Auto
Accidents happen, and when it’s on the road things can turn tragic. Should you find yourself in a car accident, keep the following in mind:

• Check for injuries
  
• Call the Police, no matter how small the accident
  
• Ask for the names, addresses and phone numbers of all involved and any witnesses
  
• Record all vehicle damage
  
• Note the location of the towing operator

Home
We never know when something may break our homes, causing unforseen damage. In freak weather, Mother Nature may even reclaim some of your house.

Should damage occur, keep the following in mind:

• Take photo or video of all damage
  
• Keep track of all expenses for emergency repair
  
• Don’t toss damaged property: prepare an itemized list of what’s been damaged, its age and possible replacement price
  
• If forced to live somewhere else, keep a record of all living expenses

Hurricanes
Past horrific hurricane season's have taught us that in an instant you can lose everything. Follow the tips below to lessen the damage serious storms can bring.

In preparing your home for a hurricane, remember the ABCS- Anchor, Brace, Cover and Strap.

Anchor- bring anything in from the yard that could be lifted by strong winds, and ask neighbors to do the same. Replace gravel/rock landscaping material with shredded bark to reduce damage; trim and anchor down foliage.

Brace- bolt all doors with foot and head bolts a minimum of one inch in length, also reinforce garage doors and their tracks. (Approximately 80 percent of hurricane damage is due to wind entry through garage doors)

Cover- cover all large windows and doors with securely fastened, impact resistant shutters made from plywood.

Strap- strap all windows with waterproof, heavy-duty tape to prevent shattering.

Tornado/Severe Winds
Tornados are fairly uncommon in South Jersey, but we recommend you still protect your property from severe winds. Prepare your home with the following tips:

Roof- If the roof is worn, remove the coverings to expose sheathing and make sure that is properly attached. Remove the bottom row of sheathing and install hurricane clips/straps as necessary; replace sheathing. Next apply a double layer of felt paper underlayment or a single layer of adhesive-backed, rubberized, asphalt sheet waterproofing underlayment; and install roof-covering shingles rated for hurricane force winds.

Walls/Porches- Find out if exterior walls are connected to the foundation properly. Also, brace all gable end walls and ensure that the porch/patio is fully attached.

Mobile Homes- Anchor mobile homes. However, find an emergency shelter (such as a public school) or other safe refuge however.

Fire
Wildfire damage can be prevented with just a few hours of work. Take the following action:

• Remove dry grass and dead leaves within 30 feet of your home,
  
• Remove branches within 10 feet of any chimneys,
  
• Prune lower branches within at least 6 feet of the ground,
  
• Plant only native, fire-resistant vegetation,
  
• Plant all trees and shrubs at least 10 feet apart.

Lightning
Surprisingly, lightning causes more deaths and destruction in a typical year than hurricanes and tornados combined. Follow these suggestions to keep you and your family safe.

• Use surge protectors for your electronic and electrical appliances to protect your devices from themost severe power surges
  
• Consider asking a contractor about installing a lightning protection system. (provides a direct path for lightning to the ground)

Source: The Florida Alliance for Safe Homes