Preparedness is Power: Allstate Encourages Planning Ahead

NORTHBROOK, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--There’s a billion-dollar disaster every 18 days. Allstate is committed to helping you safeguard your loved ones and property. September is National Preparedness Month and with hurricane season upon us and other potential threats like wildfires, floods, and earthquakes, now is the time to take proactive steps to ensure your safety and resilience.

Top tips to prepare for disasters:

1. Create an Emergency Communication Plan: Ensure all family members know how to contact each other and where to meet in case of an emergency. Designate an out-of-town contact person to relay information.
2. Assemble an Emergency Kit: Prepare a kit with essential items such as water, non-perishable food, medications, flashlights, batteries, and important documents. Make sure to include supplies for pets and any special needs family members.
3. Stay Informed: Sign up for local emergency alerts and stay tuned to weather updates. Know the types of disasters that are most likely to occur in your area and understand the appropriate response actions.
4. Organize and Protect Important Documents: Insurance policies, financial documents, passports, and more should be easily accessible so you can grab them quickly. You could also upload copies to the cloud.
5. Practice Your Plan: Regularly conduct household drills to ensure everyone knows what to do and where to go in case of a disaster. Review and update your plan as needed.

“We’ve helped 7 million customers with their catastrophe claims in the last 20 years, supporting the rebuilding of their property and their lives after hurricanes, hailstorms, tornadoes, wildfires and other extreme weather,” said Mike Fiato, Executive Vice President and Chief Claims Officer at Allstate. “Preparation can make all the difference.”

Allstate, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation recently released new research that shows preparedness pays off. It found that every $1 spent on climate resilience and preparedness saves communities $13 in damages, cleanup costs and economic impact.

Top tips for resilience measures:

1. Awareness and Education: Learn about the types of disasters your area is prone to and how you can stay safe.
2. Secure Your Home: Take steps to protect your property, such as reinforcing windows and doors, trimming trees, and securing outdoor items that could become projectiles.
3. Home Improvements: Structural changes could include elevating electrical appliances, using flood-resistant materials, and upgrading roofs or other materials that help fortify the home.

Learn more about the resiliency research here and learn more about what you can do to prepare and protect yourself here.

About Allstate

The Allstate Corporation (NYSE: ALL) protects people from life’s uncertainties with a circle of protection including cars, homes, electronic devices, benefits and identity theft. Products are available through a broad distribution network including Allstate agents, independent agents, major retailers, online, and at the workplace. Allstate is famous for the slogan You’re in Good Hands with Allstate®.