Hurricane Season is Upon Us

SPECIAL HURRICANE EDITION: Be Prepared This Hurricane Season
In This Issue
ShelterPride
®
news
Preparing Ahead of the Storm
Hurricane Season is Upon Us
Flood Information
The Official Newsletter for Narragansett Bay Insurance Company Customers
Hurricane Season is Upon Us
Hurricane season runs from June 1st through
November 30th.
O
ne of the most dramatic, damaging, and potentially
deadly events is a hurricane. During a hurricane, your
home may be damaged or destroyed by many different
storm hazards. For example:
• Debris can break windows and doors, allowing high winds and rain inside the home.
• Large storms (i.e. Hurricanes Hugo, Andrew,
Katrina and Superstorm Sandy) can cause tremendous
devastation as trees and power lines topple.
• Weak elements of your home can fail, such as
windows, doors, and roofing material.
• Roads and bridges can be washed away.
• Coastal storm surges can flood basements and
lower levels of your home, threatening life in many
circumstances.
• Destructive tornadoes also can be present, occurring
well away from the storm’s center.
• Wind damage is not limited to the coastline –
it can extend hundreds of miles inland under
certain conditions.
Your home is a valuable asset. The costs associated with
property damage from hurricanes and the disruption
to your life in the aftermath can be significant. We
encourage you to carefully review the recommendations
in this bulletin on how to prepare your home and your
family for a hurricane. We are also including steps you
should take in the unfortunate event that you suffer storm
damage.
A HURRICANE WATCH issued for your part of the coast indicates the possibility that you could
experience hurricane conditions within 36 hours. This watch should trigger your family’s disaster
plan (please see our article “Preparing Ahead of the Storm”), and protective measures should be
initiated, especially those actions that require extra time such as securing a boat, leaving an isolated
area, etc.
A HURRICANE WARNING issued for your part of the coast indicates that sustained winds of at least
74 mph are expected within 24 hours or less. Once this warning has been issued, your family should
be in the process of completing protective actions and deciding the safest location to be during the
storm.
1
What To Listen For
HURRICANE WATCH:
An announcement that hurricane conditions (sustained
winds of 74 mph or higher) are possible within the specified
area in association with a tropical, subtropical, or posttropical cyclone. Because hurricane preparedness activities
become difficult once winds reach tropical storm force,
the hurricane watch is issued 48 hours in advance of the
anticipated onset of tropical-storm-force winds. During
a Watch, prepare your home and review your plan for
evacuation in case warnings are issued. Listen closely to
instructions from local officials.
TROPICAL STORM WATCH:
An announcement that tropical storm conditions (sustained
winds of 39 to 73 mph) are possible within the specified area
within 48 hours in association with a tropical, subtropical,
or post-tropical cyclone. During a Watch, prepare your
home and review your plan for evacuation in case warnings
are issued. Listen closely to instructions from local officials.
HURRICANE WARNING:
An announcement that hurricane conditions (sustained
winds of 74 mph or higher) are expected somewhere within
the specified area in association with a tropical, subtropical,
or post-tropical cyclone. Because hurricane preparedness
activities become difficult once winds reach tropical storm
force, the hurricane warning is issued 36 hours in advance
of the anticipated onset of tropical-storm-force winds. The
warning can remain in effect when dangerously high water
or a combination of dangerously high water and waves
continue, even though winds may be less than hurricane
force.
TROPICAL STORM WARNING:
An announcement that tropical storm conditions (sustained
winds of 39 to 73 mph) are expected somewhere within
the specified area within 36 hours in association with a
tropical, subtropical, or post-tropical cyclone.
EXTREME WIND WARNING:
Extreme sustained winds of a major hurricane (115 mph or
greater), usually associated with the eyewall, are expected
to begin within an hour. Take immediate shelter in the
interior portion of a well-built structure.
Additional Watches and Warnings are issued to provide
detailed information on specific threats such as floods
and tornadoes. Local National Weather Service offices
issue Flash Flood/ Flood Watches and Warnings as well as
Tornado Warnings.
Understanding
the Terminology
A Tropical Cyclone is a rotating, organized system of
clouds and thunderstorms that originates over tropical
or subtropical waters and has a closed low-level
circulation. Tropical cyclones rotate counterclockwise
in the Northern Hemisphere.
