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Jackie Colson-Miller

Jackie Colson-Miller
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3401 Henderson Blvd
Tampa, FL 33609
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'Insurance'

« Previous Entries        

What is Storm Surge and How Will It Affect My Home in Tampa?

Filed under: Flood Insurance, Flood Zones in Tampa, Insurance, Luxury Homes in Tampa, MLS Listings in Tampa, MacDill AFB, South Tampa, Tampa, Tampa Neighborhoods, Tampa Real Estate, Tampa Real Estate Agent, Tampa Real Estate Market, Waterfront Homes in Tampa

The Latest News on the Tampa Real Estate Market and Everything About Buying a Home in Tampa, or Living in Tampa…. Tampa is a fabulous city to live in! It IS surrounded by water, so as we head into the summer months, we are just a few weeks away from the beginning of “hurricane season”. It’s hard to believe it, since we haven’t had any rain in Tampa for WEEKS, but it is time to start talking about “hurricane preparedness” again. For most of us in the Tampa area, we are used to the yearly purchases of batteries, water, canned goods, etc., to prepare for the possibility of a storm. For homeowners who live close to the bay, the greatest threat from a hurricane in Tampa, is what is know as, “Storm Surge”. Storm surge is a threat to any coastal areas, which are often less than 10 feet above sea level. The surge is water that is pushed ashore by the force of a storm. The combination of a tropical storm, or a hurricane, along with high tides, can bring a wall of water up to 20 feet high. In Tampa, the South Tampa peninsula, surrounded by Hillsborough Bay and Tampa Bay, has flooded in low-lying areas during recent Flooded_homesTropical Storms and Hurricanes. Those areas are in designated flood zones, where lenders require a homeowner to purchase flood insurance. Many neighborhoods in South Tampa are in flood zones, B or C, which are lower risk for flood insurance requirements and many homeowners do not carry flood insurance, and, more importantly, many of them do not evacuate when a storm is brewing in the Gulf. Several years ago, a professor at USF, did a special report for TBO.com about the worst case scenario . Watch the interactive video about a simulated Storm Surge through downtown Tampa. Had Hurricane Charley hit Tampa,as predicted, in 2004, instead of Southeast Florida where it came ashore, the storm surge would have reached the third floor of Tampa General Hospital! Anyone who lived in South Tampa, and did not evacuate, would likely not have survived. Because most homes in Tampa have never been hit by such a storm, many residents feel that it will never happen, but it is far better to be prepared, than to be complacent. The path of a storm can vary by over 100 miles, so when a storm is threatening Florida, everyone needs to have an evacuation plan. Should a 20 foot storm surge come ashore in Tampa, the entire South Tampa area would be under water. Many of those homeowners would not be insured, because flood insurance was not required by a lender, though the cost of the policy would be reasonable, compared to higher-risk areas. Call your insurance agent today and add a Flood Insurance Policy to insure your most precious possessions and always evacuate when a storm is headed your way! Looking for Real Estate in Tampa or information about the Tampa Real Estate market? Moving to Tampa? Are you looking for assistance in choosing the best neighborhood in Tampa for your lifestyle? Need informations about the schools in Tampa? I can help with your move to any Tampa neighborhood, including: South Tampa, Harbour Island, Davis Islands, Beach Park, Sunset Park, Hyde Park, Channelside, Culbreath Isles, Palma Ceia, Westchase, Waterchase, Odessa, Cheval, Avila, Brandon, Riverview, FishHawk, New Tampa, Tampa Palms, Hunters Green, Arbor Greene, Apollo Beach, South Shore, MiraBay, Golf Communities, Waterfront Homes, Luxury Homes in Tampa, Condos in Tampa and International Real Estatecontact me!

 

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Posted by Jackie Colson-Miller   |   1 Comment »   |   05.06.2008

Personal Liability Insurance…Why Homeowners Need An “Umbrella” Policy?

