Good Neighbor Stories

State Farm makes history with TRUE certification for zero waste

Thu, 16 May 2024 09:00:00 -0500

State Farm® is the first property & casualty insurance company worldwide to achieve TRUE certifications for two of its facilities, a testament to its commitment to uncovering operational efficiencies, responsibly using resources and environmental sustainability.

The company’s Multi-Regional Services Facilities (MRSFs) exceeded the 90%+ landfill diversion goal to become TRUE certified in late 2023. Central, located in Illinois, achieved an impressive 96% diversion rate and East, located in South Carolina, achieved an outstanding 96.3% diversion rate.

A cross-functional group of Zero-Waste Champions were critical in reaching this milestone, implementing 30 waste strategy improvements in 2023, such as right-sizing waste bins, adjusting hauler schedules and tracking pallet reuse.

David Gwarda, Corporate Executive, shared, “State Farm is committed to reducing waste throughout our campuses, sending less waste to landfills, and recycling, reusing or refurbishing materials. It is one more way we are showing how being a good neighbor starts with us.”

Practicing environmentally sustainable behaviors in the workplace and in the community helps build a better future for everyone. More than that, it's what you'd expect from a good neighbor.

About TRUE
TRUE is the first certification program dedicated to measuring, improving and recognizing zero waste performance. A TRUE project's goal is to divert all solid waste from the landfill, incineration (waste-to-energy) and the environment. Facilities achieving certification by meeting an average of 90% or greater overall waste diversion over a period of 12 months, as well as implementing minimum program requirements. Currently, there are 345 registered and certified TRUE projects, totaling over 131 million square feet of space across 27 countries.
SOURCE Green Business Certification Inc.

A tree falls on your car – does your insurance policy cover it?

Tue, 31 Oct 2023 09:00:00 -0500

Mother Nature is leaving quite an impact on the U.S. in 2023 – producing damaging winds, hailstorms, and tornados that account for two-thirds of natural disaster losses so far this year according to a recent report from the Insurance Information Institute (III).

Which is why it’s important to know how best to protect your most valuable assets – your home and car.

According to a recent State Farm survey, two-thirds of drivers ages 18-43 didn’t realize the optional comprehensive coverage portion of an auto policy is the coverage that would apply if you hit an animal while driving. If you didn’t select that optional comprehensive coverage, you would be paying for those repairs out of your own pocket. Comprehensive also covers damage from severe storms, flooding, earthquakes, and other types of losses like theft and hitting an animal.

Experts at the Insurance Information Institute estimate the average annual cost of comprehensive at about $300 per year (or $25 a month). When asked about their specific auto policy coverages, more than half of Gen Z did not have comprehensive coverage or weren’t sure what coverages were on their policy. 40% of Millennials surveyed indicated they either didn’t have comprehensive coverage or weren’t sure.

By the way, if you have comprehensive coverage on your auto policy, damage from a tree that hits your car would typically be covered.

Along with knowing what comprehensive covers, it’s important to understand other coverages such as:

Bodily injury liability extends to relatives in your household and those driving your car with your permission and helps to protect your assets when you are at fault in an accident.
Property damage liability pays for damage you may cause to someone else's property.
Medical payments or personal injury protection (PIP) pays for the treatment of injuries to the driver and passengers of the policyholder's car.
Collision pays for damage to your car resulting from a covered collision with another car or object and is sold with a separate deductible.
Uninsured and underinsured motorist provides coverage if you are hit by an uninsured driver or a driver who doesn’t have sufficient insurance to pay for your loss. This coverage also offers protection in the event a covered driver is the victim of a hit-and-run or if as a pedestrian, you are struck by an uninsured or underinsured motorist.

How did this group’s knowledge fare with other coverage benefits?

More than half (57%) didn't realize the additional benefits offered in car rental coverage. They fared slightly better when asked about the benefits that are part of emergency road service with 3 in 5 (61%) answering correctly, but still nearly 4 in 10 only had a basic knowledge of this coverage.

Rental car services and reimbursement (or rental car coverage) can help cover the cost of a rental while your vehicle is not drivable, or repairs are underway.
Emergency road service covers towing, delivery of gas, oil, battery, or tires, up to an hour of repair on place of breakdown, and up to an hour of locksmith services.

Nearly half the survey respondents admit they don’t know their auto policy very well and find coverages confusing. When they have questions, they go to friends or family, research online or ask their local insurance agent.

With so much to consider, it’s important to speak to an agent with insurance experience who can assist in the process.

State Farm is here to help you determine the right type of insurance coverage for you.

Interested in learning more?

Check out these resources.

Car Insurance Coverage Options

Factors That Affect Car Insurance Rates

Comprehensive Auto Insurance Coverage

Get Roadside Assistance

Auto Insurance Discounts

Choose Car Insurance Deductibles & Coverages Well

First Time Car Insurance: What You Should Know

Insurance Questions To Ask Your Agent

What Are the Different Types of Insurance?

A State Farm agent can help you chose insurance coverage that helps protect your specific needs.

Cool tips for hot days

Mon, 17 Jul 2023 12:56:00 -0500

With excessive heat warnings scorching much of the U.S., State Farm wants to remind you to take the necessary steps to protect your home from one thing that can give you relief this summer…your air conditioner (AC).

According to the National Fire Protection Agency, from 2016-2020, the annual averages were 2,800 home fires caused by air conditioners, resulting in 40 deaths, 140 injuries, and over $102M in direct property damage.

Extreme heat can put extra strain on AC units. If not property checked and maintained, these can become a fire hazard.

A few simple tips can help you stay cool this summer while making sure you're protecting your home:

Keep your blinds/curtains closed during the day. Preventing extra sunlight from entering your home can reduce the work your AC needs to do to maintain your set temperature.
Only run your unit when needed. If you're on vacation, or away for any length of time, consider bumping your thermostat up when no one is home. Setting a schedule on programmable thermostats is a great way to save energy.
Be mindful of other appliances. When it's super-hot out, consider running your dishwasher and washer/dryer in the evening rather than the peak of the day. Furthermore, preserve energy with things as simple as lights; if you don’t need them, don't turn them on. All of these can heat up your home requiring your AC to work harder.
Check/Change your filters. If your room or house is taking longer to cool than usual, it may be time to change or clean your filters. Every unit/filter is different, so be sure to check your AC's manual for properly checking, cleaning or replacing your filters.
Check your vents. This may seem obvious, but if all but one room is cooling, there may be something jammed in your vents, especially if you have small children and the vents are ground level.
Check if the unit is frozen. If your AC is blowing room temperature air, it may be frozen. When it runs continuously in extreme heat, the coils can freeze. Simply put your hand on the unit - if it feels very cold to the touch, it's likely frozen. If you suspect it's frozen, turn off your unit. You may keep the fan on to help it defrost. Never run the unit if you think it's frozen; it can do significant damage resulting in expensive repairs.
Schedule routine maintenance. Especially if you live in a hot climate, an annual inspection by a certified HVAC tech may help prolong the life of your unit and identify any issues that could potentially lead to a fire.

If these don't improve your air, you may want to call in the professionals to determine where the problem is originating. You don't want to risk damaging your unit or causing more serious issues like a fire.

State Farm Mobilizing Catastrophe Response to Recent Tornado and Severe Weather Damage Across the Southeast and Ohio Valley

Tue, 28 Mar 2023 15:42:12 -0500

State Farm catastrophe claim response team members are responding to the devastation to assist customers. Local State Farm agents and their staff also are available to help customers with their claims as we begin the recovery. Our priority is taking care of our customers' needs as quickly as possible.

Approximately 8,600 fire claims and 3,500 auto claims are reported. Fire catastrophes are declared in Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and West Virginia. Auto catastrophes are declared in Alabama, Georgia, Ohio, and Mississippi.

Claim teams are actively making contact and providing initial claim handling efforts for our impacted customers with a focus on the most severe losses.

Catastrophe Customer Care sites are being established in the communities of Florence and Amory, Mississippi with a site in Rolling Fork to open in the future to support claim handling efforts. Fire and auto claim handlers will be onsite to assist agents and policyholders with questions and provide advanced payments, as warranted.

To provide the best possible service and response to customers who have damage from the tornado, the following are in place:

Claims adjusters and all necessary State Farm support members are deploying and on-site.
The 1-800-SFCLAIM line is activated and available for customers to begin the claim reporting process, should they be unable to reach their local State Farm agent.
State Farm policyholders who have damage can submit and manage their claim through various channels. This includes calling or emailing their State Farm agent, calling 1-800-SFCLAIM, submitting a claim through our mobile app or through our website at statefarm.com/claims. Customers may also text the word “CLAIM” to 62789 to receive a link to file a claim.

In addition to our on-the-ground team, we also have three Centralized Catastrophe Services (CCS) operations and our Initial Loss Reporting (ILR) teams located throughout the United States. State Farm has the advantage of a fleet of mobile claim handling facilities, innovatively designed to support our ability to provide optimal customer service even under challenging conditions.