Tropical Depression — A tropical cyclone with
maximum sustained winds of 38 mph (33 knots)
or less.
Tropical Storm — A tropical cyclone with maximum
sustained wind s of 39 to 73 mph (34 to 63 knots).
Hurricane — A tropical cyclone with maximum
sustained winds of 74 mph (64 knots) or higher.
In the western North Pacific, hurricanes are called
typhoons; similar storms in the Indian Ocean and
South Pacific Ocean are called cyclones.
Major Hurricane — A tropical cyclone with maximum
sustained winds of 111 mph (96 knots) or higher,
corresponding to a Category 3, 4 or 5 on the SaffirSimpson Hurricane Wind Scale.
A Post-Tropical Cyclone is a system that no longer
possesses sufficient tropical characteristics to be
considered a tropical cyclone. Post-tropical cyclones
can still bring heavy rain and high winds.
2
Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale
The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale is a 1 to 5 rating based on a hurricane’s
sustained wind speed. This scale estimates potential property damage. Hurricanes
reaching Category 3 and higher are considered major hurricanes because of their
potential for significant loss of life and damage. Category 1 and 2 storms are still
dangerous, however, and require preventative measures. In the western North Pacific,
the term “super typhoon” is used for tropical cyclones with sustained winds exceeding
150 mph.
Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale for the Continental United States
Scale
Number
(Category)
Sustained
Winds
(MPH)
Types of Damage Due to Hurricane Winds
Hurricanes
1
74-95
Very dangerous winds will produce some damage: Well-constructed
frame homes could have damage to roof, shingles, vinyl siding and
gutters. Large branches of trees will snap and shallowly rooted trees
may be toppled. Extensive damage to power lines and poles likely
will result in power outages that could last a few to several days. Dolly (2008)
on South
Padre Island,
Texas
2
96-110
Extremely dangerous winds will cause extensive damage:
Well-constructed frame homes could sustain major roof and siding
damage. Many shallowly rooted trees will be snapped or uprooted
and block numerous roads. Near-total power loss is expected with
outages that could last from several days to weeks. Frances
(2004) in
coastal Port
St. Lucie,
Florida
3
111-129
Devastating damage will occur: Well-built framed homes may incur
major damages or removal of roof decking and gable ends. Many
trees will be snapped or uprooted, blocking numerous roads.
Electricity and water will be unavailable for several days to weeks
after the storm passes. Ivan (2004)
in coastal
Gulf Sores,
Alabama
4
131-156
Catastrophic damage will occur: Well-built framed homes can
sustain severe damage with loss of most of the roof structure and/or
some exterior walls. Most trees will be snapped or uprooted and
power poles downed. Fallen trees and power poles will isolate
residential areas. Power outages will last weeks to possibly months.
Most of the area will be uninhabitable for weeks or months.
Charley
(2004) in
Punta Gorda,
Florida
5
>156
Catastrophic damage will occur: A high percentage of framed homes
will be destroyed, with total roof failure and wall collapse. Fallen
trees and power poles will isolate residential areas. Power outages
will last for weeks to possibly months. Most of the area will be
uninhabitable for weeks or months. Andrew
(1992) in
coastal parts
of Cutler
Ridge,
Florida
3
Ways to Stay Informed
NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards
The National Weather Service (NWS) continuously broadcasts warnings, watches,
forecasts and non-weather related hazard information on NOAA Weather Radio
All Hazard (NWR). The average range of the 1000+ NWR transmitters is 40
miles, depending on topography. For the best performing NWR receivers, NWS
suggests you look at devices certified to Public AlertTM standards.
These radios meet specific technical standards and come with many features
such as Specific Area Message Encoding (SAME), a battery backup, both audio
and visual alarms, selective programming for the types of hazards you want to
be warned for, and the ability to activate external alarm devices for people with
disabilities. Similar to a smoke detector, an NWR can wake you up in the middle
of the night to alert you of a dangerous situation.
