2017’s Tornado Season is Setting Up to Be the Biggest on Record: GEICO Offers Tips on How to Prepare for a Tornado

WASHINGTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–So far this year we’re at 368 tornadoes and counting as of March 2017
and the tornado season is just getting started. It’s a record pace
compared to 2016 with the big months yet to come. According to National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 79 tornados touched down in
the U.S. on March 6, 2017 alone.

GEICO offers tips on how to prepare for a tornado to protect yourself,
your family and your belongings:

1. Understand tornado alerts — Tornado watch: Tornadoes are
   possible in and near the watch area. Tornado Warning: A tornado
   has been sighted or indicated by weather radar.
2. Put together a disaster supply kit — Gather important supplies
   such as battery-powered flashlights and radios, extra batteries, a
   first-aid kit, blankets, personal hygiene products, medicines and a
   spare change of clothes. Also consider specialty items for children,
   elderly and pets.
3. Stock up on food and water — Always keep a supply of
   non-perishable food and water to last each family member at least a
   week. One gallon of water per person, per day is the suggested amount.
   Pack a manual can opener and other important utensils.
4. Build an emergency communication and evacuation plan — Pick a
   safe place to meet in the event that your family is separated during a
   tornado. Determine how you will all get in touch to let people know
   everyone’s safe. Look into smart phone apps that can communicate when
   cellular services are down.
5. Designate a safe room within your home — Select a place in your
   home where you and your family will be most safe during a storm. The
   basement or an interior room on the main level typically provides the
   best protection against severe weather.
6. Store important documents in a safe location — Consider
   investing in a safe box to store your important documents, legal
   papers, photos and other valuables.
7. Create a home inventory — Keep an up-to-date inventory
   of all items in your home. Include photos of valuables such as
   electronics and jewelry. This may help speed up the claims process if
   there’s damage.
8. Review your insurance coverage — Contact your insurance carrier
   to find out if you’re fully protected. Use your home inventory to help
   determine if you have purchased enough insurance.

For more information on how to stay safe when a tornado hits, visit GEICO’s
Catastrophe Center. Additionally 10 tornados myths: Fact vs. Fiction
can be viewed at GEICO
More. For a severe tornado event, GEICO’s
Catastrophe Response (CAT) Team will be on standby to assist. GEICO
policyholders who need to report a loss can log on to the mobile
app, GEICO’s
Claims Center, or call 1-800-841-3000 24 hours a day.

GEICO
(Government Employees Insurance Company) is a member of the Berkshire
Hathaway family of companies and is the second-largest private passenger
auto insurance company in the United States. GEICO, which was founded in
1936, provides millions of auto
insurance quotes to U.S. drivers annually. The company is pleased to
serve more than 15 million private passenger customers, insuring more
than 24 million vehicles (auto & cycle).

Using GEICO’s online
service center, policyholders can purchase policies, make policy
changes, report claims and print insurance ID cards. Policyholders can
also connect to GEICO through the GEICO
App, reach a representative over
the phone or visit a GEICO
local agent.

GEICO also provides insurance quotes on motorcycles,
all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), boats, travel trailers and motorhomes
(RVs). Coverage for life, homes and apartments is written by
non-affiliated insurance companies and is secured through the GEICO
Insurance Agency, Inc. Commercial auto insurance and personal umbrella
protection are also available.

For more information, go to www.geico.com.

Contacts

GEICO Communications
gcorpcomm@geico.com
To
view GEICO’s Blog: https://www.geico.com/more/