Washington, U.S.A. — The American Red Cross is responding across multiple states as Hurricane Sandy bears down on the East Coast. The large and powerful storm could affect as many as 60 million people in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast, and the Red Cross has workers and relief supplies in place to provide help to people in the path of Sandy.

The effects of the storm are already being felt with 128 people spending Saturday night in Red Cross shelters in North Carolina and Virginia. Red Cross workers are preparing to open and support more shelters today as the storm moves northward.

“This storm is dangerous and it’s critical to follow the advice of local emergency officials. If people are told to evacuate, they need to do it,” said Charley Shimanski, senior vice president of Disaster Services for the Red Cross. “The Red Cross has shelters open and will be opening more throughout the day. Hundreds of disaster workers are ready with relief supplies and emergency vehicles in place to help.”

To find a shelter, people can download the Red Cross Hurricane app, visit the Red Cross web site, or check local media outlets. They should also register on the Red Cross Safe and Well website, a secure and easy-to-use online tool that helps families connect during emergencies. To register, visit www.redcross.org. This site also connects with the Twitter and Facebook accounts of users.

Almost 100 Red Cross emergency vehicles are mobilizing to distribute meals and relief supplies after the storm passes. Thousands of ready-to-eat meals and relief supplies such as cots and blankets are also being sent into the region.

How to help: ”This will be a large, costly relief response and we need help now,” Shimanski said. “People can help by making a donation to support American Red Cross Disaster Relief online, by text or by phone.”

Donations help the Red Cross provide shelter, food, emotional support and other assistance to those affected by disasters like Hurricane Sandy. To donate, people can visit www.redcross.org, or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Contributions may also be sent to someone’s local Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC20013.

Please Give Blood: The storm has already caused the cancellation of Red Cross blood drives in the region, and more cancellations are expected. This has resulted in the loss of several hundred units of blood and platelets so far. The Red Cross has shipped blood products to hospitals in the affected area in advance of the storm as patients will still need blood and platelets despite the weather. If anyone is eligible, especially in places not affected by the storm, they are asked to please schedule a blood donation now.

To schedule a blood donation or get more information about giving blood, people can visitredcrossblood.org. To give blood, someone must be at least 17 years of age, meet weight and height requirements and be in general good health.

Donors should bring their Red Cross blood donor card or other form of positive ID with them. Some states allow 16-year-olds to give with parental consent.

Last Days to get Ready: The Red Cross urges everyone to make their final storm preparations today. Sandy is expected to have a huge impact in the Mid-Atlantic region, stretching north to New England and toward the Midwest. Millions of people could lose power for several days. Gale force winds are expected, accompanied by several inches of rain throughout the storm. Flooding could occur as far west as parts of Ohio. In areas like West Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia and North Carolina, several feet of snow could occur.

Important information about how to get ready for the storm – steps to take for emergencies like flooding, power outages, even winter weather- is available on the Red Cross web site. Videos are also available to help people get prepared, including information on severe weather preparedness and how to get ready for winter weather.

Red Cross Apps: People should download the free Red Cross Hurricane and First Aid apps for mobile devices to have emergency information at their fingertips. The Hurricane App keeps people up to date on the situation with weather alerts, locations of Red Cross shelters, and features a toolkit with a flashlight, strobe light and alarm.

The “I’m Safe” button lets someone use social media sites to tell family and friends they are okay. And it’s available in Spanish by changing the language setting on someone’s smart phone to Spanish before downloading. The First Aid app includes expert advice for everyday emergencies. The apps can be found in the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store for Android by searching for American Red Cross.

Image Courtesy of  Barry Bahler (This image is from the FEMA Photo Library.) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

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New York, U.S.A. — On October 28, The Thurgood Marshall College Fund announced the cancelation of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund 25th Anniversary Awards Gala at the Hilton New York on Monday, October 29, 2012. This historic black-tie gala that was scheduled to be hosted by CeCe and BeBe Winans and feature a performance by Wyclef Jean will not take place due to the eminent evacuation of New York City caused by Hurricane Sandy. All the sponsors deeply regret this cancellation and continue to support the efforts of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund.

