NOVATO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) says there is a 70 percent chance that this year’s hurricane season will produce nine to 15 named storms, with four to eight hurricanes – and up to three major hurricanes with winds topping 111 mph.

While this falls within the “near-normal” category for hurricane activity, even one storm can have devastating impacts on homes and businesses. In fact, this season marks the 20 year anniversary of Hurricane Andrew (8/24/2012) – another season that had a lower-than-normal hurricane forecast. Now is the time that homeowners and businesses review emergency plans, stock up on emergency supplies, secure buildings and review insurance coverage before August 1 – the start of hurricane season’s most active period.

“Many Americans who live in hurricane zones unfortunately aren’t properly prepared,” said Barry Davis, Senior Risk Services Consultant at Fireman’s Fund. “But there are several relatively simple things people can do to protect themselves and to help minimize potential damage to homes and businesses.”

Important tips for the home are:

• Install storm shutters on all exterior glass openings to keep high winds from entering the structure
• Assemble emergency supplies at home
• Prepare an evacuation plan
• Practice your plan with the whole family and pets

Important tips for businesses are:

• Install storm shutters on all exterior glass openings to keep high winds from entering the structure
• Prepare a business continuity plan, including data back-up and recovery
• Prepare an evacuation plan for employees
• Practice your plans

For more information about hurricane preparedness visit: http://disasteradvisor.ffido.com/.

In addition to tips, Davis can also describe Fireman’s Fund disaster texting service which sends subscribers updates and alerts on disasters in their area via their smart phone. Text messaging is a means to stay in touch during a disaster, especially if there are power outages or forced evacuations. It can be more reliable than land-based telephone services when disasters strike. Fireman’s Fund also has a handy mobile app to report claims.

To subscribe, go to www.facebook.com/firemansfund and click on the “Mobile Services” tab.

To download Fireman’s Fund Mobile Claims Reporting app, visit: http://www.firemansfund.com/claims-and-risk-services/Pages/reporting-claim.aspx

Hurricane season in theAtlanticbegan June 1 and ends November 30. TheEastern Pacifichurricane season began May 15 and also ends November 30.

About Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company:

Founded in 1863, Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company is a premier property and casualty insurance company providing personal and commercial insurance products backed by industry-leading claims and risk management solutions. Fireman’s Fund is a leader in high-net-worth, entertainment, and green insurance. Fireman’s Fund is a member of the Allianz Group, one of the world’s largest providers of property and casualty insurance, ranked 27th on Fortune’s Global 500 list of the world’s largest corporations. For additional information, visit www.firemansfund.com.

Fireman’s Fund Media Mgr.
Janet Ruiz, 415-899-5381
jruiz@ffic.com
or
Harden Communications Partners
Peggy Jara - West Coast
T: 510-635-4150
C: 510-333-1160
pjara@hardenpartners.com

Source: Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company