Filed under: Florida Real Estate, Insurance, Jackie Colson-Miller, Luxury Homes in Tampa, MLS Listings in Tampa, Moving to Tampa, Real Estate News, Relocation, Tampa Real Estate, Tampa Real Estate Agent, Tampa Real Estate Market

The Latest News on the Tampa Real Estate Market and Everything You need to know about buying a house in Tampa, every day…

Another article in my series on Florida Insurance Issues

Commonly known as an Umbrella Policy , Personal Liability Insurance kicks in after the limits on your Homeowners Insurance, Auto Insurance or Boat Insurance have been reached.

For the purposes of Real Estate, we will just discuss the implications to a homeowner.

Suppose your dead tree falls over the property line and onto your neighbors home, causing $500,000 worth of damage. Or, someone is injured, or an uninsured workman (do you check for insurance coverage when you hire your lawnman?) is injured, or killed, while on your property. Or, you have a party for your child and one of the guests falls off the swingset and is paralyzed.A lawsuit could result in hundreds of thousands, or millions of dollars in damages. Without an Umbrella policy, you may be responsible for the payment.

With the cost of a One Million dollar Umbrella Policy averaging between $200 300 per year, few homeowners can afford NOT to buy it!

Call your insurance agent today!

I can help with your move to any Tampa neighborhood, including: South Tampa, Harbour Island, Davis Islands, Beach Park, Sunset Park, Hyde Park, Channelside, Culbreath Isles, Palma Ceia, Westchase, Waterchase, Odessa, Cheval, Avila, Brandon, Riverview, FishHawk, New Tampa, Tampa Palms, Hunters Green, Arbor Greene, Apollo Beach, South Shore, MiraBay, Golf Communities, Waterfront Homes, Luxury Homes in Tampa, Condos in Tampa and International Real Estatecontact me!

Graphic courtesy of MSN.com

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Posted by Jackie Colson-Miller   |   7 Comments »   |   04.29.2008

Special Insurance Coverage For Condominium Owners…Tampa Real Estate News

Filed under: Florida Condominiums, Florida Real Estate, Insurance, Real Estate News, Tampa

When you are buying a condominium in Tampa, or on Clearwater Beach, too often, a homeowner is rushing to purchase Homeowners insurance prior to closing, and realizes, only after a peril, that several hundred dollars in additional insurance coverage may have saved him THOUSANDS in a loss or damages. Many insurance agents do not take the time to offer all of the various riders or policies available, so the astute homebuyer needs to do a little homework.

Loss Assessment Coverage

Florida is filled with condominiums and this unique coverage should be purchased by every condominium owner! It covers the cost of a Atriumspecial assessment to the unit owner, when that assessment is caused by a liability to the condominium association in excess of the limits of theMaster Policy , that is the policy paid for by the HOA fees for structure and liability insurance.

For example, several years ago one of the condominiums in Tampa, on Bayshore Boulevard, needed structural work to each of the balconies, due to a construction flaw. This resulted in a special assessment to each of the unit owners in excess of $8,000. Loss assessment coverage would have cost less than $75/year, but few condominium owners are aware that such coverage exists, so most of the owners had to bear that expense out-of pocket! OUCH!

When you are purchasing a condominium, ask your agent for Loss Assessment coverage Not all insurance companies offer it, so you may have to call several companies before you find it. Special Assessments are very common, so start shopping for insurance long before your closing day and make sure you are FULLY insured.

If you are a current condominium owner, call your agent and add Loss Assessment coverage to your current policy today!

If you are looking for the perfect condominium in Tampa, Clearwater Beach, or St. Pete Beach, contact me today.

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Posted by Jackie Colson-Miller   |   5 Comments »   |   03.09.2008

Moving to Tampa? Will You Need Flood Insurance?

Filed under: Flood Insurance, Flood Zones in Tampa, Florida Real Estate, Insurance, Real Estate News, South Tampa

The Latest News on Moving to Tampa, Living in Tampa, or Buying Real Estate anywhere in the World…every day on The Real Estate Sizzle…

One of the first questions every Homebuyer asks me, when they are moving to Tampa, is Do I Need Flood Insurance? The answer: YES. While a mortgage company may Bayshore_floodonly REQUIRE a homeowner to carry flood insurance in certain flood zones, , here are some facts every homeowner should know. Just a glimpse of flooded Bayshore Boulevard tells the story

1.One in Four flood claims, are in a low -moderate risk zone! Chances are good that nearly 25% of those homeowners did not have flood insurance because it was not REQUIRED by their lenders.