Making temporary repairs to damaged property:

When it is safe to do so, people with repairable/limited property damage should have reasonable temporary repairs made to prevent further damage to their property. Depending on your coverage, these repairs may be reimbursed. Save receipts if you purchase items such as tarps and plywood or other supplies to make repairs.

State Farm reports $1 BILLION increase in hail claim costs

Tue, 14 Mar 2023 08:00:00 -0500

State Farm released that the company’s annual claims paid to help customers recover from hail damages increased more than $1 billion from 2021 to 2022. Why the sharp increase? Two reasons: an increase in hail claims and inflation.

The number of hail claims increased by nearly 45,000 from 2021. However, inflation and supply chain issues occurring across the country is also responsible for the overall increase. To put it in more relative terms, the average claim increased by nearly $2,000 last year. That is the largest year-over-year increase to date.

Top 10 States for Hail Claims in 2022

State	2022 Hail Costs
1. Minnesota	$799M
2. Texas	$510M
3. Arkansas	$231M
4. Illinois	$225M
5. Nebraska	$212M
6. Wisconsin	$194M
7. Iowa	$131M
8. Colorado	$129M
9. Oklahoma	$126M
10. South Dakota	$79M

What can homeowners do to prepare?

“The best thing to do right now, before spring storm season, is to call your State Farm agent and conduct an annual review of your coverage,” said Gina Wilken, State Farm Public Affairs Specialist. “Because of inflation and supply chain issues, some homeowners are seeing a deficit in replacement costs versus levels covered in the insurance policy. After a catastrophe is not the time for homeowners to find out they are not covered to meet their needs.”

Even if you aren’t in a top 10 state, preparation is key.

After talking with your State Farm agent, update your home inventory, and take photos or videos of everything in your home. This not only speeds up the claims process but can trigger your memory when filing a claim. If a storm is on the way, review your emergency plan with all members of the house, have an emergency bag with essentials, pull your vehicles into a covered space or garage, close your blinds and curtains, and stay away from windows.

After the storm, recovery can begin.

Once the storm passes and it is safe to do so, begin to look for damage around your home and take photos. Look for shingles in your yard, water stains on your highest ceiling, and damages to downspouts and gutters and document with photos. Begin to make temporary repairs to roofs with tarps or boarding up broken windows and keep receipts to file for reimbursement. Start to file your claim with your agent or 1800SFCLAIM, at statefarm.com, or on the State Farm mobile app.

Beware of door-to-door contractors.

Unfortunately, after a catastrophe there is an influx of storm chasing contractors who begin knocking on doors nearly immediately after the storm passes. Use caution in hiring a contractor and be wary of the out of state door-to-door contractors. Local contractors with deep community roots are the best to use because if something goes wrong with the work, you know where to find them and get it fixed. Ask neighbors for referrals and get multiple estimates in writing. Look over the estimates for quantity of materials, labor charges, starting and completion dates. Never sign your insurance check over to a contractor.

The “hole” truth: Potholes are the pits

Fri, 13 Jan 2023 08:00:00 -0600

Heavy rains and flooding. Record snowfall and historically low temperatures. Half of the country has experienced extreme weather in just the past month, resulting in everything from frozen pipes to flood damage. But there is another menace has started to pop up because of the weather, one that many drivers deal with every year.

Those pesky potholes.

Potholes become more prominent the first few months of the year as temperatures fluctuate. The freezing and thawing cycles allow moisture to seep into the road surface, which causes the road to crumble.

Here are a few tips to make driving smoother and safer.

What can I do to avoid damage from potholes?

Pump it up. Keeping your tires properly inflated may reduce damage. If tires are under-inflated, the impact from hitting a pothole is much more likely to damage tires, rims and suspension.
Slow down. Travelling at a safe speed for the road conditions and keeping your eyes on the road can all help you avoid the damage that can come with hitting a pothole.
Stay in your lane. Avoid sudden swerving to avoid a pothole as it may result in loss of control of the car or vehicle.
Pay it forward. If you notice a road that has potholes, you can report the roadway hazard to your local city or county transportation department so they are aware of the issue.

How do I know if a pothole caused damage?

While most vehicles are built to withstand rough road conditions, hitting a very large or deep pothole can damage your steering, suspension, or alignment systems. Some signs of pothole damage might include a pulling sensation in one direction, dents in your tires or rims, or low tire pressure.

Is damage from potholes covered by insurance?

Pothole damage is usually covered with collision coverage, minus the deductible. Since the pothole damage your vehicle may incur could fall below the amount of your deductible, typically $500 or $1,000, it may not always be practical to file a claim.

Can I get paid by my city or state for pothole damage?

Some cities, counties, or states may pay for pothole damage in certain cases. A driver who has had pothole damage needs to determine which jurisdiction is responsible for the road and inquire about compensation for pothole damage. The driver may need photos of the damage and the pothole plus an estimate or two for the claim. Be aware there may be a time limit for compensation so don’t wait to file a claim.

Being a Good Neighbor by being a Green Neighbor

Mon, 05 Dec 2022 09:30:00 -0600

Being a good neighbor means caring about the communities we live and work in.

That is why State Farm is committed to reducing its environmental impact by entering into an agreement with Constellation, one of the nation’s leading suppliers of power and natural gas whose products include renewable energy and energy management products.

State Farm has set the goal of a 50 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and is getting there by taking a variety of steps to promote renewable energy generation in markets where it has a large footprint. The insurer will purchase zero-emission, renewable energy equivalent to what is currently used to power its corporate headquarters, operations center, and other Bloomington-located facilities.

“State Farm is committed to reducing its overall impact on the environment and addressing climate change,” says Jenny Greminger, vice president of Administrative Services and Public Affairs at State Farm.” Our efforts to improve energy efficiency, reduce waste, and lessen our carbon footprint is just another example of State Farm’s pledge to be a good neighbor.”

In total, eight State Farm facilities in Bloomington, Illinois will procure approximately 103,000 megawatt hours of energy per year from Constellation. This is the equivalent of 74,000 metric tons of carbon emissions annually, or 16,000 gasoline-powered passenger vehicles driven for one year, according to U.S. EPA greenhouse gas equivalencies.

The company has implemented other initiatives to lessen its carbon footprint, reduce waste and improve energy efficiency. For example, the State Farm Bloomington campus has also increased green space and continues to reintroduce native grasses into the landscape. These efforts reduce mowing and chemical use, provide habitat for wildlife, and control storm water runoff. And in commemoration of its 100th anniversary, State Farm dedicated $2 million dollars in grants to create safer, stronger more resilient communities. The Century of Good grants supported projects focused on a range of community-specific environmental priorities from improving air quality and energy efficiency to improving recycling rates and conserving green spaces.

Learn more about our environmental efforts by reviewing the 2021 Environmental Social and Governance Report. The report outlines our progress on environmental sustainability, social impact, and responsible governance of company operations.

State Farm & Climate Risk: TCFD Report

Tue, 22 Nov 2022 10:24:57 -0600

The State Farm® mission is to help people manage the risks of everyday life, recover from the unexpected, and realize their dreams. A changing climate introduces more risk and uncertainty into the lives of our policyholders, particularly regarding the frequency, severity, and location of catastrophic weather events. State Farm believes our primary role is to be there for our customers as they face these risks by maintaining the financial strength necessary to help them recover. In an effort to provide transparency around how we address climate risks for our policyholders and our business itself, State Farm is announcing our first TCFD report.

The Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) is an external framework providing guidance to companies on the information needed for investors and other stakeholders to assess risks related to climate change. Our 2021 TCFD report offers more information about how we govern, evaluate, and address climate risk on behalf of our policyholders. It also helps us identify areas where we can continue to improve or that require further study. State Farm is steadfast in our commitment to understanding and assessing the risks associated with climate change and the impact to our policyholders.

This TCFD disclosure supplements our annual ESG Report. While much of the work in the organization related to the risks associated with climate change falls within the Environmental pillar of our ESG strategy, the three components of ESG are all interrelated and we are continuing to mature our coordination of ESG strategy and initiatives throughout the entire organization.

2021 TCFD Report

15 minutes can save your life

Sun, 09 Oct 2022 07:00:00 -0500

Like State Farm, National Fire Prevention Week is celebrating their 100^th anniversary in 2022. In fact, it’s the longest-running public health observance in our country.

This year’s campaign, “Fire Won’t Wait, Plan Your Escape,” works to educate families on the simple actions they can take to keep their property, themselves, and their families safe from common home fires. Additionally, State Farm wants to stress the importance of smoke alarm safety – properly installing and checking batteries to help ensure you’re alerted quickly giving you and your family members enough time to escape. Taking 15 minutes twice a year to do both these things can save your life.

Home Fire Escape Plan

Did you know you have as little as two minutes to safely escape a home fire from the time your smoke alarm sounds? According to the National Library of Medicine, only 23% of families in the United States have a fire escape plan and have practiced it.

