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Hurricane Preparation is Your Best Defense
File a Claim  or Call 1-800-54-Storm
Allstate is here to help. Use the tips and tools on this page today, and you and your family will feel better prepared for hurricane season. When it comes to Mother Nature, preparation is your best defense. That’s Allstate’s Stand.  Are you in Good Hands®?
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Preparation is essential as we face another hurricane season. Experts are predicting above average hurricane activity, with several storms expected to reach Category 3 or higher.  Now is the time to get ready.
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Important Topics

 
insurance coverage
Insurance Coverage
Hurricane season is a good time to review your insurance coverage to make sure you’re adequately protected. Below you’ll find some questions you may want to discuss with an Allstate Agent.  Addressing these questions today will help you feel better prepared.
  • Is your coverage up to date?
  • Do you have coverage for additional living expenses?
  • Do you have coverage for floods?
  • Do you have enough coverage for your valuables?
  • Do you have comprehensive car coverage
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Is your coverage up to date?
You should make sure your insurance coverage reflects the current state of your home. Therefore, if you’ve done anything that increases the value of your home such as building an addition or remodeling, you should talk with your Allstate Agent to determine if you should increase your coverage level. Also, if your home has experienced recent damage, you should talk with your Allstate Agent about your options.
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Do you have coverage for additional living expenses?
This coverage is intended to help pay for the increased cost of living away from home if your house is uninhabitable due to a covered loss. This may include payments for the additional costs of food and a place to stay. Additional living expenses may or may not be included in your homeowners policy. If they are not, you may want to consider purchasing the additional coverage.
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Do you have coverage for floods?
Regular homeowners policies do not usually cover flood damage. And in recent years almost 25% of flood insurance claims came from areas not considered high risk. So even if you don’t live in a flood zone, you may want to consider purchasing flood coverage.
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The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is the primary source for Flood Insurance in the United States.  You can go to their web site at www.floodsmart.gov or contact an Allstate Agent for more information. Please keep in mind that there is a 30-day waiting period before coverage takes effect. So the best time to get it is now.
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Do you have enough coverage for your valuables?
Most homeowners and renters policies set aside special coverage limits for moveable personal property such as stereos, bicycles, furniture and clothing. You may be able to increase coverage limits for these and other possessions and give yourself additional protection by selecting an optional coverage endorsement to your policy.
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Do you have comprehensive car coverage?
Review your Auto Insurance policy to ensure you have collision and comprehensive coverage. Collision coverage covers damages resulting from a collision. But comprehensive coverage can help protect you from other types of damage. If you car comes into contact with falling objects, fire, theft, vandalism, explosion or earthquakes, comprehensive is what you’ll need.
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property protection
Property Protection
There's no technology that can take the destructive force of a hurricane.  But through the right kind of preparation, you can reduce the damage it might cause to your property.
  • Things You Can Do Well in Advance of a Storm 
  • Things You Can Do Right Before a Storm
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Things You Can Do Well in Advance of a Storm
  • Ensure you have hurricane shutters or 3/4 inch outdoor plywood boards for each window of your home.
  • Install anchors and pre-drill holes for the plywood so you can put it up quickly in the event of a storm.
  • Install head and foot bolts on doors for extra protection.
  • Install hurricane straps or clips.  These are designed to help hold your roof to the walls of your home.
  • Assess your property to ensure landscaping and trees do not become wind hazards and remove any diseased or damaged limbs from trees.  This will help keep them from blowing around during a storm.
  • Pre-select a garage or carport to park your car in or an area of higher ground to move your car to in case of flooding.
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Things You Can Do Right Before a Storm
  • Secure buildings by closing and boarding up windows.  Remove outside antennas.
  • Bring all lawn furniture, outdoor decorations, trash cans, hanging plants and anything else that could be picked up by the wind inside.  Anchor objects that cannot be brought inside. 
  • Move your car to a garage, a carport or an area of higher ground in the case of flooding. 
  • If you must leave your car outdoors, park as close to a building as possible.  Move your car away from trees or poles that may topple onto it. 
  • Make sure you fill your car's gas tank. 
  • Get emergency cash. 
  • Turn your refrigerator to its coldest setting.
