hurricane season – Setnor Byer Insurance & Risk

Are you ready for Hurricane Season 2022?

By Anita Byer, Setnor Byer Insurance & Risk

Did you know that the first week of May is Hurricane Preparedness Week? The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration sponsors this week to raise awareness of the hazards posed by tropical storms and hurricanes. And to encourage everyone at risk to start preparing now. Hurricane Season 2022 is less than a month away. Are you prepared? If not, NOAA offers the following tips to help you get started.

Determine your risk. Find out what types of storm-related wind and water hazards exist where you live. Hurricanes are not just a coastal problem. Dangerous and destructive winds and water can make their way hundreds of miles inland. Flooding can happen anywhere. Those living in unsound structures or flood-prone areas must know in advance if it’s safe to remain at home during a storm.

Develop an evacuation plan. Where will your family go if you are ordered to evacuate? Know your hurricane evacuation zone and develop an evacuation plan that specifies where to go and how to get there. Don’t forget your pets! They may not be allowed in shelters and hotels, so find suitable accommodations now so they don’t get left behind.

Assemble disaster supplies. Whether you’re evacuating or sheltering-in-place, you will need sufficient supplies to get through the storm and its potentially lengthy aftermath. Have enough non-perishable food, water and medicine to last each person in your family a minimum of 3 days (longer, if possible). Remember to get gas, cash, batteries and flashlights. Consider a portable crank or solar-powered USB charger for your cell phones.

Strengthen your home. Make sure your home is ready to withstand the wind, rain and flooding a hurricane can bring. Check to see if your home meets building code specifications. Consider retrofits, many of which are not as costly or time consuming as you may think. Renters should work with their landlord to prepare for a storm.

Help your neighbors. Talk to your neighbors about their hurricane plans and preparations. Discuss how you can help one another prepare before a storm and rebuild after.

Have a written plan. Preparing a written plan can help identify your family’s unique needs and understand what must be done to protect those you love during a storm. Write down your hurricane plan and make sure everyone in your household knows and understands it.

Get an insurance check-up. NOAA stresses the importance of insurance, particularly during hurricane season. Make sure you have enough insurance to repair or replace your home, car and any other property that might be damaged during a storm. Don’t forget about insurance for your business. Remember, standard policies do not cover flooding, so you will need a separate flood insurance policy for your home and business.

It only takes one storm to make it an active hurricane season for you. Take advantage of Hurricane Preparedness Week. Start preparing before the lines grow long and supplies run short. Contact our team of experienced and responsive insurance and risk management professionals to find affordable options to protect your home and your business in the event of a hurricane.

NOAA Updates 2021 Hurricane Season Forecast to Include More Named Storms

By Anita Byer, Setnor Byer Insurance & Risk

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration updated its 2021 hurricane season outlook and is now predicting more named storms than previously forecast. This is significant because the 2021 season is already breaking records—Hurricane Elsa became the earliest 5^th named storm ever recorded. It’s also concerning because tropical activity spikes from mid-August through mid-October. According to NOAA, “after a record-setting start, the 2021 Atlantic hurricane season does not show any signs of relenting as it enters the peak months ahead.”

NOAA initially predicted that the likelihood of an above-normal 2021 hurricane season was 60 percent. But now, the likelihood of an above-normal season is 65 percent. The number of named storms and hurricanes is higher now too. Before hurricane season began, NOAA forecast 13-20 named storms and 6-10 hurricanes. While the initial forecast of 3-5 major hurricanes (winds of 111 mph or higher) remains unchanged, forecasters at NOAA are now expecting:

15-21 Named Storms (winds of 39 mph or higher)
7-10 Hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher)

NOAA forecasters believe that oceanic and atmospheric conditions will generally favor above-average activity for the remainder of the Atlantic hurricane season. For example, reduced vertical wind shear and an enhanced west Africa monsoon help create conditions that can increase seasonal hurricane activity. Unfortunately, these favorable conditions increase the likelihood of damaging wind, rain, flooding, storm surge, loss of property and loss of life. According to the Director of the National Weather Service, “now is the time for families and communities to ensure their preparations are in place.” We couldn’t agree more.

