The National Weather Service forecasters predict this year’s hurricane season will be above average based on several large-scale and sub-seasonal factors. These factors paint a picture of what could happen during the peak Atlantic hurricane season that runs until November 1.

According to Verisk, who develops probabilistic models that help organizations prepare for the financial impacts of catastrophes, each Atlantic hurricane season is unique although some aspects may remain the same from year to year. Read more on Verisk.Com.

The Connecticut Insurance Department reminds policyholders of the need to be prepared prior to a major storm. They should discuss with their agent, broker or insurance company if their current insurance coverage is still appropriate and adequate and verify that any new additions or updates have been properly reflected in the reconstruction cost and/or personal property coverages. In addition, consumers should take this time to make sure they fully understand their policy’s deductibles, including hurricane deductibles or voluntary wind deductibles.*

Flooding is excluded from homeowners, condo, and renters insurance, but separate policies can be purchased from the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or a private insurer.

There is a 30-day waiting period before a flood insurance policy takes effect, so now may be the time to shop for quotes as coverage, deductibles and premium costs can vary.

In case a hurricane, severe storm, flood, or other emergency forces you out of your home, here are some essential items to gather and bring with you in a go-bag:

• Cash: If the power goes out, credit cards won’t work. Keep cash on hand for replenishing supplies.
• Medications: Pharmacies might be closed, and hospitals could be overwhelmed. Keep a backup supply (at least several days’ worth) of important medications like blood pressure medicine and insulin.
• A Battery-Powered Weather Radio: If electricity is out and cell towers are down, this is your only way to know what’s happening.
• A Back-up Cell Phone Battery Charger: You may need to recharge your phone should the electricity go out.
• Important Documents: Social Security cards, passports, birth certificates, driver’s licenses and more could all be lost or destroyed in a flood. Keep copies of these documents in a waterproof container along with your home insurer’s telephone number and a copy of your flood insurance policy so you can quickly file a claim if needed.
• List of Shelters: In this time of social distancing, not all shelters are open. Be sure to make a list of shelters where you can retreat and bring a change of clothes.
• Masks and Hand Sanitizer: Should a disaster drive you out of your home and into a crowded shared space, you should have PPE supplies just in case.
• An Accurate Home Inventory: Create an inventory of your possessions every year. Without this checklist, you may forget to claim items lost due to fire or another covered event. The NAIC offers the myHOME Scr.APP.book app to capture images, descriptions, bar codes and serial numbers of personal possessions and stores the information electronically for safekeeping.

* Conn. State statute only permits a mandatory hurricane deductible in certain areas of the state. Wind deductibles are allowed for homeowners, however, a company may not mandate a wind deductible as a means for issuing or renewing a homeowner policy.

The Insurance Department has additional Hurricane Season on its website.

To receive Connecticut emergency storm and disaster warnings, sign up online here, https://portal.ct.gov/DEMHS/Emergency-Management/Resources-For-Individuals/Staying-Informed

• Email us at insurance@ct.gov
• Ask a question or file a complaint online
• Call the Consumer Helpline at 800-203-3447 or 860-297-3900.
• Sign up for e-alerts to get the latest news, warnings and rate changes that may affect your premium
• Download consumer FAQs on health, homeowner and auto coverage
• Use the Department’s Speakers Bureau for public events.
• Visit our Web site and follow the Department on Facebook, Twitter or YouTube