South Florida’s stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and sunny climate are alluring, but the region is no stranger to the annual threat of hurricanes. This blog covers the top 10 essential hurricane resources in South Florida, empowering you to weather the storm with confidence.

1. Emergency Management Agencies

Before a hurricane strikes, it’s crucial to be informed about local emergency management agencies that provide up-to-date information, evacuation plans, and resources. The Florida Division of Emergency Management, Broward County Emergency Management and Miami-Dade County Office of Emergency Management are primary sources of official guidance. Follow their social media accounts and sign up for alerts to stay informed.

2. Evacuation Routes and Shelters

South Florida has designated evacuation routes and shelters to ensure the safety of residents during hurricanes. Familiarize yourself with these routes and know where the nearest shelters are located. FloridaDisaster.org provides interactive maps and resources to help you plan your evacuation strategy.

3. NOAA Weather Radio and Apps

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) broadcasts crucial weather updates through NOAA Weather Radio. Additionally, various smartphone apps like Hurricane Tracker and Red Cross Emergency provide real-time hurricane tracking, emergency alerts, and safety tips.

4. Local News & Meteorologists

Local news channels and meteorologists are essential sources of information during hurricane events. Trustworthy meteorologists such as those from Local 10 News and WPLG Local 10 offer accurate weather predictions and storm tracking, helping you make informed decisions.

5. Preparedness Kits

Having a well-stocked hurricane preparedness kit is vital for any household. Include items like non-perishable food, water, medications, flashlights, batteries, first aid supplies, important documents, and cash. Ready.gov offers a detailed checklist to ensure you have everything you need.

6. Insurance Information

Review your homeowners or renters insurance policy to understand your coverage in case of hurricane-related damage. Be aware of deductibles and what is and isn’t covered. Consider flood insurance, as standard policies usually don’t cover flood damage. If you don’t already have Synergy Insurance, get a free quote from us! 

7. Community Resources

Local community organizations and online platforms can provide valuable resources during hurricane season. Websites like Nextdoor and Facebook Groups often have posts about available shelters, supplies, and assistance for those in need.

8. Power Outage Information

Power outages are common during hurricanes. Stay informed about the power restoration process by checking the Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) website or app for outage maps and estimated restoration times.

9. Disaster Assistance Programs

In the aftermath of a hurricane, federal and state disaster assistance programs can provide financial support for housing repairs, temporary housing, and other disaster-related needs. Visit DisasterAssistance.gov for information on available programs and how to apply.

10. Mental Health Resources

Hurricanes can be emotionally and mentally taxing. Organizations like the Disaster Distress Helpline (1-800-985-5990) offer support for those in emotional distress. Stay connected with loved ones and seek professional help if needed.

Preparation today can make all the difference tomorrow

Living in the beautiful region of South Florida comes with the responsibility of being prepared for hurricane season. By knowing about all of your available resources, you can navigate the storm’s challenges with confidence and protect what matters most – your safety, well-being, and peace of mind. Remember, preparation today can make all the difference tomorrow. Stay informed, stay safe, and stay strong.

For more severe storm tips, check out our blog at Synergy Insurance. We know that great home insurance policies help families survive even the worst events. Give yourself the peace of mind you deserve by safeguarding your home against accidents and get a free quote to make sure you have the right insurance coverage for your home while you’re at it.

Disasters can happen at any moment – is your family ready for the worst? Our Disaster Preparedness Plan is designed to help you stay safe, calm and prepared in any situation. Download your copy today and be ready to face anything!

The post Top 10 Hurricane Resources in South Florida appeared first on Synergy Insurance.

The 2020 Florida Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday is here, from May 29th – June 4th. Unlike previous years, there is only ONE tax holiday for disaster preparedness supplies in 2020.  So it’s time to stock up on those high demand hurricane supplies and general household items. Because, don’t forget hurricane season starts on June 1st (what a crazy coincidence!) and a lot of disaster preparedness items are sales tax exempt during this time.

