No one ever went to hell for helping a stranger.
In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, many residents are confused as to what kind of damage their homeowners' insurance covers and legal challenges abound. While such disputes may be inevitable, there are certain steps homeowners can take now that will at least reduce the likelihood of disputes.
Here are some prepardness tips:
• Make a current inventory. List the items you own. Photograph or videotape each room and the exterior of your home, if possible. List item serial numbers when available.
• Safeguard your records. Keep insurance policies and your inventory in a safe deposit box or other secure spot. Accurate records speed up claims processing and can help prove tax-deductible, uninsured losses. Keep copies of your bank statements and credit cards to assist with determining living expenses.
• Have enough cash. Banks are likely to be closed. Try to have enough cash to last a week or so. If you have credit cards, be sure to bring them with you if you evacuate.
• Be ready to "shelter in place." Even if your home is on the fringes of the storm, you may be without power and water for days or weeks. Roads may be impassable. Lay in a supply of bottled water, canned food, medicine, flashlights and a battery-powered radio.
• Be ready to move. Gas up your car, even if prices are high. If you have to flee the storm or transport an injured family member, you don't want to run out of gas.
• Be safe. Don't try to cook indoors with a propane or charcoal stove. Carbon monoxide fumes can kill quickly. Don't start any kind of outside fire you aren't 100 percent certain you can control. The fire department probably won't be able to get to you in time.
• Be realistic. Don't expect your telephones to work. Both landlines and cell phones are likely to fail. Turn your cell phone off. You phone will quickly discharge its battery trying to find a signal if nearby towers are disabled.
• Think twice about guns. A firearm can protect you from looters, if you are a trained, disciplined marksman. It can also get you killed. If you are a stranger to firearms, now is not the time to start learning.
• Listen to authorities. If local authorities recommend or mandate evacuations, follow those instructions immediately.
• Go easy on the booze. Sitting out a storm is tedious but a hurricane party isn't a good idea. Alcohol impairs judgment and, eventually, puts you to sleep. Not a good thing when high winds and rising water can require quick action. ----
The author is a veteran journalist who has covered many natural and man-made disasters.
