10/07/2024
***BROKEN RECORD ALERT***
Yes, this is another long post. You may recall Lean Law, P.A.’s long post about Helene. Well, get ready for a broken record. All kidding aside, Hurricane Milton is no joke and is a huge storm! All of Florida will be affected. Make sure you have at least 72-hour supply of food and water for you, your family, and the pets! If you're "doomsday prepper" like me, make sure your flashlights, lanterns, fans, weather alert radios, phones, laptops (and all the other cool gadgets you have) are fully charged. Yes, these items are cool and fun, but they can be a life saver. Make sure your vehicle gas tanks are full and topped off. Don't forget your gas cans too (they're not just for lawn equipment), and if you have a generator, please use it safely! Never use a gas generator inside your home, keep the generator a safe distance away from the home to prevent carbon monoxide poising.
A non-essential prep: download movies to your electronic devices or break out the DVD stash. This will help keep the kiddos entertained, or the adults.
Now, in terms of things you should do to plan ahead in case of property damage. Take photos and even videos of your ceilings, walls, personal property, etc. in the interior of your house or condo, and the exterior and roof (ground level is fine. Do not risk your safety trying to climb up on your roof!). Don't forget your vehicles.
If you can before Milton hits, get a FULL copy of your insurance policies and endorsements (not just the 2-10 pages of declarations). Unfortunately, all too often, home, condo, property, and business owners do not read or do not know what endorsements and fine print are in their policy. It's too late to change your policy now, but you can know what's covered now.
During the storm, please remember nothing is more important than your safety and the safety of your loved ones. Lean Law, P.A. will be here in the aftermath to answer questions and assist in the event your property is damaged by the storm.
Above all, please stay safe during the storm. Rule number 1: Stay safe. Nothing is more important. Rule number 2: Document, Document, Document (before and after the storm when you can safely assess your property). Take photos, video, and take stock of and list the damage to your personal property (and take photographs as well). In the event of a power outage, list your ruined food stuffs. Rule number 3: Repeat Rule number 1.
Every insurance policy is different. Not everything may be covered. But if you know the extent of your losses you can increase your chances of a positive insurance claim decision; and if you need legal representation, this documentation will help your attorney obtain all the insurance proceeds you are entitled!
Things too look out for after the storm, companies and individuals knocking on doors to assess damages. Never sign anything without talking with an attorney. Red flags: anyone offering a free estimate for repairs "if you sign this work authorization/contract." In Florida, it is not legal to require a homeowner to sign a work authorization/contract without first providing a good faith estimate (I see this all the time. It's a sure-fire way to have a headache later).
Before you hire anyone for damage repairs, an adjuster, or representation in your insurance claim, remember Lean Law, P.A. offers FREE CONSULTATIONS! Meaning we can review your claim and policy at no cost to you. If you can have a free consultation with a lawyer about your claim and policy, why wouldn't you?
If you have made it this far reading this post, you are a Rockstar at prepping and protecting your life and property!
Don't forget to "Lean on me" and Lean Law, P.A. for all your property insurance claims.
