I have done everything the insurance companies and disaster relief people suggest in preparation for the force of Mother Nature we are expecting. Here’s the info Allstate sent me in an email:
1. Store insurance policy information. Place your insurance policy information in a few safe places (electronically and hard copy). This will help you start the claims process after a storm.
2. Create an inventory of your valuables. Take pictures of or videotape all valuables covered under your insurance policy(s). Use the free Allstate Digital Locker application at digitallocker.com; your valuables will be captured online and easily accessible in the event you have to file a claim.
3. Prepare your property.Take a walk around your property and assess items that may be wind hazards. Trim loose shrubbery, store furniture and secure any loose materials in your yard.Create an emergency supply kit.
4. Stock up on bottled water, non-perishable food items, first aid supplies, a battery operated radio, flashlights, batteries, basic tools, work gloves, medications, car keys, eyeglasses and cash. Find a complete shopping list here.
5. Plan your evacuation route. Learn the best evacuation routes and plan a meeting point at least 50 miles inland in case your family gets separated.
This time, Mother Nature’s representative is “Hurricane Sandy” and it has already hit the Carolina coastline. I have decided to head inland about 15 miles to a friend’s house. My place is as secure as I can make it. The tree next to the deck, well there is nothing I can do about it possibly falling onto my bedroom. Should the storm actually hit my area, I’ve decided I do not want to ride it out alone with my girl Jinji. It’s really too scary. So that is our plan.
The meterologist’s claim the particular phenomena causing Hurricane Sandy has never been recorded before. Having just spent a weekend at the Omega Center for Sustainable Living in Rhinebeck, NY for the Design by Nature Conference, I can’t help but ask “What can we learn from this thing we consider an aberration of Nature.” Fingers crossed.
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