Allstate Offers Homeowners Advice As Montecito Tea Fire Evacuations Begin

With wildfires burning in the area, Allstate (NYSE: ALL) is already responding and bringing resources into the area to help our policyholders. But right now, safety must take precedence.

It’s vital to listen to instructions from local authorities. If nearby homeowners have been evacuated, or if evacuations may soon be a possibility, homeowners should prepare immediately for a quick departure. If time and safety permits, Allstate recommends the following steps to help with evacuation and ease the recovery process in the event tragedy strikes:

Before leaving the home…

* Collect all important papers and documents. This includes banking, insurance, and financial information, as well as bills and checkbook.
* Think carefully about what items are easily replaceable by insurance and what items are not, like family heirlooms, keepsakes, and pictures.
* If you don’t have an up-to-date home inventory, walk through your home with a video or still camera. At the same time, make a list of what items you want to take during an evacuation. An inventory can help facilitate the claim process.
* Contact your Allstate agent to determine whether your homeowners policy provides for additional living expenses when you are prohibited from using your home because of civil authority orders, and to answer other questions about your insurance policies.

If leaving the home…

* Always listen to and obey authorities if leaving the home.
* Notify neighbors and friends of your intended destination, and exchange contact information.
* Respect applicable mandatory evacuation orders when making decisions to return home.