It is important for everyone to plan and practice a home fire escape. This includes adults, children, and people with disabilities that may need assistance to escape a burning home quickly. Other things to consider:

If you use a walker or wheelchair, check all exits to be sure you can fit through the doorways.
Keep your walker, scooter, cane, or wheelchair by your bed/where you sleep to make sure you can reach it quickly
Keep your eyeglasses, mobile phone, and a flashlight by your bed/where you sleep to be able to reach them quickly in an emergency.
For people who are visually impaired or blind, the sound of the smoke alarm can become disorienting in an emergency. Practice the escape plan with the sound of the alarm to become familiar with, and practice with the extra noise.
If you have a service animal, agree on a plan to keep the animal with you during an emergency.
When looking for an apartment or high-rise home, look for one with an automatic sprinkler system.
For people with cognitive disabilities, work with their healthcare providers and local fire department to make a plan that works for their needs.

The National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) has created a printable Home Safety Action Plan – use this to plan your escape and learn tips for property installing and operating smoke alarms in various rooms throughout your home.

For more information about Fire Prevention Week and this year’s theme, visit fpw.org.

Installing/Testing Smoke Alarms

Installing

To install a battery-powered alarm, all you need is a drill and screwdriver. Always follow the manufacturer's installation instructions.
Hard-wired alarms should be installed by a qualified electrician. All hard-wired smoke alarms should be interconnected: If one alarm is activated, all alarms will sound.
Install a smoke alarm in each bedroom.
Never install a smoke alarm too close to windows, doors, vents or ceiling fans where drafts could blow smoke away from an alarm.
If you have questions about where to install your smoke alarms, contact your local fire department. Many departments will conduct home smoke alarm inspections for free or a minimal fee.

Testing

If you have standalone battery-powered alarms, test them once a month and replace the batteries once a year.
Make sure that everyone in your household knows the sound of the alarms.
Never paint any part of a smoke alarm.
Follow the manufacturer's instructions when cleaning your alarms. Dust and debris can usually be removed by using a vacuum cleaner attachment.

A Century of Good: State Farm® Awards $2M to Environmental Causes

Tue, 07 Jun 2022 07:04:40 -0500

Embracing the future. Empowering good neighbors. Building a better world.

In commemoration of its 100th anniversary, State Farm® is dedicating $2 million dollars to create safer, stronger more resilient communities.

The grants, known as the Century of Good, will support projects focused on a range of community-specific environmental priorities. These include improving air quality and energy efficiency, addressing climate change, improving recycling rates and conserving green spaces.

Building stronger neighborhoods together

Up to $500,000 in funding will be provided to community-based organizations within Bloomington, Illinois, Normal, Illinois, Atlanta, Georgia, Tempe, Arizona and Dallas, Texas.

Cultivating a healthy, sustainable environment

The grantees include:

City of Bloomington Parks, Recreation & Cultural Arts Department (Bloomington, IL) is working to provide current and future generations a sense of community, preserved green spaces, and diverse programs. Century of Good grant funding will be leveraged for revitalization projects at O’Neil Park, including native planting.

Town of Normal Parks & Recreation Department (Normal, IL) provides citizens and visitors with a clean, safe, environmentally pleasant community. Century of Good grant funding will be used to support revitalization projects at Carden Park and the Constitution Trail.

The Ecology Action Center (EAC) (Normal, IL) serves as a central resource for environmental education, outreach and assistance. To improve air quality, reduce carbon sequestration and provide watershed protection, the EAC launched a tree planting program in 2021. Its goal is to plant 100,000 new trees in McLean County over the next 10 years.

Live Thrive (Atlanta, GA) diverts household hazardous waste from landfills and water systems by providing a permanent drop-off facility for hard to recycle items. The organization is expanding, with plans to open a new location.

Trust for Public Land (Dallas, TX) helps communities raise money, conduct research, protect land and design/renovate parks, playgrounds, trails and gardens. It’s working to expand park and trail access to impacted neighborhoods while improving health, education and equitable development in Southern Dallas.

The Office of Sustainability (Tempe, AZ) is mitigating the negative effects of extreme heat. Collaborating with local school districts, first responders and businesses, Tempe is planning to address storm water retention, plant native trees and outfit public buildings with renewable energy.

To learn more about the company’s commitment to environmental sustainability, visit esg.statefarm.com.

State Farm® releases its second Environmental, Social and Governance Report

Tue, 07 Jun 2022 07:04:05 -0500

State Farm has released its 2021 Environmental Social and Governance Report. The 2021 report demonstrates our commitment and actions toward the concept, “Good Neighbors. Better World.” by outlining our ESG framework, and progress on environmental sustainability, social impact, and responsible governance of company operations.

Topics in the report include:

Progress toward our goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030 (using 2019 as a baseline year); we’re on track to meet that goal.
Progress toward our supplier diversity goal.
An update on our $100 million pledge with Business Roundtable over a 5-year period to help minority communities and address issues of racial equity and justice.
More context on our data privacy and security efforts and the governance structures we have in place to ensure we keep our promises to customers and protect the information they’ve entrusted us with.
Continued reach and breadth of our philanthropy efforts – over $55 million in grants given in 2021 and 202,000 hours volunteered by agents and employees.
Efforts to use less paper – 70 million paper communications reduced last year alone.

As our ESG strategy matures, State Farm will identify the appropriate industry standards to track and validate progress.

Wildfire claims average $224k

Tue, 03 May 2022 16:16:12 -0500

There is little doubt that wildfires have a devastating impact on communities. According to the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC), there were nearly 59,000 wildfires in the U.S. last year that burned over 7 million acres of land. Currently, 4.5 million U.S. homes are identified as being at high risk of wildfire, making wildfire preparation critical.

According to recent data released by State Farm, the average wildfire paid claim is $224,000, an 8% increase over last year with 95% of those being in California, Oregon, and Colorado. Between April 2021 - March 2022, the highest claims were concentrated in those three states:

California - 65% - $207k average paid claim
Colorado - 24% - $365k average paid claim
Oregon - 6% - $211k average paid claim

The recent wildfire statistics show us that proactive mitigation efforts prior to a fire event are critical before evacuation warnings or orders are issued by the authorities. This is why State Farm reminds residents to be proactive, to adopt mitigation measures in their properties, and to always be prepared for the possibility of an emergency or catastrophe. As the weather becomes hot and dry, this is what you can do to create a defensible space around your property, easily and inexpensively:

Remove dead shrubs, dried grass, fallen branches and dried leaves 5-100 feet around your property.
Keep your roof and gutters clear of debris and remove overhanging branches.
Keep grass and weeds mowed.
Fill five feet around the base of the structure(s) with fire resistant plants or materials, such as gravel.

There’s even more that you can do to prepare on the financial side of things.

Financial action items

Talk to your agent: review together your homeowners insurance policy and discuss your coverage needs to protect your home and its contents in case of wildfire damage.
Understand the deductible: higher deductibles lower your premium, but increase the amount you must pay out of your own pocket if a covered loss occurs.
Understand Market Value vs. Replacement Cost: market value is the amount a buyer would pay for a home, including the land. Replacement cost for this purpose is the rebuilding cost necessary to repair or replace the home.
Home Inventory: an effective home inventory includes a list and a visual record. With a smartphone, take video or photos and move from room to room, listing items as you go. Keep a copy of it in a safe location away from your property.
Evacuation plan: make, discuss and practice an evacuation plan. Plan for your pets too. Having it can save valuable time during an emergency, when you have to act quickly.
Evacuation package: it should be in one place, ready to go in minutes, and everyone should know where it is. It must contain vital documents, medications, key financial information and irreplaceable Items (e.g.: paper photos, family heirlooms, etc).

May is bicycle safety month – know the rules and risks of biking

Tue, 03 May 2022 13:11:30 -0500

With gas prices still high, riding a bike or e-bike as an alternative to driving to work can provide much needed fresh air, exercise, and save you at the pump. Before you start commuting by bicycle, know the rules and risks.

Around 846 bicyclists are killed each year in crashes with motor vehicles, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Taking safety precautions, knowing what to watch out for and educating yourself on the biking rules of the road is extremely important. There are several things to keep in mind when taking a bike to work.

Safe biking includes wearing the right clothing and equipment.

Make sure you have these items:

Helmet. A properly fitted helmet with a liner is important.
Basic equipment. Make sure your bike is equipped with reflectors, a front headlight and a rear light. A rear light that flashes is preferred. A lock will keep it safe while you're away and a bell could be helpful in congested areas.
Clothing. Make sure you select appropriate clothing so you can be easily seen when riding. Wear light-colored or reflective clothing to enhance visibility, particularly at dusk and into the evening hours. Never wear clothing items that can get caught in any part of the bicycle such as the spokes or chain. Always tuck and secure shoe laces and pant legs so they don't get caught in your bike chain.
Repair equipment. Having an extra tire tube, a bike pump and a small bag of tools will help if a tire should blow or be damaged.

Plan your bike commuting route

Plan out and try your riding routes before you start to commute. Choose routes with less traffic and slower speeds. Look for routes with bike lines, bike paths, reliable surfaces and slow to moderate vehicle traffic. Your safest route may be away from traffic altogether.

