Triple-I Offers Floridians, Southeast U.S. Residents Preparedness Tips for Impacts of Tropical Storm Debby
August 03 2024 - 11:20AM
Business Wire
Residents of Florida and the Southeast should be alert for the
potential impacts of Tropical Cyclone 4, which is forecast to
become Tropical Storm Debby later Saturday and potentially a
hurricane before making landfall along Florida’s Gulf Coast on
Monday, Aug. 5, according to the Insurance Information Institute
(Triple-I).
Debby will be the fourth named storm of the 2024 Atlantic
hurricane season and second landfalling cyclone this year following
Hurricane Beryl, which made landfall as a Category 1 hurricane in
Texas on July 8. Three hurricanes have made landfalls in Florida
during the month of August since 2000: Charley (2004), Katrina
(2005) and Idalia (2023).
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) has issued a Hurricane Watch
for Florida’s Big Bend region. Other areas of Florida are under a
Tropical Storm Warnings or a Tropical Storm Watch. In preparation
for Debby’s impacts, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis declared a state of
emergency for 54 of Florida’s 67 counties on Aug 1. Following
landfall in Florida, Debby is forecast to impact areas of Georgia
and the Carolinas and Virginia through midweek.
In its 11 a.m. EDT advisory Saturday, the NHC warned, “Heavy
rainfall will likely result in locally considerable flash and urban
flooding across portions of Florida and the coastal areas of the
Southeast this weekend through Thursday morning (Aug. 8). River
flooding is also expected.”
The NHC added, “Hurricane conditions are possible late Sunday in
portions of the Florida Gulf Coast and Big Bend region where a
Hurricane Watch is in effect. Tropical storm conditions are
expected farther south along Florida’s west coast, including the
Tampa Bay area, and in the Dry Tortugas where Tropical Storm
Warnings are in effect.”
Further, “There is a danger of life-threatening storm surge
inundation along portions of the west coast of Florida from Aripeka
to the Aucilla River. Life-threatening storm surge is possible west
of Aucilla River to Indian Pass and south of Aripeka to Bonita
Beach, including Tampa Bay and Charlotte Harbor.”
Debby could also spawn isolated tornadoes and generate
widespread power outages.
The Triple-I offers preparedness tips for all residents in the
path of Debby:
- Review your evacuation plan and, if you have a pet, your pet's
evacuation plan
- Make sure your hurricane kit includes a minimum 14-day supply
of non-perishable food and drinking water (one gallon per person,
per day) for all family members and pets, as well as a two-week
supply of medications for everyone in your household
- Write down the name and phone number of your insurer and
insurance professional and keep this information either in your
wallet or purse
- Purchase emergency supplies, such as batteries and
flashlights
- Fully charge your cell phones so you can receive weather
alerts
- Prepare your yard by removing all outdoor furniture, lawn
items, planters and other materials that could become airborne due
to high winds
- Fill your vehicle’s gasoline tank
Damage caused by hurricanes and tropical storms are covered
under different insurance policies, according to the Triple-I:
- Wind-caused property damage is covered under standard
homeowners, renters and business insurance policies. Renters’
insurance covers a renter’s possessions while the landlord insures
the structure.
- Property damage to a home, a renter’s possessions, and a
business – resulting from a flood – is generally covered under
either a FEMA National Flood Insurance Program policy or a private
flood policy, if the homeowner, renter or business has purchased
one. Dozens of private insurers offer flood insurance in addition
to FEMA.
- Private-passenger vehicles damaged or destroyed by either wind
or flooding are covered under the optional comprehensive portion of
an auto insurance policy. Approximately 80% of U.S. drivers choose
to purchase comprehensive coverage.
TRIPLE-I HURRICANE SEASON
RESOURCES Videos Hurricane Insurance Guide
Insurance Check-Up for Hurricane Season Create a Home Inventory
Facts & Statistics Hurricanes Flood Insurance
Issues Brief Flood: State of the Risk
Articles Spotlight on: Catastrophes - Insurance Issues
Background on: Hurricanes and Windstorm Deductibles Understanding
Your Insurance Deductible Five Steps to Preparing an Effective
Evacuation Plan Settling Insurance Claims After a Disaster
Infographics
How to Prepare for Hurricane Season What Are Hurricane
Deductibles? How to File a Flood Insurance Claim
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Florida Press Office: Mark Friedlander, 904-806-7813,
MarkF@iii.org