CURRENT STORM INFORMATION
OTHER INFORMATION
• National Weather Service:
www.weather.gov
• Audio Podcasts:
www.nhc.noaa.gov/audio/
• National Hurricane Center:
www.nhc.noaa.gov
• Geographic Information System Data:
www.nhc.noaa.gov/gis/
• Central Pacific Hurricane Center:
www.prh.noaa.gov/cphc
• NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards:
www.weather.gov/nwr
HISTORICAL STORM INFORMATION
• Hurricane Tracking Charts:
www.weather.gov/os/hurricane/
• National Climatic Data Center:
www.ncdc.noaa.gov
FACEBOOK
• NOAA Coastal Services Center:
www.csc.noaa.gov
• NHC Facebook Page:
facebook.com/US.NOAA.NationalHurricaneCenter.gov
• CPHC/ NWS Honolulu Facebook Page:
EMERGENCY/PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION
• American Red Cross:
www.redcross.org
• FEMA:
www.fema.gov
MOBILE NHC AND NWS INFORMATION
• Mobile NHC website in basic HTML:
www.nhc.noaa.gov/mobile
facebook.com/US.NationalWeatherService.Honolulu.gov
TWITTER
• Atlantic: @NHC_Atlantic
• Eastern North Pacific: @NHC_Pacific
• Central Pacific: @NWSHonolulu
• Storm Surge: @NHC_Surge
• Mobile NWS website for smartphones:
mobile.weather.gov
• Mobile NWS website in basic HTML:
cell.weather.gov
4
Family Emergency Plan
Everyone needs to be prepared for the unexpected. You, as well as your family and friends, will most likely not be
together when disaster strikes. How will you find each other? Will you know if your children or parents are safe? You
may have to evacuate or be confined to your home. What will you do if water, gas, electricity or phone services are
shut off?
Steps to Take
I
II
Gather information about hazards. Contact your local National Weather Service office, emergency management
office and American Red Cross chapter. Find out what type of emergencies could occur and how you should
respond. Learn your community’s warning signals and evacuation plans. Assess your risks and identify ways to
make your home and property more secure.
Meet with your family to create an emergency plan. Pick two places to meet: a spot outside your home for an
emergency, such as fire, and a place away from your neighborhood in case you can’t return home. Choose an
out of state friend as your family’s point of contact for everyone to call if the family gets separated. Discuss what
you would do if advised to evacuate.
III Implement your plan.
1. Post emergency telephone numbers by the phone.
2. Install safety features in your house, such as smoke alarms and fire
extinguishers.
3. Inspect your home for items that can move, fall, break or catch fire and
correct them.
4. Have your family learn basic safety measures, such as CPR and first aid,
how to use a fire extinguisher, and how and when to turn off water, gas
and electricity in your home.
5. Teach children how and when to call 911 or your local emergency
number.
6. Keep enough supplies in your home for at least 3 days. Assemble an
emergency supplies kit. Store these supplies in sturdy, easy-to-carry
containers, such as backpacks or duffle bags. Keep important documents
in a waterproof container. Keep a smaller emergency supplies kit in the
trunk of your car.
IVPractice and maintain your plan. Ensure your family knows meeting places,
hone numbers and safety rules. Conduct drills. Test your smoke detectors
p
and NWR monthly and change the batteries at least once each year. Test
a nd recharge your fire extinguisher(s) according to manufacturer’s instructions. Replace stored water and food every 6 months.
What to Bring
to a Shelter
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
First-aid kit
Medicine, prescriptions
Baby food and diapers
Games, books, music
players with headphones
Toiletries
Battery-powered radio
and cell phone
Flashlights
Extra batteries
A blanket or sleeping bag
for each person
Identification
Copies of key papers such
as insurance policies
Cash, credit card
REMINDER: If you are told
to leave your home, do so
immediately.
5
Preparing Ahead of the Storm
O
ne of the crucial parts to protecting your family and your possessions during a natural
disaster is the preparation you do well before the storm. No one can predict the outcome of an
event, so understanding the damage that can occur is important. The following information
will provide some insight as to how and when to protect the things you cherish most.
Taking the time to outline a protection plan for your family and property is essential and
must be completed well before conditions start to deteriorate. Develop a preparedness plan
to be executed when the time comes.
