Galveston Hurricane Damage and You: Safety and Insurance Tips

Following Hurricane Ike last year, a multitude of Galveston hurricane damage claims were filed and subsequently underpaid (or not paid at all) by homeowner's insurance companies. If you were one of the thousands of families caught unprepared by Ike and forgotten by your insurance company, take note of these helpful tips to stay safe in stormy weather.

Your first concern following a disaster like the Galveston hurricane should be for the safety of you and your family. Typically, more deaths occur following a hurricane than during the storm itself, mostly due to eager homeowners who are too quick to assess hurricane damage before evaluating the safety of their surroundings. Unstable trees and downed power lines are common can be deadly--far too many fall victim to these avoidable dangers.

The good news is that with caution in post-storm danger zones, and homeowner's insurance to pay for damage, you can effectively address the destruction of hurricanes. If you're having trouble getting an insurance payment from your insurance company, seek legal help. Here are some helpful hints that will help keep you and your family safe in the aftermath of a hurricane:

- Remain indoors until an official "all clear" is given.

- Do not touch fallen or low-hanging wires of any kind under any circumstances.

- Stay away from puddles with wires in/near them.

- Do not touch trees or other objects in contact with power lines.

- Use phones only for emergencies and call 911 only for life-threatening situations.

- Call police or utility companies immediately to report hazardous damage such as downed power lines, broken gas or water mains, overturned gas tanks, etc.

- Watch for weakened roads, bridges, tree limbs or porches which could collapse unexpectedly.

- After power is restored, check refrigerated food for spoilage. (Spoiled food is the cause of much sickness two days to a week after the storm.)

- When reinstalling a CB, TV or satellite antenna, check in all directions to be sure no damage has been done to nearby power lines. Also be weary as you climb trees to clear debris.

- Do not operate charcoal grills, propane camping stoves or generators indoors.

For more information on hurricane safety or Galveston hurricane damage claims, visit http://www.InsuranceClaimAid.com