SYLACAUGA, Ala. – After severe weather this weekend, it is important to assess your storm damage.
The first step should be to call your insurance agency and file a claim on the damage, according to local State Farm Agent Sheila Curtis.
“Call and talk to your agent, and they can advise what your deductible is and what to do moving forward,” said Curtis.
State Farm’s website says that if you are a customer and need to file a claim for vehicle, home, motorcycle and personal property damage there are a number of options. Those options are as follows:
- File online
- Use the State Farm® mobile app
- Contact your State Farm agent
- Call 800-SF-CLAIM (800-732-5246) 24/7
“Sometimes there is a major situation like a tree on the house, or there is danger and you cannot live in your home,” said Curtis. “That is why there is a 24 hour claim service at State Farm.”
Even despite all your precautions and efforts to reduce damage to your home or personal property, sometimes there is no preventing it. The most important thing is that you stay safe.
State Farm offers some tips on how to prepare for a tornado:
- Don’t wait for the sirens or phone alerts. Use this checklist to prepare now for a potential
tornado to keep you and your family as safe as possible.
- Pick a safe space – Designate a safe spot in a basement or lower level away from all windows.
- Stock with heavy blankets or an old mattress for added protection from flying debris.
- If you’re in a mobile home, know where the nearest underground shelter or sturdy permanent structure is.
- Consider a safe room – These are specially built rooms and storm shelters that can offer you even more peace of mind.
- Create survival and first aid kits – Include non-perishable foods, bottled water, flashlight, batteries, phone chargers, first aid supplies, medicines, etc. Keep these kits in your safe space if possible.
- Watch or warning – Know the difference between a tornado watch and a tornado warning so you can act accordingly.
- Tune in – When severe weather is on the way, stay updated with your NOAA radio station or your local news.
