LAKELAND, Fla.—Coming on the heels of Hurricane Harvey, GEICO would like to offer a few reminders on how to prepare for more severe weather. Hurricane Irma could reach Florida and the U.S. Eastern coastline over the weekend, and a little preparation could save you a lot of time and money.

  • Determine your risk – The effects of a storm can reach hundreds of miles inland. Will you need an evacuation plan? Do you have sufficient food and supplies on hand for the family, including medicine and pet supplies?
  • Remove potential hazards –Trim trees and remove dead branches. Pick up debris and loose objects in the yard to minimize flying objects.
  • Follow the directions of your local authorities – Officials will inform you of any evacuation plans or other safety procedures. Check radio, television or other media for emergency information.

If you should get caught in heavy rains:

  • Avoid walking or driving through high water – Six inches of moving water can knock you down, and a foot can sweep your vehicle away according to Ready.gov.
  • Reduce your speed – If you need to drive in the rain, reducing your speed reduces the chances of hydroplaning. If you hydroplane, immediately take your foot off the accelerator. A rotating tire has traction, while a sliding one does not.
  • Maintain a safe distance – Increasing the distance you would normally have between the vehicle ahead reduces the chance of a collision.
  • Turn on your headlamps – Simply turning on your head lamps makes you more visible to others.
  • When to abandon the car – Ready.gov recommends that you only abandon your vehicle if the flood water is rising around your vehicle, but is not moving. Then proceed to higher ground.

If you have a loss please report it as quickly as possible, using GEICO Mobile, log in at GEICO.com or call (800) 841-3000 24 hours a day.

Click to learn more about GEICO’s Catastrophe Response Team. For a complete hurricane preparation checklist, log onto GEICOMore.com and additional tips. Should you need to evacuate please click on safe driving in the heavy rain and getting your home Flood-Ready.

GEICO (Government Employees Insurance Company) is a member of the Berkshire Hathaway family of companies and is the second-largest private passenger auto insurance company in the United States. GEICO, which was founded in 1936, provides millions of auto insurance quotes to U.S. drivers annually. The company is pleased to serve more than 15 million private passenger customers, insuring more than 24 million vehicles (auto & cycle).

Using GEICO’s online service center, policyholders can purchase policies, make policy changes, report claims and print insurance ID cards. Policyholders can also connect to GEICO through GEICO Mobile, reach a representative over the phone or visit a GEICO local agent.

GEICO also provides insurance quotes on motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), boats, travel trailers and motorhomes (RVs). Coverage for life, homes and apartments is written by non-affiliated insurance companies and is secured through the GEICO Insurance Agency, Inc. Commercial auto insurance and personal umbrella protection are also available.

For more information, go to www.geico.com.

Contacts

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