American Red Cross of Central Oklahoma and The Allstate Foundation prepare residents for severe weather season

OKLAHOMA CITY, March 15, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- To prepare Oklahomans for severe weather season, eight Allstate agency owners recently passed out 750 disaster preparedness family starter kits at the Severe Weather Expo on Saturday, March 10. Agency owners secured $8,000 from The Allstate Foundation's My Helping Hands grant program to support the American Red Cross's mission to provide disaster relief services to families in Central Oklahoma.

Agency owners shared how you can best prepare for a natural disaster. Allstate recommends the following steps.

Before the disaster:

• Clean out your garage and yard: Take steps to reduce risks of damage to your property like having a spot for your car during a hail storm and removing dying tree limbs and outside furniture that can go airborne during a wind storm.
• Make a family plan: Create a safety plan with your family and know the prepared areas to take shelter in case of a tornado. Visit emergency management government websites to help you come up with a plan before a catastrophe.
• Take stock of your stuff: Walk through your home with a video or still camera to create a record of what you have and where it is in your house. You can also download an app like Allstate's Digital Locker to help create an inventory.
• Call your insurer: Locate your current insurance information and reach out to your insurer for a yearly coverage check-up. Review your policy with your agent to make sure your coverages meet your current needs.

In the unfortunate event of a storm, Allstate recommends the following tips to help customers begin the recovery process. 

Disaster recovery:

• Make temporary repairs: Make reasonable temporary repairs to prevent further damage. Save the receipts for temporary home repairs as these expenses may be reimbursed as part of your homeowner's policy. Your adjuster will need this information.
• Document damages: Inventory your home and list damaged items before your adjuster arrives. An inventory can help facilitate the claim process after a disaster.
• Research contractors: Work only with licensed, bonded and insured contractors and have them provide you with documentation. Check with your local Better Business Bureau to see if any complaints have been filed against contractors you are considering.

Participating Allstate agency owners include (in alphabetical order):

• Mason Cummings, Midwest City
• Brandon Fisher, Norman
• Eva Herrera, Oklahoma City
• Tyler Hoisington, Yukon
• Tim Missaghi, Oklahoma City
• Michael Monroe, Norman
• Ciani Portillo, Oklahoma City
• Bobby Thompson, Edmond

About The Allstate Foundation
Established in 1952, The Allstate Foundation is an independent, charitable organization made possible by subsidiaries of The Allstate Corporation (NYSE: ALL). Through partnerships with nonprofit organizations across the country, The Allstate Foundation brings the relationships, reputation and resources of Allstate to support innovative and lasting solutions that enhance people's well-being and prosperity. With a focus on building financial independence for domestic violence survivors, empowering youth and celebrating the charitable community involvement of Allstate agency owners and employees, The Allstate Foundation works to bring out the good in people's lives. For more information, visit www.AllstateFoundation.org.

SOURCE Allstate