Good Neighbor Stories

Reach out - help a neighbor

Tue, 19 Sep 2023 08:19:04 -0500

Relocating to a new state is challenging. But, when you arrive during hurricane season, it could be overwhelming as well.

The destructive force of a hurricane can be devastating with heavy winds, tornadoes, and storm surges. It can cause severe damage and life-threatening injuries. These things are challenging to the average person, but, even more so, to those who may need help to navigate the storm.

If you have neighbors who may need to rely on others before and after a disaster, there are many ways you can help them.

For Cory and Laura VanPutten, their first hurricane season in Florida was less stressful than they feared, thanks to helpful neighbors.

On the first day in their new home, Laura met their new neighbors, Tim and Lisa Smith, across the street and they became fast friends. As a new Florida resident, Laura was a little concerned about hurricanes.

Their new friends lost no time ensuring Laura and Cory understood the importance of protecting themselves, their property, and preparing for the worst.

“We were aware of the need to prepare, but we didn’t know where to start if a hurricane came ashore in Florida. Lisa suggested a list of supplies, such as bottled water and flashlight batteries to keep on hand. In addition, creating a home inventory and evacuation kit in case the storm might enter our path are essential.” said Laura.

Protecting the residence and keeping a “few” creature comforts are important, as well. Cory and Tim discussed exterior preparation such as, bracing the garage doors, portable generator operation and safety, extra heavy-duty extension cords, and removal of any items on the property that may become missiles when high winds hit the area.

Cory noted, “And if evacuation is not necessary, a window air conditioner is a nice luxury. It was so reassuring to have good neighbors across the street. We cannot thank the Smiths enough for guiding us through our first hurricane season here in Central Florida.”

While it’s important to help all neighbors, the elderly are particularly vulnerable during hurricanes. They may have a harder time preparing and evacuating. Taking the time to check-in on your neighbor before, during, and after a hurricane can make a huge impact.

Help them prepare before a hurricane hits:

Help your neighbor gather any supplies they may need.
Suggest they create a home inventory of their possessions. This can be a written list, captured on a digital app or video — or a combination of these tools − whatever is easiest for them.
Prepare with water. Fill containers, buckets, or tubs so they can flush toilets and wash hands, in the event they are not required to evacuate, and their water supply is cut off.
Assist in storing any non-secure items around their property in the home or garage, such as patio furniture, garbage bins and landscaping ornaments.

Help them evacuate:

Check to see if they have put together a basic emergency kit. For the elderly, it’s particularly important to include their medical prescriptions.
Help them make contact with relatives or friends not affected by the storm so they have a safe place to evacuate.
Car safety: Help them make sure gas tanks are full and they have a hurricane evacuation kit ready to go in their vehicle.

Check-in after the storm passes:

After the storm and when it is safe to do so, check-in with your neighbors to assure them you are safe and ask how they weathered the storm.
Make sure they are comfortable and have any emergency numbers or supplies they may need.
If you can, continue to check in every few days.

Remember to check for the latest health and safety guidelines from your local officials and the CDC.

Natural disasters can be scary and life-threatening. But as the VanPutten’s can attest, coming together to check on each other can make a big difference. These two couples have inspired other neighbors to help each other, not only during hurricane season, but year-round. Maybe they’ve started a trend.

Top 10 Hurricane Prep Tips

Tue, 22 Aug 2023 12:04:20 -0500

While you can't stop a hurricane from coming, you can strengthen your home against its brutal force. Here are hurricane preparedness actions you can take to help protect your property, and possibly even save your life.

Prepare before a hurricane hits:

Secure your garage doors and shut all interior/exterior doors to lessen the severity of wind damage.
Clear gutters of any debris so water can flow freely.
Store any non-secure items around the property in the home or garage, such as patio furniture, garbage bins and garden ornaments.
Fill containers, buckets or tubs so that you can flush your toilets and wash your hands in the event you are allowed to stay home, and your water supply is cut off.
Review your need for a backup generator. Having one in place can help provide your home with temporary power during an emergency. Remember to never run a generator inside the home or any enclosed area where deadly carbon monoxide (CO) gas can accumulate. Generator Safety Tips
Have any necessary repairs made if you live in a mobile home and inspect all straps and tie-downs for wear.
Make your evacuation plan and gather any supplies you may need. Emergency Kit Supplies
Create a home inventory of your possessions. This can be a written list, captured on a digital app or video — or a combination of these tools − whatever is easiest for you.
Try to store any RV or vehicle in a garage or secured facility.
Designate an out-of-state friend or relative as a family contact: This one person can update everyone in case you need additional assistance.

State Farm Responds to Hurricane Ian

Thu, 06 Oct 2022 09:15:00 -0500

State Farm’s response to Hurricane Ian began before the storm made landfall, as a fleet of catastrophe response team vehicles deployed early this week and staged in Birmingham, Alabama ready to respond. State Farm also is setting up an orientation center for incoming claims support in Birmingham, with over 100 new claims handlers coming in each hour. They are distributing fully equipped laptops, printers and a host of additional technical equipment to prepare claims handlers to respond effectively to affected customers.

Our Ian response includes State Farm agents who live and work in the same neighborhoods as our customers, and teams of claim specialists trained in disaster response traveling in to evaluate damage on site. They are joined by thousands of employees in centralized care centers across the country helping answer customers’ questions and file their claims.

Additionally, our remote claim teams are able to conduct virtual inspections with impacted customers following the storm, helping customers in their time of need. The use of aerial imagery during the first stage of response helps determine the areas of severe impact. This helps State Farm identify the hardest hit areas and customers, and assess where we need to initially respond and send our first wave of resources to start handling claims for those hardest hit.

