How to protect your artwork during Hurricane Season
Every year, the hurricane season starts June 1 stand ends November 30th. If you live in the Golf or the East Coast, you are at risk of being in the middle of such a situation during those six months.
As much as the meteorologist science has advanced, it is impossible to predict accurately how many hurricanes will be each season, which zones are going to be affected, and up to what extent. For example, places like the Florida Panhandle are often at the center of these storms because of its geographical location. If we take as an example the last major hurricane in the zone, Irma, we can see through the graphic all the claims filed as a consequence of the storm, which affected a great deal the area.
Let’s not forget the devastation that Katrina brought to Florida, but worse to New Orleans. During a storm of a hurricane magnitude, windows can break; roofs can leak, and there could be flooding. On top of that, you could be a victim of theft if you decide to evacuate, or for any reason, you are not at home. Therefore, the key to navigate each hurricane season successfully is preparation. So, considering all these scenarios, besides water, shelter, batteries, and canned food, what else can you do to protect your property and family?
Specifically, what can you do, as a private collector, to protect your artworks during hurricane season? First, locate an art appraisal company, ask for a detailed inventory of your pieces, and work with them in having your pieces evaluated. They will help you to decide which pieces you have to have insurance with an art insurance company, and which ones could be part of a general insurance policy. That way you can research for insurance companies that offer the type of policy you need and want. You will also need an appraisal report made by the art appraisal company. This document will be crucial, first to obtain insurance coverage, and later if you have to submit a claim.
Have an expert do a condition report of your piece, if possible one per year ahead of the hurricane season. Many art appraisal companies could do both things for you: the appraisal report, and a condition report.
If you live in a flood zone search in advance for a secure place where to store your valuables if the need arises. The appraisal report and the condition reports will be very valuable documents in this instance as well since it will be proof of the condition of your artwork at entering the storage space.
Keep in mind that you might lose electricity for a few days; this combined with the water accumulated is the perfect recipe for disaster, especially mold, which could be catastrophic for artworks. Particularly the weather in Florida is already prone to mold due to the high humidity, even at normal times.
Let’s remember a couple of years back Hurricane Sandy, in 2012, which particularly affected the area of New York, with devastating consequences for many art galleries. Many parts of the Chelsea art district were five feet under water, which prompted an exodus of art galleries to a different area. In 2014, two years after Sandy’s landing, there were galleries in the area of Chelsea still showing the effects. The consequences were: loss of artworks due to water damage, insurance claims battles, higher insurance premiums and the need for expensive storage spaces. Many of these facilities had basement storages, which were particularly affected.
Taking into consideration all the variables during a hurricane, and after, the only tools you have at hand is to be prepared. Get the art appraisal company and work with them to establish the value of your artwork. Try to place your pieces at a high place in your home away from windows, even if these are impact resistant. The next step is to have documentation of your artworks in case of damage or a loss, including a valid appraisal report. Be prepared, have your documents handy, make copies and keep the originals in a safe place. Don’t wait until the hurricane is announced, have a plan and implement it way before it does.
