Hurricanes - Are You Prepared? Electric Insurance Is.

Hurricane season kicks off June 1st and runs through the end of November. Typically late summer and early fall generate the greatest amount of hurricane activity in the Atlantic. Although the predictability of hurricanes continues to improve, it's important to have an established emergency plan well in advance of a hurricane hitting your area.

Safety for you and your family, and protection of your auto(s) and home is critical. In the event that a hurricane strikes and you experience damage, Electric Insurance is prepared to assist you. Our experienced claims representatives are available to take your claim 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-800-44ELFUN. For now, check out the tips that follow so that you can be as prepared as possible.

Mitigate damage to your home:

• Remove diseased or damaged limbs and branches on a regular basis
• Pull down storm shutters (if applicable)
• Put away or secure all outdoor furniture, your gas grill, and other items that may be blown away by wind
• If your vehicle is at home, make sure it is secure with windows up, doors locked, and housed in a garage or other wind-protected area on your property
• If your vehicle becomes flooded, abandon it. Don’t try moving it or starting the engine as you could cause additional damage. Notify our Claims Center at 1-800-44ELFUN as soon as possible if this happens

Emergency supplies to have on hand:

• Battery-powered flashlight and radio
• Extra batteries
• First Aid kit and manual
• Non-perishable food
• Container(s) of fresh water
• Manual can opener
• Essential medicines
• Cash or credit cards
• Vehicle(s) with full tanks of gas

Plan an evacuation route ahead of time:

• Contact your local emergency management office or American Red Cross and ask for your community hurricane preparedness plan to get the safest evacuation routes and nearby shelters
• Learn the safest route inland

Family preparation:

• Teach family members how and when to turn off gas, electricity and water
• Teach children how and when to call 911 and which radio station to tune into for emergency and weather information
• Determine now whether you will (1) go to a destination shelter, (2) leave the area for a safer place inland, or (3) stay in your own home—but only if allowed by your local authorities
• Develop an emergency communication plan. If family members are separated during a disaster, have a plan for getting back together. Designate an out-of-state relative or friend to serve as the "family contact" for family members to check in with
• In the event of an evacuation, take important personal and family documents such as car registrations, titles, insurance documents, etc. with you in a waterproof bag
• Make advance preparations for pets as they are not allowed at most shelters

Other tips:

• Retain all receipts/invoices for repairs done to your home resulting from hurricane damage
• Never touch or drive over a downed electric line
• Stay clear of flooded streets as they pose danger of strong currents and sinkholes
• Restrict cell phone use to emergency calls only

Electric Insurance first-report claims lines are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-800-44ELFUN.