Biking rules of the road

Educate yourself on the rules of the road for biking and e-biking. If a crash were to occur, the unfortunate reality is that the cyclist is more likely to be injured than the motorist. Knowing and understanding the rules of the road will keep you safer.

Types of bicycle crashes

Left cross. A left cross accident happens when a car heading the opposite direction makes a left turn and doesn't see the cyclist.
Right hook. A right hook accident is when a car driving the same direction cuts off a cyclist in a right-hand turn.

Also, be sure to know what insurance coverage you have and what they cover in case of an accident. In some states, State Farm® offers a Personal Mobility Policy (PMP).

Don't drink and bike

This should go without saying, but don't bike to work if you're planning on attending happy hour or plan to consume alcohol. Alcohol increases the chance of an accident. Nearly 40% of cyclist fatalities were due to alcohol impairment.

Remember, you can get stopped while riding a bike if you are suspected of being under the influence of alcohol in most states. The term vehicle can be interpreted to include the use of a bicycle or other form of transportation. Make sure you plan your day accordingly to avoid riding your bike after consuming alcohol.

Bike riding reminders

Preparation and education can help make your bike commute safer.

Here are a few key reminders:

Preplan and find the safest route to work.
Ride a bike that fits you so it is easy to control.
Ride a bike that works well, is maintained and has properly working brakes.
Always check the tire inflation before a commute.
Make sure bikes have reflectors and lights.
Never wear headphones, as it is a distraction and hinders your ability to hear and focus.
Always lock your bike at your workplace and any place it is unattended.
Carry all items in a backpack or strapped to the back of the bike.
Tuck and tie your shoe laces and pant legs so they don't get caught in your bike chain.

Driving reminders

Commuting via bike or e-bike is increasing in popularity. When driving a vehicle, make sure you understand and know how to navigate with the bicycling community. Here are few key reminders for drivers:

Stay out of bike lanes.
Pass cyclists slowly and with caution.
Always yield to bikers as they have the right of way.
Always be aware of any oncoming bikers.
Look for bikes or bikers before opening your car door.

Small objects cause boat owners titanic claims

Wed, 30 Mar 2022 16:13:54 -0500

On that fateful April night 110 years ago, the Titanic struck an iceberg, ultimately resulting in the sinking of the Unsinkable. Recent data released by State Farm shows that over 100 years later, striking a submerged or floating object is the top cause for boat claims over the last 5 years.

Before taking the crew out for leisurely days on the water, State Farm wants boat owners to know the common causes of boat damage, ways to avoid them, and tips on insuring boats before leaving the dock. Safety should always be a top priority when using any watercraft.

Between 2017-2021, State Farm paid over $118M on over 14k boat claims averaging just over $8k per claim.

The top 5 states for claims paid include:

Texas
California
Minnesota
Georgia
Florida

Leading the way for most common cause of claims include:

Striking a submerged or floating object - 30%
Liability - 12%
Other perils - 12%
Sinking of watercraft - 10%
Collision with fixed object (such as a dock) - 8%
Wind/Hail - 7%

Safety First

Take a boat safety education course. Many states require operators to take an approved boating safety course, so check before heading out for the first time.
Wear a life jacket. A life jacket should be available for each person aboard. Jackets should fit snugly and be the appropriate size. Check jackets regularly for wear and buoyancy.
Know the nautical “rules of the road,” especially when meeting, crossing or overtaking another boat. Maintain a safe speed and keep a watchful eye on the waters.

Help Prevent Boat Damage

Know the water - Research the area where you will be boating to familiarize yourself with possible hazards, such as submerged objects.
Maintenance - Ordinary wear can cause the bilge pump and bellows to fail and the boat to sink. If you removed the plug to store the boat for the winter, be sure to re-install it in the spring. Store the plug with or attached to the boat ignition key.
Careful on the launch - Some boat owners detach the boat from the trailer before backing the boat into the water, then hit the brakes and let the boat slide off the trailer into the water. Unfortunately, many boat ramps have a steep incline and the boat can slide off onto the cement.

Boat Insurance Tips

Notify your insurer when a boat, trailer or motor is replaced. Many boat insurance companies insure a specifically described boat, motor and trailer, listed by specific identification numbers. Provide identifying information in connection with any replacements.
Remember boating equipment and accessories when insuring your boat. Include the value of such items as life preservers, depth finders, canopies and covers, anchors, trolling motors and fuel tanks when determining the amount of insurance you need.
Have a lot of personal property on your boat? If the answer is yes, don’t forget to ask your insurance agent to endorse your policy with optional personal property coverage.

By taking steps to be safe and protect their property, new boat owners and experienced deckhands alike will be on the right course for smooth sailing.

Tsunami safety and recovery tips

Fri, 11 Mar 2022 09:56:17 -0600

Tsunamis are large ocean waves generated by major earthquakes beneath the ocean floor. Rising to several feet or higher, they can strike the coast with devastating force. People in low coastal areas along the Pacific, Atlantic, Gulf or Caribbean coasts need to be aware that a tsunami could arrive within minutes of an earthquake and should be prepared before one strikes.

Before a tsunami

Tsunamis can happen very quickly, so proper planning now can save valuable time later. Here are a few tips.

Create a plan. Help ensure your family's safety by developing a disaster preparedness plan that includes a disaster survival kit and an emergency evacuation plan. Tsunami evacuation plans should identify shelters and/or safe areas higher than 100 feet above sea level or up to two miles inland.
Prepare a pet emergency kit for pets/animals.
Move to higher ground. If you are near a shoreline and feel a strong earthquake, evacuate to higher ground immediately. Other immediate warning signs include water pulling away from the shore and a loud ocean roar.
Listen to advisories. The National Weather Service provides a Tsunami Warning System that warns of advisories and watches. A tsunami watch means that a tsunami has not yet been verified, but an earthquake or other event has made one possible. When a tsunami watch is in effect, use a battery-powered radio to keep up with the latest information.
Evacuate when a warning is given. A tsunami warning means that a tsunami is on its way. Evacuate immediately to higher ground or inland areas. Do not go to coastal areas to watch for the tsunami, regardless of their elevation. If it is too late to evacuate, go to an upper level of a sturdy building or the highest ground you can access as soon as possible.
Consider earthquake insurance and a flood insurance policy through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Standard homeowner’s insurance does not cover flood or earthquake damage.

After a tsunami

Knowing how to deal with the aftermath of a tsunami is important. Additional severe activity may follow initial quakes and early waves, so remain at a higher elevation until the tsunami threat has completely passed. Local officials will issue an "all clear" advisory when appropriate.

A few safety tips:

Avoid wading or driving in floodwater, which can contain dangerous debris. Water may be deeper than it appears.
Be aware of the risk of electrocution. Underground or downed power lines can electrically charge water. Do not touch electrical equipment if it is wet or if you are standing in water.

Upon returning, you should:

Inspect damage. Make note of any visible damage carefully. Be mindful and careful of all visible and potential dangers including live wires, electrical shorts and gas or sewage leaks.
Check your water supplies. Use your emergency water or boil tap water before drinking until you are told the water supply is safe.
Check food supplies. Food that came in contact with floodwaters may be contaminated and should be discarded.
Document property damage with photographs. Conduct an inventory and contact your insurance company for assistance.

Planting Appreciation for the Environment

Sun, 02 May 2021 16:37:00 -0500

There's still snow on the ground in upstate New York.

But 4th grade teacher Jessica Monaco and her students are excitedly thinking about summer. By then, the expansion of the outdoor education space at Royalton-Hartland Elementary will be buzzing.

The school district and local businesses seeded progress in the initial garden space. Now the $2,500 Teacher Assist grant Jessica won is making it possible to fast-track plans for its expansion.

Soon there will be a new pollinator garden complete with houses and nurseries for butterflies. Students will watch things grow and learn about plant life cycles. Trail cams will allow them to see what birds and animals visit the gardens. Students and their families will be able to pick fruit from the raspberry and blueberry bushes that will be planted.

Hands-on, student-centered learning opportunities will be bountiful. An outdoor weather station will help them understand climate and the environment. They will learn problem-solving and engineering skills through the construction of a water wall. Water will be gathered in rain barrels and solar panels will power the pumps to operate it and provide lessons in renewable resources.There will also be composting stations to further teach about sustainability.

The outdoor area is also handicapped-accessible. New raised garden beds will give all students a hands-on, play-based education.

“Students will be able to take risks and test out their thinking,” Jessica said. “They can get dirty, 'make a mess,' get wet and learn all at the same time.”

In Naples, Florida, the sweet peas are already blooming.

The sunflowers, peppers, tomatoes and watermelons the students planted have sprouted. Birds have laid eggs. And a herd of elephants are lined up ready for water duty. Oh wait, those are watering cans!

Laura Pacter hopes her students never forget the leadership lessons they will learn in the garden at Shadowlawn Elementary. Her Teacher Assist grant is being used to revitalize an existing garden impacted by storms and hurricanes.

The project will make it a totally outdoor learning space featuring tables at each end with 24 reading chairs. Students and their teacher will be able to sit and read together 6 feet apart, socially distanced in the fresh air.

