2008-06-10 00:10:32 -

- With recent storms creating flooding in Indiana and additional storms expected to occur this evening, homeowners will be busy trying to recover from weather damage. Receding waters may signal the end of a flood, but its danger and devastation can continue for weeks and months. Caution and clear thinking in the wake of a flood can help save lives

as well as prevent further property damage. Typically, your standard homeowners insurance policy will not cover flood damage, though federal flood insurance for future flood events is available through your Allstate agent.

Additional government assistance and help from volunteer agencies may also be available. Allstate asks you to consider these steps to ensure personal safety and avoid further damage to homes and property...

7 Steps To Flood Recovery...

-- Don't return home without authorization from local authorities and don't walk through floodwater, particularly if it's moving. Currents even in small amounts of water can be strong enough to carry you away. If you must venture into still water, use a pole or stick to make sure the ground beneath the water is solid. When driving, observe barricades and avoid flooded roads.

-- Drowning and electrocution are the leading causes of death from flooding. Stay away from power lines and electrical wires. Report downed wires to your local utility company or emergency officials.

-- If you did not turn off your electricity before you left home, do it as soon as you return. Check appliances or electronic devices such as televisions for water damage, don't use them until they have been taken apart and dried.

-- Use caution when entering any building. Falling plaster, cracks in the foundation and unstable ceilings could make buildings extremely hazardous. Take care when walking anywhere the flood has reached, including the floors in your home. Snakes or small animals often take shelter or are washed inside during floods. Debris such as nails and broken bottles and even mud and sticks can cause slippery, uneven footing, making walking hazardous.

-- Check for gas leaks. If you smell gas or hear a blowing or hissing sound, open a window and leave. Make sure the gas is turned off at the main valve outside. Only a professional should turn the gas back on when the danger has passed. Don't light candles, lanterns or matches until you're sure the gas has been aired out. Don't smoke. Exhaust from power generators or devices such as camping stoves and barbecues can be dangerous. Use them only outdoors.

-- Keep in mind that floodwater usually isn't clean. Discard spoiled food, wet medicine and cosmetics and anything else in question.

-- Be patient when pumping water out of flooded basements. Do not drain your basement until you know the water table has receded below your basement. Then, eliminate only about a third of the water per day to help avoid structural damage.

More information on the National Flood Insurance Program can be found on the Web at www.fema.gov/nfip.

About the Allstate Corporation

The Allstate Corporation (NYSE: ALL) is the nation's largest publicly held personal lines insurer. Widely known through the "You're In Good Hands With Allstate(R)" slogan, Allstate helps individuals in approximately 17 million households protect what they have today and better prepare for tomorrow through approximately 14,900 exclusive agencies and financial representatives in the U.S. and Canada. Customers can access Allstate products and services such as auto insurance and homeowners insurance through Allstate agencies, or in select states at allstate.com and 1-800 Allstate(R). Encompass(R) and Deerbrook(R) Insurance brand property and casualty products are sold exclusively through independent agents. The Allstate Financial Group provides life insurance, supplemental accident and health insurance, annuity, banking and retirement products designed for individual, institutional and worksite customers that are distributed through Allstate agencies, independent agencies, financial institutions and broker-dealers.

Allstate Corporation
Lisa Finney, 248-994-9394
Lisa.Finney@allstate.com