Catastrophe preparedness a worthwhile investment

(April 28, 2014) — Catastrophes can happen at any given time, often with little or no warning. Everything in your home could be at risk for loss, but there are simple steps you can take now that will ease the process in the event a catastrophe strikes in your neighborhood:

• Perform a home inventory. Take pictures or video of your belongings in every room and describe what each item is. Find a secure manner to store the inventory at another location. One digital option is American Family Insurance’s DreamVault app, which can be found at amfam.com and is open to all consumers.
• Know your coverage. Talk with your agent about the basic elements of the policy and what it covers.
• Understand the importance of having coverage for living expenses should you be displaced from your home. Costs for food and lodging can be included in certain policies as you wait for your home to be rebuilt or replaced.

Here are some tips to reduce your risk of being negatively affected by a catastrophe:

• To protect against tornadoes, use impact-resistant windows and door systems, roof coverings and entry doors with at least three hinges when building or updating homes.
• Look for existing hail damage when purchasing a home. Get a home inspection before purchasing the house, which can uncover other issues or repairs the home may need.
• To prevent the spread of wildfire, make sure any dead vegetation is cleared within a 30-foot radius of your home.

About American Family Insurance

American Family insurance is the nation's third-largest mutual property/casualty insurance company. Web: www.amfam.com; Facebook: www.facebook.com/amfam; Twitter:www.twitter.com/amfam. Google+ plus.google.com/+amfam/

News media contact:

Janet Masters
Media Relations
(608) 242-4100, ext. 30409