Mayor Michael Bloomberg of New York City on Sunday, October 28, 2012, ordered the evacuation of 375,000 people from low-lying areas in New York City in anticipation of Hurricane Sandy, signifying officials’ growing concern about the severity of the storm and its impact on the five boroughs.

The city shutdown public transportation beginning at 7 p.m. Sunday. Residents of the city’s “Zone A” area were ordered to leave by 7 p.m. Sunday. This area includes Coney Island, Manhattan Beach, Red Hook and other areas along the East River in Brooklyn; all of the Rockaways, Hamilton Beach and Broad Channel in Queens; nearly all of the coastal areas of Staten Island; some patches of the South Bronx; and Battery Park City and portions of Lower Manhattan. “This evacuation is mandatory – it is for your own safety,” Mr. Bloomberg said during a news conference at the city’s Office of Emergency Management in Brooklyn. “This is a serious and dangerous storm.”

“While we are disappointed we were forced to cancel our 25th Anniversary Celebration scheduled for tomorrow night, we are now 100% focused on ensuring the safety and well-being of the 500 student/scholars who have traveled from across this country to New York City to learn how to become great future American leaders and to be introduced to great career opportunities with great American employers. Hurricane Sandy will not deter the Thurgood Marshall College Fund as we do our mission-critical work of helping these young people pursue their dreams,” said Johnny C. Taylor, President & CEO of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund.

TMCF thanks all guests, media outlets and celebrities who were planning to attend the event. The organization sends a special congratulation to the 2012 award recipients for their dedication and support. While TMCF regret having to take this action, the safety and well being of our students and guests must come first.

Image Courtesy of  Seher Sikandar for rehes creative [CC-BY-SA-3.0 or GFDL], via Wikimedia Commons

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Washington, U.S.A. — Thirty-four nuclear energy facilities in the path of Hurricane Sandy have responded well and safely to this powerful storm, demonstrating their resilience against severe natural forces.

Careful planning and comprehensive preparations days in advance of the storm paid off at all of the facilities, which were prepared to take the steps necessary to maintain safety against high winds, record flooding and disturbances on the regional electric grid. Highly trained reactor operators and emergency response personnel stationed at the plants throughout the storm were able to take actions beyond their usual duties to protect the power plants and communities that surround them. As Hurricane Sandy moves beyond the mid-Atlantic and Northeastern states after knocking out electricity to seven million customers in 13 states, nuclear facility operators are conducting thorough inspections to ensure that all systems and equipment are ready to maintain the facilities in a safe condition.

Of the 34 nuclear facilities from South Carolina to Vermont in Hurricane Sandy’s path, 24 continued to operate safely and generate electricity throughout the event. Seven were already shut down for refueling or inspection, and three in New Jersey or New York safely shut down, as designed, because of storm conditions or grid disturbances. Inspectors from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission have been stationed at each nuclear energy facility to oversee preparation for and recovery from the storm.

“Hurricane Sandy once again demonstrates the robust construction of nuclear energy facilities, which are built to withstand extreme flooding and hurricane-force winds that are beyond that historically reported for each area,” said Marvin S. Fertel, president and chief executive officer at the Nuclear Energy Institute. “Beyond the physical strength of these nuclear power plants, the professional crews that operate and maintain them take exacting precautions as significant storms approach. They also coordinate with local, state and federal emergency response officials.

“Our facilities’ ability to weather the strongest Atlantic tropical storm on record is due to rigorous precautions taken in advance of the storm. In the days prior to Sandy storming the Atlantic coast, nuclear plant operators took a series of actions outlined in their emergency preparedness plans,” Fertel said. “These include securing or moving any equipment that could possibly become airborne due to high winds and verifying that weather-tight doors and water intakes are prepared. Each plant site also has numerous emergency backup diesel generators that are tested and ready to provide electricity for critical operations if electric power from the grid is lost.”

As a precaution, a reactor will be shut down at least two hours before the onset of hurricane-force winds at the site, typically between 70 and 75 miles per hour. If there is a loss of off-site power during or following a hurricane, reactors automatically shut down as a precaution and the emergency backup diesel generators will begin operating to provide electrical power to plant safety systems.

