Allstate Offers Illinois Homeowners Helpful Information Following Severe Storms

CHICAGO, June 22, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- As many Illinois residents discovered, last night's severe thunderstorms and strong winds can cause damage to roofs, siding, cars and windows. Allstate Insurance (NYSE: ALL) recommends residents carefully inspect their homes and vehicles for damage following the recent storm.

Allstate policyholders who believe their homes or vehicles were damaged can start the claim process by calling or visiting their agent, calling 1-800-54-STORM or logging onto Allstate.com.

Here are some steps people can follow as they check for damage:

• Look for wall cracks in spots where there weren't cracks before. Cracks of a quarter inch or more are signs walls may have shifted or settled. Look carefully around windows and doors because these are typically the weakest spots in a home's construction.
• Make sure to closely check rooms not regularly used.
• Look outside for physically visible, new cracks in the home's foundation. Look inside for changes in the levelness of floors. Changes in the level of the floor could be signs of a lift in the home's foundation.
• Inspect plumbing. Look closely around the water heater and or water softener for signs of water leaks that did not exist before. Flush all toilets, turn on all of the water faucets, and check connecting pipes for any leaking water.
• In the days or weeks after a disaster, check walls and ceilings for water stains or yellowing that did not exist before. It could indicate damage on the roof.
• Carefully inspect the outside gutters. Damaged gutters could cause water damage inside the home long after the actual gutter damage occurs.

The Allstate Corporation (NYSE: ALL) is the nation's largest publicly held personal lines insurer known for its "You're In Good Hands With Allstate®" slogan. Now celebrating its 80th anniversary as an insurer, Allstate is reinventing protection and retirement to help nearly 16 million households insure what they have today and better prepare for tomorrow. Consumers access Allstate insurance products (auto, home, life and retirement) and services through Allstate agencies, independent agencies, and Allstate exclusive financial representatives in the U.S. and Canada, as well as via www.allstate.com and 1-800 Allstate®.

SOURCE Allstate Insurance

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