hurricane milton

Hurricane Milton: Hurricane Preparedness Checklist to Keep Your Family Safe

RRBHLAWZENHurricane damage, Hurricane Preparation

With Hurricane Milton being one of the fastest-growing hurricanes since Wilma in 2005, the need for preparedness was never more urgent. This Category 3 storm slammed Florida’s Gulf Coast with torrential rain and 120 mph winds, submerging and devastating whole neighborhoods. Tragically, 24 lives were lost, and entire communities were left grappling with the aftermath. As rescue teams pulled residents from flooded homes and assisted living facilities, the satellite images of flooded homes near Siesta Key and Tampa were a stark reminder: hurricanes are unpredictable and dangerous. The good news is that hurricane preparedness can significantly increase your family’s safety during such events. Taking the right precautions and knowing what steps to take before, during, and after the storm can save lives and protect property. Below is a hurricane preparedness checklist to help you get ready for future storms like Hurricane Milton. Keep your family safe by starting your preparations now! What is the Latest Update on Hurricane Milton? As Hurricane Milton made landfall near Siesta Key on October 9, 2024, it became one of the most damaging storms to hit Florida’s Gulf Coast in recent years. Residents in the Tampa area saw their homes submerged, with floodwaters creeping into …

hurricane idalia update

Hurricane Idalia Update: 4 Takeaways from 2023

RRBHLAWZENHurricane damage

In the aftermath of the devastating Hurricane Idalia, which struck the Gulf Coast of the United States in 2023, communities grappled with the profound impacts left in its wake. As the dust settled and recovery efforts began, experts scrutinized the effects and lessons gleaned from this formidable storm. Here are four pivotal takeaways from the tumultuous passage of Hurricane Idalia. 4 Takeaways from Hurricane Idalia Storm surge was damaging Idalia’s landfall occurred in an area where natural barriers such as wetlands and forests typically offer some protection against storm surges. However, the storm’s powerful surge overwhelmed these defenses, flooding coastal towns across Taylor, Dixie, and Levy counties. Along the Steinhatchee River, water levels rose an astonishing 7 feet in just one hour, emphasizing the rapid and dangerous nature of the surge. Former NOAA scientist Jeff Masters highlighted the importance of timely evacuation, noting that waiting until the surge begins can be too late. Even areas like Tampa Bay, over 100 miles away from Idalia’s center, experienced significant surges, underscoring the region’s vulnerability. The devastating impact was evident in communities like St. Petersburg’s Shore Acres neighborhood, where nearly half the homes suffered damage from the inundation. Different causes led to deadly …

will 2023 be an active hurricane season

Will 2023 Be an Active Hurricane Season? Here’s What to Expect

RRBHLAWZENHurricane damage, Hurricane Preparation

As we enter the mid part of 2023, many are curious about what lies ahead regarding weather and natural disasters. One pressing question on the minds of meteorologists, researchers, and individuals residing in hurricane-prone regions is, “Will 2023 be an active hurricane season?” The anticipation and concerns surrounding the upcoming hurricane season are rooted in the previous year’s experiences and the complex interplay of various atmospheric factors. In this blog, we will explore the predictions, factors influencing the season, and steps individuals can take to stay prepared.  When Is Hurricane Season 2023? The 2023 Atlantic hurricane season is rapidly approaching, set to begin on June 1 and extend until November 30. However, this season comes with a heightened level of uncertainty, as experts have identified a developing El Niño and unusually warm conditions in the Atlantic Basin as influential factors. An analysis by Weather.com highlights the abnormal warmth observed in the Gulf of Mexico, off the Southeast U.S. coast, and in the eastern Atlantic during spring. In early April, forecasters kept a close eye on the potential formation of a tropical or subtropical storm in the area, but fortunately, it dissipated without significant impact. April tropical systems are infrequent, with …

when is hurricane season in florida

When Is Hurricane Season in Florida? Your 2022 Guide

RRBHLAWZENHurricane damage, Insurance Litigation, Property Insurance

When is hurricane season in Florida? Learn everything you need to know about it in this article. You have to deal with hurricanes and tropical storms when you live in Florida, especially in the coastal areas. Florida is plagued by hurricanes every year. The same holds true wherever you live in Florida, whether you live in Miami, the Florida panhandle, Jacksonville, southwest Florida, or anywhere else. However, do you know when hurricane season begins in Florida? Usually, the hurricane season in Florida starts around mid-summer and lasts until October. It is estimated that the Sunshine State will be most likely to be hit by a landfall hurricane in September. History of hurricanes and their frequency Hurricanes and severe weather have a long history in Florida. The state is frequently affected by extreme weather events. However, how frequent are they? According to Universal Property, there have been 120 hurricanes recorded in the form of Florida since 1851.   What is the frequency of hurricanes in Florida? According to Best Places, tropical storms and hurricanes affect Florida approximately every three years. Therefore, it is essential to be aware of when hurricane season occurs each year if you live somewhere where it happens. …

