NORTHBROOK, Ill., May 26, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Tornadoes have
touched down this week in towns across the United States. People are beginning the
process of picking up the pieces. For those with damage from the
string of spring storms, Allstate suggests you be very careful when
returning home. Once it is safe to do so, homeowners should
carefully inspect their homes for signs of damage, paying
particular attention to the following areas:
- Look for wall cracks in spots where there weren't cracks
before. Cracks of a quarter inch or more are signs walls may have
shifted or settled. Look carefully around windows and doors because
these are typically the weakest spots in a home's construction.
Look outside for visible, new cracks in the home's foundation.
- Look inside for changes in the levelness of floors. Changes in
the level of the floor could be signs of a lift in the home's
foundation.
- Make sure to closely check rooms not regularly used.
- Inspect plumbing. Look closely around the water heater and or
water softener for signs of water leaks that did not exist before.
Flush all toilets, turn on all of the water faucets, and check
connecting pipes for any leaking water.
- In the days or weeks after a tornado, check walls and ceilings
for water stains or yellowing that did not exist before. It could
indicate damage on the roof.
- Carefully inspect the outside gutters. Damaged gutters could
cause water damage inside the home long after the actual gutter
damage occurs.
Allstate policyholders that suspect their home may have
sustained damage during the recent storms can begin the claim
process by contacting their Allstate Agency Owner, dialing
1-800-54-STORM (1-800-547-8676) or visiting
Allstate.com.
The Allstate Corporation (NYSE: ALL) is the nation's largest
publicly held personal lines insurer, protecting approximately 16
million households from life's uncertainties through auto, home,
life and other insurance offered through its Allstate, Esurance,
Encompass and Answer Financial brand names. Now celebrating its
85th anniversary as an insurer, Allstate is widely known through
the slogan "You're In Good Hands With Allstate®." The
Allstate brand's network of small businesses offers auto, home,
life and retirement products and services to customers in
the United States and Canada. In 2015, The Allstate Foundation,
Allstate, its employees and agency owners gave $36 million to support local communities.
Allstate employees and agency owners donated 230,000 hours of
service across the country.
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SOURCE The Allstate Corporation