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Hurricane Terms and Meanings: What To Look For!

Hurricane Terms and Meanings: What To Look For!

When it comes to hurricanes, there are many terms used to describe their levels of strength, and the effect one can expect with it.

Here is what to listen for:

Hurricane Watch: An announcement that hurricane conditions (sustained winds of 74 mph or higher) are possible within the specified area in association with a tropical, subtropical, or post-tropical cyclone. During a watch, prepare your home and review a plan for evacuation in case warnings are issued.

Tropical Storm Watch: An announcement that tropical; storm conditions (sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph) are possible within a specified area within 48 hours in association with a tropical, subtropical or post tropical cyclone. During a watch, prepare your home and review a plan for evacuation in case warnings are issued.

Hurricane Warning: An announcement that hurricane conditions (sustained winds of 74 mph or higher) are expected somewhere within the specified area in association with a tropical, subtropical, or post-tropical cyclone. Because hurricane preparedness activities become difficult once winds reach tropical storm force, the hurricane warning is issued 36 hours in advance. The warning can remain in effect when dangerously high water or a combination of dangerously high water and waves continue, even though winds may be less than hurricane force.

Tropical Storm Warning: An announcement that tropical storm conditions (sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph) are expected somewhere within the specified area within 36 hours in association with a tropical, subtropical, or post-tropical cyclone.

Extreme Wind Warning: Extreme sustained winds of a major hurricane (115 mph or greater), usually associated with the eyewall, are expected to begin within an hour. Take immediate shelter in the interior portion of a well-built structure.

Be aware that additional watches and warnings are issued to provide detailed information on specific threats such as flood and tornadoes. Local National Weather Service offices issue flash flood/flood watches and warnings as well as tornado warnings.

For more information on what damages are covered under your homeowners insurance due to a hurricane, please give us a call at (516) 249-5200.

Please be advised, flood damages are not covered under your standard homeowners insurance policy. A separate flood policy would be necessary. Call TODAY for a free quotation.

 

Do you have a family emergency plan?

Do you have a family emergency plan?

Everyone needs to be prepared for the unexpected. You, as well as your family and friends, will most likely not be together when a disaster strikes. How will you find each other? Will you know if your children or parents are safe?

Here are steps to take before a disaster happens to ensure you and your loved ones will be safe:

  • Post emergency telephone numbers near the phone.
  • Install safety features in your home, such as smoke alarms and fire extinguishers.
  • Inspect your home for items that can move, fall, break or catch fire and correct them.
  • Have your family learn basic safety measures such as CPR and first aid, how to use a fire extinguisher and also how to turn off the main’s to your gas, water and electric in your home.
  • Teach children how and when to call 911 in the event of an emergency.
  • Prepare an emergency supply kit. Here are some important items to consider:
    • At least a 3-days’ supply of water (one gallon per person per day).
    • At least a 3 days’ supply of non-perishable food.
    • One change of clothing and shoes per person.
    • One blanket or sleeping bag per person.
    • First aid kit.
    • Batteries.
    • Emergency tools.
    • Flashlight.
    • Extra set of car keys.
    • Credit card and cash.
    • Special items for infants, elderly or disabled family members.
    • Prescription and non-prescription medications.

Last but not least, practice and maintain your plan with your loved ones.

 

 

 

Tips for Cleaning Your Grill

Tips for Cleaning Your Grill

It’s that time of year again, where your dinner and party plans have you heading to your kitchen instead of the grill.

Before you shut down and pack up the grill for the season, it is important to clean your grill to prepare it for storage and next year’s use.

Here are some helpful tips:

  • Use a warm bucket of water and soap with a steel brush to clean your grill.
  • Avoid using abrasive cleaners and tools. This could reverse your essential goal and harm your grill!
  • Clean up all oil spills and food drippings.
  • Once you have scrubbed all of the dirty areas, be sure to wipe everything down one more time with your warm soap water.
  • Purchase a protective case/cover for your grill. This will help avoid damage and rust over the winter months.
  • Store your grill somewhere safe and dry. Perhaps your shed or even under your deck.

Simple end of the year cleaning will go a long way when it comes to ensuring the life of your grill.

 

Planning The Perfect Family Picnic

Planning The Perfect Family Picnic

Taking the family on a picnic is an excellent way to get fresh air and enjoy some of the last days of the summer season before the kids head back to school. The ingredients for an unforgettable picnic, however, involve more than just good food. Picking a great location and preparing extra activities can elevate your picnic from boring to amazing.

Choose a memorable location. Having a picnic at a nearby park is a safe choice but choosing a location with interesting features can make your trip unforgettable. Try a local beach or hiking trail.

Work together on the food. Working with your family to create a menu for your picnic is a great way to get everyone involved and make sure everyone has something to eat that they really love.

Bring along activities. Picnics can be about more than just food. Bringing some outdoor activities with you is a great way to extend your outdoor trip and make it extra special.

Take plenty of pictures. A family picnic offers a great opportunity for some fun pictures together. Although smart phone pictures are easy to snap, don’t forget to take some pictures with your digital camera to print later.

Don’t leave home without the essentials. If you forget a few essentials items such as water bottles or sunscreen for everyone, your picnic may quickly turn from fun to disastrous. Prepare a checklist ahead of time to avoid forgetting anything.

End this summer season unforgettably before the hustle and bustle is back for the school year.

 

Renters Insurance for Your College Student

Renters Insurance for Your College Student

Do you have a child heading off to college this upcoming school semester?
If you do, now is the time to look into a renter’s policy to ensure the safety of their personal belongings.

Research shows that 60% of renters do not carry renters insurance. Many consumers think that they can’t afford it, or it’s not important.

The truth is renters insurance is one of the most affordable and most important policies to have when becoming a renter. The average cost of a renter’s policy is about $15 a month! That makes it easy and affordable for you and your hard working college student!

As a renter, you need coverage for your furniture and other personal belongings such as clothes, computer equipment, sports gear, art, jewelry and everything else you own.

Think about how much it would cost you to replace everything you own.

A Renters policy protects you if your covered property is lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed regardless of where it is when the loss occurs, such as while you are moving it or even in another’s home.

For more information on renters insurance, please give us a call at 516-249-5200.