[July 02, 2014]

First Named Storm of the Season, Tropical Storm Arthur Approaches NC Coast

Fireman's Fund's Risk Services Team encourages homeowners to take action to prepare and protect their property along the path of Hurricane Arthur.

The first named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season prompted a hurricane warning for a wide swath of the North Carolina coast and had officials, hotel owners and would-be vacationers as far north as New England carefully watching forecasts.

"Arthur poses serious dangers to lives and property, it is important to take action," said Darren Colley, risk services hurricane specialist, Fireman's Fund. "There are several important measures people can take to make sure their homes and families are protected."

FAMILY SAFETY - Review your evacuation plan and be sure to have supplies including water, food, medications, and flashlights handy.

OUTSIDE SURROUNDINGS

• Secure any parts of a fence that appear weakened or loose.
• Trim trees and shrubbery away from structures and remove any weakened sections of trees that might easily break off and fall onto structures.
• Move lawn furniture, toys, potted plants, garden tools and other yard objects inside; anchor heavier yard objects deep into the ground.

WINDOWS and DOORS

• If you have shutters, closely monitor local weather conditions and make sure you have enough time to deploy them before the storm is expected to hit your area.
• Check doors, windows, and walls for openings where water can get in; use silicone caulk to seal any cracks, gaps, or holes - especially around openings where cables and pipes enter the house.

WATER DAMAGE REDUCTION

• Place all appliances that are on the ground floor, including stoves, washers and dryers on masonry blocks or concrete.
• Move furniture and electronic devices off the floor, particularly in basements and first floor levels.
• Roll up area rugs, and get them off the floor to reduce the chances they will become wet and grow mold or mildew. This is particularly important if the property will be left unattended for an extended period of time and if long-term power outages are a possibility.
• Put fresh batteries in sump pumps.

Report claims promptly to 1-888-FIREHAT (1-888-347-3428)

More info is located on Fireman's Fund's Risk Advisor website: http://disasteradvisor.ffido.com/content/hurricane-preparedness-your-home-family

About Fireman's Fund Insurance Company

Founded in 1863, Fireman's Fund Insurance Company recently celebrated its 150^th anniversary as a premier property and casualty insurance company providing personal and commercial insurance products backed by industry-leading claims and risk management solutions. Fireman's Fund is a leader in high net worth, entertainment, and green insurance. Since 2004, the company has donated more than $31 million in grants to local fire departments across the U.S. as part of its commitment to safer communities. Fireman's Fund is a member of the Allianz Group, one of the world's largest providers of property and casualty insurance, ranked 31st on Fortune's Global 500 list of the world's largest corporations. For additional information, visit www.firemansfund.com.

© 2014 Fireman's Fund Insurance Company, Novato, CA (News - Alert) 94928

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