Johanna Velazquez

Protecting Your Assets During Hurricane Season: Essential Tips

As hurricane season approaches, it's crucial to take proactive steps to safeguard your assets and ensure your safety. Hurricanes can cause extensive damage to property and disrupt lives, but with proper preparation, you can minimize the impact. Here are some vital tips to help you protect your assets during hurricane season.

1. Review and Update Your Insurance Policies

Ensure that your homeowners, renters, or business insurance policies are up-to-date and provide adequate coverage for hurricane-related damage. Consider adding flood insurance if it's not already included, as standard policies often do not cover flood damage.

2. Create a Comprehensive Inventory

Document your valuable possessions by creating a detailed inventory. Take photographs or videos of your belongings and store this information in a safe, easily accessible place. This will be invaluable for any claims if any items are damaged or lost.

3. Strengthen Your Property

• Reinforce Windows and Doors: Install storm shutters or use plywood to protect windows and doors. Consider replacing old windows with impact-resistant glass.

• Secure the Roof: Inspect your roof for any vulnerabilities and make necessary repairs. Installing hurricane straps or clips can provide additional strength.

• Clear the Yard: Remove or secure outdoor items such as furniture, grills, and equipment that could become projectiles during high winds.

4. Backup Important Documents

Make digital copies of essential documents such as insurance policies, identification, and financial records. Store these copies in a secure cloud storage service and keep the originals in a waterproof and fireproof safe.

5. Prepare an Emergency Kit

Assemble an emergency kit that includes:

• Non-perishable food and water (enough for at least 3 days)

• First aid supplies

• Flashlights and extra batteries

• Portable phone chargers

• Necessary medications

• Personal hygiene items

6. Develop an Evacuation Plan

Plan your evacuation route in advance and share it with your family or household members. Know the locations of nearby shelters and have a plan for your pets, as many shelters do not accept animals.

7. Stay Informed

Keep abreast of weather updates and heed warnings from local authorities. Sign up for emergency alerts and have a battery-powered or hand-crank radio to receive information if power is lost.

8. Secure Business Operations

For business owners, safeguarding your business assets is equally important. Backup critical data, secure important documents, and develop a business continuity plan to ensure operations can resume as quickly as possible after the storm.

9. Invest in a Generator

A backup generator can be a lifesaver during power outages. Ensure you know how to use it safely and have sufficient fuel on hand.

Conclusion

Hurricane season can be a daunting time, but with careful preparing, you can protect your assets and ensure the safety of your loved ones. Review these tips, take action now, and stay safe this hurricane season.

Johanna Velazquez, a seasoned professional with over two decades of experience in the insurance industry, is making a difference in the lives of individuals and families in Davenport, Polk County, Florida. In December 2018, she opened her local State Farm office at Deer Creek Crossings Plaza, bringing her wealth of knowledge and expertise to the community.

Johanna and her team of dedicated agents share a passion for helping others. Recognizing that insurance can often be overwhelming and confusing, they are committed to guiding their customers through the complexities and making it easy to understand. Over the past six years, Johanna and her team have assisted countless individuals and families in safeguarding their lives, cars, homes, and most valuable possessions. Regardless of the customer’s specific need, they provide the same level of care and attention.

Nora Martinez, the Office Manager at Johanna Velazquez's agency, believes that being part of the insurance industry comes with a significant responsibility to protect the community and provide customers with the right information and products for their protection. She shares, "Helping families prepare for the unexpected has given me a sense of fulfillment in life."

Johanna Velazquez has assembled a team of five Service Account Managers and five Acquisition Account Managers, all working towards a common goal of helping customers navigate their insurance needs and ensuring their satisfaction. With their combined efforts, they strive to create a seamless and personalized experience for everyone they serve.

Having Johanna Velazquez as your State Farm Agent means having a reliable and honest neighbor by your side. With her expertise and dedication, she and her team are committed to being there for you, ensuring that you have the right coverage to protect what matters most.

So, whether it's insuring your car, home, or any other valuable possession, you can rest assured that Johanna Velazquez and her team will go the extra mile to provide you with confidence and security.