While hurricane season is about three months away, the State Corporation Commission (SCC) is urging Virginians to prepare for extreme weather events before they happen.
The Commonwealth of Virginia has already seen its first tornado of the year, according to a SCC news release, and strong wind storms have knocked out power to thousands on the Southside and across the state.
The commission encourages homeowners and renters to review insurance policies before extreme weather events strike.
Homeowners insurance policies “typically do not provide coverage” for damage to homes or belongings due to floods or storm surges, the release said.
The federal government sells flood insurance to homeonwers, renters, and businesses in certain communities through the National Flood Insurance Program.
Preparation tips:
- Keep electronic copies of insurance policies as well as other important documents as they can be a valuable tool to restoring your life after an extreme weather event.
- Make a home inventory of belongings with serial numbers, photos, and video tapes.
- Clear your yard of sticks and other debris that could damage a home or injure a person in high winds.
- Secure outside doors, window shutters, and lawn furniture.
- Trim overhanging branches near your domicile.
- Contact your insurance agent as soon as physically possible after damage occurs.
- Record all property damage and include photographs, notes, and receipts.
