Expert Guidance When You Need It Most

At A Plus Insurance, we understand that preparing for natural disasters involves more than just having the right insurance policy. Our team provides comprehensive guidance to help you protect what matters most. We’ve helped thousands of homeowners across the country develop effective disaster preparedness plans that complement their insurance coverage.

Our approach combines insurance expertise with practical preparedness strategies, ensuring you’re protected financially and physically when disaster strikes. Whether you’re concerned about homeowners insurance or need specialized coverage for your area, we have the solutions you need.

1. Develop a Comprehensive Family Emergency Plan

Creating a detailed family emergency plan is the foundation of disaster preparedness. Your plan should include evacuation routes, designated meeting points, communication strategies, and emergency contact information. Make sure every family member understands the plan and practice it regularly.

Consider the specific natural disasters common in your area when developing your plan. For example, if you live in a region prone to hurricanes or earthquakes, your plan should address these specific threats.

2. Assemble an Emergency Supply Kit

Your emergency kit should contain enough supplies to sustain your family for at least 72 hours. Essential items include water (one gallon per person per day), non-perishable food, first aid supplies, flashlights, batteries, a battery-powered radio, and important documents.

Don’t forget to include medications, pet supplies, and comfort items for children. Store your kit in an easily accessible location and check it every six months to replace expired items.

3. Secure Your Home and Property

Take proactive measures to protect your home from potential damage. This includes reinforcing your roof, installing storm shutters, securing heavy furniture, and maintaining trees and landscaping. These steps can significantly reduce damage during natural disasters.

Review your homeowners insurance policy to ensure you have adequate coverage for the types of disasters common in your area. Many standard policies don’t cover floods or earthquakes, so you may need additional coverage.

4. Understand Your Insurance Coverage

Many homeowners are surprised to learn that standard insurance policies don’t cover all types of natural disasters. Flood damage, for example, typically requires separate flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program.

Review your policy carefully with an insurance professional to identify any coverage gaps. Make sure you understand your deductibles, coverage limits, and the claims process. Document your belongings with photos or videos to streamline the claims process if disaster strikes.

Coastal Regions

If you live in coastal areas prone to hurricanes, your preparation should focus on evacuation planning, storm surge protection, and securing adequate homeowners insurance that includes wind damage coverage. Consider installing hurricane shutters and reinforcing your roof.

Earthquake-Prone Areas

Residents in earthquake-prone regions like California should focus on securing heavy furniture, water heaters, and other items that could shift during tremors. Standard homeowners policies typically don’t cover earthquake damage, so consider adding a separate earthquake insurance policy.

Wildfire Zones

Homeowners in wildfire-prone areas should create defensible space around their properties by clearing vegetation and using fire-resistant building materials. Review your insurance policy to ensure adequate coverage for wildfire damage, which may require specialized insurance providers in high-risk areas.

Flood Plains

Even if you don’t live in a high-risk flood zone, consider purchasing flood insurance. More than 20% of flood claims come from properties outside designated high-risk areas. The National Flood Insurance Program offers coverage that can be added to your existing policy through providers like A Plus Insurance.