State Farm Pre-Funds $2.5 Million in Disaster Response Grants

from State Farm

Photo courtesy of Alexander Grey on Unsplash

With August kicking off the top three most active months of the hurricane season (Aug.-Oct.) and ushering in an increased likelihood of devastating storms, State Farm has taken steps to pre-fund $2.5 million in disaster response grants. State Farm pre-funded a total of $2 million to American Red Cross, $250,000 to Convoy of Hope, and $250,000 to Midwest Food Bank to help support these community non-profits and their immediate disaster response following a catastrophe.

“Mission leaders like State Farm are vital to our work, helping drive innovation across our organization, providing capacity to respond immediately in times of crisis,” said Cliff Holtz, president and CEO of the American Red Cross. “I am grateful for their support, which safeguards our ability to care for those in need when the unthinkable happens.”

State Farm has a long history of providing grants to non-profits after disaster strikes a community. This new approach to pre-fund grants before disaster strikes aims to help provide streamlined and immediate support for disaster relief efforts. The goal of pre-funding is to support non-profit preparedness, relief, and recovery efforts for communities and families impacted by disasters big and small – including hurricanes, floods, home fires, and countless other crises – as efficiently and timely as possible.

“Being a good neighbor is at the heart of the State Farm mission,” said Apsara Sorensen, State Farm Corporate Responsibility Assistant Vice President. “State Farm is committed to helping individuals and families manage the risks of everyday life and recover from the unexpected. We extend this commitment to the neighborhoods we serve by providing resources and collaborating with nonprofit organizations with a history of disaster response, providing immediate relief and vital necessities during times of need.”

“This proactive support ensures that Midwest Food Bank is ready to respond swiftly when natural disasters strike. Thanks to their commitment, we can bring hope and help to those in need, demonstrating the power of partnership in action,” said Lisa Martin, CFO of Midwest Food Bank.

According to Ethan Forhetz, Convoy of Hope VP of Public Engagement, “This grant ensures that Convoy disaster response teams will stand ready to deliver hope to those whose lives have been turned upside down.”

Top three insurance tips for top three months of hurricane season

The next three months are the most active for hurricanes, with 100% of Category 5 hurricanes and 85% of deadliest storms in the U.S. hitting during these top months. August through October are the busiest, deadliest, and costliest months for hurricanes in the U.S., impacting millions in hurricane-prone communities across the country. Hurricane Idalia – the only major hurricane to impact the U.S. last year – hit in August 2023 and triggered approximately 8,000 State Farm homeowner and auto claims. State Farm paid approximately $76 million to those customers impacted by Idalia last year to help recover and rebuild.

Top three prep tips for the top three months of hurricane season

• Review your insurance coverage. Make sure you have the right amount and type of insurance for your property and to help protect your loved ones. Homeowners are urged to not wait until after disaster strikes to realize that inflation and increasing economic pressures may have impacted the cost to rebuild.
• Protect important insurance documents and policy paperwork by placing them in a protected, waterproof place. And install your insurance app for electronic access to insurance documents.
• Create a home inventory. Make a list of your possessions and their estimated value, or use technology to create your digital home inventory.
  • Take pictures with your smart phone. Capture important individual items as well as entire rooms, closets, or drawers. Label photos with what’s pictured, where you bought it, the make or model, and the serial number.
  • Take video. Walk through your house or apartment, recording and describing the contents.
  • Use an app. There are many mobile app options that can help you create and store a room-by-room record of your belongings.

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Source: bctv