Seven Hurricane Survival Safety Solutions from State Farm

BLOOMINGTON, Ill., May 28, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Did you use the plywood from your hurricane shutters to build a tree house or use your garage door brace to hold up the bird feeder? If so there's a good chance your home may not be hurricane ready.

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Being properly prepared is paramount during hurricane season. To learn more about how to protect yourself and your property, visit State Farm Learning Center. It can make a big difference to your safety, security and survival. Is your property hurricane ready? These seven improvements may help protect you and your home this season:

1. Shingles - A roofing professional can evaluate your roof, and, if needed, set additional roofing cement under each tab to help keep shingles attached during a high wind event.
2. Soffits - Use polyurethane sealant and stainless steel screws to secure your soffits to the walls and fascia to prevent them from blowing off.
3. Seals - Any cracks or holes where cables, pipes, or wires enter the home should be sealed with caulk.
4. Grounds - Secure your surroundings to prevent damage from flying debris.
5. Windows - Install impact-resistant permanent shutters that meet local building code approved standards. You can also install permanent fasteners so protective panels (such as  ¾" plywood) can be quickly put in place.
6. Doors - All entry doors should have three hinges and a dead bolt lock with at least a one-inch bolt throw length.
7. Garage - Consider installing a hurricane-resistant garage door, or have a steel bracing kit installed to help support the door against wind pressure.

The peak of hurricane season begins in August however the season runs June through November. State Farm encourages homeowners to take action to protect their property and family with these additional tips:

Review your insurance coverage. Make sure you have the right amount and type of insurance.

Create a home inventory. Make a list of your possessions and their estimated value. Get a FREE State Farm® Home Inventory Checklist.

Have an evacuation plan. Before the hurricane, decide what you will do. Find out the location of evacuation shelters. Determine if you will ride out the storm in your home (if local authorities permit you to stay), or establish a safe place inland. Plan an escape route. Tell relatives where you will be.

About State Farm
State Farm and its affiliates are the largest providers of car insurance in the U.S. and is a leading insurer in Canada. In addition to providing auto insurance quotes, their 18,000 agents and more than 65,000 employees serve 81 million policies and accounts – more than 79 million auto, home, life and health policies in the United States and Canada, and nearly 2 million bank accounts. Commercial auto insurance, along with coverage for renters, business owners, boats and motorcycles, is also available. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company is the parent of the State Farm family of companies. State Farm is ranked No. 44 on the Fortune 500 list of largest companies. For more information, please visit www.statefarm.com or in Canada www.statefarm.ca.

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SOURCE State Farm

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