"Hurricane! - Before, During, and After"
By Gamee S. Elliott, State Farm Agent

Before, during and after a disaster there are things you can do to save yourself, family and property. Following these tips keeps you out of harm’s way, and enables you to better weather the storm.

BEFORE: Prepare a disaster kit including (but not limited to): non-perishable food, first-aid kit, radio and flashlight with fresh batteries (several packs as you cannot be sure how long you will be without power), several gallons of fresh water, portable cooking device, canned food, MANUAL can opener, extra clothing, including blankets, heavy work gloves, tools, and nails, insurance policy numbers and emergency phone numbers, medications, special needs items for babies or pets.

Fill up all your vehicles with gas, get CASH, and plan several alternate evacuation routes. Take time to prepare your home. Cover windows and doors with plywood, close and anchor your garage door, and duct tape if no plywood is available. Most damage occurs when winds, debris and rain come into broken windows or doors. Take pictures of each room and keep them with you, as it will assist insurance adjusters if your property is ruined or has literally blown away.

DURING: Do not try to be a hero: If you are told to evacuate, do so as quickly as possible. Gather any items of sentimental value which could not be replaced and go to emergency shelters or a hotel or home away from the expected path of destruction. Remember, things can be replaced-people cannot, don’t stay to take the chance.

AFTER: Time, patience and post-storm procedures: Do not try to return to the area until you have been instructed to do so by authorities. Live wires, dangerous debris and contaminated water all contribute to the delay in returning to the scene of a disaster. Special care must be taken to insure no injuries occur when you return.

Make temporary repairs as soon as possible to prevent further damage. Contact your insurance company as soon as you are able to assess the damage, and be patient with all service providers. Sometimes, lack of creature comforts combine with raw emotions to bring out the worst in people. Remember, everybody is working as hard as they can in the worst of conditions to get you back to normal. Patience will be your most important tool in recovering from a disaster.

MAGGIE’S MEMO:
GAMEE ELLIOTT’S STATE FARM INSURANCE AGENCY in Salisbury offers an array of insurance products to meet your needs, including auto, life, health, and long term care coverage. GAMEE is a registered representative for variable products, IRAs, mutual funds, and other financial services. Gamee is very active in the community and is a recent past president of the Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce.

Please visit statefarm.com for information on State Farm’s various insurance and financial products.

MAGGIE SAYS:
STATE FARM’s District Supervisor told us: “It is a pleasure working with an agent like GAMEE who is so focused. She runs a top-notch insurance agency with professional staff in a pleasant environment for her clients. She truly cares about her clients’ lives and her employees’ professional growth. GAMEE leads in many ways, including community involvement and sponsorships. She and her staff help their clients manage the risks of everyday life and develop plans to realize their dreams. STATE FARM is proud to have GAMEE ELLIOTT represent us.”