How to Prepare Now For Hurricane Hermine

ORMOND BEACH, Fla., Sept. 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Security First Insurance Company advises Floridians to immediately take the following precautions to reduce personal safety risks and possible property damage from Hurricane Hermine.

"Our primary concern is for the safety of our fellow residents in the path of Hurricane Hermine.  We have hundreds of employees with their own families in the state and nearly 300,000 customers living in Florida," said Werner Kruck, COO of Ormond Beach-based Security First Insurance.  "There are simple steps each of us can take today to better prepare our families and homes for the potential impact of this storm," added Kruck. 

The first step is to find a hurricane preparedness app, download it and become familiar with its features. Security First Insurance has launched the industry's first hurricane tracker app "Security First Mobile."  The interactive tool is free and available to customers and the general public on iTunes and Google Play or at http://www.securityfirstflorida.com/mobile.  The app includes evacuation routes and active shelter locations.

In addition, take the following steps now:

• Keep you phone's car charger handy and your cell phone at full power
• Shutter all windows and doors and deadbolt all exterior doors
• Bring all loose items inside, particularly heavy items
• Have at hand: a week's supply of any prescription medications and copies of the prescriptions; basic first aid supplies; water; non-perishable food (enough to last several days); a manual can opener; protective clothing; sunscreen; battery- powered radio; batteries; flashlights; and sealed plastic containers for small valuables
• Use your phone or camera to create a video or photo inventory of valuable possessions in case of damage or theft
• Make sure gutters are clean to help prevent roof damage and interior leaks
• Follow local government agencies and news stations to get the latest news, warnings, and advice specific to your area
• Learn your evacuation routes and locations of nearby shelters
• Pack an emergency travel bag with: clothing; eyeglasses; toiletries; blankets; sunscreen; car phone charger; extra set of keys for home and car; cash in small bills; important documents, including your homeowner's insurance policy; medications as well as copies of the prescriptions. If you have time to pack, bring along any portable heirlooms or irreplaceable items

In the event of an evacuation, establish a specific meeting location in case you lose contact, or are separated from a family member.

To access additional, valuable pre- and post-storm resources, including helpful apps and tips for dealing with a power outage, visit SecurityFirstFlorida.com.

In the event that the storm causes property damage, Security First Insurance offers several ways for policyholders to submit claims:

• SecurityFirstFlorida.com/customers: Online Customer Portal, My Security First
• Security First Mobile: free app for Android and iPhone devices providing timely mobile claims submission, evacuation routes, active shelter locations, and links to helpful resources, among other features
• 877-581-4862: 24-hour Call Center and Claims Hotline
• Flood: Security First Insurance policyholders who purchased a flood policy through the company's partnership with Wright can report a flood claim by calling Wright Flood at (800) 725-9472

Additionally, Security First Insurance has established an SMS code to communicate with customers whose internet, mobile network and landline service have been impacted by the storm. Those customers can send a text message with details about the damage to their home to MYSFI (69734) to start the claim process or request information. Because of SMS limitations, including the inability of customers to send helpful information such as photos or video, it's preferred that customers try to use other communication methods before sending a text message to contact Security First Insurance.

Follow the company on Twitter @SecurityFirstFL, or access the company's Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/InsuringFloridaHomes), web site, or call center.

"All of our resources are ready and our communication lines are open," said Kruck. "Security First Insurance is prepared to swiftly assist those who may be affected by Hurricane Hermine."

Security First Insurance is built on nearly 100 years of history and experience in the industry.  The company has an acute understanding of Floridians' vulnerability to natural catastrophe.  Company founder, Locke Burt, was serving in the Florida Senate in 1992 when Hurricane Andrew made landfall.  It was one of the worst natural disasters in U.S. history, leaving behind more than $26 billion in insured losses and a crippled insurance industry.  Locke wanted better for the state and its residents and therefore created Security First Insurance. The company now serves policyholders living across the state, storm after storm, year after year.  

Security First Insurance has been assigned a Financial Stability Rating^® (FSR) of A, Exceptional, from Demotech, Inc. and is strongly committed to improving Florida's homeowners insurance market and initiatives that support and protect residents and communities of the Sunshine State.

Media contacts:

Kirsten Stroud
[email protected] 
Office: 386.301.4994
Cell: 386.679.8761

Gail K. Warner
[email protected] 
Office: 386.256.3273
Cell: 803.701.0316

SOURCE Security First Insurance

Related Links

http://www.securityfirstflorida.com