2. A car can be swept away by just 2 feet of water!

3. Flash floods occur in all 50 states! I am sure you recall the flash floods that have occurred in the U.K. and various parts of the U.S…areas that are NOT flood zones.

4. Homeowners Insurance generally will not cover rising water . That coverage requires a separate flood insurance policy.

5. You must add contents coverage to a flood insurance policy, if you want your belongings to be covered.

6. Premiums in low-risk areas are very reasonable, but damage from a flood is costlydo you want to take that chance?

7. It takes 30 days for insurance to take effect, so do not wait until a storm is coming to call your insurance agent.

For more infomation on Flood Insurance, visit FloodSmart.gov.

If you enjoyed this article, you may want to read my series on Hurricane Preparedness:

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

If you are buying a condominium, most of your insurance on the building is generally covered under your Monthly Maintenance Fees.


I can help with your move to any Tampa neighborhood, including: South Tampa, Harbour Island, Davis Islands, Beach Park, Sunset Park, Hyde Park, Channelside, Culbreath Isles, Palma Ceia, Westchase, Waterchase, Odessa, Cheval, Avila, Brandon, Riverview, FishHawk, New Tampa, Tampa Palms, Hunters Green, Arbor Greene, Apollo Beach, South Shore, MiraBay, Golf Communities, Waterfront Homes, Luxury Homes in Tampa, Condos in Tampa and International Real Estatecontact me!

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Posted by Jackie Colson-Miller   |   1 Comment »   |   02.20.2008

How To Get Homeowner’s Insurance in Florida…as Painlessly as Possible!…Tampa Real Estate News

Filed under: Florida Real Estate, Insurance, Real Estate News, Tampa Real Estate

The Latest News in Tampa Real Estate, Florida Real Estate and Real Estate Issues around the worldevery day

Ever since Hurricane Andrew hit the Miami area many years ago, obtaining Homeowners Insurance in Tampa has become a challenge for many homeowners, especially those who live in older homes. How can a homeowner figure out the ins and outs of the insurance puzzle?

Most insurance companies are looking for verification that the home is in good condition in Four Major areas. They might ask you for a Four Point Inspection form. It may sound ominous, but it is form designed by the Joint Underwriting Association that is filled out by a Home Inspector and covers:

1. Electrical

The insurance company will want verification that the electrical panel and wiring is updated . Many older homes with knob and tube wiring will not pass the inspection and the wiring will need to be replaced. Historic neighborhoods like Hyde Park and Seminole Heights have seen their share of this issue. Depending on the size of the home, replacing the wiring can cost over $20,000, so if you are buying an older home in Tampa, you should include the replacement of any knob and tube wiring in the contract.

2. Heating and Air Conditioning

Once again, the insurance company is concerned with the proper functioning and safety of the equipment.

3. Plumbing

The plumbing should be updated and operating properly. They may ask about the main lines which connect to the sewer, as older homes may ultimately have lines that collapse and need replacement.

4. Roof

This is the biggie the roof must have at least 5 years of useful life for most companies to insure it. What can you do if the roof needs replacement, in order to get insurance? Some companies will allow monies for roof replacement to be held in escrow with the agreement that the roof is completed soon after closing. Others will require a new roof prior to closing, which is sometimes an issue with roofers work schedules. I have always been able to get new roof issues to work out, so a little diligence on the part of your Real Estate agent goes a long way.

Start the Insurance process early in the contract stage, so you are not scrambling for coverage at the last minute.

**One important thing to note in Hurricane Seasonall insurance underwriting is suspended whenever there is a storm in the box an area off the coast which covers hundreds of miles. So, even if a storm is not expected to hit the WEST coast of Florida, you will not be able to get insurance until the storm passesthis can delay a closing and wreak havoc on all parties**

For more tips on Insurance issues, or buying a home in Tampa, please contact me!

