Survey: 1 In 5 Would Not Evacuate For A Hurricane
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MIAMI (CBSMiami) - With the start of every hurricane season, state, county and local authorities always ask residents to get prepared.
But do we?
In a recent AAA Consumer Pulse™ survey, almost half (42%) of residents in Florida and Georgia said they do not make advanced preparations.
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Both NOAA and Colorado State University have predicted a below-average hurricane season this year. But it only takes one. For example, Hurricane Andrew tore through southern Miami-Dade in 1992, another below average year.
If a named storm caused evacuation warnings, would you leave? Nearly one in five (18%) residents said they would not leave their homes. However, of those who would evacuate, half (49%) said they would only leave for a category three hurricane or greater.
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In addition to stocking away food, fresh batteries and flashlights in case of a storm, homeowners and renters should also re-evaluate their insurance.
"Part of that preparation includes having a storm kit, evacuation plan, and proper insurance coverage, which includes flood insurance. Every home is in a flood zone, whether you live near the coast or not," said Gene Calkins, Vice-President of Insurance Agency, AAA – The Auto Club Group.
Floods are the number one disaster in the United States. Homes in low risk zones account for nearly 20 percent of flood claims every year. Just two inches of water in a 2,000 square foot home, can cause as much as $21,000 or more in damage.
However, only one in five (20%) residents in Florida and Georgia have flood insurance, which is separate from homeowners insurance. A preferred risk flood insurance policy costing 85 cents a day will cover $100,000 in structural damage and $40,000 for damage to contents inside the home.
"The majority of residents in the southern U.S. do not know there is normally a 30-day waiting period for a new flood policy to take effect," Calkins said. "If you wait until a storm is named and heading your direction, you will be too late. Now is a great time to check with your insurance agent to ensure you are covered before the busy storm season begins."
AAA offers these hurricane preparation tips:
Secure Your Home
Inspect your home for minor repairs needed to roof, windows, down spouts, etc. Trim trees or bushes that could cause damage to your home in case of high winds.
Make a Plan
Develop a family emergency plan to include ways to contact each other, alternative meeting locations, and an out-of-town contact person. Identify a safe room or safest areas in your home. Research your evacuation route. Be sure and include plans for your pets.
Take Inventory
Update your home inventory by walking through your home with a video camera or smart phone. Keep a record of large purchases including the cost of the item, when purchased and model and serial numbers as available.
Stock Emergency Supplies
Plan for a week's worth of non-perishable food and water. Be sure and have flashlights, extra batteries, battery-powered radio, medications, first aid kit, blankets, toiletries, diapers, etc. You may also want to prepare a portable kit and keep in your car should you evacuate.
Protect Your Property
Review your homeowners insurance with your insurance agent to determine if you have adequate protection. Discuss your deductibles. Be aware that flood insurance in not typically covered under your homeowners policy.
- Click here for a litany of ways to prepare yourself for an impending hurricane from the CBSMiami.com Hurricane Preps page
- Click here for the latest news surrounding hurricanes and the National Hurricane Center
- Click here to see all of the latest maps when a storm forms in the Atlantic
- Click here to download the CBS4 2015 Hurricane Guide (English)
- Click here to download the CBS4 2015 Hurricane Guide (Spanish)
