--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company:
Hurricanes
Andrea was the first named storm of 2013 - The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reports a 70 percent chance that this year’s hurricane season will produce seven to eleven hurricanes. As many as six are predicted to be major hurricanes with winds toping 111 mph (compared to 2012’s Superstorm Sandy which had winds closer to 90 mph).
This is well above the seasonal average of six hurricanes and three major hurricanes. It is vital that home and business owners take the time now to review emergency plans, stock up on supplies, secure buildings and review insurance coverage before August 1 – the start of hurricane season’s most active period.
Three of the most important tips to help minimize potential damage to lives, homes and businesses are:
- Assemble supplies in an easily accessible spot
- Prepare an evacuation plan – be sure to include data backup plan for your home/ business
- Prepare for business interruption and insure adequately
The hurricane season began June 1st and ends November 30th.
Darren Colley, risk services sr consultant at Fireman’s Fund, is available as an expert resource to speak on hurricane preparedness. http://disasteradvisor.ffido.com/content/hurricane-preparedness-your-home-family
Wildfires
John Hunt, wildfire specialist, can talk about steps homeowners in Western states should take to protect their property from the annual threat of wildfires. This year’s fire season began early due to hot temperatures and severe drought conditions throughout much of the Western U.S., according to the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC).
Hunt can provide many tips including how to fireproof the biggest sources of ember-started fires:
- Roof
- Vents
- Windows
- Walls, fencing, decking doors
- Balconies
- Boxed-in eaves
- Chimney
More info is located on Fireman’s Fund’s Risk Advisor website http://disasteradvisor.ffido.com/content/wildfire-preparedness-your-home-family
Disaster Texting
In addition to tips, Colley and Hunt can also describe Fireman’s Fund disaster texting service which sends subscribers updates and alerts on disasters in their area via their smart phone. Text messaging is a means to stay in touch during a disaster, especially if there are power outages or forced evacuations. It can be more reliable than land-based telephone services when disasters strike.
To subscribe, go to www.facebook.com/firemansfund and click on the “Mobile Services” tab.
Additional fire safety links:
FEMA – http://www.ready.gov/wildfires
National
Fire Protection Association – http://www.nfpa.org/index.asp?cookie_test=1
CDC
– http://emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/wildfires/
About Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company:
Founded in 1863, Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company is celebrating its 150th anniversary as a premier property and casualty insurance company providing personal and commercial insurance products backed by industry-leading claims and risk management solutions. Fireman’s Fund is a leader in high-net-worth, entertainment, and green insurance. Since 2004, the company has donated more than $30 million in grants to local fire departments across the U.S. as part of its commitment to safer communities. Fireman’s Fund is a member of the Allianz Group, one of the world’s largest providers of property and casualty insurance, ranked 28th on Fortune’s Global 500 list of the world’s largest corporations. For additional information, visit www.firemansfund.com.
For more about Fireman’s Fund history, visit a special 150th Anniversary timeline: www.firemansfundtimeline.com and short film: www.firemansfund.com/film
