Gulf Coast Educators Insurance Announces the Release of a 2014 Hurricane Season Preparation Guide for Florida Residents

Naples, FL, June 19, 2014 --(PR.com)-- Another hurricane season is upon us, and although the 2014 season is predicted to be near or below average, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) still predicts three to six hurricanes will form in the North Atlantic this season. “While the NOAA’s early outlooks are not always 100% accurate, it is important for homeowners to be prepared in case a hurricane targets Florida this season,” states Ron DeFreitas owner/operator of Gulf Coast Educators Insurance. “To help residents become better prepared, Gulf Coast Educators Insurance has created an online guide to help homeowners and renters prepare for the 2014 hurricane season,” adds DeFreitas.

The Gulf Coast Educators Insurance’s 2014 Hurricane Season Preparation Guide will cover topics such as general preparedness through the season, how to prepare your home and yard for an approaching hurricane threat, advice for snowbirds or residents who may be away from home, and also insurance considerations. It is available at: http://www.propertyandhomeinsuranceflorida.com/homeowners-insurance-hurricane-guide/.

Some important reminders and tips featured in the online guide include, but are not limited to:

Get emergency kit supplies early (including non-perishable items)
Keep vehicle gas tank at least ½ tank full during hurricane season
Inspect Roof for missing shingles or other problems and repair them
Secure firewood and unnecessary lawn ornaments to prevent damage from flying
Trim back tree branches
Perform a home inventory, with pictures and video and store it safely
Test your generator monthly and make sure to have extra gas cans (with gas), these will also help for chainsaw and other gas tools
Keep propane tank full
Have sandbags for low lying areas on property, like near a pool
Consider the purchase of flood insurance, even if outside of a floodplain.

When preparing for hurricane season, it is crucial that homeowners and renters also look at their insurance coverage and visit or call their insurance agent. Some insurance-related concerns may be whether residents have made significant improvements that have increased the replacement cost of their home in the last year, and if extra coverage is needed for jewelry or business equipment that is kept at home. Cash value coverage only pays the depreciated value of belongings, and replacement cost coverage will cover the cost of a new item if the old one is destroyed.

“Often times, home owners forget to check-in with their insurance agent and may end up with an insurance policy that does not cover the full value of their home, or of their belongings. For renters, a landlord’s insurance policy typically does not cover belongings in the events of a hurricane (or fire or theft), so renters need a separate renters policy to protect their personal goods,” asserts DeFreitas.

Gulf Coast Educators Insurance is the leader in Home and Property Insurance in Southwest Florida. Their experienced insurance agents also provide flood insurance, condominium insurance, renters insurance, as well as life insurance and auto insurance policies.

Gulf Coast Educators Insurance has three convenient Southwest Florida insurance offices. For a free homeowners insurance or property insurance policy review please call 239-591-0963 for the Naples insurance office. For residents looking for insurance in Port Charlotte, Florida please call 941-391-5423. Gulf Coast Educators has their third insurance office in Ft. Myers, FL. Residents in Ft. Myers are encouraged to call 239-997-0420 for assistance with insurance or visit online at http://www.propertyandhomeinsuranceflorida.com.