May 7-13 is Hurricane Preparedness Week

This week, May 7-13, is Hurricane Preparedness Week.
Many Central Floridians were affected by Hurricane Matthew in October of 2016. For us, the hurricane hit very close to home as several of us living in Brevard County, the area that was slated to get hit the worst, had to evacuate our homes.

Long lines at the supermarket, empty shelves, standstill traffic and panic at gas stations were all unfortunate side effects of the storm. Let's learn our lessons from last year - don't get caught in the last minute frenzy - Be Prepared!

1) Review your insurance policy
Now is the best time to review your homeowner’s insurance policy to see exactly what is covered.  Most policies cover damage from storms including wind, hail, tornado, or hurricane damage.  You may however be required to carry additional coverage for flood damage.  It is best to speak with your insurance agent about your policy exclusions and coverage limitations.  You do not want to wait until after you have experienced a loss to find out that you are not covered. Speak to your insurance company now - when there's an active storm on a path for Florida, insurance companies will lock your policy and will not allow any change to converage.

2) Check your trees
Many homes sustain damage as a result of a tree or limb falling onto the structure during a storm.  Check to see if you have any trees with branches near or touching your home.  Limbs that are too close to the house should be trimmed back.  You should also inspect your trees to see if they appear healthy.  Healthier trees will be more likely to sustain high winds during a storm.  It is best to consult with an arborist for help in preparing the trees on your property for storm season. REStar Services can refer a tree specialist in your area.

3) Clean the gutters
The purpose of gutters and downspouts is to carry the water away from your home.  If your gutters are not clear of debris, or the downspouts are not properly attached, water from storms can damage your roof or foundation.  Take the time to clean your gutters and make sure all of the downspouts are in place.  This is one of the easiest things you can do to help prepare your home for storm season.

If you have Water Damage, Storm Damage, or Flood Damage, call the experts at REStar Services: (844) RESTAR-1. Visit us: http://www.REStarServices.com