“Actions taken by companies operating reactors in the mid-Atlantic and Northeast once again demonstrate that nuclear energy facilities are well protected against extreme natural events,” Fertel said.

In 2011, 24 reactors at 15 facilities from North Carolina to New England safely withstood Hurricane Irene, a category 3 hurricane. In 2005, Entergy safely shut down Waterford 3 in Louisiana after Hurricane Katrina, a category 5 hurricane, knocked out off-site power and damaged the regional electrical infrastructure. Florida Power & Light in 2004 safely shut down St. Lucie 1 and 2 in Florida after Hurricane Jeanne caused a loss of off-site power.

During Hurricane Sandy, Exelon’s Oyster Creek reactor in New Jersey, which was shut down before the storm for a refueling outage, declared an alert on October 29. The alert, the second lowest of four Nuclear Regulatory Commission action levels, was in response to high water levels at the facility’s cooling water intake structure. Exelon is in the process of restoring off-site power to the facility. Until then, Oyster Creek is being safely powered by backup diesel-driven electrical generators that have fuel to power the reactor’s safety systems for more than two weeks. The plant’s reactor and used fuel storage pool have ample water supplies for cooling.

The following is a summary of U.S. nuclear power plant performance during Hurricane Sandy (as of 11 a.m. October 30).

North Carolina:
Brunswick 1 and 2—continued operating at 100 percent power.

Virginia:
Surry 1 and 2—continued operating at 100 percent power
North Anna 1 and 2—continued operating at 100 percent power.

Maryland:
Calvert Cliffs 1 and 2—continued operating at 100 percent power.

New Jersey:
Oyster Creek—shut down for refueling outage; alert declared October 29 due to high water level at water intake structure
Hope Creek 1—continued operating at 100 percent power
Salem 1—manual safe shut down from 100 percent power on October 30 due to high water level at water intake structure
Salem 2—shut down for refueling outage.

Pennsylvania:
Peach Bottom 2 and 3—continued operating at 100 percent power
Three Mile Island 1—continued operating at 100 percent power
Limerick 1 and 2—safely reduced power from 100 percent to 50 percent and 22 percent respectively on October 30 due to storm effects and at the request of the regional electric grid operator
Beaver Valley 1—continued operating at 100 percent power
Beaver Valley 2—shut down for refueling outage
Susquehanna 1—shut down for turbine inspection
Susquehanna 2—continued operating at 75 percent power.

Ohio:
Perry 1—safely reduced power from 100 percent to 91 percent on October 30 at the request of the regional electric grid operator
Davis-Besse—continued operating at 100 percent power.

New York:
Indian Point 2—continued operating at 100 percent power
Indian Point 3—manual safe shut down from 100 percent power on October 30 due to an electric grid disruption
Ginna—shut down for refueling outage
Fitzpatrick—continued operating at 100 percent power
Nine Mile Point 1—manual safe shut down from 100 percent power on October 29 due to an electric grid disruption
Nine Mile Point 2—continued operating at 100 percent power.

Connecticut:
Millstone 2—shut down for refueling outage
Millstone 3—safely reduced power from 100 percent to 75 percent on October 29 at the request of the electric grid operator.

Massachusetts:
Pilgrim 1—continued operating at 100 percent power.

New Hampshire:
Seabrook 1—shut down for refueling outage, but safely restarted October 30 and is at 20 percent power.

Vermont:
Vermont Yankee—safely reduced power from 100 percent to 90 percent on October 30 at the request of the regional electric grid operator.

Nuclear power plants operating in 31 states provide electricity to one of every five U.S. homes and businesses. Nuclear energy produces more electricity than any other source in Connecticut, Illinois, New Hampshire, New Jersey, South Carolina, Vermont and Virginia.

Nuclear energy facilities are designed to withstand natural occurrences greater than those encountered in the regions where they are located. They are built to withstand floods, earthquakes and high winds, and have numerous safety systems that will operate and safely shut the reactor down in the event of a loss of off-site power.