MAKE A KIT
HURRICANE
POWER OUTAGE
Basic things to include in your kit:
• A battery-powered AM/FM radio, flashlights, and extra batteries
When the winds of a tropical storm
reach a constant speed of 75 miles per
hour or more, it becomes a hurricane.
Hurricane winds blow in a large spiral
around a relatively calm center called
the eye. Hurricane season on the
Atlantic and Gulf coasts begins June 1
and lasts through November.
General Hurricane Preparedness
The beginning of hurricane season is a
good time to:
• Check your home emergency kit and
review and update emergency phone
numbers.
Power outages can happen because of
bad weather or extreme temperatures.
Power outages can last for a few
minutes or a few days.
If a Power Outage is Possible
• Fill your car’s gas tank.
• First aid kit
• Prescription and nonprescription
medicine
• Eyeglasses
• A list of medical conditions,
prescriptions and allergies for all
household members
• Supplies and equipment for infants
and/or household members with
special needs
• Important phone numbers
• Copies of important documents (birth
certificates, naturalization documents,
licenses, passports, health insurance
cards, insurance policies, bank account
numbers, credit cards numbers) in a
waterproof container
• Learn about the evacuation route in
your community.
• Make plans to protect your house,
especially the windows and doors.
• Trim dead or weak branches from trees.
Before a Hurricane Hits
• Fill your car’s gas tank.
• Photos of household members and pets
in case someone gets lost
• Shutter or board up the windows in
your house.
• Extra set of car keys
• Secure loose items in your yard, such
as lawn furniture.
• Map of area
• Cash (ATM may not work)
• Matches in a waterproof container
• Water in plastic container
(1 gallon/person/day)
• Non-perishable food (ready-to-eat
canned/dried meals, fruits and
vegetables, crackers) for two weeks if
possible
• Basic personal hygiene items (soap,
toothbrush, toothpaste)
• Pet supplies (including food and water,
leashes, carriers and records of shots)
• Small tools including a manual can
opener and wrench or pliers to turn off
utilities
• Fill the bathtub with water to use for
washing and cleaning.
• Turn refrigerator and freezer to the
coldest setting.
If a Hurricane Is Going to Hit
• Make sure you have enough flashlights
and extra batteries.
• Make sure that you have food that does
not require refrigeration or cooking.
• Fill your bathtub with water for
washing and cleaning.
• Fill clean containers with drinking
water.
If the Power is Out
• Use only battery-powered lights to see.
Do not use a candle or other open
flame.
• Turn off any appliance or equipment
that was being used when the power
went out.
• Avoid opening the refrigerator or
freezer.
• Do not run a generator inside the house
or in a garage.
• If the power is out for more than four
hours, throw away perishable food
such as meat, poultry, fish, soft cheeses,
milk, eggs, deli items and leftovers.
• Listen to TV and/or radio stations for
official information.
• Throw away frozen food if the temp. in
the freezer goes above 41°.
• Stay away from windows and glass
doors.
• If there is a Boil Water Advisory, boil
tap water for one minute or more
before you use it for drinking, preparing
food, washing dishes or bathing small
children.
If have You Have to Evacuate
• Advise your point of contact for
emergencies.
• Lock your home and leave
immediately.
• Be careful around downed power lines
and other debris on the ground.
6
5 Affordable Home Projects to Prepare for a Hurricane
The Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) reminds homeowners to take action now to protect their
homes against the high winds and wind-driven rain from hurricanes.
Below are five low-cost project ideas that homeowners can do to prepare for the next storm. For additional hurricane
resources, visit the IBHS website at www.DisasterSafety.org for more information on how to prepare and reduce your
risk from disaster.
The Five S’s – Shingles, Soffits, Seals, Surroundings and Shutters 1. Shingles - Spend $4 on a 10 oz. tube of roofing cement and use it to re-adhere loose shingles
to prevent water damage to your roof decking. One tube = 25 feet of shingles.
• Focus on shingles near the roof edges and near gable ends.
• Place three one-inch diameter dabs of roofing cement under each shingle tab (near the edges).
• On gable ends, secure the three shingle tabs closest to the gable edge.
• This should be done at least two weeks in advance of a storm to allow the cement to adhere properly.