“Additionally, the newest editions of Leader in Me books will help students learn about leaders who made a difference,” Laura said. “The books will help them find their voice to lead others and be proactive in improving the garden.”

These and other garden projects funded through Teacher Assist will help students sow seeds for a lifetime of learning.

State Farm and Arbor Day Foundation announce tree-planting collaboration

Fri, 23 Apr 2021 08:08:16 -0500

Last year alone, an estimated 1 million trees were destroyed in the U.S. due to natural disasters.

To help address the impact of tree loss on communities across the country, State Farm® and the Arbor Day Foundation are announcing a new collaboration to replant trees and help build more resilience in disaster-impacted areas.

State Farm is committing $1 million to the Arbor Day Foundation in support of tree planting and reforestation projects throughout the remainder of 2021.

“Trees play a vital role in the stability of our communities and their resilience against disaster,” said State Farm Vice President of Administrative Services Jenny Greminger, who oversees the company’s environmental sustainability team. “Replanting in a strategic way will help impacted areas recover and potentially better withstand severe weather in the future.”

In consultation with the Arbor Day Foundation, key areas impacted by natural disasters have been identified in fifteen states (Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Iowa, Idaho, Maryland, Michigan, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Texas, and Utah). These areas, including several national forests, will host reforestation, tree planting, and tree giveaway events starting this spring and running through the fall.

Specific events will be announced as they are confirmed. Events will address local challenges including losses from wildfires, hurricanes and tornadoes, as well as urban heat islands and emerald ash borer infestation.

This new collaboration follows the recent announcement from State Farm of a commitment to cut its greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by the end of 2030, and the release of the company’s first-ever Environmental, Social, and Governance report. These efforts are the first announced by State Farm as part of its “Good Neighbors. Better World.” initiative, in which the company is emphasizing social and environmental responsibility as essential aspects of doing business.

Did You Know? Quick facts on trees from the Arbor Day Foundation

Click the images below to learn more about some of the many benefits of trees for health, the economy, and everyday life.

Good Neighbors. Better World.

Tue, 30 Mar 2021 07:59:34 -0500

For us at State Farm^®, it’s not enough simply to do business with people; we must also be good neighbors alongside them. We’re committed to being a responsible corporate citizen that enhances the vibrant communities where our associates and customers live and work. This “Good Neighbors. Better World.” approach guided our actions in 2020 and continues to drive us going forward.

Those actions are shared in our first-ever annual report detailing our progress in environmental, social, and governance areas. One example is how in 2020, our national and local philanthropic giving totaled nearly $57 million—with more than $16 million supporting pandemic relief. State Farm invested an additional $10 million in minority and women small business owners in the Company’s home state of Illinois.

And—because cleaner air helps make a better world—State Farm is committing to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 50 percent by the end of 2030.

We have renewable or carbon-free power purchase agreements for several of our main employee campuses and we’re actively exploring sustainable solutions for fleet vehicles, energy efficiency capital projects, green natural gas – plus how to engage employees individually toward this target.

This step is just the first in our continuing efforts to being good stewards of the neighborhoods we serve.

Download the 2020 ESG Highlights infographic

State Farm Commits to Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Tue, 30 Mar 2021 07:57:59 -0500

In conjunction with today’s release of the first State Farm^® Environmental, Social and Governance Snapshot, State Farm announces its commitment to reduce its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 50 percent by the end of 2030.

Initially, State Farm will focus its efforts on reducing two types of emissions:

Direct GHG emissions, such as those from company facilities and vehicles (Scope 1 emissions)
Indirect GHG emissions, such as those from the generation of electricity supplied to the Company (Scope 2 emissions)

“As a company, our mission is to help people manage the risks of everyday life, recover from the unexpected, and realize their dreams,” said State Farm Chairman, President & CEO Michael Tipsord. “We also believe we have a responsibility to promote, influence, and engage in environmentally sustainable behaviors on behalf of our current and future customers and associates.”

This 50-percent reduction goal aligns with the Science-Based Target initiative (SBTi) goal of keeping global temperature rise below 1.5 degrees Celsius by 2050.

State Farm is currently working with a third party to validate its GHG assessment and obtain Independent Assurance Statements for 2019 and 2020 GHG baseline data.

State Farm has already made progress toward this goal, with recent facility efficiency measures detailed in its ESG report along with a recently-finalized renewable power purchase commitment for its Richardson, Texas office and data center facilities.

State Farm is also exploring sustainable solutions for fleet vehicles, energy efficiency capital projects, virtual power purchase agreements, and green natural gas.

State Farm Releases its First Environmental, Social and Governance Report

Tue, 30 Mar 2021 07:57:11 -0500

State Farm^® today shares an Environmental, Social and Governance Snapshot to convey its commitment and actions toward the concept of “Good Neighbors. Better World.”

This ESG report, the first of its kind in the Company’s history, summarizes 2020 State Farm work in the areas of environmental sustainability, social impact, and responsible governance of company operations.

“For nearly one hundred years, State Farm has functioned on the belief that being a good neighbor means being good stewards of the neighborhoods we serve,” said State Farm Chairman, President & CEO Michael Tipsord. “We want to help make a better world by building resilient futures, empowering good neighbors, and protecting what matters.”

Highlights of the new report include:

Increased energy efficiency: More than 80% of State Farm facilities have an Energy Star Score of 75 or higher.
$100 million committed in support for minority communities for issues of racial equity and justice over the next 5 years.
98,000 hours of employee & agent volunteering, which generated $647,500 in related grant funding
Evolving workforce demographics: women comprise 57% of employees and 37% of executive roles. Minorities hold 24% of executive roles.

To accompany this report on 2020 activity, State Farm is also announcing a new environmental commitment to reduce its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 50% by the end of 2030.

State Farm is the largest auto and homeowner insurance provider in the U.S., with more than 85 million policies and accounts.

Download the 2020 ESG Highlights infographic

CHCI Receives $275,000 Grant Award from Long-Standing Partner State Farm®

Tue, 02 Mar 2021 10:20:00 -0600

WASHINGTON, D.C. February 25, 2021 – The Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI), the nation’s premiere Latino leadership development organization, announced a $275,000 grant from State Farm^®.. Since becoming a CHCI partner in 2004, State Farm has provided support towards CHCI’s Annual Leadership Conference, which included a pitch competition last year, the CHCI Alumni Association, a network of more than 4,400 Latino professionals across the country, and CHCI’s R2L® NextGen program.

“We believe in CHCI’s mission, and look forward to working together to develop the next generation of Latino leaders,” said Rich Garcia, State Farm Human Resources Vice President of Operations. “Our CHCI partnership, and continued support is a testament to our commitment to help the communities we serve across the country.”

State Farm was the founding sponsor of CHCI’s R2L® NextGen program in 2011. The program provides high school students with a transformational experience in Washington, DC that focuses on civic engagement, leadership, and college readiness. To date, the program has provided 623 students the extraordinary opportunity to participate in the program.

“State Farm is a valuable CHCI partner that supports our work in meaningful ways, enabling us to create opportunities and experiences that positively impact the lives of emerging Latino/a/x leaders and help them reach their full potential,” said Marco Davis, CHCI President and CEO.

R2L NextGen students meeting with Rep. Albio Sires (NJ-08) on Capitol Hill.*

R2L NextGen students touring the monuments, including the Lincoln Memorial, in the nation’s capital.*

* All photos were taken Pre-COVID-19.

The Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI) is the premier Hispanic nonprofit and nonpartisan 501(c)(3) organization in the country dedicated to developing the next generation of Latino leaders®. CHCI provides leadership, public service, and policy experiences to outstanding Latino/a/x students and young professionals, and convenes Members of Congress, other public officials, corporate executives, nonprofit advocates, and thought leaders to discuss issues facing the nation and the Hispanic community. Visit www.chci.org, or join us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Instagram.

Facing a cold reality

Wed, 10 Feb 2021 07:14:00 -0600

Samantha didn’t know what to do. Her family had recently moved to a new city for her husband’s work. She was a stay-at-home mom with three kids.

Shortly after their arrival, her husband unexpectedly died. The couple had no life insurance and very little in savings. Samantha began looking for work, but the pandemic had shut down many of her options.

Desperate to take care of her family, Samantha rung up more and more debt. With her cards maxed out and depleted saving, she and her two kids were evicted from their home. Without family or friends to help support them, Samantha was facing a reality that never even occurred to her just a few short months ago. She and her three children were homeless.

Kimberly's Instagram post raising awareness for homelessness.

Stories like Samantha’s were shared with participants of the annual Night in a Car event, a community outreach program in Bloomington, Ill., where volunteers slept in their cars to raise money for a local homeless shelter. The event is also designed to dispel some of the many misconceptions about homelessness in America.

Participants gather in a parking lot in the dead of winter and spend the night in their cars to experience firsthand the inhumane and often brutal conditions many Americans face.

“It could never happen to me.”

“This is one of the things a lot of people think about homelessness,” said Kimberly Kernosky, a State Farm® employee and three-time Night in the Car participant. “They have no idea how wrong they are.”