Our State Farm Customer Response Units (CRUS) have been traveling throughout communities impacted by Ian. CRU team members and State Farm agents have distributed needed items such as bottled water, packed snacks, work gloves and other useful items for residents. The CRU team responds immediately following a disaster, and navigates throughout impacted areas to provide in-person contact and assistance to those in need. State Farm agents often ride along on the CRU, and can offer neighbors helpful information about filing their claim and insurance tips. State Farm is there to help residents during this first and critical step on the road to recovery.

After the storm - Don’t sign anything and contact State Farm first

Given the possibility of widespread home damage and claims from Hurricane Ian, we want to make Floridians aware of an important issue called AOB (Assignment of Benefits). State Farm has seen an increase in claims with an Assignment of Benefits throughout the state.

Once it is safe to do so, check your property for damage. If you have home damage from the storm, please follow these tips to avoid an AOB mistake: If you have a property damage loss in your home, contact State Farm immediately to report the claim. Be careful before signing anything without fully reading the documents. Remember that an AOB transfers the payment and many rights of your claim to the vendor or contractor. This language is often difficult to identify in the documents. Keep your rights! Vendors taking AOBs may be water mitigation companies, roofers or other contractors. Be diligent before signing anything with a vendor/contractor that solicits you directly and advises you to file a homeowner’s claim. Also, preserve all building materials removed by any contractor or vendor until you speak with State Farm.

Customers impacted by Ian urged to report claim as soon as possible

To provide the best possible service and response to customers who may be impacted by Hurricane Ian, the following are in place:

The 1-800-SFCLAIM line is activated and available for customers to begin the claim reporting process after the storm hits, should they be unable to reach their local State Farm agent.
State Farm policyholders who have damage from Hurricane Ian 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 or email SFhelp@statefarm.com to reach our Executive Customer Service team.

For people in need of disaster relief, the American Red Cross has shelters in Florida. Residents can also contact FEMA at 1-800-621-3362 to apply for assistance.

Affected By Hurricane Dorian? We Are Here to Help!

Thu, 29 Aug 2019 06:54:00 -0500

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.

The State Farm Weather and Catastrophe Team is being dispatched to the hardest hit areas. Click the image to learn more about the capabilities of this industry-leading response unit.

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

CBS WINK TV (Fort Myers, Naples, FL) Time to review you insurance coverage (08-29-19)
NBC Ch 6 (Miami) - Are You Ready for Dorian? Get ready now (08-27-19)
El Nuevo Herald (Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, FL - Spanish) Is my home insured for hurricanes? (08-26-19)

Hurricane Michael: We Are Here To Help!

Thu, 11 Oct 2018 10:15:42 -0500

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.

The State Farm Weather and Catastrophe Team is being dispatched to the hardest hit areas. Click the image to learn more about the capabilities of this industry-leading response unit.

Frequently Asked Questions Following a Hurricane

In The News:

WFSU - Insurance Company Takes To The Sky After Hurricane Michael (10/17/18)
WPTV - West Palm Beach: Insurance companies use drones to assess storm damage for faster, easier claims process (10/18/18)
WMBB Live in Panama Beach: The Panama City Mall parking lot has become a staging area for work crews. State Farm also has an insurance claim center set up, and mall staff say the mall is working to reopen.(10-15-18)
WYFF-Greenville, SC: Flood Insurance on the Rise After Florence (9/18/18)
The Weather Channel: What to do before and after a hurricane (09/11/18)

Hurricane Florence: We Are Here To Help!

Fri, 14 Sep 2018 07:52:00 -0500

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.

The State Farm Weather and Catastrophe Team is being dispatched to the hardest hit areas. Click the image to learn more about the capabilities of this industry-leading response unit.

Frequently Asked Questions Following a Hurricane

In The News:

Forbes: FAA OKs Long-Range Drone Flights Over Populated Areas By State Farm To Assess Florence Damage (9/19/18)
WYFF-Greenville, SC: Flood Insurance on the Rise After Florence (9/18/18)
NBC29-Charlottesville: State Farm Mobile Center Readying to Roll Out of Albemarle County Office (09/14/18)
Weather Channel: Florence coverage, Jake from State Farm dog (09/13/18)
WUSA-Washington, DC: What's the difference between water coverage and flood coverage? (09/11/18)
Bloomington Pantagraph: State Farm: 'Ready to respond' to Hurricane Florence (09/12/18)
WCCB-Charlotte: State Farm Insurance Not Making Policy Changes In Light Of Hurricane Florence (09/11/18)
The Weather Channel: What to do before and after a hurricane (09/11/18)

#HurricaneLane: Be prepared. Stay Safe.

Thu, 23 Aug 2018 10:18:00 -0500

Are you ready?

A little preparation can make a big difference when it comes to safety and security of your family and pets. Homeowners can protect themselves and their property in advance of the storm with a few simple steps:

Have an evacuation plan. Before the hurricane, decide what you will do. Find out the location of evacuation shelters. Determine if you will ride out the storm in your home (if local authorities permit you to stay), or establish a safe place inland. Plan an escape route. Tell relatives where you will be.

Put together an emergency kit. The kit should include basics such as water, food, first aid supplies, clothing, blankets, and important documents. Store your kit in airtight plastic bags or a plastic storage container with a lid.

Protect your property. Stock plywood and materials you may need to board up windows. Move garbage cans and other large objects inside the house or garage. Secure boats and cars.

Create a home inventory. Make a list of your possessions and their estimated value.

In The News:

Hawaii Public Radio: The Conversation: Storm Experiences (home inventory information at 29:40 mark of the program) Aug. 24, 2018