Empty shelves, panic buying, a rush for duct tape, these scenes before last year’s Super Typhoon Mangkhut are still fresh in many people’s minds. Hong Kong has been hit by quite a few super typhoons in recent years. As the typhoon season approaches, early preparation is certainly key. Here are three ways to get prepared for the storms.
1. Tape your windows
Strong winds can tear apart your windows, especially if your apartment faces the sea. Duct tapes can strengthen your windows against some gusts, but a full-sized transparent window film can do the job even better.
2. Check for water leakage
If water seeps through your window frames or the cracks on the sides of your air-conditioner when it rains, you should get it fixed before the tropical storm season, or at the very least, place some towels there for damage control.
3. Check your drain openings
Drain openings can be seen on the bathroom and kitchen floors in many residential buildings. You may not use them often, and therefore may have no idea if there is blockage, which may result in backflow in times of typhoons. So you may want to check your drains and clear the blockage before the storm season.
Some damage by typhoons are more unexpected and difficult to dodge. Some years ago, when the typhoon signal No. 10 was on, a flat was wrecked by a suspended working platform of that building and the rainstorm wreaked havoc to what remained in the house. Another example is when heavy rain causes damage to an outdoor split type air-conditioner. Home Insurance will come in handy to reduce losses.
Home insurance covers more than just property loss
Various home insurance plans differ in their coverage and should be chosen according to need. In general, property damage in the apartment caused by water leakage during a rainstorm will be covered. Other relevant insurance products will be needed to cover furniture and other valuables placed on the rooftop, terrace, or other areas prone to damage by typhoons. This should sound familiar to many of you.
But the essence of home insurance lies not just in compensation for damages after natural hazards, but also in the protection it offers when these events strike. Some insurance products give allowance for accommodation and food in the event of suspension in water or electricity supply, or if a tropical storm puts your lift out of order for 6 hours or more. These plans even offer extra compensation for food in your fridge that goes bad because of a power outage, making it less “financially painful” for you if there are expensive foods involved.
Pay attention to insurance terms for properties from the developer or a previous owner
If you have electric appliances or other properties in your flat when you purchase it from the developer or a previous owner, then you need to keep an eye on whether your home insurance plan covers “fixtures and fittings by ex-property owner or property developer”.
With the typhoon season just around the corner, if you don’t want your floors or ground structures left over by the previous occupant to get flooded with no protection, then make sure you choose your insurance products wisely and get the right coverage for yourself.
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