​When hurricane season arrives, protecting your home and belongings becomes very important. For those of us in Texas and on the Gulf Coast, one key step is to make a home inventory. This list helps you keep track of your things and makes it easier to file insurance claims if something gets damaged. Follow these steps to create a home inventory before a hurricane.

1. **Gather Your Tools**

Before you start, get these tools ready:

- A notebook or a digital device (smartphone, tablet, or laptop)
- A camera or smartphone for photos
- A measuring tape for larger items
- A checklist or template to stay organized

2. **Go Room by Room**

Start with one room and go through your entire home. This way, you won’t miss anything. Here’s what to do in each space:

- **Living Room:** List furniture, electronics, artwork, and decorative items.
- **Kitchen:** Include appliances, cookware, dishes, and food supplies.
- **Bedrooms:** Note beds, dressers, clothing, and personal items.
- **Bathrooms:** Write down toiletries, linens, and valuable accessories.
- **Garage/Basement/Attic:** Don’t forget tools, seasonal items, and storage boxes.

3. **Document Your Items**

For each item, write down these details:

- **Description:** Name and description (e.g., brand, model, year)
- **Condition:** State of the item (new, good, worn)
- **Value:** Estimated price or how much you paid
- **Serial Numbers:** Note serial numbers for electronics or appliances

4. **Take Photos and Videos**

Use your smartphone to take clear photos of each room and item. You can also make a video showing your home and describing items. Make sure the lighting is good so everything is easy to see.

 5. **Store Your Inventory Safely**

Once you finish your inventory, save it in a safe place. If it’s digital, store it in the cloud so you can access it even if your home gets damaged. If it’s on paper, keep it in a waterproof container or take it with you if you evacuate.

6. **Review and Update Regularly**

Keep your home inventory up to date. Review it regularly, especially after buying or changing items in your home. This way, your records stay accurate and useful.

7. **Check Your Insurance Policy**

After documenting your items, look over your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy. Make sure you have enough coverage for your belongings, especially high-value items. If needed, talk to your insurance agent for help.

8. **Prepare for the Storm**

Once your inventory is ready, focus on other ways to prepare. Secure your property, gather supplies, and make an evacuation plan if necessary. Having your home inventory handy will help reduce stress if disaster strikes.

Creating a home inventory may feel like a lot of work, but it is an essential part of getting ready for hurricanes. A good record of your belongings will help you if something gets damaged. Take the time now to protect your things and feel more at ease during hurricane season. Stay safe!

As spring rolls in, many of us welcome the warmer temperatures and blooming flowers. However, this season also brings the potential for severe storms. To ensure safety and preparedness, it's essential to stay weather aware during spring storm season.

First, keep an eye on the weather forecasts. Utilize reliable sources, such as local news stations or weather apps, to receive updates on potential storm warnings. Understanding the different types of alerts—such as watches, warnings, and advisories—can equip you with the knowledge to act swiftly if conditions worsen.

Second, consider creating an emergency plan for your family. Identify safe locations in your home, such as a basement or an interior room away from windows, and plan how to reach them during a storm. Familiarize everyone in your household with the plan and conduct practice drills, particularly if you have children.

Also, be prepared with an emergency kit stocked with flashlights, batteries, non-perishable food, water, and a first-aid kit. Having these items ready can make a significant difference in the case of power outages or if you find yourself stuck indoors.

Last, stay connected. If severe weather threatens your area, don’t hesitate to reach out to friends, family, or neighbors, especially those who may need assistance. Sharing information and checking in on one another can help create a supportive community during challenging times.

By staying informed, preparing in advance, and looking out for each other, we can navigate the spring storm season safely. Remember, it’s always better to be safe than sorry!

It's important to know that most home policies don't cover flooding and just a few inches of water damage can cost thousands. Even those who don't live near water are at risk, because anywhere it rains, it can flood.

Heavy rains, clogged or insufficient drainage systems, nearby construction projects, broken water mains and inadequate levees and dams can cause flooding that put your Home and belongings at risk.

Your home is one of your greatest investments. It's important to prepare ahead in the instance that a disaster could occur. Here are three simple steps to help make sure you're ready in the event of a Flood.

• Create a "Flood file" and keep it in an accessible waterproof and fireproof container. It should contain a personal property inventory of your Home, a copy of your insurance information, copies of any critical personal documents (e.g. social security cards, titles and deeds) and a CD or USB drive backup of computer documents and digital photos.
• Prepare your Home by making sure your sump pump works and has a battery backup, your gutters and downspouts are clear, your electronics and appliances are elevated, and any valuables and keepsakes are moved to a higher level.
• Develop an emergency plan that includes evacuation routes from Home, work and school. Make sure that plan includes an out-of-town contact list that all family members can call in case you get separated. Also, create an emergency kit with extra drinking water, non-perishable food, first-aid materials, blankets, a battery-powered radio, a flashlight and extra batteries that can be grabbed easily if you need to evacuate.

