Insurance Key In Condos

By B.C. MANION bmanion@tampatrib.com

Published: May 21, 2006

If you live in an apartment or condominium, chances are you will be on your own to protect your property.

Check with your apartment or condominium's management to find out whether management puts up shutters or lays down sandbags. If it doesn't, find out if you can.

If your condo association says you can't hang shutters, seek legal advice because such a rule may be beyond the association's purview.

Here are tips for apartment and condominium dwellers:

•If you live in an apartment, buy renters insurance; if you live in a condo, get homeowners insurance.

•Move your balcony furniture indoors when a hurricane threatens or before you leave your apartment or condominium if you'll be gone during hurricane season.

•Be aware that winds are stronger at higher elevations. If you're not in an evacuation area and you plan to remain in your building, consider staying with someone on a lower floor.

•Stay in an interior room without windows. Bathrooms and closets are often good bets. Interior hallways and stairwells may be good options, too.

•Know the route to the nearest exit stairs; elevators fail when the power goes out.

•If the government orders you to evacuate, go.

•If you evacuate, keep a binder that has all of your important information: credit card numbers, health insurance cards, mortgage information, personal identification, financial information, driver's license number and other information you may need.

•If you evacuate and leave behind a pet, be aware you may not be able to get back in when you want. If there's damage to the building, for instance, you'll have to wait for emergency officials to clear it for re-entry.

•Put your valuables in the safest part of your residence; take them with you if you leave.

Sources: John McMillan, attorney for Bay Area Apartment Association; Nena Gang, executive vice president for Bay Area Apartment Association; Larry Gispert, Hillsborough County emergency management director; Bob Pack, general manager of Ultimar condominiums