AIA Urges East Coast Residents to Take Necessary Precautions
WASHINGTON, D.C. (PRWEB) October 02, 2015 -- With Hurricane Joaquin likely delivering heavy rains and strong winds along the East Coast, the American Insurance Association (AIA) is emphasizing the importance of planning, preparedness, and safety. It is critical that coastal, as well as inland residents, seek and follow the recommendations of emergency personnel and take precautions to protect themselves and their homes.
“With 46 million East Coast residents currently under flood alerts, people should take the necessary precautions to protect themselves and their property,” said Jim Whittle, AIA’s assistant general counsel & chief claims counsel. “Always follow the orders of emergency personnel and do what you can ahead of time to prepare an evacuation plan and protect your home.”
The American Insurance Association recommends that residents in potentially threatened areas follow the important safety guidelines and precautionary measures outlined below:
• Listen to emergency personnel. Always listen to emergency services personnel and remember that safety must always be your first priority.
• Make an emergency evacuation and communications plan. Using FEMA’s Make a Plan website, create an emergency communications plan to be used in the event of a disaster.
• Monitor official weather bulletins.
• Be prepared. Understanding that you may lose electricity, fresh water and phone service, you should stock up on food, water and essential supplies before the storm hits.
• Protect your home. If time permits, you can take some simple steps to prevent wind and water damage and protect your home. Review the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety’s “Reduce Hurricane Damage to Homes” guidelines. And remember, only take actions that can be done safely.
• Insurance information. Homeowners with insurance policies should be sure to have their insurer’s and/or agent’s contact information readily available for themselves following the storm.
“As with any storm system, the insurance industry is committed to helping affected residents recover,” said Peter Foley, AIA’s vice president of claims administration. “It’s our job to be prepared ahead of the storm and we stand ready to assist our policyholders.”
Ben Tomchik, American Insurance Association, http://www.aiadc.org/aiapub/, +1 2028287129, [email protected]
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