Triple-I: Hurricane Sally To Be 8th Named Storm To Make U.S. Landfall

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

SAINT JOHNS, Fla., Sept. 14, 2020 – U.S. Gulf Coast residents from Louisiana to Florida should prepare for Hurricane Sally, which is forecast to make landfall on Tuesday, according to the Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I).

In a Monday afternoon advisory, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) indicated there is uncertainty over the specific timing and location of Sally’s landfall, as well as its ultimate intensity level. Severe weather conditions will last, however, for several days in multiple states.

The NHC warns Sally will generate destructive hurricane-force winds; torrential rain; life-threatening storm surge; flash flooding; isolated tornadoes; and widespread power outages.

Sally will be the eighth named storm to make landfall in the continental U.S. this hurricane season. Previous 2020 landfalls include Hurricanes Hanna, Isaias and Laura as well as Tropical Storms Bertha, Cristobal, Fay and Marco.

Damage caused by tropical storms and hurricanes 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 Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida residents in the path of Sally:

• Review your evacuation plan and, if you have a pet, your pet's evacuation plan.
• Make sure you have 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.
• 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 be picked up by high winds.
• Fill your car's gasoline tank because long gas lines and fuel shortages often follow in areas impacted by a tropical cyclone. 
   

FACTS & STATISTICS:
Hurricanes
Alabama Hurricane Fact File
Florida Hurricane Fact File
Mississippi Hurricane Fact File
Louisiana 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 Tropical Storm Sally Update
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.