You might also enjoy my other articles on Insurance Issues…

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Posted by Jackie Colson-Miller   |   Click Here To Comment »   |   12.11.2007

The Best of “The Real Estate Sizzle”…Everything You Wanted to Know About Buying a Home in Tampa…Tampa Real Estate Market News

Filed under: Best Places in Tampa, Florida Contract, Florida Real Estate, Insurance, Pet Friendly Tampa, Real Estate News, Tampa Real Estate Market

THE LATEST NEWS ON THE TAMPA REAL ESTATE MARKET, BUYING A HOME IN TAMPA, AND REAL ESTATE ISSUES AROUND THE WORLD, EVERY DAY, ON THE REAL ESTATE SIZZLE.Here are some of the most popular articles on The Real Estate Sizzle!

Readers want to know everything about buying a home in Tampa, from details of the Contract, to Insurance issues, to finding a great place to eat once you move in!

Enjoy the Best of The Real Estate Sizzle today. To find another article on a specific topic, such as property tax , just type a key word into the search box on the right sidebar and hit enter . All the related articles for that subject will appear. If you would like information on a specific topic, just send me a note, and I will happily write about it.
WHAT TO DO WHEN YOUR HOUSE SMELLS LIKE DOG!

GREAT PLACES TO EAT IN TAMPA

TAMPA IS THE NUMBER ONE BUYERS MARKET IN THE U.S.

PERSONAL LIABILITY INSURANCEWHY HOMEOWNERS NEED AN UMBRELLA POLICY

TEN CHANGES TO THE FLORIDA REAL ESTATE CONTRACT AND HOW THEY AFFECT YOU! PART 1 AND PART 2

You can also search for any article by category, such as Property Tax, or Relocation, or Schools, just click on Find a Topic in the right sidebar!

I research the most popular articles on a weekly basis and then concentrate my writing on the most popular topics, so please leave me some comments in the space below!
If you enjoy reading The Real Estate Sizzle, and the latest news in Tampa Real Estate, you can receive it via email.

I can help with buying real estate in any Tampa neighborhood, including: South Tampa, Davis Islands, Beach Park, Sunset Park, Hyde Park, Culbreath Isles, Palma Ceia, Westchase, Waterchase, Odessa, Cheval, Avila, Brandon, Riverview, FishHawk, New Tampa, Tampa Palms, Hunters Green, Arbor Greene, Apollo Beach, South Shore, MiraBay, Golf Communities, Waterfront Homes, Luxury Homes in Tampa, Condos in Tampa and International Real Estatecontact me!

 

 

 

 

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Posted by Jackie Colson-Miller   |   2 Comments »   |   10.09.2007

Homeowner’s Insurance in Tampa…Are Your Rates Going Up…or Down?

Filed under: Flood Insurance, Flood Zones in Tampa, Florida Real Estate, Hurricane Preparedness, Insurance, Real Estate News, Tampa Real Estate, Tampa Real Estate Market

THE LATEST NEWS ON TAMPA REAL ESTATE, AND REAL ESTATE AROUND THE WORLD, EVERY DAY, ON THE REAL ESTATE SIZZLE…

If you are buying a home in Tampa, you will need to inquire about Homeowner’s Insurance Rates, and, possibly, flood insurance. An article in today’s Tampa Tribune details how homeowner’s may be affected with the ever-changing insurance rates.

So far this year, Florida has not experienced a tropical storm, or hurricane…very good news. Let’s see how that news may affect insurance in the State of Florida.

Here are some of my earlier articles on Storms and Insurance.

Do I Need Flood Insurance?

What is Storm Surge and How Will it Affect My Home in Tampa?

If you are buying a home in Tampa, or anywhere in the World, I can help. Contact me!

Tampa Neighborhoods including, South Tampa, Davis Islands, Beach Park, Sunset Park, Hyde Park, Palma Ceia, Westchase, Waterchase, Odessa, Cheval, Avila, Brandon, Riverview, FishHawk, New Tampa, Tampa Palms, Arbor Greene, Hunter’s Green, Waterfront Homes in Tampa, Luxury Home Specialist, International Real Estate Specialist.

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Posted by Jackie Colson-Miller   |   Click Here To Comment »   |   10.03.2007

“Green Houses” and Other Eco-Friendly Trends

Filed under: Construction, Insurance, Real Estate Trends

Heres a look at the green housing trends you ought to know as you navigate todays Real Estate market.

