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The I.I.I. Offers Tips to Prepare for a Hurricane or other Disaster

INSURANCE INFORMATION INSTITUTE Contact: Press Offices
New York: 212-346-5500; media@iii.org Washington, D.C.: 202-833-1580

NEW YORK, August 8, 2007 - The heavy rains that struck the tri-state area overnight provide a glimpse of what could happen if a hurricane or severe storm hits the area, according to the Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.).

"If you think that the mess New Yorkers experienced today is bad, imagine what would happen when a hurricane or severe storm should strike the area," said Jeanne M. Salvatore, senior vice president and consumer spokesperson for the I.I.I. "Hopefully, this event will provide a wake-up call that everyone needs to prepare for a hurricane or another disaster."

Meteorologists have repeatedly warned that it is it is a matter of when, not if, a hurricane strikes New York, pointed out Salvatore

To prepare for a hurricane, the I.I.I. recommends that everyone:

• Create an evacuation plan in case you need to leave your home. This should include: having an evacuation kit ready to go with prescription medication, important papers, water, cash and other essentials; a mechanism to reach loved ones; and a clear idea of where you plan to go in the event of a storm.
• Consider purchasing flood insurance. As the city just witnessed, flooding can, and does, occur in the New York metro area. Flooding is not covered under standard home and renters insurance policies, but is available from the National Flood Insurance Program. There is a 30-day waiting period for the coverage to take effect so don't delay! Additional information on flood insurance, whether you need it and where to buy it, can be found at .
• Make a home inventory. This is a detailed list of all of your personal possession and their estimated value. A home inventory is very important if you have to file an insurance claim?it can expedite the process, as well as help you confirm you have purchased the correct amount of insurance. The I.I.I. offers free, downloadable software to help you create a home inventory at .
• Update your insurance. Everyone should make sure that they have enough insurance to rebuild their home and replace their personal belongings in the event a hurricane or storm destroys their home. Also, find out from your agent or company how much coverage you have for additional living expenses in the event your home is destroyed and you incur additional expenses by having to live elsewhere. Lastly, if you are renter without insurance, make sure that you get this important financial protection.

Additional information on insurance can be found on the . Additional disaster preparedness information can be found on the Disaster Insurance Information Web site.

The I.I.I. is a nonprofit, communications organization supported by ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ industry.