CINCINNATI, Oh. (September 9, 2018) – As Hurricane Florence intensifies with the potential for impact on the East Coast later this week, Governors in Virginia and North and South Carolina have declared states of emergency. A hurricane of this predicted magnitude could cause heavy rainfall and bring strong winds that could knock down trees, power lines and cause widespread flooding.

AAA advises rental and vacation homeowners with property on the East Coast to prepare now to minimize damage and plan for post-storm recovery.

“Now is the time to prepare for the potential impact of Hurricane Florence,” says Dan Scroggins, AAA spokesman. “The best way to prepare is to prepare for the worst case scenario with a plan.”

AAA suggests taking the following actions before and after the storm:

Brace Your Home for Storm Damage

• If you are unable to travel to the region, contact the property manager, or a trusted neighbor to request assistance in preparing your property before the storm arrives in the area.
• Install storm shutters or board up windows with plywood panels.
• Secure all loose items such as barbecues, and patio furniture on and around the property.
• Clean gutters so they can handle heavy rains.
• Update your home inventory list and preserve multiple copies.
• If evacuation is needed, turn off all utilities and disconnect any electrical items in the home. Water and electricity don’t mix, so any device left connected is a potential fire hazard.

After the Storm

• Have the property manager or neighbor photograph and document the damage.
• Proceed with extreme caution as you inspect your basement. There may be hazards from electrical lines and heating units. 
• File a claim with your insurance company. Do it as soon as possible. The earlier you file a home insurance claim, the faster it will be processed. Also, you may be required to file your claim within a certain time frame, so don't delay. Incomplete or inaccurate information can result in a delayed claim, so make sure you have all necessary paperwork in-hand when contacting your home insurance company.
• Store undamaged property in a protected place if possible.
• Be present when the adjuster inspects your damage. If you cannot be present, designate a representative such as a property manager or neighbor to be in attendance.

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AAA provides automotive, travel and insurance services to 59 million members nationwide and more than three million members in Ohio.  AAA advocates for the safety and mobility of its members and has been committed to outstanding road service for more than 100 years.  AAA is a non-stock, non-profit corporation working on behalf of motorists, who can now map a route, find local gas prices, discover discounts, book a hotel and track their roadside assistance service with the AAA Mobile app for iPhone, iPad and Android.  For more information, visit www.AAA.com.