Home > Newsroom > Disaster Resource Center
Newsroom


Disaster Resource Center

Insurance Company Contact Information

Some of the more prominent insurance companies are listed here.

  • Nationwide
    1-800-421-3535
  • State Farm
    1-877-734-2265
  • All State
    1-800-547-8676
  • Farmers
    1-800-435-7764
  • USAA
    1-800-531-8222

Safety and Preparedness Tips
With the variety of dangerous weather we can experience in the south, we would like to remind everyone to have an emergency plan in place. It is important to plan ahead and prepare a family disaster plan for hazardous weather activity. Here are some important tips to follow:

Plan a "Disaster Kit" with the following supplies...

  • Emergency tools (a fire extinguisher, work gloves, battery-powered flashlights and radios, extra batteries of different sizes, duct tape, plastic trash bags, non-electric can openers, tarps, rope, matches / lighters)
  • Toiletries
  • Baby supplies (extra diapers, formula, food)
  • Bleach
  • Non-perishable food (canned or packaged) and beverages enough for at least 3 days per person
  • First aid kit and insect repellent
  • Pet food, supplies and carriers
  • Portable coolers
  • Clean and fill your bathtubs with water (to pour in toilet tanks, etc.)
  • Containers
    • For drinking - at least 5 gallons per person with tight seals
    • For sewage - at least (2) 5 gallon buckets with covers
  • Cash
  • Extra prescription medications (about a 2 week supply)

Have a Family Disaster Plan in Place...

  • Know where to go if an evacuation is issued.
  • Know where your family will gather in the event that you do not evacuate (interior room without windows).
  • If the designated room is a closet, make sure that heavy items are removed from upper shelves.
  • Bring your emergency supplies and important documents into the designated safe room with you. Also, bring pillows, blankets, toys, games, etc.
  • Designate a friend or relative outside your area to be a contact in case the family is separated.
  • Teach every family member how to turn off the utilities leading to the residence (gas, water, and electricity).
  • Talk to children and prepare them for the storm.
  • Secure all important documents in a waterproof container.
  • Have a NOAA Weather Radio in the home.

During the Storm...

  • Stay away from windows
  • Do not leave your designated interior room
  • Please use phone lines only for emergency calls
  • Play games or sing songs with children to keep them calm
  • Do not operate electrical appliances

After the Storm...

  • Have a professional check your gas, electric, and water lines for damage.
  • Use flashlights, not candles.
  • Do not drink tap water unless officials state that it is safe to do so.
  • Call 911 for emergency rescues - do not attempt to rescue in flooded areas.
  • Standing water may be electrically charged.
  • DO NOT ATTEMPT TO DRIVE! Two feet of water can carry your car.
  • Do not allow children to play in flooded areas.
  • Do not operate a chainsaw when fatigued or while taking medications.
  • Never use a generator in enclosed places such as garages or utility rooms.
    • Generators should be outdoors away from doors, windows, or vents.
    • Never place animals within the area of a generator.
    • If someone starts to feel dizzy, nauseated, or weak, go outside immediately.
  • Refrigerators will keep foods cool for about 4 hours; freezers will keep already frozen foods several hours longer. When in doubt - throw it out.
  • Stay away from wild or stray animals.
  • Never jeopardize your safety with strangers.
  • Use a DEET-based mosquito repellent; stay away from standing water.

Safety Tips for Flash Floods
The Office of Emergency Management would like to emphasize the dangers of Flash Floods. Communities particularly at risk for flooding are those in low-lying areas or near water. A flash flood usually results from intense storms precipitating large amounts of rain in a brief period of time. These flash floods can destroy buildings, move large pieces of debris, tear down trees, and break apart roads and bridges. Here are a few safety steps to take to help prepare for this type of hazardous weather event:

What you can do to prepare for major flooding...

  • Plan a place to go in the event of relocating to higher ground.
  • Plan different evacuation routes. In the event that a road is underwater, turn around and try an alternative route.
  • Stock up on food and necessary supplies. You may not be able to get on the roads to stores for several days.
  • Put important documents in a waterproof container or in a safety deposit box.

During a flood situation...

  • Do not attempt to walk or drive on roads covered by water. Drowning is the number one cause of flood deaths. Six inches of moving water can knock a person down.
  • Do not allow children to play near storm drains, reservoirs or creeks.
  • Pay close attention to the rising water levels during heavy rain.
  • Be prepared to move to higher ground.
  • If advised by authorities to evacuate, do so immediately.
  • Do not attempt to move a stalled vehicle. Abandon it and climb to higher ground.
  • Stay away from power lines and electrical wires.
  • Look before you step. Dangerous debris may be in the water (broken glass, nails, pieces of wood, and slippery materials).
  • Watch out for animals. Many have been displaced from their homes, including snakes.