NOAA’s updated forecast should provide all the motivation needed to remain alert, prepared and ready to act if your home or business are in the path of a storm. Remember, it only takes one hurricane making landfall to make it an active season for you. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

Please contact us if you would like more information about protecting your personal and business property during the 2021 Hurricane Season.

How Many Storms Are Predicted for the 2021 Atlantic Hurricane Season?

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration released its predictions for the 2021 Atlantic Hurricane season. The good news is that experts do not anticipate the historic level of storm activity seen in 2020. The not-so-good news is that NOAA is nevertheless predicting a season with above-normal storm activity. The Atlantic hurricane season officially begins June 1^st and extends through November 30^th.

According to NOAA, there is a 60 percent chance the 2021 Atlantic Hurricane Season will have above-normal storm activity. There is a 30 percent chance that storm activity will be near-normal and a 10 percent chance it will be below-normal. NOAA is forecasting:

13 – 20 Named Storms (winds of 39 mph or higher)
6 – 10 Hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher)
3 – 5 Major Hurricanes (winds of 111 mph or higher)

Forecasters at Colorado State University are similarly predicting above-normal storm activity in 2021. They estimate a 45 percent chance that at least one major hurricane (Category 3-4-5) will make landfall somewhere along the U.S. east coast (including Florida). The chance of a Gulf Coast landfall (from the Florida Panhandle westward to Brownsville, Texas) is 44 percent.

Note that beginning this year, NOAA is using updated statistics to determine when hurricane seasons are above-, near-, or below-average. Not surprisingly, replacing older data with more recent data caused the season ‘averages’ to up. Before the update, 12 named storms and 6 hurricanes, including 3 major hurricanes, was considered an ‘average’ season. Now, an ‘average’ season will produce 14 named storms and 7 hurricanes, including 3 major hurricanes. In other words, an ‘average’ season will have more named storms this year than last year.

A lot is made of these annual predictions, but it only takes one storm to make it an active hurricane season for you. Start preparing now with Setnor Byer Insurance & Risk’s Hurricane Season 2021 Checklist. Our team of experienced and responsive professionals can help you find affordable options to protect your home and your business in the event of a hurricane.

Please contact us to discuss affordable options for protecting your personal and business property during the 2021 Hurricane Season.

Hurricane Season 2020 Has Not Been Postponed Due to COVID-19

The 2020 Atlantic Hurricane Season officially begins June 1^st, but this year is different. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has affected virtually every aspect of our daily lives. The Federal Emergency Management Agency cautions that social distancing and other CDC preventative measures to protect against COVID-19 may impact hurricane preparation plans, including evacuation routes and shelters. Now is the time to evaluate and finalize the plans and protective measures that will be needed if a storm is coming your way.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, there is a 60% chance that the 2020 Atlantic Hurricane Season will have above-normal activity. The likelihood of a below-normal season is only 10%. An average hurricane season produces 12 named storms, including 6 hurricanes and 3 major hurricanes. For the 2020 hurricane season, NOAA is forecasting:

13-19 Named Storms (winds of 39 mph or higher)
6-10 Hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher)
3-6 Major Hurricanes (winds of 111 mph or higher)

Forecasters at the Colorado State University Tropical Meteorology Project calculated a 69% probability that at least one major hurricane (Category 3, 4, 5) will make landfall somewhere on the continental coastline of the United States. They are also predicting:

16 Named Storms (80 named storm days)
8 Hurricanes (35 hurricane days)
4 Major Hurricanes (9 major hurricane days)

A lot is made of these annual predictions, but it only takes one storm to make it an active hurricane season for you. Unfortunately, the 2020 Atlantic Hurricane Season was not suspended or delayed due to COVID-19. Waiting until the last minute is never a good idea, particularly in the middle of a global pandemic.

