American's homeowners, on average, have taken only half the preparedness steps needed to survive and recover from a major storm, according to a new Hurricane Readiness Index released last month. The index is based on a nationwide survey that asked 4,200 homeowners if they had taken eight key steps toward disaster preparedness. The survey was sponsored by seven major U.S. property insurers.

Survey respondents as a whole averaged only 48% on the index. Residents of the Gulf Coast states ranged from 51-60%, with Louisiana topping the rest. New England states showed poor results, with index ratings from 36-39% for Connecticut, Maryland, New York, Massachusetts and Maine.

Three-fourths of survey respondents who had homeowners insurance said they knew their policy wouldn't cover flood damage, yet less than 25% said they carried separate flood coverage.

The eight critical indicators of storm readiness used in the survey were:

1. Have a personal disaster evacuation plan or kit

2. Reviewed homeowners insurance policy within the past 12 months

3. Updated homeowners insurance policy in the past 5 years

4. Made an inventory of personal possessions

5. Made improvements to their home to prepare for a hurricane

6. Carry a separate flood insurance policy in addition to homeowners coverage

7. Feel they have the "right amount" of insurance coverage

8. Store important documents in a safe place.

September is National Preparedness Month. See www.ready.gov for more information.