A staggering 63% of all Americans are living paycheck-to-paycheck. Six out of 10 of us are one unexpected event away from financial disaster. And if there’s anything we’ve learned from dealing with the pandemic, it’s that the “unexpected” is becoming the norm.

“The reality is that you never know what’s going to happen. Nobody plans on being homeless, and nobody should think that they’re immune, because they’re not,” said Kimberly.

This year, Kimberly was joined in the car by Kim Brockman and Rachael Lund, two other State Farm employees. Like Kimberly, Kim and Rachael also found some of what they thought they knew about homelessness was incorrect.

“Homelessness is only a problem in big cities”

Kimberly's Instagram post detailing an experience while participating in the Night in a Car event.

The reality couldn’t be further from the truth; 54% of all homeless people live in small towns, a description that certainly fits Bloomington, a smaller community of about 75,000 in central Illinois. This is where Kim, Kimberly and Rachael sat huddled in their car while the temperatures dipped below zero.

“We kept thinking how right now, there were people out in our town that were having to do what we’re doing, how this wasn’t just one night for them. Maybe they didn’t even have a car for shelter,” said Kim.

According to recent studies, 37% of all homeless people live outside or under conditions deemed unfit for human habitation.

“Right now, there are families in our community that are sleeping in their cars,” said Kim. “For us, this is one night. For them, it’s their life.”

Understanding leads to compassion

“I knew about homelessness on a conceptual level, but when you literally walk in someone else’s shoes and feel what they feel – that is true empathy building,” said Rachael.

“This was my first year participating, and it’s an experience that I’ll never forget. Not only does it make me appreciate the comforts in my life, but it fuels my drive to give to organizations who provide services to the homeless community.”

“I know that this is completely different,” said Kim. “I know that in a couple of hours, this will all be over and I can go home, but by getting even a little look into this world, I’m motivated to do even more to help.”

Community Wildfire Preparedness Grant applications available

Wed, 20 Jan 2021 10:14:34 -0600

NFPA and State Farm announce launch of the Wildfire Community Preparedness Day application process for grant funding to help support home improvement wildfire risk reduction projects

January 11, 2021 – The threat of wildfire is becoming increasingly prevalent and dangerous, posing greater risks to people and property than ever before. With challenges to holding large public gatherings in many areas this year, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and State Farm® are hosting the eighth annual Wildfire Community Preparedness Day (Preparedness Day) event on Saturday, May 1, 2021 with a focus on what homeowners can do now to help protect their personal property from wildfire.

Years of scientific research support the prescription of removing fuel sources from the area around the home – known as the “home ignition zone” – and is a key component to making a home safe from embers and radiant heat from wildfires. Simple, low cost home improvement projects such as clearing dead leaves, debris, and pine needles from roofs and gutters, keeping lawns and native grasses mowed to a height of four inches, removing anything stored underneath decks or porches that could burn, and other similar actions are being actively supported by NFPA and State Farm on Preparedness Day and can be easily undertaken by the majority of homeowners.

Since 2014, community groups and individuals have taken part in the campaign, completing hundreds of wildfire safety projects across the United States. Preparedness Day gives people of all ages a chance to plan and participate in a risk reduction or wildfire preparedness activity that makes their homes and community a safer place to live.

Financial support from State Farm will once again enable NFPA to provide 150 applicants from across the country with $500 awards to complete a wildfire risk reduction project on Saturday, May 1. Project applications can be submitted through February 26, 2021. Apply for an award.

Over the past decade, the U.S. has witnessed a steady increase in wildfire activity. Experts predict this trend will remain. Despite billions of dollars to support wildland fire suppression efforts, the number of homes lost in wildfires per year has increased by 163 percent and wildfires now cost the U.S. an estimated $63 to $285 billion per year in losses.

“There are nearly 45 million homes in areas prone to wildfire today, and wildfire risk is nearly present in every state,” said Lorraine Carli, NFPA vice president of Outreach and Advocacy. “In preparation for a future with more wildfire activity, homeowners need to understand their role and take action in reducing wildfire risk. Preparedness Day 2021 offers communities a unique opportunity to engage in this process.”

“State Farm finds it important to inform and encourage homeowners and communities to adopt effective wildfire mitigation programs that produce stronger, safer homes where lives are saved and a family’s largest investment is better protected,” said Vickie Hodges, State Farm Underwriting Analyst.

For more information about Wildfire Community Preparedness Day, funding awards, project ideas, and free resources to download, please visit www.wildfireprepday.org.

For this release and other announcements about NFPA initiatives, research and resources, please visit the NFPA press room.

Resources:

2020 Hurricane Season

Tue, 27 Oct 2020 17:58:00 -0500

Are you ready? June 1 through Nov. 30 is considered hurricane season because that’s when 97 percent of tropical cyclones form. August, September and October account for 81 percent of tropical storms.

Now more than ever, it's important to prepare your home and family to be #HurricaneStrong.

The NOAA 2020 outlook (released May 21) called for 13 to 19 named storms, six to 10 hurricanes and three to six major hurricanes – one that is Category 3, 4 or 5, with winds of 111 mph or higher. So far, there have been 25 named storms, nine hurricanes, and three major Hurricanes – Laura and Teddy and Delta.

The 30-year (1981-2010) average is 13 named storms, seven hurricanes and three major hurricanes.

State Farm® has joined the Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH) to help spread the word about the importance of hurricane preparation ahead of the storm.

Visit the interactive #HurricaneStrong website to learn about hurricanes and how to keep homes and families safe before, during, and after a storm. It stresses these 5 major components to being prepared:

Know your evacuation zone.
Build a disaster supply kit.
Have an insurance check-up.
Strengthen your home.
Help your neighbor.

www.HurricaneStrong.org even has a special page for children to help them understand their role in the safety process.

In the News:

WBRC-6: Time to prepare for inland flooding from Hurricane Sally is now (9/14/20)
Houston Chronicle: Season's first hurricane gives Texans a taste of how COVID has shaped insurance claims (8/4/20)
AccuWeather: Now is the time to prepare for hurricane season (6/1/20)

Participate in the Great ShakeOut

Wed, 14 Oct 2020 09:56:00 -0500

When the ground starts to shake, what do you do? If it involves a doorway, a triangle, or running - these are not earthquake-safe actions. Learn about Drop, Cover, and Hold On, practice updated earthquake safety actions and how to survive and recover from the next damaging earthquake.

The Great ShakeOut drill will be at 10:15 a.m. on Oct. 15. Make sure to REGISTER and Get Ready to ShakeOut!

DROP where you are, onto your hands and knees.

This position protects you from being knocked down and also allows you to stay low and crawl to shelter if nearby.

COVER your head and neck with one arm and hand.

If a sturdy table or desk is nearby, crawl underneath it for shelter
If no shelter is nearby, crawl next to an interior wall (away from windows)
Stay on your knees; bend over to protect vital organs

HOLD ON until shaking stops.

Under shelter: hold on to it with one hand; be ready to move with your shelter if it shifts
No shelter: hold on to your head and neck with both arms and hands.

Prepared to Help You

Thu, 08 Oct 2020 16:39:38 -0500

Long before Delta formed into a major hurricane, State Farm put plans in motion to quickly respond to help.

Our Claims Central Coordination Group springs into action any time a potentially catastrophic storm begins to form - establishing a three-phase response plan.

During phase one, the group meets several times daily. They discuss the National Hurricane Center’s and AccuWeather path forecasts. They assess variances in the predicted path and rework plans as the storm’s cone of uncertainty changes. This includes projecting where to stage catastrophe services assets and evaluating potential claims response center sites. They also bring together resources from across the company.

Communication is also a key focus in phase one. This ensures our associates are aware and ready to take care of our impacted customers and handle their claims. We also communicate storm preparedness information to customers and the media in the potentially impacted zone.

“There is nobody who does it better or is more prepared than State Farm,” Claims Section Manager Taylor Van Loon said. “We can’t plan for everything because issues come up. But, when something does come up, we are prepared and ready to respond because the foundation is in place.”

When State Farm begins the planning for these major events - whether it’s a hurricane along the coast, the ongoing wildfires on the West Coast, a tornado outbreak or winter storms - preparation is key. We talk to our team about things like agent business continuity and give virtual claims handling demos. It’s all about building confidence in everybody involved that we have the ability to respond no matter the storm's strength.

Phase two will begin when Delta makes landfall and phase three will come after the storm – once Catastrophe Services has been fully implemented.

“We are in comfortable spot,” Taylor said. “There are no nerves. We are prepared and ready because we have done this before. Now it is a matter of executing the plan we have in place.”

Affected by Hurricane Laura? We Are There for You.

Fri, 04 Sep 2020 16:53:07 -0500

Frequently Asked Questions Following a Hurricane

More than 35,300 insurance claims were filed with State Farm in the week following the Laura’s landfall. Residents across Louisiana and Texas continue reporting damage to their homes and vehicles as impacted areas become more accessible. State Farm catastrophe response drone teams are assessing damage for customers across Lake Charles and other impacted areas.

