LOS ANGELES, April 28, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Mercury is ready to assist policyholders who have been forced to evacuate their homes, or whose property has suffered damage from the devastating Oklahoma twister.  Call Mercury's claims hotline at (800) 503-3724 or go to http://www.mercuryinsurance.com/insurance-claims/how-to-file-insurance-claim.html to file a claim. 

"Mercury Insurance is ready to help customers impacted by this horrible natural disaster," said Mercury's Chief Claims Officer Doug Menges. "Mercury can arrange temporary housing and provide assistance with living expenses if policyholders have been displaced from their home, in the event they suffered a covered loss. Our policyholders should call Mercury's hotline ASAP to report their claim.

"Mercury's claims team is dedicated to helping customers get the resources they need during this difficult time. Tornadoes can have a devastating effect and we want our customers to know that Mercury is here to help." 

Oklahomans can help spread this message by following @MercuryIns on Twitter and ReTweeting this message: "Mercury policyholders impacted by the OK tornado call (800) 503-3724 to file a claim ASAP."

Menges advises policyholders to follow a few simple procedures to help expedite the claims process.

When filing a claim

• Contact Mercury immediately to report your loss.
• Be prepared to provide your policy number.
• Do not remove debris or damaged property that may be related to your claim.

Steps after filing a claim

• Prepare a detailed inventory of destroyed or damaged property.
• Offer photos or videos of your home and possessions to your adjuster, if these are available.
• Keep copies of communications between you and your adjuster.
• Keep records and receipts for additional living expenses that were incurred if you were forced to leave your home, and provide copies to your adjuster.

Mercury Insurance would also like to remind policyholders affected by the tornado to take care when returning home because the danger has not passed for most residents in impacted areas. Unstable buildings, live dangling power lines and other hazards may remain, and families should protect themselves by knowing what to do before returning home.

FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) recommends residents put together a "cleanup kit" that includes cleaning equipment (eye protection, particle respirator, rubber gloves, sponges, brooms, mops, towels, trash bags and spatulas), cleaning products (bleach and odor-neutralizing products), and safety and first aid items (flash lights, adhesive bandages, hydrogen peroxide, bottled water and antibiotic ointments).

Mercury recommends residents follow these safety tips when preparing to return to their neighborhoods and homes after this violent and deadly storm.

1. Return home when government officials say it is safe.  Listen to and follow local municipality instructions.    
2. Watch out for loose and fallen debris.  Fallen objects can be encountered during your drive and at your home.  The violent storm has loosened trees and other debris that can fall without warning. 
3. Be aware of downed power lines.  Keep away from loose or dangling power lines.  Do not drive over them or move them.  Report them to the power company for repair.  Only enter your home if the power company or fire department has determined it is safe.
4. Look for external damage to buildings.  Walk carefully around your home looking for roof, chimney, porch, cantilever and foundation cracks.  If you are uncertain if your home is safe, have a structural engineer inspect your home before entering.  
5. Check for gas leaks.  If you smell gas outside of your home, move a safe distance from the building.  If you smell gas inside your home, get out immediately and move a safe distance from the building. In either circumstance, call the gas company and fire department.
6. Proceed with caution when entering your home.  Use battery-powered flashlights only and turn them on before entering the building.  Do not use candles.  Floors and stairways may be slippery and covered in debris, so be careful where you step.
7. Contact Mercury's claims as soon as possible if your property has been damaged.  Mercury's Claims Hotline is available by calling (800) 503-3724. Adjusters will be deployed to customers' homes to begin assessing damage as soon as authorities declare areas are safe and accessible.
8. Document the damage to expedite your claims process.  Record the damage through video and photos.  Be careful when stepping over debris and watch out for wild animals, such as poisonous snakes.
9. Unplug all electrical equipment.  Turn off your home's power before touching any appliances.  Clean and have them checked by a professional before using them again.
10. Check water and sewage system.  Tap water may not be safe for drinking from your home.  Check with local authorities to see if the water supply has been contaminated.  Additionally, your home's pipes might have been cracked during the storm.  If you suspect a leak, turn off the main water valve and have a professional plumber inspect them. 
11. Check furnace and water heater.  Storm waters might have reached your furnace or water heater.  Have them inspected before using.

ABOUT MERCURY INSURANCE (www.mercuryinsurance.com)

Mercury Insurance (MCY) is a multiple-line insurance organization predominantly offering personal automobile and homeowners insurance through a network of independent agents in Florida, Georgia, California, New Jersey, Arizona, New York, Illinois, Michigan, Nevada, Texas, Oklahoma, Virginia and Pennsylvania.  Since 1962, Mercury has specialized in offering quality insurance at affordable prices – core values that distinguish Mercury in the marketplace.

SOURCE Mercury Insurance