U.S. nuclear energy facilities have a long history of successfully and safely responding to natural challenges.

The Nuclear Energy Institute is the nuclear energy industry’s policy organization. This news release and additional information about nuclear energy are available at www.nei.org.

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Washington, U.S.A. — The American Red Cross is continuing a major relief operation throughout the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast to shelter and assist people affected by Superstorm Sandy. Millions awoke this morning to power outages, fallen trees, scattered debris, and flooded neighborhoods and the Red Cross is working hard to get help where it is needed.

Nearly 11,000 people spent Monday night in more than 250 Red Cross shelters across 16 states including New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Maryland, Delaware,Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine,Indiana, and Michigan. These numbers could increase as the storm moves into cities like Chicago,Cleveland, Detroit and Milwaukee with heavy wind, rain and snow.

“Our first priority is to get people the help they need – providing families and individuals with a safe place to stay and food to eat,” said Charley Shimanski, senior vice president of Disaster Services for the Red Cross. “While it is too early to know the full extent of Sandy’s damage, we expect to be working with a variety of partners to help people for the next several weeks.”

The Red Cross has mobilized 1,700 disaster workers from all over the country who have served more than 25,000 meals and snacks so far. We have also activated 167 response vehicles and shipped in more than 230,000 ready-to-eat meals. This is a huge disaster, bigger than any one organization can handle and the Red Cross is working closely with multiple partners including a variety of civic groups, advocacy organizations, professional organizations and houses of worship to share their expertise and volunteers.

Safety After The Storm

In areas hit by this storm, the Red Cross urges people to check on their neighbors, make sure everyone is okay, and take care of each other until help arrives. Everyone should follow the direction of their local officials during this disaster – evacuate if told to do so, stay in a safe place and off the roads until the storm is over, and do not return home until officials say it is okay.

To find a Red Cross shelter, people can download the Red Cross Hurricane app, visit the Red Cross web site, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767), or check local media outlets. People can let their loved ones know how they are by using the “I’m Safe” button on the Red Cross Hurricane App which can be found in the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store for Android by searching for American Red Cross. People can also register on the Red Cross Safe and Well website to let loved ones know they are okay. To register, visit www.redcross.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

With more than 7 million people without power as of Tuesday morning, residents should take precautions to ensure the safety of themselves and their loved ones. For those without power, surround food with ice in a cooler or refrigerator to keep food cold for a longer period of time and keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible.

Use flashlights, not candles. Residents should also turn off and unplug all unnecessary electrical equipment and any appliances, equipment or electronics that were on when the power went out to avoid damaging them when the power is restored. Finally, eliminate unnecessary travel, especially by car as traffic lights will be out and roads congested.

Financial And Blood Donations Needed

“The Red Cross response to Sandy is very large and will be very costly, affecting a massive area spanning much of the eastern half of the country. We need the public’s help now,” said Shimanski.

Financial donations help the Red Cross provide shelter, food, emotional support and other assistance to those affected by disasters like Hurricane Sandy. To donate, people can visit www.redcross.org, call 1-800-RED-CROSS, or text the word “Redcross” to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Contributions may also be sent to someone’s local Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243,Washington, DC 20013.

Approximately 300 Red Cross blood drives have already been cancelled due to the storm, and more are expected. The Red Cross is urging immediate blood and platelet donations in areas unaffected by this storm and asks that people in the affected areas consider donating blood once the storm passes through and it’s safe to do so.

Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental permission in some states), meet height and weight requirements (110 pounds or more, depending on their height), and who are generally in good health may be eligible to donate blood. To schedule an appointment, please go to redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS.

Image Courtesy of  American Red Cross

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New Orleans, U.S.A. — With the brunt of Hurricane Sandy now past the eastern seaboard, Entergy’s Indian Point Energy Center and James A. FitzPatrick Nuclear Power Plant in New York, Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station in Massachusetts and Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Plant in Vermont have all safely weathered the storm.

Indian Point 2, FitzPatrick and Pilgrim remained at full power while Vermont Yankee reduced power to 88 percent at the request of ISO New England to help maintain grid stability. Indian Point 3 automatically shut down at 10:41 p.m. Monday as a result of an electrical grid disturbance.

