As the greater SWFL region recovers from the damage brought by Hurricane Ian, it’s important to remember that Hurricane Season is still in full effect – lasting through November 30 each year.

Floridians know this much to be true: after a big storm, the best time to restock your supplies is now. Even if there are no storms on the horizon, prepping for the next one is much easier with the experience of Hurricane Ian fresh in our minds.

To help you get started fixing up your hurricane kits & response plans, some members of the Boyd Insurance & Investments team are sharing some critical lessons they learned during the storm.

picture of Jerilynn Chapin

Jerilynn Chapin, HR Manager

Jerilynn’s son-in-law, who spent several days in Fort Myers after Hurricane Ian devastated the area, shared an important lesson: “If you suffer with any kind of breathing problem or are on oxygen, you need to evacuate sooner to find a safe place with their breathing equipment before the hurricane hits. Better to be safe than sorry.”

picture of Sara Tappan

Sara Tappan, Personal Insurance Advisor

Sara shared crucial advice for those with diabetes. “Insulin has to be kept refrigerated, and during the storm a friend of mine ran out of her supply. The pharmacies did not have any and she had to go to the hospital for her insulin shot. It was so scary! When preparing for storms, it’s best to over-prepare because you just never know!”

picture of Deborah Merrick

Deb Merrick, Personal Insurance Advisor

            1. Do NOT count on the center of the cone!  That storm could go anywhere it wants to. 
            2. Get your supplies in May-June.  Don’t wait until the day before the storm.  
            3. Make accommodation reservations early – not in the car while you are trying to evacuate the area!
            4. Be sure to have a copy of your insurance with you in case of a claim. Put a copy in a plastic ziplock bag and lock in your dishwasher; it is water tight and nailed to the counters.
            5. Don’t “wait and see”– Evacuate when the order is given!

Meg Gee, Commercial Account Manager

I think the most important lesson learned is that it CAN happen to any one of us and to make sure that you are prepared. Do not take it lightly and think it will blow the other way.

Kathryn Moss, Personal Account Manager

I keep all my important papers (like insurance policies, copies of my wills etc.) in a portable file tote. It has a handle on it, so if I need to evacuate, I can just grab and go. Plus, being in plastic helps protect it from getting wet or damp. Another thing I’ve done (I did this years ago)  is place all my photographs, photo albums in plastic Rubbermaid bins.  Again, grab those, put them in my car and go. Everything is else replaceable. Lives and memories are not– and having important papers all together keeps things simple in what could be a stressful time.

Now is the time to refresh your Hurricane Kit! Click here to read our Hurricane Kit check-list.