These 5 Overlooked Steps Can Make Hurricane Recovery Easier

As many Jamaicans continue to reflect on the impact of Hurricane Beryl, and with the memory of last year’s Hurricane Melissa still fresh for many families and communities, this hurricane season is a timely reminder that preparedness is one of the most important investments we can make to protect lives, homes and livelihoods. While meteorologists can often provide advance notice of an approaching storm, the level of impact you may experience is often determined by the steps you take long before a hurricane is formed.

 Preparing extends beyond stocking up on supplies or boarding up windows. It involves creating a plan, protecting your property, safeguarding important documents and ensuring you have the right insurance protection in place should the unexpected occur.

Dave Morrison, CEO at Advantage General Insurance Company (AGIC) says true preparedness requires a holistic approach. “Taking simple but deliberate steps before a system strikes, from maintaining your home to reviewing your insurance coverage, can make a significant difference for individuals and families when they need it most.”

Here are five practical ways to prepare:

1. Document Your Home Before There Is Damage

One of the most useful steps homeowners can take before a storm is to create a clear record of what their home looked like before any damage occurred. Take a slow video of each room, including furniture, appliances, electronics, fixtures and valuables. Where possible, capture serial numbers, receipts and any recent upgrades or renovations. Do the same for the outside of the property, including the roof, windows, water tanks, gates, boundary walls, solar panels, outdoor equipment and vehicles.

This kind of record is often overlooked until it is needed. If an insurance claim has to be made after a hurricane, photographs and videos can help support discussions with your insurer and make it easier to identify what was damaged or lost. 

2. Inspect the Weak Points of Your Property  

Before the hurricane season intensifies, walk around your property with a critical eye. Look for loose zinc, ageing roof screws, cracked walls, clogged gutters, blocked gullies, low-lying doorways, exposed electrical outlets, rotten fascia boards, unstable retaining walls and water tanks that are not properly secured. Also check windows, doors, storm shutters and any protective coverings to ensure they can be installed quickly if conditions worsen.

This inspection goes beyond general maintenance. The aim is to identify what could realistically fail under heavy rain or strong winds and address it before a hurricane warning is issued. Trim branches that could fall on roofs or vehicles, clear drainage paths and secure outdoor furniture.

3. Know What Your Insurance Will and Will Not Cover

Hurricane season is not the time to discover gaps in your insurance coverage. Review your property insurance policy before a storm is on the radar and confirm that your coverage reflects the full replacement value of your home and belongings. If you have renovated, purchased major appliances or acquired valuable household items, your policy may need to be updated.

It is equally important to understand the details people often overlook, including deductibles, exclusions, limits, flood-related clauses, contents coverage, temporary accommodation provisions and the documentation required to support a claim. If you are unsure, speak with an insurance professional or AGIC representative early, rather than waiting until offices, phone lines and support services are under pressure.

For homeowners without property insurance, now is an ideal time to explore available options. Products such as AGIC’s Home Advantage plan can be discussed with a representative to determine whether they are appropriate for your needs and circumstances.

Being proactive today can help reduce financial stress and support a faster recovery after a storm.

4. Prepare a Claims-Ready Recovery Folder

After a major hurricane, even simple administrative tasks can become difficult if electricity, internet access or transportation is disrupted. Prepare a physical and digital folder with the documents you will need to recover, rebuild or make a claim.

Include insurance policies, policy numbers, your representative’s contact details, receipts, valuations, mortgage or land documents, vehicle documents, TRN and NIS information, medical prescriptions, bank details, birth certificates, passports, school records and emergency contacts. Keep physical copies in a waterproof container and store secure digital copies where they can be accessed from another device if yours is lost or damaged.

This folder should also include the photos and videos of your home inventory. Kerriann Lawrence, Claims Manager at AGIC, says, “Having these records ready before there is damage can help remove some of the pressure from the early days of recovery and make conversations with insurers, contractors and service providers more organised.”

The goal is to avoid searching for critical information after the storm, when emotions are high, and services may be limited.

5. Prepare your vehicle as part of the household plan

Fill the tank early, park away from trees, utility poles and flood-prone areas, photograph the vehicle before the storm and keep insurance, registration and driver’s licence information accessible. It is also useful to remove important items from the vehicle, check that tyres and wipers are in good condition, and avoid parking in low-lying areas where rising water could cause damage before you are able to move. If you rely on your vehicle for work, medical appointments, school transportation or caring for relatives, think through an alternative transportation plan in case roads are blocked, fuel becomes scarce or the vehicle is damaged. Before the season intensifies, review your motor vehicle policy so you understand whether flood, windscreen, falling-object or storm-related damage is covered, and what documentation would be needed to support a claim. 

Taking the steps outlined above should adequately prepare you to weather any storm.