“Nuclear plants are built to exceed the most severe natural forces historically reported for their geographic area,” said John Herron, president and CEO of Entergy Nuclear. “And we saw evidence of that again with Hurricane Sandy.”

Entergy Nuclear plants began preparations for the storm last week, coordinating activities with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, independent system operators and various state and local government officials.

Critical Entergy Nuclear staff remained dedicated at each site, ready to respond to potential weather impacts.

In addition to the nuclear plant staff sequestered at Indian Point, FitzPatrick, Pilgrim and Vermont Yankee, the company’s utilities in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas sent more than 850 highly-experienced restoration workers and support personnel to the region impacted by the hurricane. They include scouts, who assess damage when safe to do so after the storm, and tool workers who will help rebuild the electrical system. Entergy will also provide some customer service representatives to remotely answer customer calls from affected areas.

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Richmond, U.S.A. — Dominion Virginia Power has restored power to more than 220,000 customers affected by Hurricane Sandy even as storm conditions linger. Crews are conducting detailed damage assessments and restoring power to critical services. The company is working closely with state and local officials to protect public safety and health during the multi-day effort.

“Dominion employees, retirees, contractors and crews from other companies are fully engaged in this effort, and work will continue around the clock until power is restored to every customer affected by this storm,” said Rodney Blevins, vice president of electric distribution operations.

“We applaud Dominion Virginia Power not only for an unprecedented level of collaboration and cooperation with the state and localities during this storm, but also for already having restored power to more than 68 percent of the Dominion customers affected by outages,” said Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell.

The powerful storm system consisting of Hurricane Sandy and a severe winter storm brought hurricane-strength winds and heavy rain to the eastern United States and much of Virginia. Heavy snowfall affected western sections of the commonwealth.

Weather is expected to continue to be a challenge today for much of the company’s service area, posing a potential for additional outages to develop and affect restoration progress. Dominion is now conducting a complete assessment of storm damage to accurately understand the scope and duration of work to be done.

“We have made substantial investments in our electric distribution system, and we are pleased with how well the system has performed during this challenging event,” Blevins said. “Our significant investments in infrastructure and our tree-trimming program are helping minimize the storm’s impact on our customers.”

Safety Remains Paramount

“Please stay away from downed lines and anything touching them – assume they are energized, and report them ” Blevins said. “We also ask that you help protect our linemen when you see them on the roadside making emergency repairs by moving over from the lane nearest the workers or by slowing down until you pass the site of the repairs.”

Customers may report an outage through the company’s mobile website at www.dom.com by typing in the account number or phone number on record with the company and the last four digits of the account holder’s Social Security number, PIN or federal tax ID number. Reporting an outage promptly – even if neighbors have done so – speeds the restoration process.

Follow safe operating procedures for electric generators. Never operate one inside your home or in an enclosed space, such as a garage. Do not connect portable generators directly to the electrical system of your home. Electricity could flow backward onto Dominion’s power lines and endanger lives.

Either have a qualified electrician perform the work or plug appliances directly into the generator using the proper-sized extension cords. Exhaust fumes contain carbon monoxide and can be deadly, so run your generator outside with proper ventilation. Store the fuel for your generator safely.

The highest priority for power restoration is always given to public safety and emergency facilities such as hospitals, emergency 911 call centers, and municipal water pumping stations. A video description of the storm restoration process is available online.

Image Courtesy of  Dominion Virginia Power

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Rhodes Island, U.S.A. — CVS Pharmacy is taking steps to prepare for Hurricane Isaac, which is expected to make landfall in the Gulf Coast area within 24 hours.

While complying with any mandatory evacuation order given by local officials, CVS/pharmacy is keeping its stores in affected areas open for as long as possible and stocking them with storm preparedness items such as water, batteries, flashlights and other products to help in an emergency. Any stores that close due to the storm will reopen as soon as safely possible. CVS Pharmacy is also preparing to assist with storm recovery efforts in its communities and is keeping in close contact with the American Red Cross to offer support in affected areas as needed once the storm passes.

