How to prepare for natural disasters- Tips from Safeco

Safeco Insurance: A Liberty Mutual Company.

Natural Disaster Preparedness

How to Prepare for Natural Disasters

Nature is a fickle friend. Weather is unpredictable. Let us help you prepare for the worst and sleep a little easier. The following links provide valuable tips on proactive ways to keep you, your family and your things as safe as possible.

Earthquake Preparedness

You Live on Shaky Ground. Learn How to Prepare for an Earthquake.

Earthquakes are not just limited to the West Coast. Earthquakes can happen in just about any state in the United States. However, if you live in an area more likely to have an earthquake, make sure to talk to your local Safeco agent about whether you are covered, or if you should purchase separate earthquake coverage.

Before an Earthquake

Know If You Are Covered for an EarthquakeTalk to your local Safeco agent about your options and to discuss home improvements that can make your home eligible for an earthquake endorsement or policy. California, Oregon and Washington residents must purchase a separate earthquake policy.

Know What Your Insurance Covers and How Much You Need

Deductibles and the amount of coverage for earthquake damage vary by state.
Your policy may not cover the entire cost of rebuilding.
Exterior buildings, decks and landscaping are generally not covered.

How to Reduce Earthquake Damage
To reduce damage inside, think heads up. Look at your ceiling and walls to see what might fall.

Anchor bookcases and filing cabinets to walls.
Secure ceiling lights, suspended ceilings and other hanging items to the building structure.
Anchor water heaters and large appliances to walls using safety cables or straps, and lock the rollers of all appliances and furniture.
Fit all gas appliances with flexible connections and breakaway gas shut-off devices or install a main gas shut-off device.
Consider working with a registered design professional or licensed building contractor to reduce potential damage to the structure of your home or business.
Add anchor bolts or steel plates between your home’s structure and foundation.
Brace the inside of your home’s cripple wall with sheathing.
Brace unreinforced chimneys, masonry, concrete walls and foundations.

During an Earthquake

Protect Yourself When the Ground Starts to Shake

Indoors

If you’re indoors, stay there.
Move away from windows, skylights, doors and things that could fall.
Duck, cover and hold until the shaking stops.

Outdoors

Move quickly into the open, away from electrical lines, trees and buildings.
Drop to the ground and wait for the shaking to stop.

Driving

Slowly bring your vehicle to a stop at the side of the road.
Don’t stop on or under bridges, under power lines or near roadway signs.
After the shaking has stopped, continue driving but watch out for damage to the road.

After an Earthquake

Earthquake Damage? Call 800-332-3226If you have experienced damage from an earthquake, report it as soon as possible. We’re here to help 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Get more information on what else you can do if you experience earthquake damage.

Hailstorm Preparedness

You Live in Hail Country. Learn How to Be Prepared for a Hailstorm.

Hailstorms don’t last long, but they pack a real punch. Every year, hail causes nearly $1 billion in damages, mostly to roofs and cars. You can save hundreds of dollars and hours of cleanup by making sure you understand your coverage and taking time to check your roof before hail season.

Before a Hailstorm

Know What Your Insurance Covers and How Much You Need

Check your policy to see what’s covered and the deductible you’ve chosen.
Your insurance policy typically covers the cost to repair roofs and cars, and other common hail damage.
You may have a higher deductible for wind and hail damage than you do for other types of claims. Talk to your local Safeco agent to find out more.

How to Reduce Hail Damage
If you haven’t taken a look at your roof in a while, now’s the time. Roof repairs today can help you avoid extensive, time-consuming cleanup later.

Repair or replace worn, curled or missing shingles.
If your roof is aging, consider replacing it before hail season begins.

During a Hailstorm

Protect Yourself and Your Car
In severe storms, a hail stone can be as big as a softball and fall at 50 to 100 miles per hour.

Stay indoors.
Stay away from skylights and glass doors to avoid broken glass.
If it is safe, close drapes, blinds or shades to prevent debris from blowing inside.
If you can, park your car in the garage or other covered area.

After a Hailstorm

Hail Damage? Call 800-332-3226 If you have experienced damage from a hailstorm, report it as soon as possible. We’re here to help 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Get more information on what else you can do if you experience hail damage.

Prepared for Hail?
Schedule some time with your local Safeco agent to review your coverage.

Hurricane Preparedness

Learn How to Be Prepared for a Hurricane

We’ve all seen the dramatic effect hurricanes can have-both the initial wind and rain and the floods that follow. But there are steps you can take to stay safe and reduce damage to your property in the event of a storm.

