The I.I.I.'s 'Know Your Plan' App Makes Disaster Prep Simple; Get Ready... -- NEW YORK, Oct. 27, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ --

Oct 27 2012

Sandy Could Be a "Perfect Storm" So Make Sure your Home and Family Are Prepared

NEW YORK, Oct. 27, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Hurricane Sandy, which has the potential to be one of the worst storms in recent history, may hit the East Coast early next week and the time to get ready is now. There are simple steps you can take to prepare your home and family, and a free disaster preparedness app from the Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.) can help.

The I.I.I.'s "Know Your Plan" app for iPhone provides users with a library of preloaded checklists to guide them through important property protection and preparedness steps. These include specific lists to help prepare for hurricanes, floods and winter weather—the very conditions threatened by Hurricane Sandy, which may turn into a hybrid "perfect storm" with high wind, heavy rain, extreme tides and maybe snow.

"The best way to survive a catastrophe such as Hurricane Sandy is to prepare ahead of time," said Andrea C. Basora, I.I.I. senior vice president, Digital Communications. "With the 'Know Your Plan' app, we can guide people through the most important actions they can take to minimize their risk and protect their homes and loved ones."

"Know Your Plan" allows you to customize your checklists, and even share those lists with family and friends. It will also help you plan for an evacuation—even if you have pets. In the event of a disaster, "Know Your Plan" incorporates a geotargeted emergency alert feed so, if Sandy hits your region, you can get up-to-the-minute information about local evacuation routes and other details about the storm.

"Know Your Plan" is available in iTunes, or by searching "Insurance Information Institute" in the App store from any iPhone.

All property mitigation information was developed in partnership with the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS), a widely respected building science research and communications organization. IBHS works to reduce the effects of natural disasters by conducting objective, scientific research and advocating improved construction, maintenance and preparedness practices.

The "Know Your Plan" app includes:

Fully editable checklist templates for:
- Hurricane
- Flood
- Earthquake
- Tornado
- Severe Cold
- Wildfire
- Preparing an Emergency Kit
- Evacuation (including Pet Evacuation)
- plus a Make Your Own Checklist option
User-customizable notes for individual tasks
Option to set due dates for completing checklists, and a countdown feature to allow users to track their progress
Built-in group function to let users share checklists with family and friends via email
Google Crisis Response feed with access to local emergency information

"Know Your Plan" is the second in a series of apps created by the I.I.I., a nonprofit communications organization whose mission is to improve public understanding of insurance and preparedness. "Know Your Plan" follows the hugely popular Know Your Stuff – Home Inventory app, which is available for both iPhone and Android platforms.

The I.I.I. has a full library of educational videos on its You Tube Channel. Information about I.I.I. mobile apps can be found here.

THE I.I.I. IS A NONPROFIT, COMMUNICATIONS ORGANIZATION SUPPORTED BY THE INSURANCE INDUSTRY.

Insurance Information Institute, 110 William Street, New York, NY 10038; (212) 346-5500; www.iii.org

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SOURCE Insurance Information Institute

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