Customers can access their prescription information at the recently-enhanced pharmacy section of CVS.com, with resources such as My Pharmacy, where patients can easily view all of their prescriptions and manage refills, and a Drug Information Center where they can ensure medications can be taken together and view descriptive images of each prescribed pill. Prescription management services are also available at their mobile website, m.cvs.com, and through CVS Pharmacy’s iPhone and Android mobile apps.

When preparing for a hurricane or other serious weather event, CVS offers customers the following tips:

• Create a plan for evacuating and finding a safe destination.
• Keep a written record of your current prescriptions with you at all times, or create an online record at CVS.com. This is especially important if you take multiple prescriptions.
• In the event of an emergency when you are away from home, find a pharmacy nearby to fill necessary prescriptions. CVS/pharmacy can fill its customers’ prescriptions at any of its 7,300 locations nationwide. To find a CVS near you, visit the store locator at www.cvs.com or m.cvs.com.
• Create an emergency kit and make sure you have all essentials in case of power outages. CVS/pharmacy has the necessities for a hurricane kit including bottled water, masking tape and batteries.

For a full list of tips on being prepared for a hurricane, visit the National Weather Service’s National Hurricane Center at http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/.

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Washington, U.S.A. — As Tropical Storm Isaac marches north, the American Red Cross opened shelters in Florida and is prepared for widespread flooding and sheltering a large number of people throughout the state.

“The Red Cross is helping people in Florida who are being affected by the storm, and we urge those throughout the state and the Gulf Coast region who are in Isaac’s projected path to take preparedness steps now,” said Charley Shimanski, senior vice president of disaster services. “The Red Cross is preparing for what could be a large disaster response across multiple states over the next several weeks.”

The Red Cross has deployed more than 1,000 disaster workers throughout Florida and has materials and supplies positioned for use, including pre-stocking 30,000 ready-to-eat meals in Florida and two mobile kitchens sent to the state.

With Isaac’s effects already being felt in parts of the state, people in Florida should stay informed on the storm’s progress from the National Weather Service. As the storm approaches, people should be prepared to evacuate if directed to do so by authorities.

As of noon August 27, the Red Cross has nearly 20 shelters already open in Florida and is poised to open more as necessary. If someone needs to find a Red Cross shelter, they can download the Red Cross Hurricane app, visit redcross.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767), or check their local television, radio and newspaper.

It’s also important to stay in touch with family and friends, and the Red Cross Safe and Well website is a secure and easy-to-use online tool that helps families connect during emergencies. To register, visit www.redcross.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767). This site also connects with the Twitter and Facebook accounts of users.

Meanwhile, the Red Cross also is mobilizing disaster workers, emergency vehicles, mobile kitchens and relief supplies to Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi as Isaac is expected to move into that area in the next few days. The Red Cross is urging residents in areas that could be affected by the storm to be preparing now.

Isaac is expected to cause serious flooding throughout the region, and people can donate by visiting www.redcross.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or texting the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

Image Courtesy of   American Red Cross

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Los Angeles, U.S.A. — Farmers Insurance Group of Companies, including subsidiaries Foremost Insurance, 21st Century and Bristol West, are prepared for deployment to help customers once Tropical Storm Isaac makes landfall in Southern Florida and moves to the Florida panhandle, Alabama and Mississippi coasts.

“Isaac is moving through Cuba and is expected to make landfall in the Florida keys sometime during this week,” notes Paul Quinn, Assistant Vice President Claims for Farmers Insurance. “We will strategically position claims adjusters to deploy to all affected areas after Isaac makes landfall.”

Farmers Insurance advised its customers in Isaac’s projected path to pay close attention to the latest weather reports and begin making necessary preparations.

Farmers customers and non-customers alike can go to www.farmers.com and click on the Claims Section for tips on updating your home inventory, evacuation route planning and a new video on what to do before, during and after a hurricane. The video can be viewed at: https://www.farmers.com/SV_CatPreparedness_Hurricane.html

For those without computer access:

• Create a Home Inventory. Have an up-to-date inventory of all of your personal property.
• Prepare an Evacuation Plan. Plan ahead and map out a safe and smooth evacuation route, and please follow any evacuation orders. Also, have all prescriptions and important papers readily available in case you have to leave your home on short notice. It is also a good idea to have emergency supplies such as flashlights, radio, batteries and water on hand.

