Updated September 5, 2008, at 6:30 pm CST

Hurricane Gustav: Reporting Your Location

(Southern Region) Agency Owners: To report your location and participate in the next conference call, please dial 866-244-4530 on 9/5/2008 at 11 am CST. To obtain information about future conference calls, dial 800-293-5478. You can also report your location by filling out the Report Your Location page here.  

Allstate Claims Personnel:  To report your location, please call 877-294-7119 (Conference ID # 541818). Current plans are to open the Metairie office by 8am Monday, September 8^th

 Additional calls will be scheduled as needed. Allstate Employees: To report your location, please either call 866-492-1777 or Click Here.

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Allstate Employees/Agency Owners:

With Tropical Storm Hanna expected to make US landfall by 9/5, it's imperative that people take action to ensure safety and proper communication before and after the storm.

Notification and Emergency Plans:

1. Ensure you have the most current version of your Business Continuity Plan. Consider printing a physical copy to take with you and securing a digital copy.

2. If your phone number(s) or address has changed, ensure your manager has the most current contact information for you.

3. Create an evacuation plan with up to three options. Communicate with your manager where you plan to go if evacuation is needed.

4. If you are forced to evacuate from your workplace, it's imperative your leadership knows you're safe. Please either contact them directly or fill out the information here: Report Your Location. 

Actions to Consider at Work

1. Power-down and unplug your desktop computer(s). Cover all PC's and telephone equipment with plastic to the best of your ability to avoid water damage.  If the CPU is on the floor, but can easily be placed on the desk, you may wish to consider that option.

2. If you use a laptop at work, power it down and take it with you (as opposed to storing it in the office).

3. Forward your phones to an appropriate location.

4. Follow normal procedures to secure sensitive material and/or documents.

5. Secure loose objects both in front of and within your office.

6. If you are closing early or evacuating, place a sign in the door/window stating that you will reopen as soon as possible and direct people to whom they may contact in your absence.

7. Lastly, check with your landlord and/or facilities manager to consider turning off the power to the office at the electrical breaker box (if accessible and possible), consider boarding the windows, and possibly turning off the primary sources of power and gas (where applicable) to reduce the chances of fire.

Actions to Consider at Home

1. Conduct a home inventory recording each of your possessions. It's also helpful to keep track of model numbers and stores where items were purchased. Store your inventory, including photos and videos, in a safe place away from your home. (See the Insurance Information Institute for free home inventory software)

2. Develop an evacuation plan that includes identification of safe areas, escape routes, meeting locations and plans for pets.

3. Prepare an emergency supply kit including a three-day supply of water, nonperishable food, radio and batteries, flashlight and first-aid kit.

4. Remove any diseased and damaged limbs from trees to keep them from blowing around during a storm and causing a wind hazard or property damage.

5. Purchase materials such as 3/4" plywood that can be used to reinforce your windows, doors and garage doors. Install anchors and pre-drill holes for the plywood so you can install them quickly in the event of a storm.

6. Consider installing head and foot bolts in doors for extra protection.

7. Gather important documents such as insurance policies, birth certificates and identification. Make sure to place them in a waterproof container.

More information on preparing for catastrophes can be found at www.allstate.com/catastrophe

Allstate is taking action to ensure our employees and agency owners are safe and well informed. Allstate customers with claims-related questions can begin the claims process at Allstate's Web site, by calling 800-54-STORM (800-547-8676), or by contacting their local agent.

News Media with further questions can contact Allstate's Media Relations team or at 847-402-5600.