October 28, 2012 – As Sandy quickly approaches the area, State Farm’s first concern is ensuring everyone is safe. With its current unpredictable path and weather conditions, here are some last-minute things you can do to protect your family and home:
Thinking ahead about how to evacuate your home and community safely can save valuable time during an emergency. For a home evacuation plan, determine the best escape routes from your dwelling and choose a meeting place nearby. When conditions become threatening, collect all family members in a single location. Remember to keep your emergency kit close by, including maps, in case you need to leave quickly.
Getting up-to-the-minute information is an important part of staying safe in any weather emergency. When severe weather threatens, tune in to a battery-powered radio for updates. A high wind advisory means that sustained winds of over 25 miles per hour are predicted. Warnings should be taken very seriously, as they mean that severe weather has been spotted and is on its way.
When severe winds occur, move to 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 during severe winds. They are easily overturned by high winds, and flying debris can puncture their light frames and exteriors. Be sure to bring your family disaster kit with you.
Move garbage cans, patio furniture, grills, and other potentially wind-borne objects inside your home or garage. In the future, you may want to consider replacing gravel or rock landscaping materials with shredded bark.
Vehicles and boats are also at risk during a severe wind event. Store vehicles in a garage or other enclosure. Moor boats securely. If your boat is ashore in a jack stand, strap the boat down when possible.
Anna Bryant, State Farm Public Affairs, (202) 263-4404
State Farm and its affiliates are the largest provider of car insurance in the U.S. and is a leading insurer in Canada. In addition to providing auto insurance quotes, their 17,800 agents and more than 65,000 employees serve 81 million policies and accounts – more than 79 million auto, home, life and health policies in the United States and Canada, and nearly 2 million bank accounts. Commercial auto insurance, along with coverage for renters, business owners, boats and motorcycles, is also available. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company is the parent of the State Farm family of companies. State Farm is ranked No. 43 on the Fortune 500 list of largest companies. For more information, please visit http://www.statefarm.com or in Canada http://www.statefarm.ca.
