ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½

For immediate release
Florida Press Office: 904-806-7813,Ìýmarkf@iii.org

Ìý

SAINT JOHNS, Fla., Oct. 27, 2020Ìý–ÌýResidents from Louisiana to the Florida Panhandle should prepare for Tropical Storm Zeta, which is forecast to make landfall as a hurricane along the U.S.’s Gulf Coast on Wednesday, Oct. 28, according to theÌýÌý(Triple-I).

TheÌýÌýwarns Zeta’s impacts will include damaging winds, torrential rainfall, life-threatening storm surge, flash flooding, isolated tornadoes and widespread power outages.

In what has become one of the most active Atlantic hurricane seasons on record with 27 named storms (tying the 2005 season), Zeta will be the 11th named storm to make a U.S. landfall this year. Should the tropical storm’s wind speeds intensify, Zeta also would be the sixth hurricane to make landfall in 2020.

Previous 2020 landfalls include Hurricanes Hanna, Isaias, Laura, Sally and Delta, and Tropical Storms Bertha, Beta, Cristobal, Fay and Marco. Four of the landfalls have occurred in Louisiana (Cristobal, Marco, Laura and Delta) and one in Alabama (Sally).

Damage caused by hurricanes and tropical cyclones are covered under different insurance policies, according to the Triple-I.Ìý

Wind-caused property damage is covered under standard homeowners, renters and business insurance policies. Renters’ insurance covers a renter’s possessions while the landlord insures the structure.

Property damage to a home, a renter’s possessions, and a business – resulting from a flood – is generally covered underÌýÌý(NFIP) policies, if the homeowner, renter or business has purchased one. Several private insurers also offer flood insurance.

Private-passenger vehicles damaged or destroyed by either wind or flooding areÌýÌýof an auto insurance policy. Nearly 80 percent of U.S. drivers choose to purchase comprehensive coverage.

Through itsÌýÌýand the organization’s other educational materials, the Triple-I offers the following preparedness tips for Alabama, Florida, Louisiana and Mississippi residents who may be impacted by Zeta:

• ReviewÌýyour evacuation planÌýand, if you have a pet,Ìýyour pet's evacuation plan
• Make sure your hurricane kit includes a minimum seven-day supply of non-perishable food and drinking water (one gallon per person, per day) for all family members and pets, as well as a one-week supply of medications for everyone in your household. Also include COVID-19 safety supplies such as two face coverings per person and hand sanitizer
• Write down the name and phone number of your insurer and insurance professionalÌýand keep this information either in your wallet or purse
• Purchase emergency supplies, such as batteries and flashlights
• Prepare your yardÌýby removing all outdoor furniture, lawn items, planters and other materials that could become airborne in high winds
• Fill your car's gasoline tankÌýbecause long gas lines and fuel shortages often follow in areas impacted by a tropical cycloneÌý

Ìý

RELATED LINKS

FACTS & STATISTICS:

Ìý

CONSUMER INFORMATION:

Ìý

INFOGRAPHICS:

Ìý

EXTERNAL RESOURCES:

Ìý

RELATED VIDEOS:



Ìý

The Triple-I has a full library of educational videos on itsÌý. Information about Triple-I mobile apps can be foundÌý.