It's vital you understand your insurance policy before a hurricane hits. Read your policy carefully and know how to file a claim. If your property has been damaged, report claims immediately to your insurance company.

Most insurance policies cover hurricane wind damage under "wind and hail." However, much of the property damage in hurricanes is caused by floods, and flood damage is excluded under basic homeowners policies. If you live in an area that is prone to flooding, consider purchasing special flood insurance from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) www.fema.gov/business/nfip of the U.S. government. Insurance companies do not underwrite flood insurance, and the NFIP is the primary way to protect your property from the devastation of floods. Talk to your insurance agent about NFIP coverage.

It will be easier to file an insurance claim if you have a complete inventory of your property, including serial numbers, photographs or videotapes. After a disaster it's almost impossible to remember everything you lost. Keep your inventory and photographs or videotapes in a safe place away from home, along with supporting receipts, bills and canceled checks. Injuries and deaths can be prevented if people understand the dangers of hurricanes and know how to prepare for them. Teaching your family exactly what to do can help everyone come through the disaster safely.