Here It Comes: Hurricane Season

Well, the experts are policy numbers and all

predicting an “active” the contact information.
hurricane season for 5) Is your home titled
2010. The National in the name of your
Weather Service anti- revocable trust? If your
cipates 14 to 23 named home is damaged and
storms, 8 to 14 hurri- you need to file a claim
canes, and 3 to 7 major with your insurance
hurricanes. Hurricane company, you’ll most
season started on June likely need to show your
1 and is officially over insurance company the
on Nov. 30. However, I original, signed docu-
don’t think we can de- Joseph S. Karp, ment.
pend on Planet Earth C.E.L.A. 6) Other items to store
to observe that official ending date. in a safe place (or take copies with
I know, I know; We’ve all become you if you must evacuate): Your
skeptics at this point. But you know durable power of attorney, medical
my mantra: Prepare for the worst, power of attorney, prescriptions, and
hope for the best. When it comes to a list of your bank and brokerage
hoping for the best, you don’t need accounts and other assets.
my help. But you just might need a 7) You may also want to take pictures

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little advice on the preparation part. of the valuables in your home. Today
1) If your original, signed
documents are not in a safe-
Listen to Joe Karp and Anita Finley on
ty deposit box but at home,
make sure you put them Saturday, Aug. 14 from 7:30-8:00 AM
on WSBR 740AM and on the

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in a watertight container of
some type. Then put that Internet at www.wsbrradio.com.
container high up, off the
floor, in the event flooding occurs. nearly everyone has a digital cam-
2) You may have to evacuate. If you era or a cell phone with a camera,
do, you will need to decide if you are so this is a lot less of a chore than it
taking the originals with you, or used to be.
leaving them behind. If you leave Now that you’re prepared, you can
them behind, make copies and take do the easy part; Hope for the best!
them with you. Joseph S. Karp is a nationally certi-
3) Let trusted loved ones know the fied and Florida Bar-certified elder law
location of your original documents. attorney (C.E.L.A.) specializing in the
practice of Trusts, Estates and Elder Law.
You may also want to provide copies His offices are located at 2500
to them. Someone who lives out of Quantum Lakes Drive, Boynton Beach
the path of hurricanes would be a (561) 752-4550; 2875 PGA Blvd., Palm
good choice! Beach Gardens (561) 625-1100; and
4) Protect pertinent documents like 1100 SW St. Lucie W. Blvd., Port
homeowners insurance policies, wind St. Lucie (772) 343-8411.
and flood policies, and health insur- Toll-free from anywhere: 800-893-
9911. E-mail: KLF@Karplaw.com or
ance policies. If you have to evacu-
website www.karplaw.com.
ate, take copies of all of these Read The Florida Elder Law and
documents. Make sure you have Estate Planning Blog at
the name of your insurance carriers, www.karplaw.blogspot.com.