Deon Joseph and Greg Owens have both spent significant amount of time on Skid Row, the notorious 50-block area of East LA.

Deon, an LAPD officer, and Greg, a State Farm^® agent, just crossed paths for the first time, but not in one of America’s most condensed homeless populations where they both volunteer. Instead, on Extreme Makeover: Home Edition (EMHE).

HGTV’s EMHE returned this February with 10 new episodes highlighting great stories, inspiring volunteers and mind-blowing home renovations for families who give back to their communities.

State Farm is teaming with EMHE in three episodes, where agents are giving their time to help these amazing families.

The season premiered on Feb. 16 with the Mosley family from Bakersfield, Calif. Jessica Mosley, a social worker and single mom of two, welcomed three additional teens who were deemed “unadoptable” into her family and home. Bakersfield agents Elizabeth Lehr and Darlene Denison and their teams helped the Mosley family update their home. Elizabeth and Darlene were both single mothers who believe in helping their communities.

On the March 22 episode, you met Pedro Juaregui, a SoCal military vet whose new mission is to help other veterans re-enter society. His family was the recipient of the home makeover.

Local agents Maritza Gonzalez and Damian Useda were compelled to volunteer their time to help the Juaregui family. Maritza’s husband is a veteran and knows firsthand the sacrifice of military families. Damian, a 23-year Army reserve veteran, served three tours in Kuwait. Both agents and their teams helped give the military family the home of their dreams.

Don’t forget to tune into HGTV on April 5 at 9 p.m. ET to catch Greg volunteering with his State Farm team. Not only is he an agent but also a neighbor and a chaplain who has long volunteered to help the homeless of Skid Row.

The new 10-episode season of EMHE features new host Jesse Tyler Ferguson and guests including: Anthony Anderson, Derek Hough, Ty Pennington, LeAnn Rimes, OWN’s Laila Ali, Food Network’s Tyler Florence and HGTV stars David Bromstad, Tamara Day, Tarek El Moussa and Jasmine Roth.

Join the conversation on Yammer!

Editor’s Note: In our current reality of social distancing, seeing photos of people shoulder to shoulder is a bit jarring. The episodes described in this story were filmed well before the COVID-19 pandemic surfaced. State Farm and its associates continue to do good in these trying times, just as we always have.

Deon Joseph and Greg Owens have both spent significant amount of time on Skid Row, the notorious 50-block area of East LA.

Deon, an LAPD officer, and Greg, a State Farm^® agent, just crossed paths for the first time, but not in one of America’s most condensed homeless populations where they both volunteer. Instead, on Extreme Makeover: Home Edition (EMHE).

HGTV’s EMHE returned this February with 10 new episodes highlighting great stories, inspiring volunteers and mind-blowing home renovations for families who give back to their communities.

State Farm is teaming with EMHE in three episodes, where agents are giving their time to help these amazing families.

The season premiered on Feb. 16 with the Mosley family from Bakersfield, Calif. Jessica Mosley, a social worker and single mom of two, welcomed three additional teens who were deemed “unadoptable” into her family and home. Bakersfield agents Elizabeth Lehr and Darlene Denison and their teams helped the Mosley family update their home. Elizabeth and Darlene were both single mothers who believe in helping their communities.

On the March 22 episode, you met Pedro Juaregui, a SoCal military vet whose new mission is to help other veterans re-enter society. His family was the recipient of the home makeover.

Local agents Maritza Gonzalez and Damian Useda were compelled to volunteer their time to help the Juaregui family. Maritza’s husband is a veteran and knows firsthand the sacrifice of military families. Damian, a 23-year Army reserve veteran, served three tours in Kuwait. Both agents and their teams helped give the military family the home of their dreams.

Don’t forget to tune into HGTV on April 5 at 9 p.m. ET to catch Greg volunteering with his State Farm team. Not only is he an agent but also a neighbor and a chaplain who has long volunteered to help the homeless of Skid Row.

The new 10-episode season of EMHE features new host Jesse Tyler Ferguson and guests including: Anthony Anderson, Derek Hough, Ty Pennington, LeAnn Rimes, OWN’s Laila Ali, Food Network’s Tyler Florence and HGTV stars David Bromstad, Tamara Day, Tarek El Moussa and Jasmine Roth.

Rebuilding homes and neighborhoods takes time. Putting lives back together takes a toll on individuals, families and the community-at-large. The commitment to helping our customers recover continues.

As of mid-September 2019, State Farm has received approximately 8,100 home and auto claims related to these fires. Almost $1.3 billion has been paid on those claims.*

History of the State Farm response to the 2018 wildfires:

• As each wildfire event broke out, State Farm immediately began to position resources. People and equipment from across the country was deployed to the areas most impacted.
• Paid almost $1.3 billion in indemnity for the approximately 8,100 claims from the fires.*
• Community grants and volunteer efforts provided by the company and our associates continue to focus on emergency relief, home safety and wildfire preparedness.
• Advanced up to 50% for total loss of building coverage limit.
• Advanced up to 75% for total loss of content coverage limit without an inventory.
• Expedited payment of automobile claims for comprehensive loss coverage.
• Granted billing leniency for at least 30 days for customers in designated disaster areas.
• Allowed grouping of categories of personal property to ease itemization of contents.
• State Farm claim handlers are available to help policyholders complete every step of the inventory process.

