According to Travelers, hurricane and tropical storm season in New England has begun. You may be wondering how your home insurance policy protects you from wind, hail, fallen trees, extreme rain, flooding and other unexpected extreme weather conditions. You may be asking yourself, “Do I even have a wind deductible and if so, when does it apply?”.

How to prepare and react after a storm has passed are the fundamentals to helping protect your property and keep you and your loved ones safe and secure in your home.

First and foremost you evacuate if you are directed to do so. However, if you remain in your home, here are some tips to help you and your family stay safe:

Listen for important updates from NOAA
Stay indoors and far away from any windows, skylights and glass doors. Go to a safe area, such as and interior room or basement
If power is lost, keep your refrigerator closed to trap any cold air to keep from spoiling food
If you have a generator for emergencies such as these, make sure you do not operate it indoors due to the carbon monoxide it releases which can be very hazardous for your health

What to do after?

Once you’ve been cleared by authorities that the storm has passed, you can begin to assess if there is any damage to your property.

Avoid downed powerlines. Never touch a wire that has been exposed
Be wary of any gas lines that may have been damaged or broken by the storm. If there is a gas leak do not enter the property until you have a company come out and assesses the situation
Be cautious of hazards that are a product of the storm, such as water due to flooding, sharp or broken objects, damaged tree limbs or other structures that may have been damaged by high winds and/ or water
Keep an accurate record of your repairs until a claim professional has reviewed the damage. Keep accurate records of your expenses incurred
If you think your home might be unsafe due to the storm damage, please contact your insurance company to discuss finding temporary housing accommodations