By Michael Turner, Esq.

Hurricane Helene is barreling toward Georgia. Governor Kemp has declared a State of Emergency, and residents should be prepared. Georgia residents should watch the weather forecast and have a plan in place in case Helene takes a turn toward your town.

First and foremost, your personal safety, and the safety of your family, should be your primary concern. For hurricane safety facts and tips, visit the National Hurricane Center website: Hurricane Safety Tips and Resources (weather.gov)

Once you have developed a plan for your personal safety, below are key steps to prepare your property for Hurricane Helene and help streamline the insurance claim process if necessary:

Before the Storm

1) Check your local weather and state emergency reports. Follow their instructions for evacuation orders and safety. No matter what,your safety is more important than your property’s safety.

2) Take pictures and videos of your property, both inside and outside, before the storm. Safely document the current condition of your roof, exterior, and interior, as well as the condition of your personal property and contents, to the best of your ability. If you, a family member, or a friend can fly a drone over your roof to capture pictures of its pre-storm condition, do so. Documentation of your property’s condition prior to the storm will be an asset to you, should you need to file an insurance claim after Hurricane Helene.

3) Find your insurance policies: property, flood, and any additional policies relating to your property. Obtain digital copies if possible, but make sure you have, at a minimum, the information necessary to file a claim. If you have enough time beforehand, take a quick look at what coverages (flood, windstorm/hurricane, etc.) are included within your policy. If you have pre-purchase inspection reports for your property, make sure to locate those as well. Ensure that all these documents are stored electronically or are physically secure from storm damage.

4) To the extent possible, ensure your property is ready to withstand hurricane force winds and water intrusion. Take protective measures such as boarding up windows, obtaining sandbags from your local emergency service, and any other means to reduce the storm’s effect on your property.

After the Storm

Once the storm has passed, inspect your property for any obvious damage. If your property has been damaged by the storm, it’s likely that you will need to work with your insurance company to complete repairs. Here are some important steps to follow for an insurance claim after Hurricane Helene:

1) Examine your property. Take pictures and video of your property, including any obvious damage. Refer to the photos and videos you collected prior to the storm to help identify all damage.

2) If your roof is leaking, call a contractor immediately to make a temporary repair, such as a tarp. Most insurance policies require you to take mitigation steps to prevent further damage to your property.

3) If your property sustained damage, file a claim with your insurance company as soon as possible. You can use online reporting systems, contact your agent, or call the insurance company’s claims line.

4) Strongly consider hiring a public adjuster to assist you with your claim. Hurricane losses are stressful, and the insurance claim process can be difficult to navigate alone. Note that your insurance company will likely face thousands of claims just like yours; a public adjuster will help keep your carrier focused on YOU.

5) If you believe your insurance company is not treating you fairly, or is not adjusting your claim correctly, call an attorney. You have rights as a policyholder; an attorney will make sure those rights are protected.