Raleigh, NC., Aug. 30, 2011 - As residents in North Carolina begin to recover from Hurricane Irene, State Farm has already started assisting our policyholders. Local agents and claim personnel, as well as members of our National Catastrophe Team, are in the impacted areas assisting customers.
As of Monday, we have a total of 2400 homeowner's claims and 364 auto claims in North Carolina. We expect those numbers to rise as power is reestablished and phone service becomes available in the most affected areas.
State Farm policyholders can report a claim 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by contacting their agent's office, calling 1 800 SFCLAIM, or online at www.statefarm.com.
The period following a natural disaster can be disorienting and dangerous. . In an attempt to return to a state of normalcy, disaster victims will take unnecessary risks. The following tips from State Farm will relieve some of the uncertainty and help you stay safe in the aftermath of a major event.
Carbon Monoxide
Never use a portable gas-powered generator indoors. Exhaust from generators contain carbon monoxide and can result in CO poisoning. If you are using a portable generator, make sure that it is outside and away from windows, doors and vents.
Candle Fire
Use caution when using candles as a light source indoors. Never leave candles burning unattended and keep open flames away from curtains or flammable material.
Electricity
Be on the lookout for downed power lines. Don't turn on or use outlets or electric components that have been under water until they have been properly tested and repaired by a qualified electrician.
Gas Leaks
Check your home for gas leaks with a flashlight, not matches or candles, to prevent igniting leaking gas or other combustible substances. If you smell gas, open windows and turn off the main valve. Don't turn on lights and appliances until the gas has dissipated and the system has been checked.
Food and Water
Use your emergency water or boil tap water before drinking until you are told the water supply is safe. Food that came in contact with water may be contaminated and should be discarded. Check refrigerated food for spoilage.
Standing Water
Do not wade through standing water. If you do, bathe and put on clean clothes as soon as possible. There may be containments or hazardous material in the water that pose a significant risk to your health.
Animals
Stay away from wild or stray animals. Stray dogs may be hurt or afraid and may bite. Call local authorities to handle animals.Kim Conyers, State Farm Insurance, (919) 306-2652
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®.