* These numbers include the Ventura/Santa Barbara mudflow event. Heavy Jan. rains in the aftermath of the Dec. 2017 Thomas fire triggered that earth movement.

As the country's largest provider of auto and home insurance, we have faced countless significant weather and other major disasters throughout our 97-year history. Our State Farm agents, agent’s staff, local employees and claims specialists are always prepared to help customers with their claims. Before, during and after a catastrophic event, we help people manage the risks of everyday life, recover from the unexpected, and realize their dreams.

Don't Get Burned Twice: Hire a Reputable Contractor:

• Contact your local home builders association or remodelers council for a directory of reputable contractors.
• Make sure the contractors are currently licensed, registered and insured.
• Get at least three different estimates.
• Insist on a written contract that includes: contractor's contact information, project timeline, payment schedule and permit requirements.

Signs of Poor Business Practices or Possible Scam Involving a Contractor:

• Pushy door-to-door sales tactics or unsolicited calls are common after a disaster.
• Promising discounts for using leftover materials or for referring other customers.
• Insisting on a large deposit or cash payments in full.
• Asking you to secure building permits.
• Unwillingness to provide local contact information.

Visit CA.gov for Power Outage and Fire Recovery Resources

State Farm is deeply committed to the communities we serve. We stand ready to help.

Customers impacted by the California 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.

Problems paying your loan? Call 1-877-SF4-BANK.

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.

If you have not been evacuated but your home could become threatened - time is of the essence.

• Know Your Evacuation Plan:  Create it, discuss it and include where to go/reunite, who to call, etc.
• Make a home inventory:  Document your personal possessions, because proof of ownership can make your claim settlement easier and faster. A quick video of each room can help a lot 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.

If you suffer damage, file a claim.

• When it is safe to do so, file a claim. Contact State Farm® to get the process started - contact your agent, call 1-800-SF-Claim, go to st8.fm/claim or use our mobile application.

Wildfires are causing more damage to homes and businesses each year. So far in 2019, there have been more than 44,537 wildfires*. These have burned almost 4.5 million acres and resulted in widespread damage, firefighter injuries, and the deaths of local residents.

There are currently seven active large fires in California. Residents are encouraged to take necessary action with regard to wildfire safety and to take steps to be prepared for wildfire.

* according to the National Interagency Fire Center

Resources:

• Wildfire Preparation Infographic
• Cal Fire
• www.nfpa.org
• Firewise
• Creating a Home Inventory
• What to Do After a House Fire

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

In the News

• The Weather Channel:  Southern California Will Experience Strongest Santa Ana Winds Yet in New Round of Dangerous Fire Weather Conditions (10/29/19)

The City of Los Angeles’ Vision Zero initiative has added a new member to its roster: L.A. Rams Pro Bowl punter Johnny Hekker.

Hekker, the Rams, and State Farm are joining with the Los Angeles Department of Transportation (LADOT) to help educate fans about Vision Zero, the city’s initiative to eliminate traffic deaths by 2025. Through a PSA campaign with Mayor Eric Garcetti, Hekker will be supporting education efforts about the traffic safety initiative during the NFL season. Vision Zero makes human life the highest value in the City’s road system, and has two goals: a 20% reduction in traffic deaths in 2017 and zero traffic deaths by 2025.

Hekker’s talents in having his punts downed inside the 20-yard line – he set an NFL record with 51 such efforts in 2016 – will help remind Rams fans about the city’s 20 percent Vision Zero goals during games this season. Through a promotional partnership with State Farm, each successful Hekker punt will trigger a reminder to fans both in-stadium and on Rams radio broadcasts to drive safely and take the Vision Zero pledge at visionzero.lacity.org.

In recognition of Hekker’s participation in the program, he will be feted as the city’s first Vision Zero Hero.

“I’m honored that our city has asked me to participate in this program,” Hekker said. “There’s nothing more important than road safety. This is a unique way to remind Angelenos that everyone using the city streets – whether driving, walking or bicycling – should have the chance to get where they need to go safely.”

“We love that Johnny Hekker plays football in Los Angeles and supports our city as our first Vision Zero Hero,” said Seleta Reynolds, LADOT General Manager. “Johnny is helping to reinforce the message that safety is a shared responsibility no matter how you get around Los Angeles. Whether you drive, bike, walk, or take transit, you can be a hero, too.”

“As a leader in auto safety, State Farm has always been committed to the safety of individuals using roadways in any fashion,” says Tom Conley. Senior Vice President at State Farm. “We look forward to working together on this important initiative.”

Vision Zero is a citywide effort to improve traffic safety on streets and intersections with high collision rates. Starting in places with the highest numbers of traffic deaths, the City of Los Angeles is working towards zero traffic deaths by implementing the most attainable common sense solutions and improvements.

For more information about Vision Zero and its traffic safety campaigns, please visit: visionzero.lacity.org/resources.