Triple-I: Zeta to Make Gulf Coast Landfall On Oct. 28

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

 

SAINT JOHNS, Fla., Oct. 27, 2020 – Residents 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 the Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I).

The National Hurricane Center (NHC) warns 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. 

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 under FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (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 are covered under the optional comprehensive portion of an auto insurance policy. Nearly 80 percent of U.S. drivers choose to purchase comprehensive coverage.

Through its Resilience Accelerator and 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:

  • Review your evacuation plan and, if you have a pet, your 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 professional and keep this information either in your wallet or purse
  • Purchase emergency supplies, such as batteries and flashlights
  • Prepare your yard by removing all outdoor furniture, lawn items, planters and other materials that could become airborne in high winds
  • Fill your car's gasoline tank because long gas lines and fuel shortages often follow in areas impacted by a tropical cyclone 

 

RELATED LINKS

FACTS & STATISTICS:
Hurricanes
Alabama Hurricane Fact File
Florida Hurricane Fact File
Louisiana Hurricane Fact File
Mississippi Hurricane Fact File

 

CONSUMER INFORMATION:
Catastrophes: Insurance Issues
Hurricane Season Insurance Checklist
How to Prepare for Hurricane Season
Hurricane Season Insurance Guide
Hurricanes and Windstorm Deductibles
Understanding Your Insurance Deductible
Preparing an Effective Evacuation Plan
Brochure: Settling Insurance Claims After A Disaster
Spotlight on Flood Insurance
Facts About Flood Insurance
Recovering from a Flood

 

INFOGRAPHICS:
What Are Hurricane Deductibles?
How to Prepare for Hurricane Season
How to File a Flood Insurance Claim
Is Your Business Ready for Peak Hurricane Season?

 

EXTERNAL RESOURCES:
FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)
NFIP Information for Insurance Agents

 

RELATED VIDEOS:
Triple-I Hurricane Zeta Update – Oct. 27, 2020
Hurricane Insurance Guide
Insurance Check Up: Homeowners and Hurricane/Flood Insurance
Create a Home Inventory 

The Triple-I has a full library of educational videos on its YouTube Channel. Information about Triple-I mobile apps can be found here.

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