2. Soffits - Spend $6 for 10 oz. of polyurethane sealant and stainless steel screws, and use to secure your soffits to the walls
and fascia to prevent them from blowing off. IBHS research has found that soffit materials are missing in approximately
75 percent of homes that suffer significant hurricane damage. When soffit materials are blown off, the
result is wind and water damage to the roof decking, attic and possibly the home’s interior.
• Apply a bead of sealant along the joint between the edge of the channel and the wall and the track holding the
soffit panels.
• Install sharp pointed stainless steel screws through the fascia and channels so that they connect the soffit
material.
• Apply sealant in the grooves where the fascia material butts up against the fascia and wall channel.
3. Seal Gaps - Spend $2 on 10 oz. of caulk and use to seal gaps in outer walls to prevent water intrusion. Focus on the
following areas:
• Holes where wires, cables and pipes enter and exit the house
• Openings for cable TV and telephone lines
• All the way around electrical boxes and circuit breaker panels
• Pipe penetrations including air conditioning refrigerant lines and condensate lines, water heater pressure relief
lines and water pipes
• Cracks around wall outlets, dryer vents, bathroom and kitchen vents and electrical devices such as wall lights
4. Surroundings –Secure your surroundings to prevent damage from flying debris.
• Spend $3/bag and replace gravel/rock landscaping materials and walkways with a softer material, such as
mulch or dirt. In a particularly strong hurricane, gravel has been found in mail boxes and has shredded vinyl
siding. Work with neighbors to make sure everyone’s home is protected from this risk.
•
Secure loose objects in the yard, such as lawn chairs, toys, garbage cans or signs, so they don’t become flying
missiles during high winds.
•
Trim trees and shrubbery away from structures and remove any weakened sections of trees that might easily
break off and fall onto structures.
5. Shutters –Spend $9-$30 per square foot of openings for shutters to protect against wind-borne
debris and pressurization. See what happens when a house pressurizes during hurricane-force winds
because the openings were not protected. Find more guidance in the IBHS Shutter Selection Guide.
• Determine what openings need protection; this should include all windows, entry doors, sliding glass doors,
garage doors and gable end vents.
• Choose permanent window and door protection, or install permanent fasteners before storm warnings, and
pre-cut shutter panels so they can be put in place quickly.
• Choose shutters with the proper approval for impact-resistance. Look for these ratings: Florida Building Code TAS 201, 202, 203; ASTM
E 1886 and 1996-03; and Miami-Dade Protocols PA 201, 202, 203.
7
5 Ways to Protect Your Home From Water Damage During
Hurricane Season
With hurricane season upon us, now is the time to fortify your home against wind-driven rain and standing water.
IBHS suggests five projects that you or a professional can do around your home to reduce potential water damage.
For additional hurricane resources, visit the IBHS website at www.DisasterSafety.org for more information on how to
prepare and reduce your risk from disaster.
SEAL GAPS
Aging and weather can lead to gaps around the penetrations entering your home and
around windows and doors.
Over time, gaps can form in areas such as where water faucet pipes, gas pipes and
air conditioning pipes enter the walls. Gaps also may exist behind electrical outlets,
junction boxes, circuit breaker boxes and electric and water meters. Cracks or voids
under window sills also can be created due to weather and aging. Water can enter
through these openings and cause significant damage that you may not notice until it
is too late and major repairs are needed.
To seal these gaps, apply caulk. The type of caulk you use will depend upon the
location where it’s needed.
REDIRECT POOLING WATER
Pooling water near a house can lead to significant interior damage.
Consider these improvements to keep water away from your home:
• Look at the grading of your property. The grading should direct water away from the
house to avoid pooling water.
• Evaluate the drainage of the property and consider adding a waterproof membrane
to the wall where leaks have occurred.
• Add ground or French drains to help move water away from the house.
• If there are penetrations of a house within 6 inches of the ground, caulk around the
penetrations and use sandbags when storms threaten to create a barrier around the
penetration.
INSTALL A SUMP PUMP
A sump pump is an effective tool to keep water out of your home or
business, but it may require demolition of a portion of the basement floor. Suggestions to consider:
• Install a sump pump with a battery backup system.
• To be effective, the sump pump needs to be located away from the basement walls
and have positive drainage away from the building.