  • Copper roofs. Copper and copper alloys, such as brass and bronze, are showing up on roofs, entryways, facades, gutters, and downspouts. Despite being quite pricey to purchase and install, theyre seen as a good long-term investment because they tolerate inclement weather. A copper roof thats installed properly will last beyond 100 years versus a composition roof that may last only 30 years, says Ken Geremia, manager of communications for the Copper Development Association in New York City. Copper elements also can be completely recycled, so youll never find them left on a site or plowed under a foundation, says Geremia.
  • Timber framing. Timber framing requires significantly less lumber than the traditional stick-built housing and almost always incorporates superior insulating panels (SIPS), which keeps heat and air conditioning from escaping the house. Theres less waste when large timbers are used, compared with conventional construction that produces sawdust and waste every time a 2-by-4 stud is planed, says Frank Baker, president of Insulspan and Riverbend Framing, part of PFB Corp. in Calgary, Canada. In addition, less energy is needed to power machines and kiln dry wood because timber framing uses freshly cut wood, he says. Timbers are prefabricated and arrive at the building site ready to be assembled, paring construction waste. Costs vary according to finishes selected, just as they do with stick-built housing.
  • Windows that beat the heat. Low-emittance (Low-E) windows, doors, and skylights offer natural light while blocking the suns UV rays that heat up the inside of a home, sometimes necessitating air conditioning. The special low-E glazing also stops the sun from fading fabrics, wall coverings, and artwork. When shopping for low-E windows, find out what percentage of rays are blocked by checking the UV label on the glass, advises Rod Clark, product marketing manager for Jeld-Wen Windows and Doors in Klamath Falls, Ore. Most low-E products block 70 percent to 90 percent. Next, examine the glass for clarity. Most people want glass thats clear rather than with a slight tint or color, he says. Though some manufacturers may tout triple over double glazing, Clark says its usually more than youll need.
  • Rainwater holding tanks. Capturing rainwater and storm runoff helps reduce the burden on local sewer systems and captures water that can be used in other ways, such as for watering the yard or flushing toilets. In the National Homebuilder Mainstream GreenHome, a 4,000-square-foot demonstration home being completed in Raleigh, N.C., a rainwater cistern and detention tank system will show that 95 percent of stormwater on a site can be recycled, reused, and absorbed. The rainwater cistern will collect water from the roof and gutters, filter it multiple times, and direct it to indoor plumbing, the laundry, and the sprinkler system. Overflow from the cistern will be funneled into inexpensive detention tanks to be absorbed gradually back into the ground.
  • Chemical-free lighting. LED lighting (LED stands for light emitting diodes) is a semiconductor that emits light when an electric current is applied. One big advantage: It contains no hazardous chemicals like other lighting does. For instance, compact fluorescents contain mercury and incandescent bulbs have gasses that hurt the ozone layer. In addition, an LED fixture uses 80 percent less energy than a traditional incandescent light bulb and has the ability to last up to 20 years, says Ron Lusk, chairman, president, and CEO of the Dalllas-based Lighting Science Group Corp., the first company to market a high-output, dimmable, Edison-base white-LED light bulb. LED bulbs also provide quality crisp light that shows colors in a natural palette, Lusk says. The downside: the initial cost. A typical 40-watt LED light will run about $39 while an incandescent light will cost $4 to $5, Lusk says. He believes that prices will come down as more businesses and home owners switch, as power companies offer better consumer rebates, and if the government makes the purchase of these energy savers deductible.
  • Green toilets. Water-conserving toilets can boost your budget while also helping the environment. Make smart choices in choosing products throughout your house, and you can save 30 percent to 50 percent on your annual water bill, says Ori Sivan, co-owner of Greenmaker Supply Co. in Chicago, which sells environmentally sensitive building products and materials. New green toilets conserve water in different ways: low-flow toilets use about 20-percent less water per flush, dual-flush toilets with two buttons give home owners the option of flushing with a half or full tank, and pressure-assist toilets reduce water usage by half and yield a powerful whooshing sound, says Sivan. Totos Aquia dual-flush toilet with a soft-closing seat (pictured at right) costs $300, comparable with other quality toilets, Sivan says.
  • Geothermal heating and cooling. Instead of using a traditional furnace that heats or cools air and emits carbon monoxide during the process, geothermal pumps are filled with water and glycol and rely on the earth as a heat exchanger. In winter, the system sends warm air into rooms; in summer, it brings cool air. Though the initial cost is twice as much as a traditional heating and cooling system, the payback comes five years down the road when you start reaping the benefits of much lower heating and cooling costs, says developer Ron Fleckman, president of Cyrus Homes in Evanston, Ill. His company is building 40 townhouses in Evanstons Church Street Village development, which uses a geothermal system and other green elements. It is one of the first communities nationwide to test this type of construction. Because the cost of natural gas is climbing, the payback will be quicker, he says. Home owners can also retrofit an existing house with this system.
  • Attic heat blocker. TechShield roofing panels, produced by LP Building Products in Nashville, stop the domino effect of inefficient roofing material. Poorly insulated roofing lets radiant heat into the attic, which then spreads throughout a home and requires the owners to turn on the air conditioner. By contrast, TechShield blocks up to 97 percent of the radiant heat, reduces the attic temperature 30 degrees, and cuts energy consumption and carbon gases as a result. You can cut monthly energy bills by as much as 20 percent, says Rusty Carroll of LP Building Products. The panels are made of a thin layer of aluminum foil laminated to OSB (oriented strand board) roof sheathing, which is made from fast-growing trees, and installed in the attic of new construction. The panels are used in conjunction with insulation rather than as a substitute, Carroll says. He recommends them both for houses in the South and Sunbelt where rays are strongest. A 3,000-square-foot house might cost $1,000 to $1,500 to outfit with the panels.

