Coastal Residents Not Prepared For Storms

Three-fourths of surveyed homeowners say they know their policies do not cover flood damage, but only one-fourth say they have a separate flood insurance policy, according to the New York-based Insurance Information Institute.

Sponsored by Allstate, The Hartford, Liberty Mutual, Nationwide, State Farm and USAA, the poll also found that average insured homeowners in the Gulf and Atlantic Coast regions have taken just half the steps that would best position them to recover from a major storm.

The survey is used to create a Hurricane Readiness Index measuring eight key preparedness steps that, in addition to enough insurance coverage, include having critical documents and an inventory of possessions ready in the case of an evacuation.

On average, homeowners polled for the survey had taken 48 percent of steps needed to prepare. Those polled in coastal Louisiana had the best preparedness, the survey found, having taken 60 percent of the steps.

Homeowners in coastal Mississippi, Alabama and Georgia have taken 58 percent, while Floridians polled better than the national average.

Farther north, Maryland, New York and New England residents scored between 36 percent and 39 percent.

Dr. Bob Sheets, former director of the National Hurricane Center, said it was obvious that those who have been through hurricanes are naturally more ready than those who have not.

“But even people who live in historically hurricane-prone areas indicate they've taken only about half the steps needed to be ready to recover should a hurricane strike again,” he said. “And too many folks up north just don't think a hurricane will happen to them.”

Jeanne Salvatore, I.I.I. senior vice president, said there is a 30-day waiting period for federal flood insurance to take effect, “so it is not too late to get ready, but it is close.”