Hurricane Prep Savings Galore

When a hurricane hits, you don’t want to be scrambling to find these important disaster preparedness items. You can avoid long lines and a lot of stress by planning to pick up these top disaster preparedness items during the sales tax holiday. Click the image below to see the high demand tax free items.

While there are price limits on what you can buy, the range of emergency supplies isn’t half bad:

Planning Ahead

Remember that the most common emergency items are always exempt from taxes, including first-aid kits, basic foodstuffs (including baby formula), bottled water, and prescription medications.

There’s little worse than running smack dab into an emergency without the supplies you need! Now is the time to get the fuel, food, and lighting you need if worst comes to worst. Don’t stand in line with everyone else, only to find out the items you need most are sold out. Prep for hurricane season now (without those pesky taxes!) and rest easy when the storm hits. You can get all the details of Florida’s Tax Free Holiday here as well.

Download your free Disaster Preparedness Plan Ebook here!

Synergy Insurance has been helping Floridians improve family safety for years, and we want to help you too—whether you’re a client or not! For more information about disaster prep, download our Disaster Preparedness Plan to learn more about what to do when a storm touches down. If you have any questions about how homeowners insurance can help you get the coverage you need to stave off the worst of the storm, call Synergy Insurance today.

The post Stock Up on Hurricane Supplies This Tax Free Holiday appeared first on Synergy Insurance.

Flooding is the #1 ranked natural disaster in the country and yet, there are numerous common misconceptions about flood insurance that permeate in the United States, specifically in Florida. Make sure your home and property is protected in case of an emergency, as many residents live in coastal areas. Knowing the importance of flood insurance is the first step in preventing unexpected loss, and we’re here to help get you ready.

My Homeowners Policy Covers Flooding

Fact: Your homeowners policy more than likely does not cover flooding.  You may have optional coverage for back-up of sewers and drains, but flooding caused by natural disasters or similar events are provided by different agencies such as The National Flood Insurance Program to allow policyholders the maximum flexibility in coverage and to save them money with lower premiums.

I Don’t Live in a Flood Zone, So I Don’t Need Flood Insurance

Fact: Per the National Flood Insurance Program, flooding is a general and temporary condition where two or more acres of normally dry land or two or more properties are inundated by water or mudflow, caused by various conditions such as severe storms and sources of rapid water accumulation. Believe it or not, we all live in a flood zone, which has the potential to fill with water any time.  The difference is the severity or risk of flooding in your particular zone.  Industry wide, however, over 20% of all flood claims come from people who are NOT in high risk areas, and 1/3 of all disaster assistance goes to flooding victims according to FEMA – so we’re all at risk.

Flood Damage is Easy to Pay Back

Fact: If you don’t already have flood insurance, contact a Synergy agent to discuss options. Most federal disaster assistance comes in the form of low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and you have to pay them back. FEMA offers disaster grants that don’t need to be paid back, but this amount is often much less than what is needed to recover. One inch of flood water can cause up to $27,000 in damages alone, leaving you scrambling to pay for it. A claim against your flood insurance policy could, and often does, provide more funds for recovery than those you could qualify for from FEMA or the SBA — and you don’t have to pay it back.

Make sure your home, family and belongings are protected in case of a disaster with our Disaster Preparedness Plan! This resource is filled with tip sheets, evacuation routes, and safety information to help give you peace of mind during the worst. Click the image to get your copy!

The post The Truth About Flood Insurance appeared first on Synergy Insurance.

Few things are worse than having an insurance claim denied, especially after a devastating event like a hurricane. But as you may already well know, it can be an all too common occurrence. Sometimes customers fight the denials and win, spending months or even years trying to convince someone that they deserve coverage. But it’s usually far easier to have a better understanding of how your policy works.

