2014 Hurricane Season is officially here, we all know too well how devastating not being prepared for a storm can be. The Salem Oak Agency seeks to provide you with the tools and resources to plan ahead.
Our Flood Information Center provides you with interactive information such as:

• Cost of Flooding Tool
• Flood Risk Scenario Tool
• The Levee Simulation

These tools can help you understand the devastation flooding can cause as well as provide you with some helpful information. Of course we recommend Flood Insurance to everyone, no matter what flood zone you are in, as they saying goes, “where it rains, it can flood”. It is important to note that there is a 30 day waiting period on flood insurance, meaning that your policy is not effective until 30 after you purchase it. This prevents consumers from only purchasing flood insurance when a storm is on the way. It is also important to note if you happen to be in a preferred flood zone, than you can obtain very affordable flood insurance. To get a quote call us at 877.587.2886 or contact us here.

But, beyond flood Insurance there are many other things you need to be aware of. A major step you should take for any situation, including risk of fire, is to take a home inventory. There are many online tools to help you with this. Watch this video from the NFIP for more information.

· Investigate and download disaster readiness and weather monitoring apps from sources such as the American Red Cross, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Insurance Information Institute and The Weather Channel.

· Share preparation tips and hurricane information and resources with your friends and family through social media and other networks.

· Stay informed—and inform others—as storms approach. Check the weather forecast regularly and learn about wireless emergency alerts. Seek out information from local media and authorities. Listen closely to evacuation instructions. When alerted by emergency officials, act on the plans you put in place.

Coastal and inland flooding often occurs with hurricanes and tropical storms.
According to the National Weather Service, storm surge often poses the greatest threat to life and property. Hurricanes Sandy and Katrina highlighted that.

While most windstorm losses occurring from a hurricane are covered by homeowners insurance, We remind property owners that flooding is not covered under the standard homeowners insurance policy.

It’s important to talk with your insurance agent or company about your insurance policy and review additional coverage options, especially flood coverage.

Just because you haven’t had flooding in the past doesn’t mean you won’t suffer damage in a future storm. While some insurance companies may sell flood insurance policies, generally flood insurance must be purchased separately through the National Flood Insurance Program and will take 30 days to go into effect.

Don’t wait until it’s too late, now is the time to act.