Content provided by: Foremost Insurance Group

It's important to know that most home policies don't cover flooding and just a few inches of water damage can cost thousands. Even those who don't live near water are at risk, because anywhere it rains, it can flood. Heavy rains, clogged or insufficient drainage systems, nearby construction projects, broken water mains and inadequate levees and dams can cause flooding that put your Home and belongings at risk.



Your home is one of your greatest investments. It's important to prepare ahead in the instance that a disaster could occur. Here are three simple steps to help make sure you're ready in the event of a Flood.

• Create a "Flood file" and keep it in an accessible waterproof and fireproof container. It should contain a personal property inventory of your Home, a copy of your insurance information, copies of any critical personal documents (e.g. social security cards, titles and deeds) and a CD or USB drive backup of computer documents and digital photos.
• Prepare your Home by making sure your sump pump works and has a battery backup, your gutters and downspouts are clear, your electronics and appliances are elevated, and any valuables and keepsakes are moved to a higher level.
• Develop an emergency plan that includes evacuation routes from Home, work and school. Make sure that plan includes an out-of-town contact list that all family members can call in case you get separated. Also, create an emergency kit with extra drinking water, non-perishable food, first-aid materials, blankets, a battery-powered radio, a flashlight and extra batteries that can be grabbed easily if you need to evacuate.

Call our agency today if you need a flood quote or have questions about your coverage! (936) 327-4364 

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​Anyone who's been through a flood knows that recovering after this kind of disaster isn't easy. You're forced to accept that irreplaceable family treasures and memories may be gone forever, your furniture is destroyed, potentially along with your home. It's a devastating and emotional moment and a lot to take in all at once. But you know the only thing you can do is move forward, and begin the steps needed to restore your home.

As soon as the floodwaters recede, you can return to your home as long as officials give the OK to do so. Before entering your home, however, make sure it is safe!

Tips for staying safe upon return:
​

• Check for structural damage and use extreme caution. One way to do this is to check if the walls are vertical and straight.
• Turn off the electricity in your home at the main breaker or fuse box. Make sure you stand in a dry spot to do this! If you can't stand in a dry spot, call an electrician who will take care of the risk.
• Turn off the gas. If you smell something unusual, leave immediately and call your gas company from another location.
• Check your sewage system. Repair damaged septic tanks, cesspools, pits and leaching systems as soon as possible. These serious health hazards.
• Take precaution when inspecting your home. Your home may have sagging ceilings and areas that are still flooded. Also beware of critters like snakes, spiders and rodents that may have taken refuge in your home!

Bring waterproof boots, a first aid kit, cleaning supplies and a battery-powered flashlight with you before entering the house! You never know what you'll run into.

Tips for claim reporting: Another important step to take when recovering from a flood is reporting your loss immediately to your insurance agent or carrier. While flood coverage is typically not provided under most homeowners and renters policies, flood insurance may be available to you through the federally regulated program known as the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). If you need assistance to locate your flood insurance carrier, you can call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). A claims adjuster should contact you within a day or two after report of the claim, depending on the severity of the flood event.

When reporting a claim, you should have the following information available:

• Your name and address
• Policy number
• Date the loss happened
• Description of events that led to loss
• Active phone number
• Confirm what's covered under your NFIP policy (some policyholders may only have building or personal property items coverage, not both)

Tips for inspections: The next step, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), is to prepare for your inspection. After deeming the structure safe for entry, take as many photos or videos of the flood-damaged property on the outside and inside. Take pictures of high-cost items as well like washers and dryers, hot water heaters, televisions and kitchen appliances. It's also a good idea to separate the damaged from undamaged items prior to the inspection.

When the adjuster arrives, they will inspect your property including taking measurements and photos and give you an overview of the NFIP flood claims process. Remember that some flood insurance claims are more complex than others. Some may be opened and closed quickly, while others may take weeks or even months to resolve.

If your vehicle was also damaged in a flood event, it's best to call your auto insurance provider to see if you're covered for the loss.

​Contact us today for a  free Flood Quote. 

​If you live in high-risk area for floods, purchasing flood insurance will help you have peace of mind.

Here’s what will and what won’t be covered under flood insurance:  FloodSmart | What Does Flood Insurance Cover?

FloodSmart | How Do I Buy Flood Insurance? 

​Call us today for a free flood insurance quote. It couldn't be easier than that!