Smart irrigation systems. WeatherTRAK controllers automatically adjust watering schedules based on the needs of your landscape and local weather conditions. The systems brain receives satellite data with information about local weather conditions. An additional moisture sensor shuts down the system if it starts to rain when the sprinkler is on.

In Tampa, you can find “green houses” in some of the newer developments, including FishHawk Ranch. For more information about buying a “green house” or any questions, please contact me.

National Association of Realtors, Realtor News
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Posted by Jackie Colson-Miller   |   7 Comments »   |   07.10.2007

Hurricane Preparedness…Part 2

Filed under: Florida Real Estate, Hurricane Preparedness, Insurance, Project Blogger, Real Estate News, Tampa

If you havent already seen it, please read Part 1 of my Hurricane GuideThe Insiders Guide to Hurricane Preparedness.

5. If you have a pool, drain it about 12 inches. Otherwise, your pool will overflow and contribute to the flooding!

6. GET WATER,CASH, GAS, NON-PERISHABLE FOOD and BE PREPARED FOR NO ELECTRICITY FOR 1 2 WEEKS OR MORE

The guides really underestimate how soon things will be back to normal. Banks, ATM machines, Gas Stations, Stores and Restaurants will be closed until there is electricity. I served food in a temporary St_ormkitchen in Arcadia after Hurricane Charley. It was the only food available in town and I met several local Real Estate agents who has no where else to eat. That was one week after the storm hit and some of the roads were still impassable. It was a humbling experience, but it gave me a glimpse of a real-life disaster.

Your power lines may be down, so have at least one phone in your home that uses a phone line, but not electricity. Have surge protectors on all of your electronics and appliances. The ideal is to have a surge protector on your Electrical Box. My electrician installed one for me, but some of the Electric Companies offer one, as well. Even some minor winds can cause electrical outages and fires.

7. MAKE PLASTIC BINS YOUR BEST FRIENDSBi_ns

Keep all of your photo albums and irreplaceable things in plastic bins with covers. It makes it easy to get them out of harms way or take them with you. During the summer of 2004, I rented a storage facility and left all of my art and photographs there for the entire hurricane season.

Stay tuned for “Part 3″ tomorrow…

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Posted by Jackie Colson-Miller   |   Click Here To Comment »   |   05.10.2007

Andrea Opens the 2007 Hurricane Season A Little Too Early!