Start preparing now with Setnor Byer Insurance & Risk’s Hurricane Season 2020 Checklist. Our team of experienced and responsive professionals can help you find affordable options to protect your home and your business in the event of a hurricane. Please contact us if you would like more information about protecting your personal and business property during the 2020 Hurricane Season.

Staying Prepared During the Peak of Hurricane Season

The Atlantic Hurricane Season officially begins June 1^st, but the unofficial peak of hurricane season doesn’t begin until August. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, tropical activity spikes from mid-August through mid-October. In other words, the unofficial peak of the 2019 hurricane season is officially underway.

Before hurricane season began, NOAA predicted a 40 percent chance of a near-normal hurricane season and a 30 percent chance of an above-normal season. On August 8, 2019, NOAA increased the likelihood of an above-normal hurricane season from 30 percent to 45 percent. The number of predicted storms increased too. NOAA forecasters are now expecting:

10-17 Named Storms (winds of 39 mph or higher)
5-9 Hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher)
2-4 Major Hurricanes (winds of 111 mph or higher)

NOAA’s initial forecast was for 9-15 named storms, 4-8 hurricanes and 2-4 major hurricanes. On average, the Atlantic hurricane season produces 12 named storms, of which six become hurricanes, including three major hurricanes.

Forecasters say conditions have become more favorable for tropical activity now that El Niño has ended and neutral conditions have returned. According to NOAA’s lead hurricane forecaster, “El Niño typically suppresses Atlantic hurricane activity but now that it’s gone, we could see a busier season ahead.”

Hurricane season is long and maintaining preparations is hard, but the peak of tropical activity is not the time to let things slide. NOAA’s updated forecast should provide all the motivation you need to remain alert, prepared and ready to act if your home and business is in the path of a storm. Remember, it only takes one hurricane making landfall to make it an active season for you. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

Please contact us if you would like more information about protecting your personal and business property during the 2019 Hurricane Season.

Does Florida’s Hurricane Irma Emergency Order Affect You?

Hurricane Irma was as big as it was powerful. After making landfall in the Florida Keys, Irma continued on a path of destruction across the entire state. Irma left an unprecedented number of Floridians with storm-related residential property damage. This means a lot of you need to know about the Emergency Order issued by Florida’s Insurance Commissioner.

The order was issued on September 13, 2017, but the process began before Hurricane Irma ever made landfall in Florida. On September 4th, Governor Scott declared a state of emergency in every county in the State of Florida. This cleared the way for the Insurance Commissioner to issue an Emergency Order to “protect the public health, safety and welfare of Florida’s policyholders.”

Here is a summary of provisions that may be particularly important for those left with residential property damage as a result of Hurricane Irma.

Cancellation & Non-Renewals

Residential property insurance policies that cover a dwelling or residential property located in the state that was damaged by Hurricane Irma cannot be cancelled or non-renewed until 90 days after the property has been repaired. A structure is deemed to be “repaired” when it is substantially completed and restored to the extent that it is insurable by another authorized insurer that is writing policies in this state.

The Emergency Order also provides that notices of cancellation that were issued or mailed on or after August 25, 2017 through and including September 3, 2017, must be withdrawn and reissued no earlier than October 15, 2017. The premium for the extended period of coverage will be a pro rata portion of the premium for the entire policy term.

Deadline Extensions

If a policy provision, notice, correspondence or law imposes a deadline for policyholders to perform an act or transmit information that falls on or after September 4, 2017, that deadline is extended to December 3, 2017. However, policyholders with Hurricane Irma claims must still provide information and cooperate in the claim adjustment process.

Though no interest, penalties or other charges can accrue or be assessed as the result of the new deadline, this extension does not apply to premiums due in the normal course of business. The extension also does not apply to new policies effective on or after September 10, 2017.

