Tips offered to prepare for extreme weather

April 15--HILLSDALE -- Year after year, Americans from Tornado Alley to the Gulf Coast to the metropolises of the Eastern Seaboard witness storms that cause millions in damage and loss of life.

However, no matter where you live, or what type of extreme weather you may face, there are things you can do to protect your home and family from the worst.

The Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) encourages Michiganders to be prepared for spring storms by reviewing their home insurance policies to make sure they have adequate coverage and preparing a home inventory.

"Having the appropriate insurance coverages will help you get your life back to normal as soon as possible after your home is damaged," said DIFS Director Patrick McPharlin.

If severe weather causes damage to your home:

--Contact your insurance company's claims hotline or your agent to report your claim. Have your policy number and other relevant information readily available.

--If you have water damage, when contacting your insurance company be sure to communicate that you have experienced water damage and are looking to determine what coverage you have available. Do not simply state that your damage is due to a flood as there may be additional causes for water damage, such as a sewer backup or failing sump pump that may be covered under your policy.

--Take steps to protect your property and prevent further loss.

--Document your loss. Take pictures or videos of the damaged items and do not get rid of the items until the insurance company instructs you to remove the items.

Anyone with questions or concerns about their insurance coverage is asked to call the DIFS toll-free hotline at 877-999-6442. For more information about DIFS or the services provided, visit the website at www.michigan.gov/difs.

Richard Moore, president of Moore Insurance Services in Hillsdale has some additional information for spring's extreme weather. Before a storm hits, he offers the following tips to keep your family and home safe:

--Make sure you have bottled water, a first aid kit, flashlights, a battery-powered radio, non-perishable food items, blankets, clothing, prescription drugs, eyeglasses, personal hygiene supplies and cash. Be sure to have you car chargers for your smart phone and other portable devices. Having portable chargers available can assist you in staying in communications with others if your electricity goes out.

--Choose two meeting places: one right outside your home in case of a sudden emergency, such as a fire; and one outside your neighborhood in case you can't return home.

--Keep a readily available list of 24-hour contact information for your insurance agent and insurance company. Make a list that includes your policy numbers, your insurance company and insurance agent's phone numbers, website addresses and mailing addresses.

--Re-evaluate your homeowners policy every few years to ensure it provides the protection you and your family needs. If you have a sump pump, make sure you have the proper coverages in case it fails. Note that floods are not covered by a typical homeowners policy, so you'll need additional coverage provided by the federal government.

___

(c)2018 Hillsdale Daily News, Mich.

Visit Hillsdale Daily News, Mich. at www.hillsdale.net

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.