You Don’t Have Flood Insurance

Homeowners in designated flood zones are required to buy some type of flood coverage, but more than half of people affected by flooding damage during a hurricane live outside the zoning lines. It’s a good idea to educate yourself about the benefits of flood insurance whether you live in a designated flood zone or not. The National Flood Insurance Program aims to reduce the impact of flooding on private and public structures. Check out their site to learn more about their program!

Cleaning Up Is Circumstantial

If a tree breaks the windows of your home or crushes your car, this is usually covered by your policy. If it was your car that was damaged, typically your auto insurance policy is the best outlet to cover your claim. But if a tree happens to fall in your yard, you’re usually on the hook to clean it up. You may even need to cover the damage if your neighbor’s tree falls on your house. It’s best to cooperate with your neighbor, let them know that you are reporting the claim to your insurance company and share any pertinent information with them as long as your carrier permits.

Your Policy Has Certain Exclusions

In 45 states in the US (including Florida), insurance policies have a (heavily buried) clause that allows them to deny claims if two catastrophic events occurred simultaneously and one of those events wasn’t covered. In other words, if the wind took out half your roof and flooded your basement, both claims might be denied if you didn’t have flood insurance.

Federal Flood Insurance Is Limited

If you do happen to live in a designated flood zone and were required to purchase federal flood insurance, it doesn’t automatically mean that your claim will be approved. The minimum federal flood insurance will only cover the structure of the home as opposed to any outdoor property. So if your pool was destroyed during the hurricane, you may be out of luck.

You Haven’t Factored in Both Deductibles

When it comes to hurricane claims, homeowners have one deductible for loss and theft as well as an annual deductible for a hurricane. So your claim can conceivably be denied because you need to meet both deductible minimums before your policy kicks in (exact deductibles depend on your policy).

Homeowners do have recourse if their claim is denied, it’s just a lot more work than understanding your coverage up front. Don’t wait until you are forced to file a claim to find out that you don’t have the right homeowners insurance policy. Synergy Insurance can make it easier (and less confusing) to ensure that you get the coverage you need. Get a free, no-obligation insurance checkup if you think your coverage is lacking, and let us be your insurance experts!

The post 5 Reasons Why an Insurance Company May Deny Your Hurricane Claim  appeared first on Synergy Insurance.

Florida is known for its glorious weather, beautiful beaches, and severe storms. Not every day in Florida is paradise, especially during the summer months. In fact, June 1st is the official start of hurricane season. If a hurricane hits your business, are you prepared? Do you have the necessary coverage to recoup losses from damaged or lost property? What happens if your business is forced to shut down for several days or weeks until the damage is cleared or your building is repaired or rebuilt? Can you afford to take a loss like that?

Most business owners can’t. So what do you do? Let’s take a look at business interruption insurance and how it can help your business.

What is Business Interruption Insurance?

What exactly is business interruption insurance? This type of insurance covers the loss of any income that a business may encounter after a hurricane or another type of natural disaster. This type of insurance will help business owners with the loss of profits or income that would have been generated during the time a business is being rebuilt or repaired.

It’s also important to note that this type of insurance is separate from hurricane insurance. This means that if a business owner chooses to purchase hurricane insurance, business interruption insurance is a separate add-on, which costs extra. Similar to hurricane insurance, the amount that is covered depends on the policy amount, which is determined by risks associated with a particular business.

In the state of Florida, business interruption insurance is incredibly important, particularly for businesses located along the coast who may be at a higher risk of shutting down for repairs. This type of insurance will protect a business from being stranded after a disaster.

How Synergy Insurance Can Help

Synergy Insurance specializes in writing insurance policies for people and businesses throughout the state of Florida. In addition to serving their customers, the team at Synergy also wants to ensure that their customers and businesses are well informed and aware of how their policies work so that they can prepare for potential accidents and/ or disasters.

The post What is Business Interruption Insurance and Why You Need It appeared first on Synergy Insurance.