EDISON BLOG

With the arrival of Hurricane Season, it is important we discuss the dangers of storm surge. Storm surge is one of the largest threats to property and life during a tropical storm or hurricane. Generated by a tropical storm or hurricane, storm surge is a change of water level, over and above its predicted astronomical tide. Due to its change in the water level during a storm, it can cause extremely destructive and devastating damages. As many of us in the state of Florida live in close proximity to the ocean, it can be dangerous if safety precautions are not taken. Evacuation orders due to storm surge should never be taken lightly. As a homeowners insurance carrier in Florida, we would like to provide you with some information about storm surge and some safety tips.  

Storm Surge Preparation Tips: 

• Find out from your local emergency services if you are in a surge-prone area. 

• Ensure windows are tightly closed, especially in the basement or lower floors. 

• Make note of family/friends who live on higher ground, in case you need shelter. 

• Always have an evacuation kit ready to go in the case of an emergency. 

During Storm Surge: 

• If instructed, evacuate immediately and do not delay. 

• Never walk or drive through floodwaters.  

• Pay attention to storm progression and warnings from local authorities.  

Know Your Elevation: 

If you live near the coast or are thinking of buying property near the coast, it is in your financial and survival interest to know the elevation of your home. If you are a homeowner, your flood insurance certificate should tell you what your elevation is, based on the best available surveys for the area. 

Flood Insurance: 

Storm surge has the capability of causing devastating flood damages to your home. It is important you have flood insurance in place to protect your home and belongings. As a homeowner, it is important to know what is covered under your policy and what isn’t. Standard homeowners and renter’s insurance policies do not cover flood damage. Flood insurance must be purchased through private carriers, like Edison Insurance Company or through the NFIP. We highly recommend you speak with your agent to obtain flood coverage, or give us a call at 866-568-8922.  

As Hurricane Season begins, we hope you take this information about storm surge and storm surge safety into consideration. Remember, Edison Insurance Company is always here to assist our policyholders should the unexpected occur. Should you need to file a claim, you may do so online or by calling us at 888-683-7971. 

Updated: June 1, 2020

Hurricane season has arrived and now is the time to ensure your home is protected should disaster strike. Preparation plans should be in place, and your hurricane shutters should be purchased and/or in an accessible location, well in advance of a storm. Installing hurricane shutters is an effective way to minimize hurricane damages to your windows, doors, and home. However, do you know how to install them properly and safely if a storm is on the horizon? Here are 5 tips to take into consideration to ensure your hurricane shutter installation goes safely and smoothly: 

1. Be sure to inspect your shutters for damages before installing them. We recommend inspecting shutters well before a storm is on the horizon, as damaged shutters should be repaired or replaced as soon as possible.  

2. Label your shutters to match their corresponding window. Doing so will save you time and aggravation especially when there is a storm quickly approaching.  

3. Wear protective gloves while installing your shutters to avoid being cut by their sharp edges. 

4. Ladders can be quite dangerous, practice caution while using a ladder. When using one, always have someone hold and stabilize your ladder from below. 

5. Never install your shutters during inclement weather, as it greatly increases your risk of injury. 

We all hope this Hurricane Season is a quiet one, and there will be no need to install shutters on your home. However, in case you do please keep these tips in mind. Our number one priority at Edison Insurance Company is the safety of you, your family, and your home. We stand ready to assist you should the unexpected occur. Should you have any questions in regards to your insurance policy, give us a call at 866-568-8922, or should you need to file a claim, you may do so online or by calling 888- 683-7971.