BROOKLYN, NEW YORK — The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has predicted that this year’s Atlantic hurricane season will be an active one. The NOAA predicts that this hurricane season will see 13 to 20 named storms, with about half of them becoming hurricanes. Several major hurricanes have already caused mass destruction, including loss of property and life.

In conjunction with National Preparedness Month, James Guercio of Rubin & Rosen Adjusters urges homeowners to review their insurance policies, especially in areas such as Long Island and New York City that are prone to hurricanes and Nor’easters. He advises that they consult with their insurance companies to determine what is covered, and what isn’t, before the next natural disaster strikes.

National Preparedness Month promotes family and community disaster planning now and throughout the rest of the year. A disaster preparedness plan includes planning out communications between friends and family, stocking up on necessary supplies and knowing the risk of disasters in the area. Mr. Guercio said homeowners should also make reviewing the coverage in their insurance policies as part of their disaster planning.

“There are three components to each homeowner’s policy: building, personal property and additional living expenses,” Mr. Guercio says. “If one coverage is deficient on a significant claim, it can cause extreme stress on a family trying to recover.”

Mr. Guercio also says homeowners should take a proactive approach when preparing for the next catastrophic event. “Before the next storm hits, have your roof inspected for any loose or missing shingles to prevent water damage,” Mr. Guercio says. “Clean out the gutters and liners and have the trees on your property inspected, pruned, shaped or removed to prevent future damages.”

He also reminded homeowners to see if flooding is covered in their policies. “A flood with surface water is not covered in a homeowner’s policy,” he says. “Flood insurance will cover surface water entering the home, even if the house isn’t in a flood zone. These are things homeowners should not overlook.”

With locations in Brooklyn and Melville, New York, Rubin & Rosen Adjusters has been assisting homeowners recover from property losses for more than 30 years. For more information, call (718) 376-6800 or visit www.rubinandrosen.com.

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