Hurricane IRENE threatens Northeast with 100 mph winds and heavy rains!

Forecast to strike NJ on Sunday evening as a CAT 2 (100 MPH Winds) storm, IRENE is likely to cause widespread power outages and tree & structural damage.

Some important information for Personal insurance customers:
 
If you own a house that is located along the ocean, bay or within a coastal county, your home may be vulnerable to wind damage caused by a hurricane or Nor Easter.  It is important to take preventative measures to help protect your family, home and possessions.  Here are some things you can do.
Protect Personal Belongings and Important Documents:

Jewelry and Collectibles:  Valuables should be inventoried and stored in a secure location (such as an inland bank safety deposit box).  If off-site storage is not possible, then place these items in a waterproof container and store in an interior closet.
ü  Personal Documents
Keep all important papers such as legal papers, birth certificates, marriage license, financial papers, and insurance policy information in a bank safe deposit box or other off-site storage or in waterproof containers.
Damage Prevention Steps When a Storm Approaches:
ü  Clear Loose Objects
Bring outside patio and lawn furniture, potted plants and outdoor bicycles and toys indoors.  Help your neighbor bring in their backyard items as well so these items do not become flying objects that impact your home.  Be sure all awnings are closed and secured.  Tie down any other loose items that may become projectiles in a high wind.
ü  Reinforce Winds & Doors
If your windows and doors are not wind and impact resistant, plywood can be used as last minute protection.  However, be sure it is strongly secured.
ü  Reinforce your Garage Door
If you do not have a storm bar or other garage door reinforcement, you may want to back up your car against the inside of your garage door to help prevent it from “twisting” due to high winds.
ü  Move Furniture and Household Fixtures
Move them away from exterior door and window openings.  If possible, elevate these items and cover them with plastic.
ü  Secure Household Appliances
Appliances, including personal computers, should be unplugged and stored away in cabinets or interior closets.
ü  Test and Refuel Your Backup Generator
If you’ve installed a gas-powered generator as a backup power supply in your home, regularly test it to ensure that it is operational at the time you need it.  When a storm approaches, run another quick test and make sure that plenty of fuel is available.
Preparing an Emergency Supply Kit:
Assemble and maintain an emergency kit throughout the hurricane season.  Items should be stored in a watertight container.
ü  Water-minimum
1 gallon per day, per person for one week is needed.  Two quarts are for drinking and 2 quarts for food preparation or sanitation. When a storm approaches, fill empty containers and a bathtub with water as an additional emergency supply.
ü  Food
A one week supply of non-perishable food.  Remember a non-electric can opener, cooking tools, camping stove, paper plates and plastic utensils.  Remember special dietary needs for infants, the elderly or pets.
ü  Clothing
Rain Gear and Sturdy Shoes
ü  First Aid Kit
Painkillers, such as aspirin or ibuprofen, an assortment of bandages and gauze pads, antiseptic, latex gloves, first aid cream, scissors, tweezers and a thermometer.  Also include a two-week supply of prescription drugs.
ü  Flashlights and Batteries
Using candles for light can pose a fire hazard.
ü  Battery-operated radio
To help you stay informed of severe weather updates
ü  Cash
ü  Bleach & Antibacterial Soap
ü  Toilet paper and personal hygiene items
ü  Plastic bags and tarps
ü  Matches
ü  Pillows and Blankets
Store your kit in a place commonly known to all family members.  Replace and/or refresh items in your kit
 
 
 
Some important information for Business insurance customers:
 
Steps To Take When a Hurricane Watch Is Issued

• Activate you facility’s Emergency Action Plan and ensure that copies are accessible off site.
• Listen frequently to radio, TV or NOAA Weather Radio for official bulletins on the storm’s progress.
• Evacuate non-essential personnel.
• Move fuel and service emergency vehicles and generators inside the building or to a safe location.
• Inspect storm, roof and floor drains to ensure they are free of debris and fully functional.
• Prepare to cover all windows and doors with shutters or other shielding materials.
• Anchor all equipment stored outside.
• Brace all signs, tanks and roof equipment.
• Remove all awnings and lightweight outdoor coverings.
• Protect vital records against flooding and wind.  Elevate all possible valuables off the floor onto furniture and shelving.
• Secure backup records off site, away from the targeted hurricane area.
• Ensure an adequate stock of non-perishable food, first-aid supplies, drinking water and other supplies for staff and emergency crews.
• Check batteries in flashlights and radios.

