In a very short period of time, Hurricane Nicholas developed from a line of tropical rainclouds into a category 1 hurricane that hit the Texas coast this week. While the flood and wind damages were not as significant as with past hurricanes, it still left behind flooded properties, toppled structures, and large power outages across the coast. Many homeowners and businesses can learn important lessons from this sudden hurricane so that when a stronger storm hits our region, we will be able to quickly and fully recover. These lessons are the focus of today's Aegis blog post.
Hurricanes Develop Faster and More Often
The last few years have seen an uptick in hurricanes and severe weather, both in intensity and frequency. As a result, property owners and businesses should anticipate busier storm seasons and make sure they are developing preparedness plans and contingency plans if disaster strikes. Just because Hurricane Nicholas was not as strong or devastating as past storms does not mean people or businesses should let their guard down. The increase and intensity of severe weather events means property owners should regularly monitor weather conditions, develop property inventories, create disaster plans to ensure the safety of their property and people, and take each storm seriously. Contingency plans should include options for temporary relocation while repairs are made, vendor and important contact information, and how and when to safely evacuate the property. Any delays or disregard for a storm could result in costly repairs and losses later.
Protecting Buildings and Property is Key
When storms and severe weather head our direction, we should make sure that our properties, whether residential or commercial, are secure enough to withstand high winds and heavy rainfall. This can mean routinely inspecting rooftops to make sure there are no loose shingles or damaged areas that need repair. It can also mean ensuring that there is good property drainage, with rainfall flowing quickly away from structures and towards storm drains, retention ponds, or street ditches with a goal of avoiding flooding. It's important to also have trees pruned on a regular basis so that they pose less of a threat to nearby structures, vehicles, utility poles, or power lines. Finally, residential and business property owners should ensure that important documents and valuables are securely stored in the event of inclement weather so they're quickly accessible and not damaged.
Insurance Provides Peace of Mind
One of the advantages of living in an age of modern technology and satellite imagery is that we get the benefit of time when it comes to preparing for severe weather. Although Texas only had a couple of days to prepare, government officials, businesses, and residents were still able to make plans and gather necessary supplies. However, our preparation and plans cannot fully prevent property damages or losses, and this is why having quality insurance coverage is essential. Businesses need good Commercial Insurance policies in place to help provide the financial resources for building repairs, replacing equipment and tools, and covering rent and other expenses during recovery. Residents can depend on Homeowners or Renters Insurance to provide the help needed to replace personal property lost or damaged during a storm, as well as finances for a hotel or rental property while repairs are made. Because insurance policies can take time to take effect, it's best to not wait until the last minute to secure Personal or Commercial Insurance coverage.
Commercial Property Insurance, Homeowners Insurance, Renters Insurance, Comprehensive Auto Coverage, and Flood Insurance are all critical policies to have to protect ourselves and our property when strong weather heads our way. Aegis Insurance & Financial Services is committed to helping Texans get the comprehensive, reliable coverage needed to protect what matters most, all at competitive rates. Contact our Aegis office today at 713-850-7622 for more information, or fill out our online form to request a free quote.