Payment of Claims

Under Florida law, insurance companies need written authorization to pay claims by debit card or other form of electronic transfer. However, if an insurance company verifies the identity of the recipient and does not charge a fee, the written authorization requirement is waived for the duration of the state of emergency. Insurance companies remain liable for payment if funds are misdirected.

Are You Ready for the 2017 Hurricane Season?

It’s that time of year again. If you live or work in the Atlantic hurricane region, it’s hard to forget that hurricane season officially starts June 1st. The beginning of hurricane season, which runs through November 30th, is not a time for panic. Instead, it’s a time to finalize the plans and protective measures that will be needed if a storm is coming your way.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration made the following predictions about the 2017 Atlantic Hurricane Season.

45% chance of an above-normal season
35% chance of a near-normal season
20% chance of a below-normal season

NOAA forecasters also predict a 70% likelihood of:

11 – 17 Named Storms (winds of 39 mph or higher)
5 – 9 Hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher)
2 – 4 Major Hurricanes (winds of 111 mph or higher)

These predictions include pre-season Tropical Storm Arlene, which formed over the eastern Atlantic in April. An average season produces 12 named storms, six of which become hurricanes, including three major hurricanes.

A strong El Nino and wind shear typically suppress the development of Atlantic hurricanes. Warmer sea surface temperatures tend to fuel hurricanes. However, NOAA is expecting “a weak or non-existent El Nino, near- or above-average sea-surface temperatures…and average or weaker-than-average vertical wind shear.”

Regardless of predictions, it only takes one hurricane making landfall to make it an active season for you. Since it’s better to be safe than sorry, here are a few tips that can help your home and business weather a storm.

Before the Storm

Monitor the news to allow time to prepare.
Identify tools and equipment that will be needed to secure property before and recover after the storm (flashlights, batteries, caulking, tarpaulins, sandbags, cutting and fastening equipment, etc.).
Clear drains and downspouts to minimize the risk of flooding.
Unplug electrical equipment and move items inside and away from windows
Check and secure all documents and records.
Take or update photographs of real and personal property.
Gather insurance policies and agent/insurer contact information.

After the Storm

Only after it has been declared safe to do so, take reasonably necessary steps to protect against any further property damage.
Report fallen power lines to power company immediately—stay away from them!
Check exterior walls and roof for damage.
Check interior perimeter walls, floors and roof for leaks and water damage.
Document all damage with photographs and video.
Prepare detailed damage reports.
Call your insurance company or agent as soon as possible to report damage.

With over 30 years of experience dealing with tropical storms and hurricanes, we know that taking preventative measures before a hurricane is the most effective way to limit the damage. To help you get started, we created a 2017 Hurricane Season Checklist.

Setnor Byer Insurance & Risk has a long history of helping clients prepare before the storm and, more importantly, recovering after the storm. Our team of experienced and responsive professionals can help protect your personal and business property in the event of a hurricane.

Please contact us if you would like more information about protecting your personal and business property during the 2017 Hurricane Season.

You can receive regular updates about developments that may affect your home or business by subscribing to Setnor Byer Insurance & Risk’s weekly risk management news brief.

Are You Ready for the 2016 Hurricane Season?

Alex, which became the first Atlantic hurricane to form in January since 1938, obviously didn’t know that hurricane season runs from June 1st through November 30th. However, for those living or working in the Atlantic hurricane region, the first day of hurricane season rarely passes unnoticed.

At Setnor Byer Insurance & Risk, we understand that preparing for hurricane season is rarely easy and often stressful. We also understand that a lack of awareness and preparation can lead to disaster. Taking preventative measures before a hurricane is the most effective way to limit the damage. Start your preparations now by using our 2016 Hurricane Season checklist.