Steps To Take When a Hurricane Warning Is Issued

• Listen closely to radio, TV or NOAA Weather Radio for official bulletins
• Complete preparation activities, such as putting up storm shutters and storing loose objects.
• Patrol the facility, as long as it is safe to do so.
• Check for leaks and fire protection system impairment.
• Shut off valves when pipes have broken.
• Complete emergency repairs that are safe to perform.
• Move to a safe area before you are cut off by floodwater.  Use sandbags if necessary.
• Follow instructions issued by local officials. Leave immediately if told to do so!
• If you choose to stay in the building:
  o   Close all interior doors.  Secure and brace external doors.
  o   Stay away from windows and doors even if they are covered.  Take refuge in a small interior room, such as a bathroom, closet or hallway.
  o   In a multiple-story building, go to the first or second floors.  Lay on the floor under a table or other sturdy object.

Steps To Take After a Storm

• Account for all employees who stayed at the facility during the emergency.  If someone needs to be rescued, call professionals with the right equipment to help.
• Use caution in flooded areas.  Floodwaters may be contaminated by agricultural or industrial chemicals, or hazardous agents.
• Do not attempt to drive across flowing water.  As little as six inches of water may cause you to lose control of your vehicle.  Two feet of water will carry away most cars.
• Stay away from standing water.  It may be electrically charged from underground or downed power lines.
• Conduct a preliminary inspection to verify stability before entering a flooded, formerly flooded or wind-damaged building.  If there is extensive damage, have a professional engineer or architect certify that the building is safe for work.
• Have professionals check gas, water and electrical lines and appliances for damage.
• Assess damage to buildings and equipment.  Photograph and document all damage.  Notify your insurance agent as soon as possible.
• Make temporary repairs to protect the building and contents.   Remove and discard porous organic materials that have become wet or visibly contaminated.
• Use a flashlight for emergency lighting.  Never use candles and other open flames indoors.  Only use tap water for drinking and cooking after local officials have reported that it is safe to do so.
• When using a generator, be sure that the main circuit breaker is off and locked out prior to starting the generator.  This will prevent inadvertent energizing of power lines and help protect utility line workers from possible electrocution.
• Avoid breathing dust (potential fungal spores) generated by wet building materials.
• Use telephone only for emergency calls.

 
 
Some important information for Yacht and Boat insurance customers:

Hauling
ü  If your boat is trailer able, ensure that both your trailer and towing vehicles are in good operating condition.  Immediately fix flat tires, faulty brake lights, etc.
ü  Identify a safe, accessible destination, preferably within a hurricane-proof storage facility or garage.  If possible, negotiate a storage contract in advance.
ü  If your vessel is not trailer able, negotiate contractually for a boatyard haul-out at a facility that is equipped to accommodate your boat and not endangered by a storm surge.
Securing in a Marina or Private Berth
ü  Every marina will not will not have the same pre-storm procedures.  If your boat is berthed in a marina facility determine what the hurricane procedures are directly from the dock master and identify your responsibilities.
ü  If berthed at a private dock, coordinate mooring arrangements with your neighbors.
ü  Inspect your boat’s deck hardware and make sure that all cleats, winches and chocks have suitable back plates and bolts.
ü  Purchase a second set of mooring lines and a suitable quantity of fenders, fender boards, chafing gear, back-up batteries and anchors.  It may not be possible to buy supplies immediately before a storm; buy more than you think you might need.
ü  Develop an alternative plan.  Depending on the force and direction of the storm, your current berthing location may not always be the safest place for your boat.
Moving To a Safer Location
ü  If you plan on moving your boat inland, identify in advance:
-Where you plan to go
-All possible routes to get there
-Any potential obstacles along the way, such as bridges, tidal or depth restrictions, etc.
ü  Some bridges may be closed for land evacuation during the approach of a hurricane.  Check with your local marine or law enforcement authorities for further information.
ü  Plan how, and where, you will secure your boat.  As noted previously, inspect your deck hardware and identify the equipment you will need to moor safely in this location.
Additional Pre-Storm Tips
ü  Keep a battery-powered radio, as well as, a supply of batteries, to receive the latest weather information.
ü  Do not plan to leave your boat on a boat lift.  Instead, employ one of the strategies noted here.
ü  Make a checklist of all items that will need to be removed from onboard.  Store any tools that will be needed to remove electronics or other installed items.  Estimate how much time it takes to remove and/or secure gear so that you can plan accordingly.
ü  Keep a folder with all of your boat’s relevant paperwork and/or information in a safe place off of the vessel.  Included copies of your insurance policy, boat registration, marina contract and equipment inventory.  Also list important telephone numbers,  such as your insurance broker, harbor master, the Coast Guard, etc.
ü  IMPORTANT:  Share your severe weather plan with a reliable person who can execute it in your absence.  If you are an absentee owner, formalize this arrangement with a contract.