Hurricane Preparedness

1. Hurricane Preparedness Telcom Insurance Group

2. Hurricane Wind Scale Hurricanes are classified into five categories based on their wind speed, central pressure, and damage potential. Category Three and higher hurricanes are considered major hurricanes; categories One and Two are still extremely dangerous and warrant your full attention. SAFFIR-SIMPSON HURRICANE WIND SCALE

3. Hurricane Wind Scale Continued SAFFIR-SIMPSON HURRICANE WIND SCALE

4. Reinforcing Your Home and/or Business Home Take a home inventory of possessions, important documents, and photos to ensure peace of mind in the event of a hurricane. Protect your house from wind damage by boarding your windows and doors; water damage by sandbagging around your premises; and exterior by trimming bushes and limbs. Business Create a business disaster plan containing important documents, such as employee and client contact list, as well as your insurer’s information. Protect your building by boarding up windows. Create a recovery plan to provide your business with the tools and resources needed to get your company back on its feet. New Construction Make sure your builder follows the most current building codes and standards to strengthen your home or business. Take steps to harden your roof, walls, doors, and foundation to protect your house against natural disasters. Confirm with your insurance provider that your insurance coverage is adequate if repairs are needed after the storm.

5. Watch vs Warning…Know the Difference A HURRICANE WATCH is issued when your part of the coast indicates the possibility that you could experience hurricane conditions within 36 hours. This watch should trigger a review of your disaster plan. Protective measures should be initiated, especially those that require extra time such as securing property, sandbagging, fueling vehicles and generators, defining key employees, setting up a command center, and keeping your insurance (Telcom) contact information close at hand. A HURRICANE WARNING is issued when your part of the coast indicates that sustained winds of at least 74 mph are expected within 24 hours or less. This is the time to enact your preparedness plan.

6. Warning…What to do Once the warning has been issued, your company and your family should be in the process of completing protective actions and deciding the safest location to be during the storm. • Listen to a battery-operated radio or television for hurricane progress reports • Check emergency supplies • Fuel car • Bring in outdoor objects, such as lawn furniture, toys, garden tools and any other objects that are not anchored • Secure buildings by closing and boarding up windows • Turn refrigerator and freezer to coldest settings • Store drinking water in clean bathtubs, jugs, and bottles • Store valuables and personal papers in a waterproof container • Review evacuation plan

7. Evacuation…What to do If officials indicate evacuation is necessary • Leave as soon as possible • Avoid flooded roads and watch for washed-out bridges • Unplug appliances, turn off electricity, gas and main water valve • Tell your designated family contact or someone outside the storm area where you are going • If time permits, and you live in a surge or flood zone, elevate furniture to protect it from flooding or, if possible, move it to a higher floor. • Take Disaster Supply Kit, warm protective clothing, blankets and sleeping bags to shelter • Lock up your home

8. Have a Plan You should have a disaster plan. Discuss the type of hazards that could affect your company and your family. We can’t forget that not just your company that could be affected, but your employee’s personally could be effected. Know your vulnerability to storm surge, flooding and wind. Locate a safe room or the safest areas for each hurricane hazard. In certain circumstances the safest areas may not be your office or home but within your community. In some cases, your telecom offices maybe the communities command center. Determine the best evacuation routes and establish a place to meet if you and your co-workers are separated. For your family, have an out-of-state friend as a family contact, so all your family members have a single point of contact. Have a “Pet Plan” in place before a storm threatens. Contact your vet or local humane society for information on preparing your pet for an emergency.

9. Disaster Supply Kit Stock your Disaster Supply Kit: • Water - at least 1 gallon daily per person for 3 to 7 days • Food - at least enough for 3 to 7 days, including: non-perishable packaged or canned food/juices; foods for infants or the elderly; snack foods; non-electric can opener; cooking tools/fuel; and paper plates/plastic utensils • Blankets/Pillows, etc. • Clothing - seasonal/rain gear/sturdy shoes • First Aid Kit/Medicines/Prescription Drugs • Special Items - for babies and the elderly • Toiletries/Hygiene items/Moisture wipes • Flashlight/Batteries • Radio -battery operated and NOAA weather radio • Telephones -fully charged cell phone with extra battery and a traditional (not cordless) telephone set

10. Disaster Supply Kit Continued • Cash (with some small bills) and Credit Cards - banks and ATMs may not be available for extended periods • Keys • Toys, Books and Games • Important Documents - such as: insurance; medical records; bank account numbers; Social Security card; etc., in a waterproof container or watertight reseal-able plastic bag • Tools - keep a set with you during the storm • Pet Care Items – such as: proper identification immunization records/medications; ample supply of food and water; a carrier or cage; and muzzle/leash • Gas/Fuel - after a storm, many gas stations are destroyed or closed. Make sure to fill all of your vehicles before a storm

11. Returning As eager as you might be to go back, returning to your home or business immediately after a hurricane can be just as dangerous as sticking around during the storm. Wind and water damage and the lack of potable water, sanitary facilities, and electricity can make returning inadvisable. If you evacuate, be prepared to remain away for an extended period. When it’s finally safe to return, follow these recommendations to stay safe. • Return only after authorities advise it’s safe to do so • Avoid loose or dangling power line and report them immediately to the local power company, police or the fire department • Enter with caution; beware of snakes, insects, and animals driven to higher ground by floodwaters

12. Returning Continued • Check for gas leaks: smell and listen for leaky gas connections. If you believe there is a gas leak, immediately leave and leave the door(s) open • Never strike a match, any size flame can spark and explosion • Before turning the gas back on, have the gas system checked by a professional • Look for electrical system damage, assume all wires on the ground are electrically charged, including the cable feeds. Have a licensed electrician check your home for damage if necessary • Check for sewage and water line damage • Photograph damage for insurance purposes

13. 2012 Atlantic Hurricane Names

14. As always, if you need help with Hurricane Preparedness or assistance after your area has been hit by a hurricane, Telcom is always there for you – just a phone call or email away. Please contact Tina Wynter at tmw@telcominsgrp.com or 800-222-4664x3206 if you would like more information regarding Hurricane Preparedness. 6301 Ivy Lane, Suite 506 Greenbelt, MD 20770 Phone: 800-222-4664 Fax: 301-474-6196 Web: www.TelcomInsGrp.com Email: TIG@TelcomInsGrp.com