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July 22, 20255 Fall Home Maintenance Tips to Reduce Common Insurance Risks – Draft 2025
September 4, 20252025 Update • New Jersey
Hurricane Preparation Guide
Prep early to protect your household and speed up recovery. Below are practical steps, NJ resources, and important insurance checkpoints (wind vs. flood, deductibles, and documentation).
Hurricane conditions are possible in ~48 hours. Begin final preparations.
Hurricane conditions are expected in ~36 hours. Finish prep and follow local instructions.
Life-threatening coastal inundation possible/expected. If officials order evacuation, leave promptly.
Season runs June 1 – Nov 30. Sign up for local alerts (NJOEM) and monitor NWS/NHC updates.
General Preparation
- Emergency kit: water (~1 gal/person/day), non-perishables, meds, first-aid, flashlights, batteries, chargers/power banks, cash, pet/infant/senior items.
- Evacuation plan: know routes and destinations; fuel/charge your vehicle.
- Home inventory: quick video walkthrough of each room and high-value items; store in the cloud.
- Secure outdoors: bring in/anchor loose items; close shutters; board glass if needed.
- Generator safety: operate outdoors only, ≥20 ft from openings; never in a home, garage, or shed. Store fuel in approved containers away from ignition sources.
- Boats: follow marina/local guidance and secure early.
Insurance Checkpoints (NJ)
- Wind vs. flood: Homeowners generally covers wind; flood is separate (NFIP/private).
- NFIP waiting period: typically ~30 days to take effect (limited exceptions). Plan ahead.
- Event deductibles: Your policy may have hurricane/named-storm/windstorm % deductibles. Check your Declarations Page.
- Documents: save policy numbers, carrier claim contacts, and photos/videos in a backed-up location.
Five Ways to Prepare Your Home
1) Reduce Water Intrusion
- Close/lock windows & doors; remove window A/C units.
- Elevate valuables off basement floors; move irreplaceables upstairs.
- Clear gutters & exterior drains; repair downspouts to shed water away from the foundation.
- Test your sump pump and any battery backup.
2) Monitor & Maintain Trees
- Prune limbs near the home (hire a qualified arborist for large work).
- Remove dead/weak limbs and unhealthy trees.
- Watch for cracking, splitting, or heaving roots.
3) Fortify Roofs, Doors, Windows & Skylights
- Reinforce entry and garage doors; use tested shutters/panels for windows.
- Have a licensed contractor inspect roof covering, flashing, and fasteners.
4) Secure Outdoor Items
- Bring furniture/tools/decor indoors well before winds arrive.
- Do not store propane cylinders indoors; keep upright and secured outdoors per manufacturer guidance.
5) Strengthen Exterior Connections
Wind loads travel roof → walls → foundation. Weak links can fail under stress.
- Ask about hurricane straps/ties at roof-to-wall and wall-to-foundation connections.
- Ensure soffits are secured and roof trusses braced to code.
New Jersey Resources
We’re Here to Help
Have questions about coverage or preparedness? Talk with a licensed New Jersey insurance professional.
Glenn Insurance — Contact us
Thanks to Travelers for inspiration on several preparation tips.
Disclaimer: This material is for general informational purposes only and is not a guarantee of coverage, loss prevention, or legal advice. Coverage depends on your policy’s specific terms, conditions, exclusions, and applicable laws/regulations. For advice specific to your situation, consult a licensed New Jersey insurance producer and qualified contractors/officials.
