Reports are now saying that Hurricane Earl’s track has changed and will hit Massachusetts and especially Cape Cod & the Islands harder than expected. David Gaffin, of Greenpark Mortgage and the Massachusetts Mortgage Blog, is kind enough to let us re-post this article about safety information and insurance claims in preparation for the storm surge.
When a Hurricane is Headed Your Way
Careful preparation and planning before a storm arrives will help minimize damage, loss and grief. The following is a short listing of what could be done to prepare yourself and your family during this season.
Pre-Planning:
Obtain information on flood zones and evacuation shelters. in some area, these can be found in your telephone book or online.
- Plan an evacuation route to the nearest shelter or “safe” area and keep a map handy. During emergencies, shelter locations be also be announced on the radio.
- Replenish emergency kits and supplies.
- Secure important documents from possible damage or move to a safe location.
- Develop a list of important phone numbers.
- Develop a plan to secure loose objects around the house; trim branches and trees.
- Ensure that your pets have collars and identification tags.
Prior to the Hurricane:
Secure all loose objects outdoors.
- Secure all windows using plywood.
- Fill your vehicle with fuel.
- Charge all batteries (i.e. phone, lamps, flashlights, radios, etc.)
- Listen to the emergency broadcasts of the storm.
- Be prepared to evacuate with emergency supplies to a predetermined location.
During the Hurricane:
Stay in doors and away from windows. Keep to the center of the building on the ground level.
- Listen to the emergency broadcast on the radio or television.
- Turn off all electrical devices and appliances that are not needed.
- Stay away from coastal waters, rivers, streams or other flooding areas.
- Do not try to cross flooded areas with your vehicle.
- Listen for instructions from emergency officials when the storm is over.
Emergency Supplies and Kits:
First aid kit and personal medications
- Drinking water
- Ice Chest
- Lighter, matches and candles
- Clothing, personal toiletries
- Sleeping bags and blankets
- Portable radio and flashlight
- Extra batteries
- Non-perishable foods
- Manual can opener
- Important documents
- Quiet games, books, or toys for children
Here are the carrier’s phone numbers:
Acadia Insurance (800) 691-4966 AIG (Global Energy) (877) 743-7669 AIG (Private Client Group ) (866) 642-5246 Andover Companies: Cambridge Mutual & Merrimack Mutual (800) 225-0770 Chubb Group (800) 252-4670 Commerce (800) 221-1605 Fireman’s Fund (888) 347-3428 Great American (888) 882-3835 Guard Insurance Group (888) 639-2567 Hanover Insurance (800) 628-0250 Hartford Insurance (800) 327-3636 Hingham Mutual (After hours claims) (800) 972-5399 Mass. Property Insurance Underwriting (800) 851-8978 Trident (After hours claims) (800) 288-2502 Tower (877) 365-8693 Quincy Mutual (800) 490-0047 Safety Insurance (800) 951-2100 Selective Insurance (866) 455-9969 Splash Program (Emergency Pollution related claims) (866) 577-5274 Splash Program (Emergency Non-Pollution related claims) (800) 746-3835 Travelers Personal lines:
(877) 425-2466
Commercial:
(800) 832-7839Utica National (800) 216-1420 Vermont Mutual (After hours claims) (800) 445-2330 Zurich/Maryland (800) 565-6295 I would like to thank Gary Nagle (781)-235-0502 of Corcoran and Havelin Insurance in Wellesley, MA for sending me the following Hurricane Safety and Preparedness list along with the telephone numbers of the major Homeowner Insurance carriers for Massachusetts.
If you do not currently have homeowner’s insurance please do not call today to get any, as the carriers will not write coverage until after the storm passes.
Please use this well and be safe on this long holiday weekend.
By the way readers, should you be closing on a purchase or refinance after the storm passes and the Feds declare a Federal Disaster Area, be prepared to have a re-inspection of the property before closing. This is considered to be an Act of God and as a result the borrower will be required to pay for any re-inspection fee. These re-inspections range from $125 to $200. You will receive notice from your lender and re-disclosures prior to closing.
