With Hurricane Irma making landfall today in Florida, home and business owners located along the potentially catastrophic windstorm’s projected path are preparing for the worst. The Weather Channel is predicting that it will be, “the state’s strongest hurricane strike since Charley 13 years ago” and that, with air current speeds projected up to 156 mph, it could reach a Category 4 on the Saffir-Simpson hurricane wind scale.
In order to help local area residents in Hurricane Irma’s path prepare, we have compiled the following links to important safety and insurance information:
Safety Resources
- Updates on Hurricane Irma from the National Weather Service’s National Hurricane Center
- Download the FEMA app to your mobile or tablet device as it gives users access to preparedness tips such as survival advice and weather alerts from the National Weather Service. Users can retrieve information on Disaster Recovery Centers and find locations of the nearest shelters.
- Safety and preparedness tips from The Weather Channel
- Flood insurance information from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)
- Water and flood safety instructions from the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA)
- Requesting assistance and/or shelter, finding loved ones, and donation information from the American Red Cross
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) emergency preparedness and response information
According to the Insurance Information Institute’s statistics insured property damage caused by 2008’s Hurricane Ike in Texas totaled $9.8 billion. Carl Gross, Vice President & CAO of Globe Midwest Adjusters International, cautions that the unpredictability of these storms is what makes them so dangerous.
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to everyone who is located in the potentially affected areas. While we hope that this storm is downgraded and is less severe than predicted, we know that hurricanes can ravage entire communities. Right now, residents, leaders, first responders and volunteers are rightfully focused on enforcing safety precautions, preparing for rescue efforts and providing vital support to affected neighborhoods. The danger of being injured or worse is real so please do not underestimate the power of these storms. Property damage is a secondary concern and can be dealt with once your employees and loved ones are safe.” – Carl Gross, Vice President & CAO of Globe Midwest Adjusters International