“Something we stress is that Farmers, Foremost, 21st Century and Bristol West customers need not go back to their homes for insurance papers when they have been told or have to leave,” Quinn continued. “Calling the hotline 1-800 number is all you need to do.”

Once Isaac makes land fall, Farmers and 21st Century customers with damage should immediately contact their agent or call Farmers’ 24-hour-claims hotline at 1-800-435-7764 for immediate assistance.

Foremost Insurance customers should file their claim by calling: 1-800-527-3907.

Bristol West Insurance customers should file their claim by calling: 1-800-274-7865.

Spanish-language claims assistance is available to Farmers customers by calling: 877-RECLAMO (877-732-5266).

Farmers customers can also go to www.Farmers.com or download the free iClaim app to file a claim..

Flood victims who have flood insurance should contact the National Flood Program at http://www.floodsmart.gov

Farmers Insurance Group of Companies is a leading U.S. insurer of automobiles, homes and small businesses and also provides a wide range of other insurance and financial services products. Farmers Insurance is proud to serve more than 10 million households with more than 20 million individual policies across all 50 states through the efforts of over 50,000 exclusive and independent agents and nearly 24,000 employees.

Farmers is a trade name and may refer to Farmers Group, Inc. or the Farmers Exchanges, as the case may be. Farmers Group, Inc., a management and holding company, along with its subsidiaries, is wholly owned by the Zurich Insurance Group.

The Farmers Exchanges are three reciprocal insurers (Farmers Insurance Exchange, Fire Insurance Exchange and Truck Insurance Exchange), including their subsidiaries and affiliates, owned by their policyholders and managed by Farmers Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries. For more information about Farmers, visit the company’s website at www.farmers.com or at www.Facebook.com/FarmersInsurance.

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The tropical storm Isaac is  the main issue threatening the Republican Convention, but it is not the only one, Joe Biden’s Florida visit on August 27 and Augusto 28, with a stop in Tampa included, could also affect the Republican National Convention.

Biden’s visit to Tampa may take some media attention out of the convention, also President Obama has planned to campaign on August 28 and August 29 in Iowa, Colorado and Virginia, which may also take media attention out of the convention. Michele Obama has also plans to campaign on August 29; she has a planned appearance on David Letterman’s show On CBS.

Isaac has turned into a serious problem for the GOP Convention organizers’ security plans, half of the expected officers come from different parts of Florida that could be affected by the storm, which may force them to stay home.

Hillsborough County Sheriff David Gee stated: “We’re in a situation right now where we don’t know what’s going to happen.” David Gee also explained that some agencies might decide not to send security officers to Tampa if their area is affected by Isaac.

The Republican National Convention expects more than 3,500 officers from 59 law enforcement agencies from all around Florida. Inside the convention hall the Secret Service will be in charge of the security.

The Republican officials have tried to calm things down saying the convention will proceed as expected. Republican National Convention CEO William Harris stated: “We continue to move forward with our planning and look forward to a successful convention,” Harris added that “Governor Scott and local emergency officials have assured us that they have the resources in place to respond to this storm should it make landfall, as our primary concern is with those in the potential path of the storm.”

The Florida Governor Rick Scott also said that the state, local and federal authorities had no plans to cancel the convention. Scoot hopes the hurricane does not affect Florida, but he reminded that Florida is the most prepared state in the country for hurricanes.

Jeff Masters, director of meteorology for Weather Underground, explained that it is not probable that Tampa takes a direct hit from Isaac, but it could sideswipe the city causing rain and flood.

Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn also said the city is prepared for Isaac, he stated: “We have contingency plan after contingency plan,” and added: “We are ready in the event that it happens. I don’t think it’s going to be a factor in this particular convention. But we are prepared in the event that it is.” With 50,000 people coming to the convention the storm has become a big issue.

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