Sinkholes Suck

Earthquakes, tornadoes  floods, hurricanes, and landslides cost homeowners millions of dollars in damage each year; us Floridians have always focused our attention to hurricanes, but with growing number of sinkholes being reported the focus is shifting.  

Sinkholes are naturally occurring holes in the surface of the earth.   They can form gradually over time as the underground water dissolves layers limestone bringing the soil with it or suddenly.

In addition to Florida being made up of a young very weak, porous, Limestone that is easily weathered by the extreme conditions endured throughout storm season. Pumping from aquifers increases the chances of formation. As well as droughts that cause low ground water levels, that reduces the support of a cavity or the combination of low ground water then heavy rains or floods. 

Sinkholes can also be caused by growing population and development. The changes in drainage patterns, construction, and heavy traffic all have impacts. Building in areas like “sinkhole alley” with limestone depth less than 200 feet are examples of the modern sinkholes that we see on the news today. 

Whether natural or man induced, there are many types of sinkholes. The most common three are:

• ·        “Solution” sinkholes: when the limestone is exposed at the surface or covered by a thin  layer of soil leaving the limestone subject to physical and chemical process that break downs the rock forming a cavity or void. These type develop slowly, but are continuous.
• ·        “Cover-subsidence” sinkholes: when the sand layer is around 50-100 feet with very little clay around it. As the limestone dissolves, sand falls in filling the void. These types are known to not get very large in diameter or depth due to the sand fill.
• ·        “Cover-collapse” sinkholes: when the solution cavity develops in the limestone that the overlaying cover material can no longer support the weight. Greater chance of collapse when the limestone aquifer is below level.

Certain Signs that a sinkhole is about to open up.

-Slumping trees or fence posts

-Formation of small ponds where they had not been before

-Wilting of small area of vegetation in circular pattern

-cracks in building foundation

If you notice signs

-provide safety for your family. Evacuate if necessary

-secure or move valuable possession safely

-Notify your insurance company

-Mark the sinkhole or property with tape or rope to signify danger. 

 * You could be held liable if someone is injured.

For those who are buying a home...

• Be sure that the house is insurable. Is sinkhole coverage included in your policy?
• Hire a home inspector that can find signs of potential activity (especially in central-western Florida)

C.Y.A. (Cover Your Assets)

Rule #1 Cover Your Assets

We are over a month into storm season, you have prepped the yard, your family emergency plan and supply kit are stocked and in place, but what about your insurance? Let the images still haunting us from last years destruction be the extra motivation insurers need to take a much closer look at their policies this year. 

You have worked hard for what you have, so why would you risk it to something as unpredictable as mother nature? Isn't it better to be over prepared then not prepared enough and with changes in the future

1. Do you have your insurance in order? Have you read your policies? Do you understand exactly what is covered for the money you are spending? A standard homeowner insurance policy only protects you from wind and wind driven rain, water that is on the ground is covered under a flood insurance policy. Do you have one? It takes about 30 days for a new policy to take effect...For more information visit National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)  
2. In your home gone from room to room and photograph and/or video the contents of that room. Electronics, clothing, furniture, art work, etc. You will also want to scan all important documents and policies that you have before sealing them in a water proof bag. Save the photos and scans to a hard drive that you can store safely in a safe location outside your home. Also store a PDF copy on your phone. 

• Property Insurance 
• Boater Insurance       
• Renters Insurance           
• Flood Insurance                
• Wind Only Insurance           
• Auto Insurance                    
• Health Insurance              
• Life Insurance

Post Storm Claims

• Immediately report property damage to your agent, they will arrange a time to visit and assess the damage.                                
• Any emergency repairs you have to make, document and keep all receipts, videos, and photos to submit with your claim.
• During the claim process, keep a log of who and when you spoke to anyone involved in the claim. Also a brief summary as to what was discussed.
• When dealing with contractors, get copies of estimates including the dates it would be completed, & payment schedule. To check their license contact the FL Dept. if Business and Professional Regulations 850-487-1395

We never know what mother nature will bring or the damage she will leave behind. 

Being prepared for the worst is the best way to protect your family and your investment. 

  *If you have a smartphone check to see if your insurance company has a app that you can download ahead of time. 

Emergency Supply, can't have a storm without it!

IT'S THAT TIME!! In less then 24 hours we will be officially in storm season! To those who have lived through more seasons then you can count, your emergency supply kit is most likely already stocked. For those who don't have one... Every home, condo, apartment and business should have an emergency supply kit. The contents of each supply kit may vary, but there are necessities that no kit should be without. Checking the stock and expiration of your supply kit is best not to wait until you are under warning or even a watch. No matter when you build your kit, make sure it is enough for each member of your family and be prepared for at minimum 5 days. If you have pets, don't forget to include their needs in your kit.

For you & your family □ Water: one gallon per person per day for 7-14 days for personal and sanitary purpose (fill tubs in home with water before storm)                               □ Food: Non perishable packaged or canned food 7-14 days □ Cooler for ice and food storage     (Gel packs, Freeze water in zip-loc bags & 2 liter jugs, fill coolers to preserve food)  □ Extra formula & diapers for babies □ Flashlights with extra batteries         □ Battery or solar powered lanterns □ Radio, battery powered or hand crank □ Solar or cell phone charger □ Corded land line phone   □ AC adapter                      □ Grill or camping stove with extra  propane or charcoal □ Waterproof matches  □ Sandbags- important if you live near any body of water                                                  □ Paper plates & plastic utensils □ Trash bags □ Manual can opener                                □ Non-scented bleach or water purification tablets                                                  □ Duct tape & extension cord                   □ Basic tool kit with shovel & ax  □ Utility knife                                              □ Fire extinguisher  □ Blue tarps to cover entire roof, in case of damage □ Sturdy shoes (post storm)   □ First Aid Kit including gloves □ Sunscreen & bug repellent              □ Personal Hygiene                                    □ Important documents & contacts   □ Local maps                                         □ Waterproof container with all important documents and paperwork  □ generator & extra fuel (in proper fuel container)  □ CASH! For your pets □ Non-perishable food □ Water                                                     □ Medications                                           □ License & Documentation     □ Pet carrier For fun: □ Board games □ playing cards □ coloring books & crayons □ books & magazines If you are evacuating your home during the storm, you will want to add a few items to the list □ Clothing  □ Sleeping bags □ Extra set of house/car keys Tips: If in doubt of what else you may need to keep you and your family comfortable...pack like you are going camping. It is also wise to have a mini-supply kit in your vehicle.  Helpful Apps: