The best way to keep your family and yourself safe is to plan ahead. Follow these tips to protect yourself from what could be a potentially disastrous event.

• Conduct a home inventory recording each of your possessions. It’s also helpful to keep track of model numbers and stores where items were purchased. Store your inventory, including photos and videos, in a safe place away from your home.
• Develop an evacuation plan that includes identification of safe areas, escape routes, meeting locations and plans for pets.
• Prepare an Emergency Supply Kit including a three-day supply of water, non-perishable food, radio and batteries, flashlight and first-aid kit.
• Remove any diseased and damaged limbs from trees to keep them from blowing around during a storm and causing property or automobile damage.
• Purchase materials such as 3/4” plywood that can be used to reinforce your windows, doors and garage doors. Install anchors and pre-drill holes for the plywood so you can install them quickly in the event of a storm.
• Install head and foot bolts in doors for extra protection.

Minimize your losses

• Review your home insurance policy and coverage limits with your agent. Know what you are and are not covered for in the event of a hurricane.
• Find out if you have comprehensive auto coverage for damage to your car caused by falling objects or flood.
• Gather important documents such as insurance policies, birth certificates and identification. Make sure to place them in a waterproof container.

Tips for storm recovery

• Make sure your home is structurally safe. If your home has sustained serious structural damage, be extremely careful and be sure it is safe to be inside the home.
• 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.
• If your home is uninhabitable, review your policy to find out what additional living expenses your insurance policy may provide. Keep any receipts for expenses that may be reimbursed as part of your homeowner’s policy.
• Assist claims adjusters assigned to your case.
• Notify creditors if bills have been lost or you’re unable to pay.
• Prepare to file an insurance claim by gathering all relevant Allstate policy numbers. 
• Report possible claims promptly. 
• Ask your utility company to stop service if your home is uninhabitable or has been destroyed.
• Inventory your home and list damaged items before your adjuster arrives.  An inventory can help facilitate the claim process after a disaster.
• Work with a qualified tax expert to find out about tax breaks you may be eligible for because of your catastrophe losses.