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conducting a home inventory
Conducting a Home Inventory
Conducting a home inventory is one of the best ways to recover from hurricane damage.  It allows you to keep a record of what you own which will simplify the process of sorting through damaged items should you need to file a claim. Do this today, and if you do have to face a storm this year, you will feel better prepared.
  • Ways to Conduct Your Home Inventory
  • Tips on Conducting Your Own Home Inventory
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Ways to Conduct Your Home Inventory
Move from room to room recording the value of each of your possessions.  It is also helpful to keep track of model numbers and stores where you purchased each item.  Here are methods you can use.
  • Notepad and camera - as you take photographs, write down the details of each item.
  • Video camera - this is an easy method because you can narrate the details of each item while videotaping.
  • Personal computer - you can download Allstate's free home inventory software  and create a room-by-room inventory of your personal possessions.
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Tips on Conducting Your Own Home Inventory
  • Make sure you record the contents of closets, drawers and cabinets.  The value of little things can add up quickly
  • Store all lists, photographs and videotapes in a safe place off the premises.  It is a good idea to keep back-ups as well.
  • Update your home inventory record. (Download Allstate's free software now.) After making a significant purchase, be sure to add the information to your home inventory while it is still fresh in your mind.
  • Keep all receipts, especially for big items such as jewelry, furs and collectibles.  Also keep in mind that valuable items may need separate insurance coverage.  (See the “Insurance Coverage” section of this page for details)
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emergency supply kit
Emergency Supply Kit
When a hurricane strikes there is always the possibility of being without electricity or clean water for days.  You should plan accordingly.  Below you’ll find a few things we suggest, including our emergency supply kit. Start now, and if you do have to face a storm this year, you will feel better prepared.
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Suggestions for Your Kit
  • 3-day supply of water and ready-to-eat, non-perishable food for every family member and pet.
  • Manual can opener for canned foods.
  • Essential medicines, including eyeglasses and contact lenses.
  • First-aid kit and manual.  Include bandages, antiseptic, tape, a compress, non-aspirin pain reliever and anti-diarrhea medication.
  • Battery-powered flashlight and radio with extra batteries.
  • Personal hygiene items such as toilet paper, toothbrushes and toothpaste.
  • Special items for infants, elderly or disabled family members.
  • Two coolers – one for food, the other for ice.
  • Change of clothing, including extra shoes and rain gear.
  • Paper towels, pre-moistened towelettes and eating utensils.
  • Blankets, pillows, and sleeping bags (one for each family member).
  • Mosquito repellant and citronella candles.
  • Plastic tarp for roof/window repairs and tools (hammer/nails).
  • Plastic trash bags
  • Quiet games, books, playing cards.
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evacuation plan
Evacuation Plan
During hurricane season you should not only expect the need to evacuate, you should prepare for it. Start now, and if you do have to face a storm this year, you will feel better prepared.
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Some Tips for Your Plan
  • Learn the best evacuation routes and keep a road map in your car in case you are forced to take unfamiliar roads.
  • Arrange for a ride well before the storm if you don't have your own transportation.  You may be forced to evacuate.
  • Have an emergency supply kit prepared for your car with extra keys, food, water, jumper cables, a first-aid kit and sleeping bags. See Emergency Supply Kit for a suggested list.
  • Make a plan now for what to do with your pets.  Many shelters and hotels will not accept them.  If you are unable to take your pets when you evacuate, make sure you leave behind "Pet Inside" signs on you front and back doors with the number and kind of pets inside so others can evacuate them.
  • Identify an out-of state contact so if your family members get separated, you'll know who to call. If time allows call or e-mail your out-of-state contact to let them know where you are going and when you expect to get there.
  • Plan a meeting location at least 50 miles inland in case your family members get separated.
  • Gather important papers to take with you:
  • Driver’s License or personal identification
  • Social Security Card
  • Proof of residence (deed, lease, or utility bills)
  • Insurance Policies
  • Birth and marriage certificate
  • Stocks, bonds, and other negotiable certificates
  • Wills, deeds, and copies of recent tax returns
  • Fill up your bathtub, sinks and other large containers with fresh water.  This will serve as an important reserve should you be without running water after a storm.
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Need to Reach Us?
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