WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Hurricane season is here and GEICO outlined several hurricane preparedness tips for homeowners, condo owners and renters to help protect themselves and their belongings.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is forecasting an active hurricane season, with the likelihood of 13 to 20 named storms in 2013. After the devastation of Superstorm Sandy last year, GEICO recommends all residents to take necessary steps to prepare themselves and loved ones before a storm hits the mainland.
Below are several preparedness tips for residents, which can also be found online at GEICO’s Catastrophic Center:
- Review your emergency plan. Review your plan with everyone in your household and make sure everyone knows about the safest location in the home.
- Check your supplies. Be sure to you have necessities such as water, blankets, first aid kits, flashlights, batteries, radios and any pet care items.
- Set up an out-of-town contact. It’s important to have an out-of-state friend or family member as a contact, so they can check on your whereabouts.
- Secure important documents. Make sure documents such as insurance cards, IDs and other pertinent information are placed in a secured water-proof container.
- Figure out your evacuation route. Make sure you know your evacuation route before the storm hits and keep a full tank of gas.
- Be aware of your vehicle's surroundings. Make sure your vehicle is safe. If possible, move your vehicle away from trees or other objects that may damage it in a storm.
- Follow official instructions. Follow all instructions from your local authorities regarding evacuation or other safety procedures. Check radio, television or other media for emergency information.
For more information on how to protect your family, home and vehicle for severe weather, please visit GEICO’s online catastrophe center and Insurance Information Institute website. GEICO policyholders who need to report a loss can go to www.geico.com/claims or contact GEICO's claims team anytime, 24 hours a day, at 1-800-841-3000.
GEICO (Government Employees Insurance Company) is a member of the Berkshire Hathaway family of companies and is the third-largest private passenger auto insurance company in the United States. GEICO provides millions of auto insurance quotes to U.S. drivers annually. The company is pleased to serve more than 12 million private passenger customers and insures more than 18 million vehicles (auto & cycle).