Please continue to monitor local information. When it is safe to do so, make (or have a contractor make) temporary repairs to prevent further damage to your home or property. Save receipts if you purchase items such as tarps, plywood or other repair supplies. Take photos/videos of damage for claim documentation.

To get the claims process started, you can file your claim online, call 1-800-SFCLAIM (800-732-5246) or contact your State Farm agent.

We're continuing to gear up claims resources in response to #HurricaneLaura. We're balancing health and safety with our commitment to customers, we’re working virtually and in person, practicing social distancing with protective equipment.

The State Farm Weather and Catastrophe Team is being dispatched to the hardest hit areas.

Face-to-Face protocols, adjustments and staffing during COVID-19

First and foremost, we are committed to the health and safety of our customers, the communities where we live and work, and our claim employees.
Our claim operations remain open and available to service your claims. We are monitoring this changing health issue and continually evaluating our response.
Virtual claim inspection options are available in most states if legally permitted.
Claims can always be submitted and managed by calling or emailing your State Farm agent, calling 1-800-SFCLAIM, submitting a claim through our mobile app or through our website at statefarm.com/claims.
Continuous innovation and adaptation have positioned State Farm as the insurance industry leader. The pandemic is a rapidly changing situation and the decisions we are making balance health concerns with our obligation to continue to serve you.

More tips and resources:

Avoid driving if possible. If you have to travel, turn around if the road is flooded or blocked by debris.
Stay away from downed power lines. Anything touching the power line can carry a charge. Report the downed line and avoid the area.
Simple Insights: Hurricane disaster cleanup after the storm

In the News:

KADN-15: State Farm Using Drones to Assess Damage (9/4/20)
The Times-Picayune: State Farm insurance claims hit 24,800 for Louisiana homeowners after Hurricane Laura (9/1/20)
CBS-42: Like good neighbors, Alabamians are there (8/27/20)
WVTM-13: Hurricane Laura relief staging in Birmingham area (8/27/20)
The Weather Channel: CAT 2 Laura Moving Inland (8/27/20)
Houston Chronicle: Season's first hurricane gives Texans a taste of how COVID has shaped insurance claims (8/4/20)
AccuWeather: Now is the time to prepare for hurricane season (6/1/20)

Rescuing Horses from the Path of Wildfires

Tue, 25 Aug 2020 16:08:00 -0500

Wildfires threaten man and beast. State Farm® Agent Ben Samrick is helping both through the devastating wildfires.

Ben's spent his entire life around horses. Riding since he was five years old, Ben’s passion is thoroughbred horses, taking them off the racetrack, rehabilitating and retraining them before finding them new homes.

So with the wildfires raging in California, Ben found a way to marry his passions and quickly moved to help. With his truck and horse trailer, Ben volunteered his time and resources to help rescue horses caught in the path of wildfires.

“These fires are devastating,” Ben said. “We are doing everything we can to help.”

His life-long experience working with horses has been a huge advantage.

“I showed up at one farm to help a gentleman with 10 horses that needed to evacuate,” Ben said. “There were no halters and the horses hadn’t been in a trailer in years. There were people there to help, but no one had any experience or training in knowing how to get the horses into the trailer.”

Ben was able to load the horses on the trailer and moved them to safety. He has moved more than 30 horses to safety on his farm and continues to assist where he can.

In his day job as a State Farm agent in Walnut Creek, California, Ben stresses how residents need to be aware of the severity of the fires and take any necessary precautions.

“Get out early, listen to evacuation orders, and have a plan in place,” he said.

In the News:

KXTV-ABC10: Davis resident rescues horses from the LNU Lightning Complex fires (8/20/20)

Keep Yourself and Your Property Safe from Wildfire

Thu, 20 Aug 2020 10:40:00 -0500

With over 360 active fires across California and elsewhere, State Farm® is committed to the people and communities we serve. As acres continue to burn, evacuate if ordered to do so or if risk appears imminent.

Customers impacted by wildfires can visit st8.fm/claim or call 1-800-SFCLAIM to file a claim.

Your agent can also help and give you more time to pay your premium if needed.

Visit Ca lFire for Information and Resources

Part of a mandatory evacuation?

Safety first: Material things can be replaced but the loss of life or serious injury can’t be fixed.
Stay tuned: Follow news reports and information from first responders.
Keep living expenses receipts: They may be reimbursable after meeting your deductible.
What to expect from the claims process: We will work with you closely to resolve your claim.

Steps to take now before your home is threatened

Know Your Evacuation Plan: Create it, discuss it and include where to go/reunite, who to call, etc.
Make a home inventory: Take pictures and video to document your personal possessions, because proof of ownership can make your claim settlement easier and faster. A quick video of each room can help later on.
Back up your information: Back up vital photos, documents and financial information.
Create an evacuation package: Put original vital documents and irreplaceable items (paper photos, family heirlooms, etc.) in one place so it is ready to go.
Talk to your agent: Discuss your coverage needs, understand your deductible and the difference between the current market value of a property and its replacement cost.

When it is safe to do so, file a claim.

Contact us to get the process started - contact your agent, call 1-800-SF-Claim, go to st8.fm/claim or use our mobile application.

Face-to-Face protocols, adjustments and staffing during COVID-19

First and foremost, we are committed to the health and safety of our customers, the communities where we live and work, and our claim employees.
Our claim operations remain open and available to service your claims. We are monitoring this changing health issue and continually evaluating our response.
Virtual claim inspection options are available in most states if legally permitted.
Claims can always be submitted and managed by calling or emailing your State Farm agent, calling 1-800-SFCLAIM, submitting a claim through our mobile app or through our website at statefarm.com/claims.
Continuous innovation and adaptation have positioned State Farm as the insurance industry leader. The pandemic is a rapidly changing situation and the decisions we are making balance health concerns with our obligation to continue to serve you.

Resources:

Wildfire Preparation Infographic
Cal Fire
www.nfpa.org
National Interagency Fire Center
NFPA Firewise
Creating a Home Inventory
Insurance Information Institute: Road to Recovery: 3 Key Steps to Simplify Filing Wildfire Damage Claims

Visit Simple Insights for more articles and tips to help you and your family prepare for and recover from wildfires.

Wildfire Season is Underway, but There’s Still Time to Prepare

Wed, 08 Jul 2020 15:53:31 -0500

Already through July 7, there have been 26,321 fires in the United States*. Though they have burned more than 1.5 million acres and are above last year’s pace, the numbers are lower than the 10-year average.

There's still time to get your property more wildfire-ready. And, it can be completed over the course of a weekend, leaving you time for your summertime pool parties or backyard BBQs.

Wildfire risk exists in all 50 states. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) suggests a three-stage process to reduce wildfire fuel and fashion a buffer around property. To create defensible space and reduce your risk:

remove dead vegetation
trim tree branches overhanging your roof, and
remove combustible materials around structures.

“Preparing our communities for wildfire is more critical today than ever before,” said Lorraine Carli, NFPA vice president of Outreach and Advocacy. “NFPA and State Farm work closely together on this yearly campaign in a continued effort to raise awareness and educate homeowners that they have the power to save their homes and communities before a wildfire ignites, and we have the resources and information to help.”

* according to the National Interagency Fire Center

Break your property into three zones.

Zone 1: the five feet closest to your home or business

It requires the most careful selection and management of plants and materials. Maintaining this zone reduces the chance fire will ignite near your building and lead to a direct flame contact exposure

Zone 2: runs from five to 30 feet from your home or to the property line

Maintaining plants in this zone helps prevent fire from climbing into the top portion of trees or shrubs. It stops fire from burning directly to your home.
Wind-blown embers can still ignite individual islands of plants in this zone. It makes plant selection and maintenance in Zone 1 and plant spacing in Zone 2 critical. NFIP suggests removing dead materials and lower tree branches.

Zone 3: the remaining space of the property

Maintain vegetation and be mindful of the spacing. This will reduce the energy of a wildfire, slowing its advance on your building. Proper spacing of trees and brush should force any fire in the tops of the trees, brush or shrubs to fall to the ground.

And don't forget...

Maintain your decks. Remove debris and vegetation from on top of your deck, and do not store wood on or underneath it. Store combustibles, like patio umbrellas and furniture, inside.
Don’t neglect rain gutters. Clear leaves and other debris from gutters, eaves and porches. This prevents embers from igniting your home.
Assess your wildfire risks and review your insurance policy to make sure you’re covered in the event of a wildfire.
Create a home inventory to assist in the claims process if wildfire does strike.

Resources:

Visit Simple Insights for more articles and tips to help you and your family prepare for and recover from wildfires.

NFPA and State Farm® support Wildfire Community Preparedness with awards to 150 communities and tips to reduce risk

Thu, 23 Apr 2020 16:09:07 -0500

In the last two years, wildfires have claimed more than 100 lives and cost more than $25 billion in property losses. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and State Farm are helping communities take steps toward safety with a new set of awards to support local community efforts to reduce wildfire risks.

Thanks to support from State Farm, 150 communities across 26 states will receive project funding awards of $500 each to support activities aimed at reducing potential loss of life, property, and natural resources to wildfire. See this year’s list of winners.

