WOODLAND HILLS, Calif., Aug. 30, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- With Hurricane Dorian seeming to strengthen and Florida bracing for its landfall, Farmers Insurance® Catastrophe claims representatives, agents, other personnel and resources are already engaged and prepared to help customers who may suffer damage as a result of the storm.
Farmers® urges those in or around the path of the hurricane to listen closely to the National Weather Service as well as heed the warnings of local authorities in their area. Farmers also offers the following tips to help residents prepare for the next few days:
- Make a plan: Prepare an emergency kit and make a communication plan. Identify evacuation routes in the area and define a meeting point.
- Don't wait – evacuate: If instructed to or considering evacuation, act quickly. Flooding is likely during a hurricane and potential evacuation routes could be affected.
- Unplug: Unplug devices and appliances like T.V.'s, computers, microwaves and stoves. Widespread power outages are possible and can last weeks. As the storm passes, power surges could cause serious damage to your electronics.
- Try to save the food: Unless advised to turn off utilities by local authorities, keep the refrigerator plugged in and on the lowest temperature setting possible to help prevent food loss if there is a power outage. If evacuating, it's a good idea to take everything out and move it to the evacuation location.
- Utilities: If ordered to do so, or planning to evacuate, turn off the utilities (water, gas and electric).
- Don't go outside: Stay indoors, away from windows and glass doors while the storm passes. Close all internal doors and lock external doors. According to IBHS (Institute for Business and Home Safety), during the height of the storm seek shelter in an interior room, closet or hallway on the lowest level of the home. If in a high-rise, seek shelter below the 10th floor of the building.
More information on what to do before, during and after a hurricane is available at www.farmers.com/prepare.
Farmers customers in the area who have damage from the storm can file a claim by:
- Visiting Farmers.com or Foremost.com.
- Calling their agent.
- Using the Farmers® Mobile App through their smartphone or tablet.
- Texting REPORTCLAIM to 29141.
- Or by calling the 24-hour claims center:
- Farmers Claims Contact Center number: 1-800-435-7764.
- Foremost® and 21st Century® customers can also use the 1-800-435-7764 number for assistance.
- Spanish-language claims assistance is available to Farmers customers by calling: 877-RECLAMO (877-732-5266).
About Farmers Insurance
"Farmers Insurance®" and "Farmers®" are tradenames for a group of insurers providing insurance for automobiles, homes and small businesses and a wide range of other insurance and financial services and products. Farmers Insurance is proud to serve more than 5 million households with over 15 million individual policies nationally, through the efforts of more than 45,000 exclusive and independent agents and approximately 20,000 employees. Farmers Insurance Exchange®, the largest of the three primary insurers that make up Farmers Insurance, is recognized as one of the largest U.S. companies on the 2019 Fortune 500 list. For more information about Farmers Insurance, visit Farmers.com, Twitter and Instagram, @WeAreFarmers, or Facebook.com/FarmersInsurance.
For more information about Farmers Insurance, visit Farmers.com, Twitter and Instagram, @WeAreFarmers, or Facebook.com/FarmersInsurance.
About Foremost Insurance
A member of the Farmers Insurance Group of Companies®, Foremost Insurance Group ("Foremost") has been a leader in personal lines insurance since 1952. Foremost is headquartered in Caledonia, Michigan.
SOURCE Farmers Insurance
