Help Protect Your Home and Business During National Flood Safety Awareness Week

NORTHBROOK, Ill., March 12, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --  As part of National Flood Safety Awareness Week and in advance of the spring storm season, Allstate Insurance Company reminds Americans that now is the time to prepare for floods and consider their flood insurance needs. The average flood loss cost is $48,000 for homeowners and $85,000 on commercial property according to the National Flood Insurance Program. And, according to FEMA, higher than expected drought and fire conditions increase the risk of flash floods, especially as the spring storm season approaches.

"Unfortunately, floods can happen anywhere, even in low risk flood zones. But there are a few simple things property owners can do to help prepare and protect their home and business," said Mark Green, senior vice president, Allstate. "Insurance coverage is critical. Some consumers mistakenly believe that flood damage is covered by most standard home, renters or commercial insurance policies. National Flood Safety Awareness Week is a reminder for everyone to talk to their local insurance agent before the spring storm season to get information about flood coverage."

National Flood Insurance Program policies can take up to 30 days to go into effect. Contact your local Allstate agency to talk about your flood insurance needs.

The Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety offer these tips to prepare for floods.

• Keep drains, gutters and downspouts clear of debris.
• Prepare an evacuation plan with a kit that includes insurance documents, medications and critical items in case you need to leave your home for a few days. 
• Inspect sump pumps and drains regularly to ensure proper operation.
• Have a licensed electrician raise electric components at least 12 inches above the expected flood levels for your area.
• To prevent sewage backup, have a licensed plumber install an interior or exterior backflow valve. Make sure your yard's grading (slope) directs water away from the building.
• Have the installation of your furnace, water heater and other permanent equipment modified so that they are elevated above the expected flood levels for your area.

The tips provided here are guidelines. Please use your best judgment when evaluating your flood preparation needs. For more ways to prepare, respond and recover from a flood, visit the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety website.

The Allstate Corporation (NYSE: ALL) is the nation's largest publicly held personal lines insurer. Widely known through the "You're In Good Hands With Allstate®" slogan, 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®. As part of Allstate's commitment to strengthen local communities, The Allstate Foundation, Allstate employees, agency owners and the corporation provided $28 million in 2011 to thousands of nonprofit organizations and important causes across the United States.

SOURCE Allstate Insurance Company

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