PROTECT VENTS AND SOFFITS
Attics are vented (cooled) in three ways and each can be major paths
to let water into your home. Wind-blown rain can enter through these
locations.
• Vents on the roof
• Gable end vents
• Vents under eaves or overhangs
Another area that can be a source of water damage is the soffits themselves.
8
Vinyl and aluminum soffits are commonly
installed in tracks that are poorly connected to
the roof framing and walls. To perform properly
during high winds, it is especially important
that vinyl and aluminum soffits be installed in
accordance with the manufacturer’s installation
requirements for high wind conditions.
SEAL YOUR ROOF DECK
Sealing your roof deck can provide an added
layer of protection against water damage. A roof
deck should be sealed using a membrane that
is strong enough, when properly attached, to
stay in place if the primary roof cover blows off.
It also should be water-tight enough to keep
water out of the attic if the primary roof cover
is lost. Options for sealing the roof deck during
new construction or when re-roofing include (depending on your roof type):
• A “peel and stick” membrane over the entire roof deck
• A 4-in. to 6-in. wide “peel and stick” tape installed over all the wood roof panel seams, covered by a 30# felt underlayment over the
entire roof
• A high tear strength synthetic underlayment with all vertical and horizontal seams taped
Other options to consider:
• Apply a closed cell spray polyurethane foam to the underside of the decking.
• Install a closed cell polyurethane spray foam applied to the underside of the roof sheathing at the joints between the sheathing panels
and along all intersections between roof sheathing and all roof framing members.
9
Returning Home Safely
Returning home after a disaster can be both physically and
mentally challenging. Remember to always use caution.
Your first concern after a disaster is your family’s health
and safety. You need to consider possible safety issues
and monitor family health and well-being.
BEFORE YOU ENTER YOUR HOME: Assess the damage
by carefully walking around the outside and check for
loose power lines, gas leaks, and structural damage. If
you have any doubts about safety, have your residence
inspected by a qualified building inspector or structural engineer before entering.
DO NOT ENTER IF: You smell gas, floodwaters remain around the building, and/or your home was
damaged by fire and the authorities have not declared it safe.
GOING INSIDE YOUR HOME: When you go inside your home, there are certain things you should
and should not do. Enter the home carefully and check for damage. Be aware of loose boards and
slippery floors.
The following items are other things to check inside your home:
• Natural gas - If you smell gas or hear a hissing or blowing sound, open a window and leave
immediately. Turn off the main gas valve from the outside, if you can. If possible, call the gas
company from a neighbor’s residence.
• Sparks, broken or frayed wires - Check the electrical system unless you are wet, standing in
water, or unsure of your safety. If possible, turn off the electricity at the main fuse box or circuit
breaker. If the situation is unsafe, leave the building and call for help. Do not turn on any
electrical appliances until you are sure they’re safe to use. You may want to have an electrician
inspect your wiring.
• Roof, foundation, and chimney cracks - If it looks like the building may collapse, leave immediately.
• Appliances - If appliances are wet, turn off the electricity at the main fuse box or circuit breaker.
Then, unplug appliances and let them dry out. Have appliances checked by a professional
before using them again.
• Water and sewage systems - If pipes are damaged, turn off the main water valve. Check with
local authorities before using any water; the water could be contaminated. Pump out wells and
have the water tested by authorities before drinking. Do not flush toilets until you know that
sewage lines are intact.
• Food and other supplies - Throw out all food and other supplies that you suspect may have
become contaminated or come in contact with flood water.
• Your basement - If your basement has flooded, pump it out gradually (about one third of the
water per day) to avoid damage. The walls may collapse and the floor may buckle if the basement is pumped out while the surrounding ground is still waterlogged.
• Open the cabinets to check for damage - Be alert for objects that may fall.
• Clean up household chemical spills - Disinfect items that may have been contaminated by raw
sewage, bacteria, or chemicals. Also clean salvageable items.
CALL YOUR INSURANCE AGENT: Take pictures of damages. Keep good records of repair and cleaning costs.
10
Flood Insurance
Flood Insurance –
Why is it important?
Does my Narragansett Bay insurance policy cover
flooding from storm surges and other surface water
damaging my house?