According to researchers at Colorado State University’s Tropical Meteorology Project, the 2016 Atlantic hurricane season will have approximately average activity and a near-average probability for major hurricanes making landfall along the United States coastline and in the Caribbean. During the 2016 Atlantic hurricane season, the Tropical Meteorology Project predicts:

12 Named Storms (winds of 39 mph or higher)
5 Hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher)
2 Major Hurricanes (Category 3 – 5 storms with winds of 111 mph or higher)

The probability that a major hurricane (Category 3 – 5) will make landfall somewhere on:

The entire U.S. coastline is 50% (the average for last century is 52%);
The U.S. East Coast, including the Florida peninsula, is 30% (the average for last century is 31%); and
The Gulf Coast, from the Florida Panhandle westward to Brownsville, Texas, is 29% (the average for last century is 30%).

Despite their predictions for an average 2016 hurricane season, researchers at the Tropical Meteorology Project remind us that coastal residents should prepare the same for every season, regardless of how much activity is predicted.

Since it only takes one hurricane making landfall to make it an active season for you, here are a few tips that can help your home and business weather a storm.

Before the Storm

Monitor the news to allow time to prepare.
Identify all tools and equipment that will be needed to secure property before a storm and limit the damage after the storm (flashlights, batteries, caulking, tarpaulins, sandbags, cutting and fastening equipment, etc.).
Clear drains and downspouts to minimize the risk of flooding.
Move items inside.
Unplug electrical equipment and move property away from windows.
Check and secure all documents and records.
Take or update photographs of real and personal property.
Gather insurance policies and agent/insurer contact information.

After the Storm

Only after it has been declared safe to do so, take reasonably necessary steps to protect against any further property damage.
Report fallen power lines to power company immediately—stay away from them!
Check exterior walls and roof for damage from wind, rain, flying objects or rising waters.
Check all interior perimeter walls, floors and roof for leaks and water damage.
Document all damage with photographs and video.
Prepare detailed damage reports.
Call your insurance company or agent as soon as possible to report damage.

While preparing for hurricane season is never easy, our team of experienced and responsive professionals can help ensure that your personal and business property is protected in the event of a hurricane. With over 30 years of experience dealing with tropical storms and hurricanes, Setnor Byer Insurance & Risk has a long history of helping clients prepare before the storm and, more importantly, being there through the process of rebuilding after the storm.

Please contact us if you would like more information about protecting your personal and business property during the 2016 Hurricane Season.

You can receive regular updates about developments that may affect your home or business by subscribing to Setnor Byer Insurance & Risk’s weekly risk management news brief.

Are You Ready for the 2015 Hurricane Season?

For those living or working in the Atlantic hurricane region, June 1st rarely passes unnoticed. At Setnor Byer Insurance & Risk, we know Hurricane Season is rarely easy and often stressful. We also know the importance of being prepared for whatever Mother Nature has in store for us.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s 2015 Atlantic Hurricane Outlook predicts a 70 percent chance of a below-normal season, a 20 percent chance of a near-normal season and a 10 percent chance of an above-normal season. According to NOAA, there is a 70 percent likelihood that the 2015 hurricane season will bring:

6 – 11 Named Storms, including May’s Tropical Storm Ana (winds of 39 mph or higher)

3 – 6 Hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher)

0 – 2 Major Hurricanes (winds of 111 mph or higher)

Despite having a reason to be optimistic, NOAA reminds us that these predictions should not be used as an excuse to drop our guard or delay preparations. “As we’ve seen before, below-normal seasons can still produce catastrophic impacts to communities,” said NOAA Administrator Kathryn Sullivan, referring to the 1992 season in which only seven named storms formed, the first of which was Andrew – a Category 5 Major Hurricane that devastated South Florida.

Since preparation is critical, here are some tips that can help you weather a storm.