Before a Hurricane

Know What Your Insurance Covers and How Much You Need

Homeowner’s insurance typically covers the cost to repair common hurricane damage, including damage to roofs and walls, cars and your personal belongings.
If you can’t live in your home, Safeco may help pay for additional living expenses as provided in your policy. Review your policy for detailed coverage explanations.
Review your insurance policy once a year to make sure you have enough coverage to rebuild based on current construction costs. Learn more about insurance to value.
Work with an independent building contractor to get a precise estimate, and talk to your agent about your home’s unique features.

Flood Damage from Hurricanes Isn’t Covered by Property InsuranceNeither home nor business insurance covers flood damage from a hurricane, including floods from storm surges. Your agent can help you purchase a policy through the National Flood Insurance Program.

How to Reduce Hurricane Damage

Install storm shutters.
Remove yard debris, like dead tree limbs, that could become flying missiles.
Have a safe place to park your cars and/or store your boat.
Make sure you, your family, and/or employees know how to shut off utilities.
Back up computer records and store them at least 50 miles offsite.
Gather important papers, including inventory lists and insurance information to take with you if you must evacuate.

During a Hurricane

What to Do if a Hurricane Is Headed Your Way

Indoors

Avoid elevators.
Stay inside and away from windows, skylights and glass doors.
Know your community’s evacuation plan and, if asked to evacuate, do so immediately.

Driving

Avoid washed out and wet roads that can hide downed electrical lines or underlying currents that can carry your vehicle away.

After a Hurricane

Learn about what to do after a hurricane on our natural disasters claims page. Learn more about hurricane damage.

Other Resources

Find more natural disaster resources on our main natural disaster preparedness page.

Tornado Preparedness

Tornadoes Happen Every Year. Learn How to Be Prepared for a Tornado.

You don’t have to be hit by a tornado to experience damage. Taking a little time to prepare could save you thousands of dollars and hours of cleanup.

Before a Tornado

Know What Your Insurance Covers and How Much You Need
In an average year, 800 tornadoes are reported nationwide. Oftentimes, homes close to a tornado are damaged or destroyed by wind, rain and flying debris. Your insurance policy covers repair or rebuilding costs.

If you can’t live in your home while it is being repaired or rebuilt, Safeco may help pay for additional living expenses as provided in your policy. Review your policy for detailed coverage explanations.

Review your insurance policy once a year to make sure you have enough coverage to rebuild based on current construction costs. We recommend you work with an independent building contractor to get a precise estimate, and make sure you talk to your agent about your home’s unique features. Learn more aboutinsurance to value.

How to Reduce Tornado DamageYou can’t make your home or business tornado-proof, but you can take steps that improve the odds of surviving the high winds. You may want to call on professionals for the more technical jobs.

Start at the top—your roof. Fix any areas that need repair. If you are planning to replace your roof, select materials that are designed to withstand high wind.
If you are planning to replace your windows, select impact-resistant window systems, which have a much better chance of surviving a major windstorm.
Anchor door frames securely to wall framing. Make certain your doors have at least three hinges and a deadbolt security lock with a bolt at least one inch long.

During a Tornado

What to Do If a Tornado is Headed Your Way

If you are in a building, move to an underground shelter, or interior room or hallway on the lowest floor.
Stay away from windows and corners.
If you’re in your car, get out immediately and find safe shelter or lie flat in a ditch. Do not take shelter under an overpass or bridge.
Flying debris causes most injuries and fatalities, so use your arms to protect your head and neck.

After a Tornado

Tornado Damage? Call 800-332-3226 If you have experienced damage from a tornado, report it to Safeco as soon as possible. We’re here to help 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Get more information on what else you can do if you experience about what to do if you have experienced tornado damage.

Winter Weather Preparedness

Winter Storms, Freezing and Icy Conditions. Learn How to Be Prepared for Winter Weather

Winter weather brings along with it a number of risks. Winter storms bring wind, snow and icy conditions that can damage your home and auto. Cold can cause pipes to burst, frost swells and other damage. Heating your home with fireplaces and holiday lighting can both increase the risk of fire.

Before Winter Arrives

Know What Your Insurance Covers and How Much You Need

Check your homeowners policy to see what’s covered and the deductible you’ve chosen.

Winter Preparation Tips

Winter-proof your car with good snow tires or chains, new wiper blades, antifreeze and emergency road supplies.
Keep your attic cool to help prevent ice dams.
Insulate the attic floor and make sure it’s well ventilated.
Don’t overload circuits with holiday decorations.