No. It is very typical of homeowners insurance to
exclude damage from flooding, including your policy
with NBIC. Flood insurance is generally purchased
through your agent from the National Flood Insurance
Program (NFIP), a federal agency, and an arm of the
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
Is a storm surge from a hurricane considered “flood”
or “wind”?
Storm surges are floods. A storm surge is simply
water that is pushed toward the shore by the force
of the winds swirling around a storm. This advancing
surge combines with the normal tides to create the
hurricane storm tide. The rise in water level can cause
severe flooding in coastal areas, particularly when the
storm tide coincides with the normal high tides.
What kind of flood coverage can I get from the NFIP?
Standard flood policy limits are $250,000 for your
dwelling, and $100,000 for your personal property.
This is the maximum coverage you can purchase from
NFIP. See your agent for more details and advice.
For more information, visit www.nbic.com and click
on Resources.
11
What You Can do to Combat Flooding
Floods can happen when it rains for several days or there is heavy rainfall in a
short period of time. Floods are the most common natural disaster and cause
the most damage of any natural disaster. Many homes and businesses across
the United States are built on floodplains, which is land that is likely to flood.
Flash floods happen very quickly when heavy rains cannot be absorbed by the
ground.
Storm, or tidal surge, can happen during a tropical storm when high winds push
water higher than ordinary sea level.
Before a Flood
• Elevate the furnace, water heater, and
electric panel if susceptible to flooding.
• Install “check valves” in sewer traps to
prevent floodwater from backing up into
the drains of your home.
• Seal the walls in your basement with
waterproofing compounds to avoid seepage.
During a Flood
• Turn off utilities at the main switches or
valves if instructed to do so by authorities.
• Disconnect electrical appliances and do
not touch electrical equipment if you are
wet or standing in water.
• Do not walk through moving water since
even six inches of moving water can
make you fall.
After a Flood
• Listen for news reports to learn if the
community’s water supply is safe to drink.
• Avoid floodwaters since it may be
contaminated by oil, gasoline,
or raw sewage.
• Water may also be electrically charged so
stay out of any building if it is surrounded
by floodwaters.
A Backup System Can Protect your Home in a Power Outage
When a powerful storm passes through cities and towns, it often
takes out an entire neighborhood’s power supply. In addition to
being left without light, heat and running water, a home is also left
with a disabled sump pump. A sump pump is your home’s first line
of defense against groundwater that could potentially enter your
home and cause destruction. To ensure that your home is not left
vulnerable after a loss of power, install a reliable backup system
for your sump pump that will allow it to continue working.
A battery-operated backup sump pump system looks very similar
to an oversized car battery. In the event of an emergency, when
water rises above the level of the backup sensor, the backup
system uses its DC power to turn itself on. Depending on the
particular model, there is generally enough power to keep your
sump pump working for several hours.
Consider a Generator Backup System
When buying a generator, it is crucial that you choose one that
has enough power to actually run a sump pump in the case of an
emergency. Most generators are gasoline-powered, a few run on
diesel, and some models have multi-fuel capabilities - running on
gasoline, propane or natural gas. These are generally full-featured
machines with engine idle control, GFCI receptacles and 120 volt
full power switch.
For more information on NFIP go to www.floodsmart.gov.
• Return home only when authorities
indicate it is safe.
12
ShelterPride
®
A value added service to policyholders
As a value added service to policyholders, Narragansett Bay
has developed ShelterPride®, our exclusive risk management
and underwriting program. Part of our initiative is to increase
homeowners’ awareness of what causes loss, whether it is a
tripping hazard which may lead to an injury or a condition which
may cause a water loss that could ruin personal items such as
irreplaceable family heirlooms or photo albums.
Ensuring that your home has the proper amount of insurance based
on its value is another benefit of ShelterPride®. In some cases, your
home may be over insured, entitling you to a reduction in your
premium.
With the ShelterPride® interior and exterior home report,
Narragansett Bay is in a better position to evaluate a loss situation. It
helps us to identify the scope of loss and reduces the time required
to settle a claim in the event of a catastrophic loss. In addition, the
more we are able to increase the awareness of reducing risk among
our policyholders, the fewer claims we have to pay, enabling us
to help lower the cost of homeowners insurance along with our
partner agents.
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