DEBORAH MARCHINI, CNN ANCHOR: Weather forecasters say we could experience more than the usual number of hurricanes this year, and more than 60 million Americans live in the path of the wrathful storms.</s>DAVID HAFFENREFFER, CNN ANCHOR: And since hurricanes and tornadoes are considered the most destructive natural disasters, what steps can you take to protect your assets? Bruce Francis takes a look at some of the options.</s>BRUCE FRANCIS, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): There has been relatively little serious hurricane activity so far this year, but don't be fooled, we could still be in for a stormy late summer.</s>ORELON SIDNEY, CNN CORRESPONDENT: We're expecting 11 named storms; seven of those should be hurricanes, and three of those are expected to be major hurricanes, which is category three or greater.</s>FRANCIS: The Insurance Information Institute says 60 million Americans live in hurricane-prone areas, which stretch around the coast from the Gulf of Mexico in the Southwest to his far north as Cape Cod. Hurricanes and tornadoes are the most destructive natural catastrophes. Hurricane Andrew came ashore in 1992, causing $26 billion in damage, according to the National Hurricane Center. And if it happened again, the bill would be even higher.</s>LORETTA WORTERS, INSURANCE INFORMATION INSTITUTE: If another Hurricane Andrew were to hit the Miami area, it could effectively be about $60 billion in lawsuits.</s>FRANCIS: Homeowners should prepare for the worse by reviewing insurance policies, particularly if your house has gained in value. It's important have a policy which provides full replacement cost. Take an inventory of your home's contents and make sure a copy is kept somewhere it won't be damaged. Consider buying extra flood insurance. Most homeowner policies don't cover flood damage; it can be bought through the National Flood Insurance Program. And after the storm has struck, take another inventory.</s>WORTERS: And see what the damages, try to make any temporary repairs, and your insurance company will reimburse you for those temporary repairs.</s>FRANCIS: That's "Your Money." Bruce Francis, CNN Financial News, New York.
Your Money: Protecting Your Assets from Hurricane Damage