During a Winter Storm

Play It Safe When Winter Storms Hit

If you don’t have to drive, stay put.
If you must drive, make sure you’ve winterized your car and have a full tank of gas.
When the air’s cold, keep bath and kitchen cabinet doors open so warm air can circulate around pipes.
If pipes do freeze, let them thaw normally—they’ll be less likely to burst.
If the power’s out, make sure you don’t leave candles or fires burning unattended.
If you use a portable generator, follow the instructions, and don’t use it indoors.

After a Winter Storm

Winter Storm Damage? Call 800-332-3226

If you have experienced damage from winter weather, report it as soon as possible. We’re here to help 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Get more information on what else you can do if you experience winter weather damage.

Has it been a while since you reviewed your policy? Schedule some time to talk with your local Safeco agentto be sure you understand your coverage limits.

Wildfire Preparedness

Wildfires Can Happen in Almost Every State. Learn How to Be Prepared for Wildfires.

While wildfires happen more frequently in the western United States, nearly every state has been devastated by fires in the last century. And each year, hundreds of homes are destroyed as more people choose to live closer to nature.

Before a Wildfire

Know What Your Insurance Covers and How Much You Need

Your homeowner’s insurance policy covers repair or rebuilding costs.
If you can’t live in your home, Safeco will pay additional living expenses as provided in your policy. Review your policy for detailed coverage explanations.
Review your insurance policy once a year to make sure you have enough coverage to rebuild based on current construction costs.
Work with an independent building contractor to get a precise estimate, and talk to your agent about your building’s unique features.

How to Reduce Wildfire Damage

Define a defensible space, at least a 30-foot noncombustible zone around your home.
Choose fire-resistant plants and trees.
Remove or prune low-hanging tree branches.
Cut grass and weeds regularly and keep your roof and yard clean, especially from dry yard debris.
Stack wood piles or other burnable materials at least 30 feet from your home or other buildings on your property.
Keep signs and addresses visible so firefighters can easily locate your property.
Rate your roof. Is it fire-resistant?
Recycle yard debris and branches instead of burning.

During a Wildfire

Protect Yourself and Your Family

If a wildfire starts in your area, monitor local news reports for evacuation procedures.
Prepare for evacuation by turning off gas valves and pilot lights, closing all windows and doors, and packing your car for quick departure if there is time and it is safe to do so.
Return to a burned area only when local authorities have instructed you to do so.

After a Wildfire

Wildfire Damage? Call 800-332-3226If you have experienced damage from a wildfire, report it as soon as possible. We’re here to help 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Get more information on what else you can do if you have experienced damage caused by a wildfire.

Additional Living Expenses
If you’re unable to live in your home while it is being repaired or rebuilt, Safeco homeowners insurance will help pay for additional living expenses, as noted in your policy. Check your homeowner’s insurance policy fordetailed coverage explanations or talk to your local Safeco agent.

Disaster Prepareness FAQ

Answers to frequently asked questions about the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Small Business Administration

What if I don't have enough or any insurance? You may qualify for grants from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, low-interest loans from theSmall Business Administration or the Farm Service Agency, or you may qualify for tax refunds for items that were not covered by insurance.

How do I get assistance?
Information on tax assistance, grants and loans can be obtained at a disaster recovery center, or by callingFEMA at 800-462-9029. After your application is taken, the damaged property is inspected to verify the loss, and a determination will be made on the type and extent of assistance to be provided. Audits are done later to ensure that the aid went to only those who were eligible and that the funds were used for their intended purposes.

What services are available? FEMA may be able to provide disaster housing for up to 18 months, low-interest disaster loans from the SBA to cover uninsured property losses, disaster grants to earthquake victims who would be unable to repay a loan, and other services such as crises counseling, unemployment assistance, legal aid, and assistance with income tax implications.

When should I apply? FEMA encourages earthquake victims to apply for aid as soon as possible. The deadline for most individual assistance programs is 60 days following the President’s major disaster declaration.

What assistance is available from the SBA?
The SBA has a low-interest disaster loan program that helps homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes, and nonprofit organizations fund rebuilding after a disaster. The loans generally have low-interest rates and long repayment terms to make SBA recovery more affordable.

Insurance is offered by Safeco Insurance Company of America and/or its affiliates, with their principal place of business at 175 Berkeley Street, Boston, Massachusetts, 02116. This website provides a simplified description of coverage. Nothing stated herein creates a contract. All statements made are subject to the provisions, exclusions, conditions and limitations of the applicable insurance policy. Please refer to actual policy forms for complete details regarding the coverage discussed. If the information in these materials conflicts with the policy language that it describes, the policy language prevails. Coverages and features not available in all states. Eligibility is subject to meeting applicable underwriting criteria. 36 USC 220506

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Thursday, December 19, 2013