Disaster Deja Vu: Common Questions Answered

As insurance agents, we often help people at the best times: when buying a new house, a new car, or even welcoming new family members. It's a joy and privilege we don't take for granted.

But we also have to help people when times are the toughest. And it is hard to be more challenging than natural disasters such as hurricanes, wildfires, or floods.

We answer many practical questions about what to do when life throws these massive storms or fires our way, not just from an insurance perspective. So we have put together some of the common questions and grouped them so that you can get the most benefit in the least amount of time:

• Travel Trouble - Natural disasters make travel difficult. That's why you should expect the worst and make plans. Roads may be closed, flights grounded, and bus and train stations shuttered. Relocate early to avoid both the traffic and a possible sudden closure.
• Local Life - Your day-to-day life will most likely be disrupted. Schools and businesses may close, including doctors' offices (but usually not hospitals, if possible). Expect children to be at home, appointments canceled, and life grinding to a halt.
• Board Up or Head Out - Many people need help deciding whether to stay and weather the storm or heed evacuation orders. Your flood zone and the required supplies should factor into this decision, not to mention disaster severity and family health. Life comes first over property, so always err toward caution.

We can't advise you on everything you should do in a disaster, nor is our advice perfect for every situation. But being prepared, thinking ahead, and playing it safe are usually good decisions.

Stay safe, and let us know if you want to discuss safety or your coverage.