Saturday, May 2 is national Wildfire Community Preparedness Day. For the past seven years, this day has been a focal point for community projects to reduce wildfire risk. This year, due to COVID-19 and related state and local measures to combat its spread, NFPA and State Farm support communities postponing organized preparedness efforts until later in the year or such time that it is safe to do so.

In the meantime, NFPA is sharing ideas for actions that individuals and families can take to reduce wildfire risk and potential losses where they live, including:

Raking and removing pine needles and dry leaves within a minimum of 3 to 5 feet of a home’s foundation. As time permits, continue up to a 30-foot distance around the home. Dispose of collected debris in appropriate trash receptacles.
Cleaning pine needles from roof and gutters and paying attention to maintaining the home ignition zone.
Getting out your measuring tape and seeing how close wood piles are located to the home. If closer than 30 feet, they need to be relocated and moved at least 30’ away from structures.
Sweeping porches and decks clearing them of leaves and pine needles. Raking under decks, porches, sheds and play structures.
Mowing grasses to a height of four inches or less.
Removing items stored under decks and porches and relocating them to a storage shed, garage, or basement. Gasoline cans and portable propane tanks should never be stored indoors and should be located away from the home.
Posting and sharing Facebook and Twitter messages with tips and best practices with others in your community. (See sample posts from NFPA here.)

Over the last few years wildfire events have made the need for preparedness activities more important than ever. In 2018, nearly all of the $13 billion in property damage and losses from large fire incidents in the U.S. was due to just six wildfires. As annual federal spending for wildfire management has gone from roughly $1 billion per year in the mid-1990’s to close to $4 billion per year today, the average annual area burned from wildfires has jumped from about two million to eight million acres over the same period.

For more information about national Wildfire Community Preparedness Day including videos and tip sheets, visit www.wildfireprepday.org.

Resources:

Response to the Nashville Tornado

Thu, 05 Mar 2020 12:06:27 -0600

Dangerous nocturnal tornados hit Nashville and the surrounding area on March 3. East Nashville’s Donelson neighborhood, Mt. Juliet, Lebanon, Cookeville, and other Putnam County, Tennessee locations were also hit by the twisters and accompanying wind and hail damage. More than two dozen people were killed in the EF-3 and EF-4 tornadoes.

Our hearts go out to all those impacted – especially family and friends of those who lost their lives. Safety is paramount as residents assess damage and begin the recovery process.

Start the claim process as soon as possible.

Take steps to prevent further damage as soon as it is safe to do so. There are four ways to start the claim process:

Online at www.statefarm.com/claims
Use the State Farm Mobile App
Call 1-800-SFCLAIM
Contact your State Farm Agent

Hundreds of customers have already filed claims. Our local agents and call center claim specialists are already assisting customers with their most immediate needs, like additional living expenses (ALE). The State Farm Claims Catastrophe Response Team is being deployed to the most heavily impacted areas to assist in the recovery. This additional personnel includes three drone teams.

Customers with damage should:

Inspect your property. Document damage with pictures to share with your claims specialist.
Make temporary repairs to prevent further damage. Take pictures and save receipts for materials purchased.
Exercise caution when selecting a contractor. Storm recovery can be emotionally and physically draining. Don’t make a quick, emotional decision without recommendations. Obtain detailed written estimates and multiple bids.

Additional insurance considerations and storm recovery tips:

Tree removal can be very expensive right now because resources are spread thin. As a reminder, insurance only pays to remove trees impacting your home, building, fences or other structures. Coverage limits may apply to debris removal coverage.

Be wary of those who might try to capitalize on the storm.

Ask for recommendations
Beware of door-to-door solicited repairs
Get multiple written estimates
Always have a written, detailed estimate
Don’t pay up front. Always inspect the completed work before payment.
If making repairs, consider upgraded roofing materials (upgrades could result in insurance premium discounts).

If you have experienced a power outage:

Never use candles for emergency lighting, use flashlights.
Disconnect any appliances, equipment or electronics that were on when the power went out. When power comes back on, it may come back with momentary “surges” or “spikes”. This can damage computers, air conditioners, refrigerators, etc. Leave one light on so you know when the power returns.
Check to see if your homeowners policy covers damages resulting from outages. Subject to the deductible, your policy may cover spoiled food and other damages.
Use generators safely. If you have a portable generator, only run it outdoors with adequate ventilation. Never use a generator indoors or in attached garages. The exhaust fumes contain carbon monoxide, which can be deadly if inhaled.

Donations Support Nebraskans After 2019 Flooding

Tue, 18 Feb 2020 14:58:42 -0600

It’s a scene we’ve taken in before – piles of insulation, dry wall and furniture litters yards as people attempt to recover from a catastrophe.

In 2019, Nebraska had a historic and catastrophic year for flooding. Destruction escalated when dams were destroyed, leading to road and bridge failure. The small community of King Lake took on 6 feet of water in late March, and the community was still trying to recover come October.

“It was getting cold and the majority of residents still had no power or heat and little, if any, money. They were living in trailers outside their home, in small apartments nearby or with family members in Omaha,” State Farm^® Agent Tim Edwards said. “Some were even living in their homes with just a wood stove.”

Tim, his son and several friends stepped in to help through the nonprofit Omaha Rapid Response. The group would go from house to house Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays, insulating the homes and hanging drywall.

“We always meet the homeowner and through tears they thank us constantly,” he said. “We are on our 11^th building now and intend to continue until it warms up. Our group really enjoys each other and helping the people of King Lake.”

“Nebraska Strong”

The Lincoln Operation Center’s Lead Where You Live committee saw the devastation throughout the community and partnered with Public Affairs to bring together employees and Nebraska agents to help.

“There was an automatic reaction of ‘how can we help and take advantage of opportunities State Farm provides?’” Nate McHargue, Government Affairs Coordinator in Lincoln, Neb., said.

Claims Support Supervisor Molly Honke researched what actions would make sense to help with flood relief. Employees and agents contributed $3,530 to the American Red Cross, which was matched by the State Farm Companies Foundation Matching Gift program, and State Farm contributed another $100,000 to the American Red Cross to assist with flood relief across Nebraska and Iowa. State Farm also gave a $23,000 grant to the Fremont (Nebraska) Area Habitat for Humanity to support home repairs. The team also gathered baby items, non-perishable food items and other goods to donate.

Following the flooding, the saying “Nebraska Strong” spread. On a wall in the Lincoln Operation Center, a cut-out of the state was put up, and people were invited to write what made them “Nebraska Strong,” to inspire others to participate in acts of good.

“Some people were sharing how they are ‘Nebraska Strong,’ and some were things they do in their community – this is what I’ve done to demonstrate ‘Nebraska Strong,’” Molly said.

“It made it that much more of a community in the office,” Nate added. “Collaboration doesn’t always occur. This created that opportunity for us and created an opportunity to get to know people.”

Molly mentioned there is already a sense of pride that comes from being from Nebraska. “We really rally around being from Nebraska – from things like this to sports. Any time someone is successful, there is support. It’s an embodiment of that philosophy.”

NFPA and State Farm® Announce Funding Award Application Period for Wildfire Community Preparedness Day 2020

Mon, 13 Jan 2020 11:47:01 -0600

Reducing fuel for fires around vulnerable homes. Meeting and talking with firefighters about community preparedness plans. Helping seniors with home improvement projects to resist embers. All of these activities and more are anticipated as the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and State Farm announce the launch of the project funding awards application period for its seventh national Wildfire Community Preparedness Day on Saturday, May 2, 2020, which helps communities prepare for and reduce their risk of wildfire damage.

State Farm is providing funding to NFPA for the Preparedness Day event and a portion will be awarded to 150 neighborhood wildfire risk reduction projects being implemented on Saturday, May 2. Preparedness Day gives people of all ages a chance to plan and participate in a risk reduction or wildfire preparedness activity that makes their community a safer place to live.

Project applications can be submitted through February 29, 2020. Apply for an award.

Motivate neighbors and community members to work together to make where they live a safer place from wildfire.

During Preparedness Day 2019, hundreds of projects were undertaken across the United States. Of those projects, 150 received funding from State Farm for activities that helped make residents and firefighters safer when wildfires happen.

According to reports, on average, wildfires burn twice as much land area each year as they did 40 years ago, and the threat continues to increase. In 2018, California saw its deadliest and most destructive fire, the Camp Fire, burn more than 150,000 acres and claim the lives of 88 people. Wildfires once described by “seasons” are now burning earlier and later in the year across the U.S.

"According to the recent, staggering statistics, preparing our communities for wildfire is more critical today than ever before,” said Lorraine Carli, NFPA vice president of Outreach and Advocacy. “NFPA and State Farm work closely together on this yearly campaign in a continued effort to raise awareness and educate homeowners that they have the power to save their homes and communities before a wildfire ignites, and we have the resources and information to help.”

For more information about Wildfire Community Preparedness Day, funding awards, project ideas and free resources to download, please visit www.wildfireprepday.org.

For this release and other announcements about NFPA initiatives, research and resources, please visit the NFPA press room.

Resources: