By Michael Giardina, Co-Founder 
Godbey Giardina Law 

Living on the Gulf Coast, hurricanes aren’t just something we see on the news— they're a part of our reality. With nothing but marsh grass between our home and the Gulf, like you, I’ve stood in line for sandbags, boarded up windows with family, and waited out storms hoping they’d shift course. I’ve personally lost an entire business in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, seen neighbors lose everything overnight and watched communities come together to rebuild, one nail and tarp at a time. That’s why hurricane preparedness isn’t theoretical for me—it’s personal. I know what it feels like to scramble for supplies or file an insurance claim. That experience drives our work here at Godbey Giardina Law Group.  

At Godbey Giardina Law Group, we’ve seen firsthand the devastation hurricanes can cause—not just to homes and communities, but to the lives and finances of those affected. One of the most important steps you can take before hurricane season is to prepare your property, your family, and your insurance coverage. Once a storm is here, it’s often too late to make the changes or take the precautions that could protect your claim. That’s why we’re urging all homeowners to act early—and wisely. 

1. Start with a Real Hurricane Plan 

If you've lived on the Gulf Coast long enough, you know the difference between a scare and a real one. Don't wait until the cone of uncertainty is on top of your ZIP code. Have a plan for: 

• Evacuation: Know your route. Gas up early. 

• Communication: Charge backup batteries and set up a group text with family. 

• Supplies: Keep at least 3 days’ worth of food, water, and meds—more if you’re rural. 

Growing up in a coastal family, we knew the drill by heart—but every storm taught us something new. Hurricane Katrina was a special one. With 18 foots storm surge at our home, the biggest lesson is that the first plan should be to protect your family and friend. Hurricane Katrina taught us even the best laid plans can fail, but even a flawed plan is better than no plan. 

2. Inspect Your Property Now, Not Later 

Simple preventative steps can go a long way: 

• Trim trees 

• Store loose outdoor items lawn furniture 

• Clean gutters and drains 

• Check your roof for any weak points or existing damage. 

• Move boats, vehicle, campers, trailers, etc. to safe areas or even a storage unit 

• Install hurricane shutters or reinforce windows 

This is not an all-inclusive list, but making a plan to protect your property the best you can is crucial and might save you a lot of headaches.  

3. Take Inventory and Photos 

Before the storm hits: 

• Document your property with photos and videos.  

• Walk through your home and capture the condition of your roof, walls, floors. 

• Document your contents and belongings.  

• Store these files somewhere secure—ideally in the cloud or on a flash drive you can take with you.  

• Collect important documents like, birth certificates, social security cards, vehicle titles, home documents, etc. in one place to easily take with you.  

This can all make a difference should you have to make a claim later. You will have all the information needed to expedite that process. 

4. Know What Your Insurance Really Covers 

This is where too many people get blindsided. 
 
After a storm, it's heartbreaking to meet families who thought they were covered—only to learn their roof had a “roof payment schedule” practically meaning no payment for a destroyed roof, no flood insurance, or their deductible doubled due to a “named storm clause.” 
 
That’s why we started a free AI-powered policy review tool at Godbey Giardina Law. Upload your homeowner’s insurance policy, and within minutes, you'll get a clear, plain-English breakdown of: 
- What’s covered 
- What’s not 
- What fine print could hurt you after a storm 
 
We understand not everyone wants to call an attorney. No strings attached. Just clarity. 
👉 Upload your policy Here– It’s free and confidential. 

5. What to Do if You Have a Claim 

If you’ve suffered storm damage, take these steps to protect your rights: 

1. Document the damage thoroughly – Take photos and videos of every room and every item 

1. Request a complete copy of your insurance policy – Including all endorsements and declarations 

1. File the claim in writing and keep records – Email or certified mail is best 

1. Track all out-of-pocket costs – Especially lodging, food, travel, or storage 

1. Send us your policy for a free AI analysis – We can even follow up to let you know if your insurer is trying to underpay or deny a claim unfairly 

Why Choose Godbey Giardina Law Group 

We’re not just insurance claim attorneys—we’re policyholder advocates. We represent homeowners across the country who are dealing with: 

• Denied or underpaid insurance claims 

• Delays in payment or repair approvals 

• Disputes over scope of damage or repair costs 

And we don’t charge you anything unless we recover for you. 

Growing Up Here Taught Me This 

You can't control the weather. But you can control how well you prepare—and how fiercely you protect your family and your home when the storm passes. 
 
If you have any questions about your policy, or if you're unsure whether you're truly covered this hurricane season, I invite you to take advantage of our free AI insurance policy review. It’s fast, easy, and built with Louisiana families in mind. 
 
Stay safe, stay dry, 
Michael Giardina 
Plaintiff Attorney & Gulf Coast Native 
Godbey Giardina Law 

Request Your Free Homeowners Policy Review Today HERE

Whether you’ve already filed a claim or just want to understand your rights before the next storm, our team is ready to help. Submit your policy to Godbey Giardina Law Group and get a free AI policy analysis and attorney review—so you’re not left guessing when it matters most. 

Have Questions About Homeowners Insurance Coverage? 

Call us at (985)590-4650 or message us today. We’ll help you understand what your policy covers, what it doesn’t, and how to protect what matters most.