Before the Storm

Monitor the news to allow time to finalize preparations.
Gather tools and equipment that will be needed before and after the storm (flashlights, batteries, caulking, tarpaulins, sandbags, cutting and fastening equipment, etc.).
Clear drains and downspouts to minimize the risk of flooding.
Move items inside.
Unplug electrical equipment and move property away from windows.
Check and secure all documents and records.
Take or update photographs of real and personal property.
Gather insurance policies and agent/insurer contact information.

After the Storm

Only after it has been declared safe to do so, take reasonably necessary steps to protect against any further property damage.
Report fallen power lines to power company immediately–stay away from them!
Check exterior walls and roof for damage from wind, rain, flying objects and rising waters.
Check all interior perimeter walls, floors and roof for leaks and water damage.
Document all damage with photographs and video.
Prepare detailed damage reports.
Call your insurer or agent as soon as possible to report damage.

While preparing for Hurricane Season is never easy, our team of experienced and responsive professionals can help protect your personal and business property. For over 30 years, Setnor Byer Insurance & Risk has been helping clients prepare before the storm and recover after.

If you would like to learn more about how we can help you through the 2015 Hurricane Season, please contact us.

Are You Ready for the 2014 Hurricane Season?

For those living or working in the Atlantic hurricane region, June 1st rarely passes unnoticed. At Setnor Byer Insurance & Risk, we understand that preparing for hurricane season is rarely easy and often stressful. We also understand that a lack of awareness and preparation can lead to disaster, and that the best way to limit the risks posed by hurricanes is to take preventative steps.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s 2014 Atlantic Hurricane Outlook predicts a 50% chance of a below-normal season, a 40% chance of a near-normal season and only a 10% chance of an above-normal season. According to NOAA, the 2014 hurricane season will bring:

8 – 13 Named Storms (winds of 39 mph or higher)
3 – 6 Hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher)
1 – 2 Major Hurricanes (winds of 111 mph or higher)

These numbers are near or below the 1981 to 2010 seasonal averages of 12 named storms, six hurricanes and three major hurricanes. “Though we expect El Niño to suppress the number of storms this season,” NOAA administrator, Dr. Kathryn Sullivan, reminds us that, “it’s important to remember it takes only one land falling storm to cause a disaster.”

The 2014 hurricane season will also see changes in the information provided by the National Hurricane Center, including:

A smaller tropical cyclone forecast cone
The addition of a Potential Storm Surge Flooding Map, which will highlight areas where storm surge inundation could occur and the height above ground level that the water could reach
The elimination of the Intensity Probability Table due to misleading estimates of landfall intensity and excessive reliance on these estimates by the public

Though different situations call for different measures, here are some tips that can help you weather a storm.

Before the Storm

Monitor the news to allow time to prepare.
Identify all tools and equipment that will be needed to secure property before a storm and limit the damage after the storm (flashlights, batteries, caulking, tarpaulins, sandbags, cutting and fastening equipment, etc.).
Clear drains and downspouts to minimize the risk of flooding.
Move items inside.
Unplug electrical equipment and move property away from windows.
Check and secure all documents and records.
Take or update photographs of real and personal property.
Gather insurance policies and agent/insurer contact information.

After the Storm

Only after it has been declared safe to do so, take reasonably necessary steps to protect against any further property damage.
Report fallen power lines to power company immediately—stay away from them!
Check exterior walls and roof for damage from wind, rain, flying objects and rising waters (flood insurance).
Check all interior perimeter walls, floors and roof for leaks and water damage.
Document all damage with photographs and video.
Prepare detailed damage reports.
Call your insurer or agent as soon as possible to report damage.

While preparing for Hurricane Season is never easy, our team of experienced and responsive professionals can work with you to make sure that your personal and business property are protected in the event of a hurricane. With over 30 years of experience dealing with tropical storms and hurricanes, Setnor Byer Insurance & Risk has a long history of helping our clients prepare before the storm and, more importantly, providing support through the process of rebuilding after the storm.

If you would like more information about protecting your personal and business property during the 2014 Hurricane Season, please contact us.

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