[July 15, 2015]

PCI Provides Quick Steps for Hurricane Preparedness

In time for the peak months of the Atlantic hurricane season, the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America (PCI (News - Alert)) is featuring its interactive online magazine Quick Steps for Hurricane Preparedness and Recovery and urging residents in coastal states not to be complacent about hurricane preparation.

This Smart News Release features an interactive multimedia capsule. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20150715005939/en/

Quick Steps for Hurricane Preparedness and Recovery can help homeowners and renters prepare both physically and financially for a hurricane. This guide provides tips and information on preparing your home and property, action steps to take before and after a disaster, must have apps for hurricane readiness and the basics everyone should know about flood insurance. It contains videos, infographics and links to key resources for preparedness.

July, August and September are the most dangerous months for coastal residents, with hurricane activity typically hitting its peak from mid-August to mid-September. Homeowners, business owners, and renters should take action now to prepare for severe weather by creating a family disaster plan, maintaining an emergency supply kit and staying informed about approaching storms with a weather radio.

"While the National Oceanic (News - Alert) and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) anticipates another quiet hurricane season, we've already seen storms hit the coast and we know from previous years that it only takes one storm to cause massive amounts of damage to your home and community," said Chris Hackett, PCI's director of personal lines policy. "Additionally there are a tremendous number of people have moved to coastal areas in the last 10 years. Many of them have never experienced a major hurricane. It is important for them, as well as all residents, to not take huricane preparations for granted. We are encouraging residents not to let their guard down and take the necessary steps to be fully prepared, especially when it comes to insurance. Have your emergency kit ready to go, prepare your property, conduct a home inventory, talk with your insurance agent or company about your policy and consider coverage options such as flood insurance."

A recent survey conducted by Harris Poll on behalf of PCI found that nearly 3 out of 5 (58 percent) Americans in the South and Northeast, regions prone for hurricanes, say they are prepared for natural disasters or severe weather with adequate insurance, supplies and a response plan. However when asked about specific actions they had taken, only 21 percent of Americans actually have a disaster response plan that includes things like an emergency supply kit with food, water, and first aid.

The survey conducted online within the United States from March 20-24, 2015 among 2,021 adults ages 18 and older also found that there is widespread agreement, 89 percent, that having adequate insurance should be part of being prepared for natural disasters or severe weather. But only 17 percent have conducted a home inventory and just 15 percent have talked with their insurer about additional coverages such as flood insurance.

Flood policies must be purchased separately through the National Flood Insurance Program or by contacting your insurance company or agent. Flooding from storm surges during hurricanes and tropical storms can be especially dangerous for residents along the coast and further inland. According to the National Weather Service, rising water levels can cause extreme flooding, particularly when a storm surge coincides with normal high tide.

Taking time to prepare now, while things are calm, can prevent the loss of life and minimize property damage. PCI has a wide range of resources available at its Hurricane Headquarters to help homeowners and businesses prepare for the 2015 hurricane season. Follow us on Twitter (News - Alert) (@PCIAA) and use #calmbeforestorm or #hurricaneprep to keep the conversation going.

Survey Methodology:

The survey was conducted online within the United States by Harris Poll on behalf of PCI from March 20-24, 2015 among 2,021 adults ages 18 and older. This online survey is not based on a probability sample and therefore no estimate of theoretical sampling error can be calculated. For complete survey methodology, including weighting variables, please contact Jeffrey Brewer, vice president, public affairs for PCI.

About The Harris Poll

Over the last 5 decades, Harris Polls have become media staples. With comprehensive experience and precise technique in public opinion polling, along with a proven track record of uncovering consumers' motivations and behaviors, The Harris Poll has gained strong brand recognition around the world. The Harris Poll offers a diverse portfolio of proprietary client solutions to transform relevant insights into actionable foresight for a wide range of industries including health care, technology, public affairs, energy, telecommunications, financial services, insurance, media, retail, restaurant, and consumer packaged goods. Contact us for more information.

PCI is composed of nearly 1,000 member companies, representing the broadest cross section of insurers of any national trade association. PCI members write more than $183 billion in annual premium, 35 percent of the nation's property casualty insurance. Member companies write 42 percent of the U.S. automobile insurance market, 27 percent of the homeowners market, 32 percent of the commercial property and liability market and 34 percent of the private workers compensation market.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20150715005939/en/

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