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State Farm Responds To Area Storms

Our hearts go out to all those who are affected by the severe storms in Virginia. State Farm® agents and their staff are prepared to assist customers with their needs. State Farm customers may report a claim by calling 1-800-SF-CLAIM.

State Farm has the largest catastrophe response team in the industry, and we will work around the clock to help our customers recover.

The greatest concern is for the safety of everyone in the affected areas. When it is safe to do so, residents who have sustained damage are encouraged to make temporary repairs to their homes and property in order to prevent further damage:

• Board up windows and holes;
• Remove water and provide ventilation to speed drying;
• Clean and dry furniture.

If you have a covered loss, these repairs may be reimbursed. Save receipts if you purchase items such as tarps and plywood or other supplies to make repairs. But remember, personal safety is paramount.

The Insurance Information Institute offers the following tips to avoid becoming the victim of a repair scam following a severe storm:

• Don't be rushed into signing into a contract. Collect business cards and written estimates for proposed jobs.
• Investigate the reputations of contractors and get obtain recommendations and references from your friends and family. Never give a deposit for repairs until you have thoroughly researched the contractor's history.
• Again, you can do many temporary repairs yourself without hiring a professional.

All affected residents should be aware of the following flood survival tips:

• Listen to radio or TV broadcasts for emergency information and evacuate immediately if told to do so;
• Avoid flood waters, storm drains and sewers. Move to higher ground or floors, even the roof, if necessary;
• Never walk or drive through rushing flood waters;
• Stay away from downed power and electrical wires since electrical current pass easily through water;
• Turn off all utilities at the main power switch and close the main gas valve if evacuation appears necessary;
• Before entering a flooded building, check for structural damage. Use a flashlight, not matches, cigarette lighters or any other open flames because gas may be trapped inside;
• Clean your home. Throw out any foods that may have come in contact with flood waters, even canned goods;
• Have damaged septic tanks, cesspools, pits and leaching systems serviced as soon as possible.

Contact

Amy Preddy, State Farm Insurance (434) 872-5211.

About State Farm

State Farm insures more cars and homes than any other insurer in the U.S., is the leading insurer of watercraft and is also a leading insurer in Canada. State Farm's 17,700 agents and more than 67,000 employees serve 81 million policies and accounts - almost 79 million auto, fire, life and health policies in the United States and Canada, and nearly 2 million bank accounts. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company is the parent of the State Farm family of companies. State Farm is ranked No. 34 on the Fortune 500 list of largest companies. For more information, please visit statefarm.com® or in Canada statefarm.ca®.