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Plano, TX: Natural Gas, Tornado, Hurricanes and Other Disaster Preparedness

Posted by Tri-Star Insurance in PLANO, TX on Jul 13, 2009

How Plano Homeowners Can Prepare For Hurricane Season And Other Disasters

Even though we are not located on the Texas coastline, we may be faced with disastrous events, such as flooding, fires and tornadoes. That is why the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) recommends that every Texan have a disaster plan in place.

Hundreds of people evacuate each year for natural disasters across the nation.

Don’t wait for a natural disaster to find out if you are properly insured. Contact us today and we will take care of all your insurance needs.

Before A Plano Disaster

Having a disaster plan in place helps Texans be better prepared to handle the complications that unplanned events cause.

Make an evacuation plan. Keep your gas tank full, especially during the spring when severe weather often strikes and also during hurricane season.

Have a family disaster kit prepared and ready to go.

Keep a battery-powered radio and extra batteries on hand. You can purchase a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather radio and receiver from most electronic stores for a reasonable price. This will connect you with a nationwide network of radio stations that provide continuous weather information from a nearby National Weather Service office.

If you must evacuate your home, lock windows and doors. Unplug all electronics except your refrigerator and freezer. If flooding is an issue, unplug them as well.

Let friends and relatives know where you will be staying during an evacuation.

Leave early. Don’t wait until your escape route is blocked by floodwaters or fire hazards.

Don’t drive through flooded areas. Be sure and stay clear of downed power lines.

Bring your current insurance documents with you in a waterproof container. Don’t forget to include auto, home, life, windstorm, flood and health insurance information.

Make a plan to care for pets and animals. If you are leaving your pets at a shelter, all vaccinations must be up to date or the shelter may refuse to keep your pet. If you are planning to travel with a pet, be sure and get a carrier in advance of an emergency. They may not be available when you need it otherwise. Don’t forget to bring along food and pet medications.

A good emergency plan includes getting adequate insurance before disaster strikes. You can do that right now by contacting our insurance professionals today.

Utility Shut-Off Tips For Plano Homeowners

When severe weather strikes, you may need to shut off your utilities in order to protect your home from further damage. Locate the main valves of the following utilities prior to a disaster:

Natural gas. If you are instructed to turn off the natural gas to your home, be sure and do so at the main valve into the house. Also remember that only a natural gas professional should turn the gas back on for you. It is extremely dangerous to attempt this task.

Water. Your water should be shut off in the event of a natural disaster. Be sure you turn off the main water line to your home.

Electricity. As already mentioned, unplug all your electronics and small appliances. If necessary, you should also shut off the electricity at your circuit box.

Don’t get caught unprepared. Your home is your biggest asset and taking these precautions helps to better protect it. We are in the business of protecting homes and finances. Give us a call today and put your mind at ease this hurricane season.

TriStar Insurance Professionals, based in Plano, TX, is a full-service insurance agency owned and operated by Roger Harkins. Specializing in consumer insurance programs inluding homeowners, auto, boat, and life insurance they also specialize in commercial insurance offerings for small to medium sized businesses. Low cost is always important, but far more critical in both the personal and business coverage arenas is making sure that there are no gaps in your coverage. Find out today simply by calling Roger Harkins or John Coyle at 469-464-5790. The call and any quotes you request are always confidential and free!