Farmers Insurance(R) Advises Texans to Prepare for Coming Storm; South Texans Most at Risk, But Impact on Inland Texans Also Likely

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas, June 29 /PRNewswire/ -- As Tropical Storm Alex (likely to become Hurricane Alex, shortly) continues to approach the South Texas area, Farmers Insurance® wants to advise all Texans, not just those in the southern part or along the coastline, that now is the time to begin preparations.

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"We want to make sure everyone remains safe," said Jonh Henle, State Executive Director of South Texas for Farmers.  "While the storm is expected to hit the southern and coastal Texas communities hardest, inland cities and areas are also likely to experience significant rain and strong winds."

Measures that Texans can implement now include:

• Create an Inventory of Personal Property – This includes items inside the home as well as outdoor items, like gazeboes or tool sheds.  The inventory can be prepared on paper or video.
• Be Prepared to Implement a Family Evacuation Plan – Be sure everyone in the family understands where to meet to evacuate safely.  Prepare your evacuation route now.
• Pre-Pack Now In Order to Evacuate Quickly – When the announcement to evacuate comes, residents will only have a very short time to leave.  Thus, while people should certainly pack enough clothes for several days, remember to also include any prescription medicines, any important papers and personal items like photographs and family mementos.  It's also a good idea to have emergency supplies like flashlights, extra batteries, a radio, water and a first aid kit.

As part of its own preparation plan, Farmers has already begun its emergency preparedness procedures, including mobilizing special claims personnel and equipment close to those communities expected to be hardest hit.

Once the storm hits, Farmers Insurance customers with damage should immediately contact their agent or call Farmers' 24-hour-claims hotline:

HelpPoint (800-435-7764) for immediate assistance.

Spanish-language claims assistance is available to Farmers customers by calling 877-RECLAMO (877-732-5266).

Foremost Insurance customers can call: 800-527-3907.

Bristol West Insurance customers can call:  800-274-7865.

21st Century Insurance customers can call:  888-244-6163.

Texans with coverage from the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA) who wish to file a claim can call 800-788-8247.

Farmers customers with a National Flood Policy serviced by Farmers who wish to file a claim can call 800-759-8656 Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Farmers is a trade name and may refer to Farmers Group, Inc. or the Farmers Exchanges, as the case may be.  Farmers Group, Inc., a management and holding company, along with its subsidiaries, is wholly owned by the Zurich Financial Services Group.  The Farmers Exchanges are three reciprocal insurers (Farmers Insurance Exchange, Fire Insurance Exchange and Truck Insurance Exchange), including their subsidiaries and affiliates, owned by their policyholders, and managed by Farmers Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries. For more information about Farmers, visit our Web site at www.farmers.com.

SOURCE Farmers Insurance

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