Amica Press Releases

05.22.09

Introducing The New Amica Storm Center

LINCOLN, RHODE ISLAND – The 2009 Hurricane Season starts next week and the new Amica Storm Center is ready to provide you with the information, advice and tips you need to help protect your family and home.

Amica Mutual Insurance Company is launching the new storm information center in conjunction with National Hurricane Preparedness Week (May 24-30) to remind people that now’s the time to:

• Prepare an emergency supply kit and stock up on non-perishable food and water.
• Create an evacuation plan, including ways to let your family know you’re safe after a storm.
• Make arrangements for your pets, including advance arrangements if you have to evacuate.
• Plan home improvement projects that will make your home more resistant to storm damage – and possibly reduce your home insurance premiums.
• Review your insurance policy to see if you’re covered for flooding or other storm-related damage.

“It’s up to each of us to be as prepared as possible for a hurricane,” said Theodore “Ted” Murphy, superintendent of claims for Amica Mutual Insurance Company. “That’s why we’re urging families to think ahead, make a plan and be ready when the time comes.”

The Amica Storm Center can help. It provides dozens of tips in a simple, easy to use layout with four specific sections: Prepare Now, If a Warning is Issued, When a Storm Strikes and After the Storm. Each contains specific advice and information regarding what to do at each stage, including links for hurricane updates and handy checklists that are ready to print out and use.

“We hope these tips will help people better protect their families and their homes,” Murphy said. “National Hurricane Preparedness Week is a great time to start thinking about what you need to do to make sure you’re ready for a storm.”

TIPS TO PREPARE FOR THE 2009 HURRICANE SEASON

• Prepare an emergency supply kit.
• Create an evacuation plan and review it with your family.
• Make plans for your pets, especially if you may have to evacuate.
• Compile a list of emergency numbers, including police, fire and rescue services.
• Post 911 and other emergency numbers next to the telephone and make sure everyone in the family, including children, know how and when to dial 911.
• Prepare a list of phone numbers of family members, friends and neighbors.
• Review your insurance coverage.
• Prepare an inventory of your belongings.
• Check your house and yard to make sure they’re ready for a storm.
• Consider home improvement projects that will make your home more resistant to storm damage – and possibly reduce your home insurance premiums.

Amica Mutual Insurance Company, the nation’s oldest mutual insurer of automobiles, was founded in 1907. The company, with corporate headquarters in Lincoln, Rhode Island, is national writer of automobile, homeowners, marine, and personal umbrella liability insurance. Life coverage is available through Amica Life Insurance Company, a wholly owned subsidiary. Amica employs more than 3,100 people in 39 offices across the country.