CONDO INSURANCE

The most dangerous storm is often called the "Killer Storm."

A Category 5 hurricane with winds of 155 miles per hour or more can cause catastrophic damage, tropical storms with winds of 74 miles per hour or less, can be just as deadly. When the massive Hurricane Andrew hit Florida, it left nearly 50 dead in its wake. By contrast, Tropical Storm Gordon, killed more than 2,400 people as it wound its way through the Caribbean and the United States. Most people died of drowning.

Weather experts and emergency planners alike have been stressing for years that the most dangerous storm is the one you are in at the time!  At the very least, failure to take any storm seriously can cause a major inconvenience, but it could just as easily cost you or those around you their lives.

As the southeast becomes more populated, and the coastline is being saturated with condos just a few feet from the ocean, the burden on emergency services, utilities, transportation and communications increases. Even a small storm under the right circumstances could cut off those services for days, even weeks.  Taking the time to plan now can make a considerable difference in how well you survive any storm.  It goes without saying that insurance for your condo or home is paramount, but being prepared, and taking the proper steps to evacuate and protect your property EARLY is also a requirement when it comes to serious weather activity.

EVACUATING

Whether to evacuate or not during a storm is a difficult decision. Most emergency planners recommend leaving early. Last minute evacuations could be more dangerous as roads become clogged with traffic or become impassible. During Hurricane Andrew there were reports of miles long lines of traffic traveling at 10 to 15 miles per hour. Many of these motorists could have found themselves trapped in their own vehicles.

The time to plan a possible evacuation is before a storm threatens. Evacuating could mean traveling a few miles to an approved shelter, to a friend's home on higher ground, or out the area entirely. Or local officials may recommend staying where you are. When a storm approaches monitor your local radio and television stations for specific instructions on evacuations.

If you are forced to leave your home, you will need something to sleep on. Folding beach chairs make good choices. They are light, fold flat for easy storage and transportation and can double as a chair or bed. According to the Red Cross shelters will usually allow you to keep whatever will fit in 18 square feet, just slightly larger than the space for each beach chair. Your supply tubs will easily fit under the chair in the space provided.

Take these items with you when evacuating: