The official hurricane season in the Caribbean starts in early June and runs through November — that's when the Atlantic Ocean's warm waters can produce tropical cyclones, including hurricanes.

The information and resources in this hurricane guide outline the steps and best practices for safeguarding people and property before, during and after a hurricane.

Before hurricane season: Review your policies and coverages

Talk with your Gallagher broker well before hurricane season begins, so you understand what your current property policy covers and can secure appropriate coverage if needed.

Before hurricane season starts is also the best time to make home improvements that can help your property withstand hurricane-force winds, such as installing wind-resistant roofing, sealing gaps around windows and having overhanging tree limbs removed.

Create a hurricane emergency plan and kit

Before hurricane season starts, create an emergency plan and kit to ensure you're ready to prepare your home and property for a hurricane and possibly to evacuate. We recommend these essential steps:

  • Create an emergency kit. Put together an emergency supply kit that will sustain your household members for three days.
  • Secure important documents. Keep important documents — such as legal papers, birth certificates, marriage licenses, financial records and insurance policy information — in a safety deposit box at a bank or in a fireproof and waterproof box in your home. Also, include photocopies of your passport, driver's license and credit cards.
  • Have an evacuation plan. In case you must evacuate, plan what to take with you and who will travel in each vehicle. Check local news outlets and websites for updates on evacuation routes.
  • Have a communication plan. In case all household members aren't together when a hurricane evacuation is ordered, have a plan for how to reach each other and other essential people, such as relatives, friends and employers. Don't rely solely on the contacts list in mobile phones — all household members should carry a printed contact list. Designate someone within the household and someone outside the household that all members should contact to let them know they're safe.

Know what to do when a hurricane watch or warning is issued

Understand the difference between a watch and a warning:

  • A hurricane watch means a hurricane is possible in your area. Listen for updates.
  • A hurricane warning means a hurricane is in your area or will be in your area soon. Evacuate if advised to do so.

Hurricane watch

A hurricane watch means a hurricane could become a threat within 48 hours. Have your hurricane resources at hand and be ready to act, in case a hurricane warning is issued.

When a hurricane watch is issued, we recommend doing the following:

  • Review your contact list and evacuation plans with your household members.
  • Monitor local information sources for the latest instructions and weather updates.
  • Charge your mobile phones and portable power banks.
  • Fill your vehicles' fuel tanks, and pack clothing, emergency supplies and essentials in case you must evacuate. If you have pets, prepare their carriers and pack their food and supplies.
  • Refuel and test backup generators.

Hurricane warning

When a hurricane warning is issued, complete your preparations and evacuate to a safe place if authorities direct you to do so.

Here are ways to protect your home from hurricane damage:

  • Secure doors and windows. Cover windows with plywood or shutters, if possible. Otherwise, close and lock windows and doors to keep them from blowing open and to minimize seepage.
  • Store or secure outside furniture and accessories. Secure outdoor furniture, garbage cans, statuary, mobile grills and any freestanding lightweight objects, which can become projectiles in high winds.
  • Reinforce garage doors. If you don't have a storm bar or other garage door reinforcement, park your car sideways against the door to block the wind.
  • Move possessions away from windows and exterior doors. Move furniture and household fixtures to the center of your home. If possible, elevate these items and cover them with plastic.
  • Protect rugs and window treatments. Move rugs off the floor and windows treatments away from windows to protect them from wind and water that penetrate windows.
  • Unplug appliances and electronics. Store them in closets and cabinets if possible.
  • Stock water. Fill containers with water — including your clean bathtub —in case municipal water becomes unavailable.

Sheltering in place during a hurricane

If you've not evacuated when a hurricane arrives, go to a storm shelter or a small, interior, windowless room or hallway on the lowest floor that's unlikely to flood.

Listen for current emergency information and instructions from local and regional authorities. They'll advise when it's safe to leave the protected area.

File an insurance claim after a hurricane

Your home and property might be damaged during the hurricane. The best way to notify your insurance company of a home insurance claim is to immediately and directly report it. It's important that your claim adjuster receive this information as quickly as possible, to begin the claim resolution process. If you need help reporting your Homeowners Insurance claim, contact your Gallagher advocate.

CLAIMS CONTACTS FOR PERSONAL HOME AND AUTO INSURANCE

Starting a homeowners insurance claim after a hurricane

To start a homeowners insurance claim after a hurricane, provide as much detail as possible to your claim adjuster, including photographs and/or videos of the damage and a preliminary list of damages.

Claim process for insurance: What to expect

Your adjuster will manage the claim-investigation process. If you have concerns, you can reach out to your Gallagher contact with specific policy and claim questions. During this high-volume claim-reporting period, you should expect the following:

  • Initial contact may take some time. Some insurers may use adjusters under contract, so the adjuster's contact information may be different from what you expect.
  • Access to affected areas may be limited.
  • Competition for labor and materials will be high, which may affect the timeframe and costs associated with repair and remediation.
  • You'll work closely with your claim adjuster. If you have questions about the resolution process, Gallagher is here to help and to ensure you're in control of the claim process.
  • Your insurance company's website contains important information about how to handle claims and manage losses. We've listed many insurance companies in case you don't have the contact information readily available.