Filed under: Florida Real Estate, Insurance, Project Blogger, Real Estate News, Services, South Tampa, Tampa

Andrea, The first named storm of the 2007 Hurricane Season is stirring in the Atlantic. Shes tiny and fairly harmless, but for a season that starts in June, its a little too early. Are you ready? Here is Part 1 of my Hurricane Preparedness Guide

I am hyper-sensitive to Tropical Storms. My home flooded in 1995 with Tropical Storm Josephine. It was a freak storm that flooded parts of South Tampa and St. Petersburg due to storm surge at high tide. We Char_tevacuated in the middle of the night through hip-deep water with babies in tow and boarded an amphibian vehicle, which navigated the flood waters and took us to higher ground. Three days of having the muck cleaned out of my home, and my possessions destroyed, was enough for me to decide I was never going to live through that again! As a result, I have become the Queen of Hurricane Preparedness!

In the next few weeks, all of the newspapers will be printing a Hurricane Guide with a list of supplies, ways to prepare for a storm, etc. Well be loading up on water, batteries, duct tape and sterno. But there are many things the guides dont tell you. So, lets call this series The Insiders Guide to storm preparednessall the things the newspaper doesnt tell you.

1. MAKE A PLAN

Now is the time to talk about where you would go in case of a disaster. What if you need temporary housing? Would you stay with relatives? What if you sell Real Estate and all the homes in your area are destroyed? How will you earn a living? Would you rebuild or move to another city? Whether it is a fire, a hurricane or a terrorist attack, having a disaster plan in place, will make the event far less stressful for you and your family.

2. STORMS ARE UNPREDICTABLEBE PREPARED FOR THE WORST

In 2004, Hurricane Charley was projected to hit Tampa. I live in a mandatory evacuation zone, so I was safely ensconced in a hotel far from the bay. Just hours before the projected hit, the storm took a sharp turn, went from a Category 2 to a Category 4 storm and hit 2 hours south of Tampa, in the Punta Gorda/Port Charlotte area and tore through the middle of the state. Those areas were not prepared and the devastation was incredible. Had that storm hit Tampa as a Category 4, all of South Tampa would have experienced a storm surge over 20 feet high. Anyone who did not evacuate, would have perished. Many of my friends would have died in that storm. Nothing is worth risking your life, when a storm is approaching you need to evacuate. There can be a 200 mile difference in the various projected paths of any storm. If you are anywhere in the cone ,(the possible projected path) you need to be prepared to evacuate. My favorite website for hurricane tracking is www.noaa.gov

3. INSURANCE

Review your insurance policies. Home owner’s Insurance does not cover rising water. You will need flood insurance for that. Neither Homeowners Insurance, nor Flood Insurance will cover your contents, unless you add that to each policy. Your agent will not automatically add contents to your policy, so you need to request it. If you are not in a designated Flood Zone, then Flood Insurance is very inexpensive. If you are remotely within the possibility of ANY kind of flooding, BUY IT. Believe me when I tell you that, in case of a flood, or a fire, you will not remember 1/10th of the mud-soaked items that were destroyed. Your insurance company is in business to make a profit, so they are counting on that! AND, any changes to a policy take 30 days to go into effect. The time to check your policies is long before any storm is approaching.

4. MAKE A HOME INVENTORY

The loss of some womens shoe collections could run into the thousands of dollars! Seriously, the most important thing you can do to prepare for a disaster is to make a Home Inventory. Take a spiral notebook and use several pages for each room in your home. Make a list of every item in that roomi.e. in your kitchen you need to list every wooden spoon, pots, pans, dishes, etc. Pay particular attention to your closets and drawers. Every time you buy something, add it to your home inventory. Add values to each item, and make sure your contents policy covers the cost of all of your items. Jewelry, Antiques, Art and Computer equipment may require additional riders to your policy. Add pictures or video of each room as well. Keep a copy of all of the pages in your inventory in a place other than your home! Flood insurance contents are reimbursed at thrift store values, so it is critical to itemize every item in your home.

Stay tuned for Part 2

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Posted by Jackie Colson-Miller   |   4 Comments »   |   05.09.2007

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