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Hurricane Preparedness

Get the latest information on preparing for a potential disaster.

Prepare for an upcoming hurricane.

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Hurricane season starts June 1st. We’re here to keep you safe by offering a number of tips and helpful information while you bunker down waiting for the storm to pass.

Hurricanes can shatter lives as well as damage property.

Being prepared can help you, your family, or your business minimize the impact of the storm. The best time to start is before the threat is imminent. Ready.gov explains what actions to take when you receive a hurricane watch or warning alert from the National Weather Service for your local area. It also provides tips on what to do before, during, and after a hurricane.

Prepare and plan for the effects of a hurricane.

Atlas Insurance has taken precautionary steps and has contingency backup plans to serve our clients through catastrophic events. We want to assure you that we will be ready to serve you should you suffer a loss to your insured property. The following information will be helpful as you prepare and plan for the effects of a hurricane.

  • Most importantly, remain safe and do not take any unnecessary risks.
  • Review coverage limits and deductibles.
  • Have policy number(s) available.
  • Make a note of the time and date of the incident and assess damages.
  • Make temporary repairs as necessary to protect your property from additional loss and keep detailed receipts.
  • Take photos of any damage before any temporary repairs are undertaken and later provide them to the claims adjuster.
  • Report claims as soon as safely possible using one of the methods listed below
  • Obtain written estimates from only licensed and insured contractors for permanent repairs, including details of the scope and cost of the work.
  • Provide the estimates to the claims adjuster.
  • Do not sign any contracts or documents for any permanent repairs or begin work without first communicating with the claims adjuster. Be especially wary of “Assignment of Benefits” forms that many contractors and restoration companies use.
Atlas Insurance will be staffed and working immediately once the storm passes and the authorities have deemed it safe to return.
How can you report a claim?

We offer several convenient options for our clients to report a claim.

Report by Phone

Atlas Insurance offers a toll-free claims line 866-298-8283 and a local direct line 941-366-8424. Should you need to send it via fax, please send it to 941-552-4099 or 941-951-7557.

Report Online

Feel free to report your claim online by logging into our online portal. If you wish to file directly with your insurance company, find your company here.

Report In-Person

You can file in person at our Sarasota, FL location: 7120 Beneva Rd. Sarasota, FL 34238

Hurricane Helene Resources

1. FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers

There are two local centers in our area providing additional resources:

  • Manatee County:
    Lakewood Ranch Library
    16410 Rangeland Pkwy., Bradenton, FL 34211
    Open 9 a.m. – 7 p.m., Monday – Sunday
  • Sarasota County:
    Sarasota Christian Church
    2923 Ashton Rd., Sarasota, FL 34231
    Open 9 a.m. – 7 p.m., Monday – Saturday, and 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. on Sunday

2. FEMA Assistance for Survivors

In response to Hurricane Helene, President Biden has approved major disaster declarations for Florida and North Carolina. This allows residents in 17 counties in Florida, including our region, to apply for FEMA assistance. Here’s how to apply:

Types of Assistance Available:

  • Funding for essential items such as food, water, and baby formula
  • Temporary housing support for displaced individuals
  • Assistance for repairs to storm-damaged homes and personal property

Please note, this assistance is in addition to FEMA Flood Policy coverage, which may help repair or replace storm-damaged property. However, FEMA policies may not cover all non-conforming spaces or rental needs, so it is essential to review individual insurance policies.

3. Guide to Identifying Advocates After a Flood

To assist your communities in navigating the flood insurance claims process, we have attached a Guide to Identifying Advocates After a Flood. This guide will help you locate support and resources that can be useful during the recovery process.

4. HOPE Florida Assistance

For those needing additional resources such as temporary housing, food, supplies, and home repairs, the HOPE Florida initiative is available. You can call the HOPE Line 24/7 at 833-GET-HOPE or visit the Hope Florida website to request help.

5. Extension of Property Tax Deadlines

Governor Ron DeSantis has signed an executive order extending the property tax deadline for communities impacted by hurricanes. This extension allows residents additional time to recover without the immediate concern of property taxes. You can read more about the executive order here.

We encourage you to share this information with your communities. As we receive more updates from our local and state legislature, we will promptly inform you of any additional resources or guidance.

Stay safe, and please don’t hesitate to contact us if you need further assistance.

Manatee County Emergency Management Info
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Download Hurricane Checklist
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