Preventing Hurricane Injuries Is Possible When You Have the Facts

Preventing Hurricane Injuries Is Possible When You Have the Facts

RRBHLAWZENHurricane damage, Personal Injury Lawyer Florida

During a hurricane, injuries can happen to anyone—but if you are ill-prepared, you carry a bigger risk. This article discusses how you can prevent hurricane injuries during the next storm. It is not a matter of if but a matter of when the next big hurricane will hit South Florida. Here in Miami, we like to think that we are always prepared, but are we really? After all, anything can happen during a storm, and it can happen to anyone. You might think that it’s not possible to prevent an accident from happening—to an extent that is true. But you can drastically reduce your chances of getting hurt by taking a few simple actions before and during a hurricane. How to Prevent Hurricane Injuries during the Next Storm Put a Plan in Place Every family needs to have a plan in place before another hurricane hits. From planning your evacuation route to stocking up on essential supplies in case you need to shelter in place, preparing for several eventualities may help you avoid becoming frantic. When you are calm and know what to do in a stressful situation, you are less likely to hurt yourself. Power Down If you are …

Sign in flood waters Hurricane Insurance Claim

These 4 Steps Could Help You Get the Most from Your Hurricane Insurance Claim

RRBHLAWZENHomeowners' Insurance, Hurricane damage, Insurance Litigation, Property Insurance

No one knows when the next big hurricane is going to hit, so it is impossible to predict when you will need to file a hurricane insurance claim. Understanding the steps that you need to take after your home or property is damaged will not only help to speed along recovery time—it can also lead to a bigger claim check. Hurricane claims are some of the most stressful to file considering the devastation that can occur. Furthermore, your insurance company is likely to be overwhelmed by claims, which can slow recovery times. In many cases, the amount people receive from their insurance is less than they deserve, so when you know how to move forward, you are less likely to be taken advantage of by the insurance company. Many of the provisions included in a typical insurance policy are confusing, and it can be difficult to tell what your policy actually covers. To prepare for a worst-case scenario in which you have to file a hurricane insurance claim, you should review your insurance policy, if possible, with the help of an attorney. Which brings us to the first step you should take after a hurricane damages your property. Call Your …

How to Prepare for a Hurricane Evacuation during COVID-19

How to Prepare for a Hurricane Evacuation during COVID-19? 5 Critical Ways to Get Ready

RRBHLAWZENblogHurricane damage

This Atlantic hurricane season is projected to be one of the most active in recent history. So far, there have been 13 named storms, and the NOAA is calling for as many as 25 by the end of hurricane season in November. To make matters even more complicated for residents in areas like Miami, the COVID-19 pandemic could make a hurricane evacuation much more difficult. To keep yourself and your family safe in the event that an evacuation becomes necessary, we have compiled some tips to help you prepare. We are already well into hurricane season, so the sooner you start taking precautions, the better off you will be in a worst-case scenario. Preparing for Hurricanes during COVID-19 By now, you have probably already started preparing your home for the next big storm. If not, take a moment to read our recommendations here. When you are prepping your home and your plans for sheltering in place and evacuation this year, it’s important to understand that it could take longer to get supplies. Do not wait till the last minute to buy essentials like bottled water and emergency food because the stores might not have them when you need them. Give …

insurance litigation attorney

Hurricane Preparation Tips

RRBHLAWZENHurricane damage, Property Insurance

Hurricane season is upon us so keep these tips on hand to make sure you’re prepared. General Hurricane Preparation Tips: Fill Ziploc-type plastic bags ¾ full of water and stuff them in every corner of your freezer. You want them to freeze while you have electricity. It might take a couple of days for them to freeze. Nothing is lost if you don’t get the storm. Fill up with gas Get cash Fill your prescriptions Wash your clothes and dishes Take photos of every room and the outside of your house. Upload them to the cloud, or email them to yourself in Gmail, Hotmail, etc. Also take photographs of important papers, ID cards, the information in your wallet and contact information. Upload or email those photos as well. Get a rabbit-ears type TV antenna so you can watch TV if the cable goes out. Try it out now. The antennas are cheap, and the TV is free. Gather up toys and games and put them in one place. In case you have to leave home, you will want them to keep the kids entertained. Know if you are in an evacuation zone. Contact your county emergency management office online or …

