As hurricane season approaches, New Orleans residents must prepare not only their homes but also their essential documents. Our founder, Michelle Craig, recently appeared on Fox 8 Live to share vital tips on safeguarding important paperwork ahead of the storm season. Here’s what you need to know.
Why Document Preparation Matters in Hurricane Season
In the midst of a hurricane, it’s easy to overlook your essential documents. However, preparing these items ahead of time can save you significant stress and potential loss when a storm occurs. Michelle emphasizes the importance of handling this task now, rather than waiting until a hurricane is imminent. When you’re busy gathering groceries and securing your home, having your documents prepared can make a world of difference.
Essential Documents to Prepare
When preparing for hurricane season, consider which documents would be difficult to replace if destroyed. We recommend finding the following documents:
- Birth Certificates
- Social Security Cards
- Passports
- Insurance Documents
- Last Will and Testament
- Any other critical legal documents
Having these documents in order ensures you can quickly and easily prove your identity, claim insurance, and manage legal matters in the aftermath of a hurricane. Store these documents in a secure location in a waterproof container. Remember that these documents are essential to take with you if you evacuate during a hurricane.
Documenting Your Belongings
In addition to preparing your essential documents, it’s important to document your possessions. This helps to provide support for insurance if damage occurs. Here’s what we recommend:
1. Take a video walk through of your house. Take comprehensive photos and videos of your home, capturing all rooms, furnishings, and valuables.
2. Save this data! Store these photos and videos in multiple places. Use cloud storage services to ensure they are safe and accessible from anywhere, and keep copies on your phone for easy access. Make sure you know how to access your photos and videos even if you leave your home.
Understanding Your Insurance Policy
Insurance in Louisiana can be particularly complex. This is why you need to talk with your insurance provider to review your specific policies in detail. Key questions to ask include:
- What is my deductible?
- What are the exclusions in my policy?
- Are there any gaps in my coverage?
- Do I need additional insurance to cover these gaps?
- What is the worst-case scenario for my coverage?
Your insurance agent can provide specific guidance tailored to your policy, helping you understand what to expect and how to ensure you’re adequately protected.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your essential documents and valuable items are protected during hurricane season. Taking the time to prepare now can help you navigate the aftermath of a storm with greater ease and peace of mind. Stay safe this storm season, New Orleans!