Ida downgraded to tropical storm

posted by Michael Hanson

Though it has been downgraded to a tropical storm, Ida is still threatening the Gulf Coast area of the U.S., which serves as a reminder for people to make sure they have the proper home insurance.

According to the National Hurricane Center, Tropical Storm Ida is expected to make landfall on early Tuesday morning near the border of Mississippi and Alabama. Coastal areas for parts of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida, as well as inland areas for those states and Georgia, are expected to feel the effects of the storm, which currently has winds of 70 mph.

When it comes to damages sustained from hurricanes and tropical storms, the Insurance Information Institute notes that standard home insurance policies cover things like wind-related problems. However, flooding is not covered by a standard home insurance policy and must be purchased separately.

Along with having enough insurance, homeowners are encouraged to have a plan in place to deal with a hurricane. Along with having a home inventory, people should have multiple escape routes and be prepared to live away from their homes for a time. Some home insurance policies cover travel expenses related to evacuations, such as paying for gas or stays in motels.