By Jim McCafferty

There is a 50 percent chance that a major hurricane will hit the East Coast with
sustained winds of at least 111 miles per hour before the hurricane season
ends in December.

The Colorado State University¹s Department of Atmospheric Science, one of
the most respected hurricane forecasters, expects nine Atlantic Ocean
hurricanes this year, five of which they say will be intense, ranging from
Category 3 (111 mph) to Category 5 (sustained winds of 156 mph or more). NC State University scientists recently echoed CSU¹s prediction.

While no hurricanes came ashore last year (only the 12th time that has happened since 1945), it was just two years ago that hurricanes Katrina and Rita physically devastated the Gulf Coast. New Orleans still hasn¹t fully
recovered.

Imagine how you would feel realizing the day after a hurricane tears through your neighborhood that you don't have wind or flood insurance, which together provide the best coverage against hurricane damage.

REVIEW YOUR INSURANCE POLICY
If you live in a North Carolina coastal county, your homeowner¹s insurance
policy probably doesn¹t provide wind coverage, let alone hurricane coverage.
Your agent can obtain this insurance through the North Carolina Insurance
Underwriting Association (NCIUA).

However, they won¹t issue a policy if a hurricane is approaching. Except for
coverage being requested for a home loan closing, there is a 30-day waiting
period from when NCIUA receives your full payment and application.

Flood insurance is also not included in your typical homeowner¹s or renter¹s
policy.  Many homes in Mississippi affected by Hurricane Katrina¹s flooding
were not in designated flood zones and were uninsured.  In fact, 25 percent of all flood insurance claims are paid on homes in low to moderate risk areas.

A separate policy protecting your home from flood damage is a wise,
relatively inexpensive investment. The federal government under the National
Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) backs flood coverage. You should also be
sure you are covered for wind damage. Both wind and flood insurance policies
are offered by AAA¹s Insurance Agency.

Here are some hurricane season tips from the National Hurricane Center:

SECURE YOUR HOME

• Protect areas where wind and water can enter your home.
• One of the best ways to protect a home from windstorm damage is to install
  impact-resistant shutters over all large windows and glass doors to protect
  the doors and windows from wind-borne objects. They may also reduce damage caused by sudden pressure changes when a window or door is broken.

FAMILY DISASTER PLAN
Discuss the types of hazards that could affect your family.

• Locate the safest area to be in your home or within your community.
  
• Have predetermined escape routes and places to meet.
  
• Have an out-of-state friend as a family contact so all your family members
  have a single point of reference.
  
• Have a pet plan in the event you need to evacuate.
  
• Post emergency phone numbers and be sure children know how to use the 911 system.
  
• Have a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration radio and replace
  the batteries every six months when you change batteries in your smoke
  detectors.
  
• Take First Aid, CPR and disaster preparedness classes.
  
• Keep stock of nonperishable emergency supplies and have a disaster supply
  kit that should include:
  1. One gallon of water daily per person for three to seven days.
     
  2. Enough nonperishable food and juices for three to seven days.
     
  3. Cooking tools (including a non-electric can opener), fuel, paper plates and utensils.
     
  4. Pet care items including proper identification, immunization records, medication, an ample supply of food and water, a carrier or kennel and a muzzle and leash.
     
  5. Blankets and pillows.
     
  6. Medication/prescriptions.
     
  7. Cash (an ATM will not work without power).
     
  8. Important documents (keep in a waterproof container).
     
  9. Toys, books and games