One Year After Hurricane Irene: Many Northeasterners Still Unprepared For Natural Disasters

Survey highlights need for evacuation plans and disaster preparedness as number of natural disasters increases.

Nearly one year after Hurricane Irene struck the Northeast, many Northeasterners may not be as prepared as they should be. Over the past few years, the U. S. has experienced a record number of natural disasters that have destroyed neighborhoods and cost lives. In fact, the Federal Emergency Management Agency made 99 major disaster declarations in 2011, the most mega catastrophes declared since 1953.

However, this elevated level of disasters and property damage have not been a call to action for many.

Northeasterners’ lack of evacuation plans and procedures are a cause for concern. More than half (52 percent) of survey respondents say they have not thought about or even discussed an evacuation plan or meeting place away from the home for their family. These plans are crucial and should be discussed with relatives and neighbors in advance of a catastrophe.

The majority of Northeasterners (64 percent) also say they have not prepared an emergency kit. Families should consider putting together a well-stocked first-aid kit as well as a disaster-supply kit and keeping them in easy-to-access places. The disaster-supply kit should contain a supply of water and ready-to-eat, non-perishable foods, a weather radio, traveler’s checks or cash, important papers, personal hygiene items, blankets, extra clothes and shoes. In addition, the government should consider putting up Family Homeless Shelters for people who were severely affected by natural disasters.

Sixty-one percent of homeowners and renters in the Northeast say they have not made a home inventory list of their personal belongings. Having a room-by-room inventory, as well as photographs of personal belongings can save a lot of headaches – or heartaches – should a catastrophe strike. The list can also help make the process of filing an insurance claim easier.

“There is a clear opportunity for people in New York to understand the importance of focusing on safety and preparedness,” said Jaclyn Darrohn, Allstate Insurance Company spokesperson. “Preparation is a family’s best defense against a natural disaster.”

Today’s survey release is part of a comprehensive effort by Allstate to encourage residents to become better prepared for natural disasters, including hurricanes, tornadoes, floods and, when the season hits, winter blizzards. Allstate has valuable tools and resources available that are easily accessible, including disaster preparation guides, home inventory check lists, and property protection and insurance coverage information. This information and more can be found on the “Be Aware and Prepare” section of Allstate’s website at http://www.allstate.com/be-aware-and-prepare.aspx.

For More information and a new quote please call Shirley Eizember, Pinckney Insurance Agency, 41 Port Watson St, Cortland New York. 607-756-8505

About the Survey

The study was based on telephone interviews with a nationally representative sample of 1,000 residents with homeowners or renter’s insurance, age 18 years and older across the United States. Interviews were conducted May 16-17 & 19, 2012, and the survey has a margin of error of + 3.1% at the 95% confidence interval. The survey investigates Americans attitudes, opinions and experiences about how well prepared and covered they are in the case of a natural disaster striking. The survey was conducted by FTI Consulting for Allstate.

The Northeast region comprises nine states: the New England states of Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont; and the Mid-Atlantic states of New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania.

The Allstate Corporation (NYSE: ALL) is the nation’s largest publicly held personal lines insurer known for its “You’re In Good Hands With Allstate®” slogan. Now celebrating its 80th anniversary as an insurer, 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®.

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