Hurricane Preparedness – What You Need to Know

Every year tropical storms and hurricanes threaten the southern and eastern United States with high winds, torrential rains, flooding, and tornadoes, putting thousands of lives and billions of dollars in property at risk. And analysts predict 2011 will be a particularly active year for hurricane activity.

Here are some steps to help keep your family safe in the event of a hurricane. Also make sure to follow us on Twitter and Facebook for more tips and information.

Plan Ahead

Proper hurricane planning begins long before hurricane season (June 1 – Nov. 30). Help ensure your family’s safety by creating a disaster preparedness plan that includes a disaster survival kit and an emergency evacuation plan.

Secure Your Property

When a hurricane warning is given, close window shutters or attach protective panels with previously installed fasteners. Information about emergency board-up procedures can be found at the Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH).

Get To Safety

During threatening conditions, keep a battery-powered radio tuned to local weather advisories. If you are ordered to evacuate, go directly inland or to a shelter as directed by local authorities. Lock doors and windows before you go. Bring your disaster survival kit, and let friends and relatives know where you plan to be.

If an evacuation has not been ordered or there is no time to get to a shelter, stay in the middle of your home or basement, away from windows and glass doors. Try to take cover under a staircase or a heavy piece of furniture. Do not stay in a manufactured home if a hurricane is approaching. They are easily overturned in high winds and flying debris can puncture their light frames and exteriors.

If you live in a hurricane-prone area, you may want to build a safe room in your home. A safe room is an area of your home that has been reinforced to provide protection from broken glass and flying debris. An experienced contractor can build a safe room with a reinforced roof, walls, and ceilings in a new or existing home.

More information about how to create a Disaster Preparedness Plan

TCAIS Member Company Claims Contact Information and Other Storm Resources

Allstate policyholders can begin the claim process by:
Link to Allstate Claims Center
Claim reporting availability online or by calling 1-800-ALLSTATE

Nationwide policyholders can begin the claim process by:
Link to Nationwide’s Online Catastrophe Center
Call the Nationwide Claims Hotline (1-800-421-3535) or visit the online Claims Center

State Farm policyholders can begin the claim process by:
Contact a State Farm agent by phone 1-800-SF-CLAIM (1-800-732-5246) or in person (if you are able)
Go to www.statefarm.com

USAA policyholders can begin the claims process by:
Report a claim online at USAA.com
If that option is not available, you can call the claims hotline at 1-800-531-USAA