Before law school, I worked for nearly two years at the Florida Division of Emergency Management. During major events, I served on the State Emergency Response Team at the emergency operations center in Tallahassee. With Hurricane Dorian projected to impact Florida, I wanted to take a moment to provide you some of the insights that … Continue Reading
One of the most bizarre hurricane stories ever told to me was from a client’s son in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi following Hurricane Katrina. While holding on for his life in flood waters, a chihuahua came floating by him on a surfboard. I just have a hard time imagining that but look at the photo … Continue Reading
We’re currently in the middle of hurricane season and all Florida property owners should be examining their insurance policies to review both their policy limits and hurricane deductible before disaster strikes.… Continue Reading
At this point, it seems that Hurricane Florence will strike and cause damage to buildings and homes beginning on Thursday, September 13, 2018. While hurricanes seem to always have an ingredient of unpredictability, the experts at the National Hurricane Center are warning of extreme winds, intense rain and storm surge.… Continue Reading
The Carolinas are bracing for the impacts of Hurricane Florence – currently a Category 4 hurricane at time of publication. Unlike many storms when the hurricane track is hotly debated, and landfall is anyone’s guess, the tracking models seem to be in agreement: … Continue Reading
Hurricane season has begun early this year, with the first named storm of the season, Alberto, making its appearance just days before the official season start date, which is June 1st. Tropical Storm Alberto is headed for the Gulf Coast and is expected to bring tropical storm conditions, including flooding rains, coastal storm surges, and … Continue Reading
With Harvey still in our rear-view mirror, many Houstonians and coastal Texans are fearing what the 2018 Hurricane and storm season will bring. Many policyholders are still fighting their insurance carriers to recover on their Hurricane Harvey claims. With numerous claims being denied or underpaid—several policyholders have not moved back into their homes due to … Continue Reading
In advance of Hurricane Jose, a tropical storm watch was issued for parts of the Long Island and Connecticut. Although the storm is expected to stay out to sea, the area is expecting rain, rough surf, and wind and beach erosion.… Continue Reading
On Friday, I took a deposition from our Tampa office via video conference questioning an adjuster in Charlotte. At about 1:45 pm, Erin Dunnovant rushed in our boardroom to tell me the office building and our entire area was being evacuated. I had to suspend the deposition and grab my computer. Opposing counsel said they … Continue Reading
Merlin Law Group attorney and former Insurance Consumer Advocate Sean Shaw spoke to Mitch Perry at FloridaPolitics.com about Hurricane Irma’s approach to Florida. The full article is reprinted below:… Continue Reading
One lesson I learned from Hurricane Katrina was to take your insurance papers with you when you leave. If a major storm surge hits, the local insurance agency is going to get hit as well. It may wash away or not open for weeks. Owners of property may find their own property washed away along … Continue Reading
Most Floridians are making their last minute preparations for Hurricane Irma and protecting their property from potential damage. In addition to having enough batteries, flashlights, bottled water, food, medications, and pet supplies, you want to make sure your important documents are in a safe, waterproof and easy to access location. This includes your homeowners insurance … Continue Reading
Over the years, the Merlin Law Group’s Blog has provided hurricane advice and assistance. I wrote a blog in advance of Hurricane Matthew, Quick Tips and Useful Links – Hurricane Matthew. My colleague, Nicole Vinson, posted a blog, Don’t Ignore Warnings of Tropical Systems.… Continue Reading
The Atlantic hurricane season officially begins in only a few short weeks—June 1. If you didn’t know already, this week (May 7-13) is National Hurricane Preparedness Week.… Continue Reading
Were you preparing for a flood from Hurricane Hermine that hit with some warning or even if it surprised you, most flood policyholders are in the same position: “Where do I go from here and what do I do regarding my flood insurance claim?”… Continue Reading
For those on the Northeast who had to face the wrath of Superstorm Sandy, it is too soon to imagine another Sandy, let alone anything worse than Sandy. However, the reality, experts say, is that “[e]ight hurricanes are predicted for this year’s hurricane season, perhaps the most since Superstorm Sandy struck New Jersey in 2012.”1… Continue Reading
Here on the East Coast, the news is dominated by Hurricane Joaquin and its potential impact on the Eastern Seaboard. One of the many topics is how to prepare for the storm. Residents are encouraged to purchase staples such as water, bread and milk; make sure they have flashlights and batteries; secure outdoor furniture, etc. … Continue Reading
Since its inception in 2004, National Preparedness Month has been observed in the U.S. each September.1 Sponsored by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) within the Department of Homeland Security, National Preparedness Month encourages Americans to prepare for emergencies in their homes, businesses, schools, and communities. FEMA’s Ready Campaign, the correlating public education outreach campaign, … Continue Reading
Bad weather is hitting Florida this weekend and possibly hurricane force winds from Erika. It is very important to be both prepared before you suffer damage and to be aware of your resources and obligations if your home or business suffers damage.… Continue Reading
Governor Scott has just declared a state of emergency for the entire State of Florida and every county within the State. Let’s face it, as of this morning the forecast track and strength of Tropical Storm Erika has changed repeatedly with each hurricane center update. But as of the time that I am writing this … Continue Reading
Hurricane Danny was named the first hurricane of the Atlantic 2015 hurricane season. It is still far from Florida, however, if you are a Floridian, you might take the time to pull out your homeowners or commercial property insurance policy to review your coverage and what your duties are after a loss.… Continue Reading
South Carolina and North Carolina look like they will take the main impacts of Ana. The National Hurricane Center reported today that the storm is moving towards the coast bringing high winds, flooding, life-threatening surf conditions, and heavy rain.… Continue Reading
As the 2014 Atlantic hurricane season has begun with the first tropical storm officially named Arthur, Nicole Vinson reminds policyholders to verify their insurance coverage. Arthur is moving in a northwest direction up the Atlantic coast with a position for landfall on the coast of North Carolina. Nicole Vinson is a licensed attorney in both … Continue Reading
Hurricane season in Texas runs from June 1st through November 30st. We have had a break from storms for the past few years, and may be a bit rusty on what to do if a massive storm comes through. So, here are a few tips to jog your memory:… Continue Reading
