As Hurricane Gonzalo bears down on Bermuda, residents should listen to warnings by emergency officials and seek safety, says the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America.

Weather forecasters anticipate the storm will strengthen and potentially reach a category 3, the strongest to hit the island since 2003 when Hurricane Fabian hit. Local officials are warning residents if they experience damage during Fabian to expect the same and to plan ahead.

“It’s important to follow the orders given by emergency officials and prepare your property,” said Chris Hackett, director of personal lines for PCI. “Make sure you inspect your property for storm damage and if you’re home has damage, contact your insurer immediately. Insurance is there to protect your valuables, allow you to rebuild if necessary and get your life back to normal as soon as possible. Insurance companies train adjusters and plan year-round for major storms and they are prepared to move adjusters into the affected areas and assist customers as soon as it is safe.”

Residents are advised to:

• Review your property insurance policy, especially the “declarations” page, and check whether your policy pays replacement costs, or actual cash value for a covered loss.

• Inventory your household items, and photograph or videotape them for further documentation. Keep this information and your insurance policies in a safe place.

• Keep the name, address and claims-reporting telephone number of your insurer and agent in a safe and easily accessible place.

• Protect your property by covering all windows with plywood or shutters, moving vehicles into the garage when possible and placing grills and patio furniture indoors.

• Keep all receipts for any repairs so your insurance company can reimburse you.

• Check with your insurance adjuster for referrals to professional restoration, cleaning and salvage companies if additional assistance is needed.

• Make sure watercraft are stored in a secure area, like a garage or covered boat dock. A typical homeowner’s policy will cover property damage in limited instances for small watercraft, and separate boat policies will provide broader, more extensive property and liability protection for larger, faster boat, yachts, jet skis and wave runners.

The following flooding tips are also provided:

• Shovel or scrape mud off walls, floors and furniture, then hose from the ceiling down before the mud dries.

• To prevent mould and odours, clean walls and floors with diluted chlorine bleach.

• Gradually pump flooded basements (about one-third of the water per day).

• Electricity and water make for a dangerous combination. Take the proper precautions to avoid electric shock.

• Dry wood furniture outdoors away from direct sunlight.

• Use public water only after it has been declared safe by an authorised official.