Miami Attorney Wins Decision on Insurance Policy Following Irma Damage

RRBHLAWZENInsurance Litigation

Daniel J. Rodriguez of RRBH Law in Miami recently won a decision for two of his clients that helped them get the award they sought from their homeowners’ insurance provider. When Lazaraly Guzman and Larry Rosado’s dwelling was damaged by Hurricane Irma in 2017, they notified their insurance provider, American Security Insurance, Co., and filed a claim. Both Parties Disagreed on Damage Costs From the start, the insureds and representatives of the insurance company could not agree on the cost of the damage from the storm, so Guzman and Rosado started the litigation process. When both parties agreed to an appraisal per the insurance policy’s instructions, the court stayed the case until an award was issued. After both parties failed to agree on a neutral umpire for the appraisal, the court appointed Lawrence Leiby to oversee the appraisal. The disagreement centered on an email exchange between the appraisers for each party and Leiby. Leiby initially circulated an award amount of $121,800 to both parties’ appraisers. Court documents allege that the appraiser representing American Security Insurance, Co. objected to the amount and asked for an itemized list that detailed the damage. Leiby then sent a revised figure to both parties: $90, …

hurricane irma claim nearing an end

Hurricane Irma Claim: The Window to File Is Closing

RRBHLAWZENBusiness Interruption, Homeowners' Insurance, Hurricane damage, Insurance Litigation

Hurricane Irma resulted in over 838,000 residential property insurance claims. And although the storm that devastated the entire state of Florida occurred in September of 2017, it is still possible to file a claim. Damage from the hurricane has totaled nearly $50 billion. And some Florida homeowners still have not had their Hurricane Irma claims settled—roughly 7 percent, to be exact.   According to this Florida statute, affected parties must file a claim with their insurance company within 3 years of the date the hurricane made landfall. Hurricane Irma made landfall in Florida on September 10, 2017, which gives policyholders until September 9, 2020 to file.   Don’t let the fear of a denial stop you from submitting a Hurricane Irma claim It’s common for homeowners to feel as though their claim will be denied. Horror stories of dealing with insurance companies are always talking points for aggravated policyholders. And with exposure via social media to an even broader group of angry individuals whose claims have gone denied, the stigma grows even greater. Fear of a denial holds many policyholders back from filing in the first place. This is especially true during hurricane season, when deductibles are higher. As the holder …

storm damage

Hurricane Dorian: 3 Storm Damage Claim Mistakes That Could Cost You

RRBHLAWZENblogHomeowners' Insurance, Insurance Litigation

Hurricane Dorian made landfall in the Bahamas on Sunday, September 1 as a Category 5 hurricane. While experts have forecast that the potentially record-breaking hurricane will only graze Florida’s Atlantic coast rather than hitting it head-on, storm damage from high winds and flooding is still expected for the state, which means that many property owners will need to file an insurance claim so they can repair the damage. Homeowners and business owners need to be aware that filing an insurance claim doesn’t always guarantee full compensation. If you want to get your rightful compensation so you can repair damage to your home, avoid these three mistakes. Don’t Sign ANYTHING You Haven’t Read When filing an insurance claim, never sign anything that you have not thoroughly reviewed. Make sure that you understand the language of any paperwork that the insurance company or third parties put in front of you. Knowing what you are signing is especially important when dealing with contractors because signing a document without examining it closely could cost you the money from your insurance claim. How? While there are many respectable, conscientious contractors who want to help you repair the damage to your home or commercial property, more …

storm damage

How to Prevent Storm Damage During Hurricane Season

RRBHLAWZENblogHomeowners' Insurance, Insurance Litigation

While hurricane season begins on June 1, it’s never too late or too early to prepare for storm damage to your home. As we know here in Florida, hurricanes can cause a lot of damage in a short amount of time, so it is best to be as prepared as possible. In this blog, you will find information on what you need to do to prevent damage to your home and to protect yourself and your family in the event of a hurricane. Safety First While it is important to take steps to prevent hurricane and flood damage to your home, the first thing that you need to do is develop a plan for you and your family’s safety. In addition to building your own hurricane disaster kit and creating a disaster plan for the whole family, you should also review your evacuation plan. During hurricane season, the most important thing to remember is that homes can be replaced—your family can’t. Retrofit Your Home to Prevent Flood and Storm Damage Much of the damage that your home can sustain during a hurricane comes from two things: flooding and high winds. Heavy rainfall and storm surges can affect homes that are …