Amica Press Releases
03.25.10
Amica shares flood tips in wake of damaging spring floods
LINCOLN, RI – Torrential rains across New England and throughout the Midwest have resulted in devastating floods to many communities in recent weeks. With more rain forecast in the days and weeks to come, Amica Insurance would like to share some tips for protecting yourself, your family and your property in the event of flooding.
"Spring storms remind us that all Americans, not just those in coastal areas, need to protect themselves against flooding," said Robert A. DiMuccio, chairman, president and CEO of Amica Insurance.
That is why the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America (PCI)–which includes Amica
as a member company–warns there are many ways floods can impact individuals, homes and
entire communities.
"It's always best to be prepared long before the waters rise," DiMuccio noted. "But if a flood does occur, there are steps you can take to protect your family while also helping to minimize the damage and assist in the recovery process afterward."
DiMuccio offered the following tips, provided through PCI:
- Listen to local authorities for warnings and other information.
- Contact your insurance agent or company as soon as it is safe, should you sustain damage to your home, automobile or business.
- Do not wade through water or use water near live electrical outlets.
- Shovel or scrape mud off floors, furniture and walls before the mud dries.
- Major appliances, such as refrigerators and stoves, can be washed and dried completely. In most cases, they will not be damaged unless they were operating at the time the water covered them.
- Diluted chlorine bleach can be used to clean household items, appliances, walls and floors and will help control odors.
- Wood furniture should be dried outdoors, but not in direct sunlight. Remove drawers and other moving parts before they dry.
- Food utensils and equipment should be washed thoroughly and sterilized before using. Any food that is open and exposed to flood waters should be discarded.
- Use caution in hiring a contractor or other workers to help repair and clean up flood damage. To avoid scams and shoddy repair work, homeowners can save themselves a lot of time, money and frustration by taking the time to check the licensing and credentials of the businesses and individuals that are hired to do repairs.
Damage to personal and commercial property caused by a flood is not covered under standard personal and commercial property policies. Flood insurance must be bought as a separate policy, and is available to consumers under the National Flood Insurance Program, which is the primary source for flood insurance in the United States.
About Amica Insurance
Amica Mutual Insurance Company, the nation's oldest mutual insurer of automobiles, was founded in 1907. The company offers auto, home, marine and personal umbrella liability insurance. Life insurance is available through Amica Life Insurance Company. Amica is based in Lincoln, RI, and employs more than 3,200 people in 40 offices across the country.
About PCI
PCI is composed of more than 1,000 member companies, representing the broadest cross-section of insurers of any national trade association. PCI members write over $180 billion in annual premium, 37.4 percent of the nation's property casualty insurance. Member companies write 44 percent of the U.S. automobile insurance market, 30.7 percent of the homeowners market, 35.1 percent of the commercial property and liability market, and 41.7 percent of the private workers compensation market.
