It takes just one storm to bring major damage to South Carolina
Columbia, S.C. – May 25, 2010 – Hang on, South Carolina – it looks like a busy hurricane season may be ahead this year. Colorado State University’s forecast team predicts an above-average season, with 15 named storms in the Atlantic, eight becoming hurricanes.
It only takes one hurricane hitting our state to cause catastrophic damage and heartache. The 2010 season will begin June 1. The South Carolina Insurance News Service encourages homeowners and business owners to protect their property and make sure they have the correct insurance in place.
"It is a good routine for people to review their policies with their company or agent before the start of hurricane season to verify they have the necessary coverage," said Russ Dubisky, executive director of the S.C. Insurance News Service.
More than 20 years ago Hurricane Hugo caused $4.2 billion in insured damage when it came ashore in South Carolina. However, with population growth and increases in construction costs, our state now has $200 billion in insured property along the coastline.
Coastal residents may need several separate insurance policies to protect their homes and property from disasters: a basic homeowner’s insurance policy, a wind and hail policy (if your basic homeowner’s insurance policy does not already cover wind and hail), a flood insurance policy, earthquake insurance policy and excess coverage such as a personal articles policy. Talk to your company or agent to ask questions about your coverage.
A hurricane’s "footprint" has many aspects and each can be damaging, said Dr. Steve Lyons of The Weather Channel at a recent Hurricane Expo in South Carolina. These include wind, water rise, waves, rainfall and tornadoes. Even hundreds of miles inland, a hurricane’s torrential rainfall can bring flash flooding and tornadoes can demolish buildings.
"Making changes to strengthen your home not only protects your property but can qualify you for discounts on insurance," Dubisky said.
South Carolina insurance companies and the S.C. Wind and Hail Underwriting Association give discounts for the following :
• Storm shutters
• Roof tie-downs or clips
• Impact-resistant windows and doors
• Reinforced garage doors
• SC SAFE HOME improvements (See http://www.scsafehome.sc.gov/)
• Institute for Business & Home Safety “Fortified … for safer living” homes (See www.disastersafety.org)
"All South Carolina residents should pay attention to hurricane forecasts and take precautions," Dubisky said. Better tracking forecasts available now will allow issuance of a hurricane watch 48 hours in advance and hurricane warning 36 hours ahead, according to Dr. Lyons of The Weather Channel.
Tropical storms in the Gulf of Mexico as well as the Atlantic demand our attention, as both can cause problems in South Carolina. For example, William Winn, director of public safety in Beaufort County, said his county has had more damage from storms making landfall in the Gulf. In 1998, Hurricane Earl, a Gulf storm, caused a major tornado on St. Helena Island.
Now, to get ready!
Ahead of hurricane season:
• Review your insurance coverage with your agent or company.
• Document, photograph or video your possessions for insurance records.
• Keep this inventory in a safe place away from your home.
• Trim shrubbery and trees to make them more resistant to wind damage.
When a hurricane is imminent, prepare your home and be ready to evacuate. Here are some tips:
• Cover all windows with pre-cut plywood or storm shutters.
• Bring in outdoor furniture, garbage cans and other items that could be blown about.
• Turn off utilities and propane tanks.
• Close interior doors.
• Fill the bathtub and other large containers with water for sanitary purposes.
• Take your insurance agent’s name and phone number and your policy information with you.
Be vigilant and pay attention to hurricane warnings and announcements, emergency management experts say. Sooner or later, another strong hurricane will hit South Carolina.
Read more about preparing for hurricanes and other catastrophes at www.scinsurance.net.
For more than 30 years, the South Carolina Insurance News Service, a nonprofit organization, has been providing free insurance information to consumers and the media about property and casualty insurance issues. The News Service is funded by insurance companies doing business in South Carolina.
South Carolina Insurance News Service
1301 Gervais Street, Suite 715
Columbia, SC 29201
Office: 803-252-3455
Fax: 803-779-0189
www.scinsurance.net
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