Hurricane Readiness Tips For USAA Military Members
Updated Android™ and iPhone® application offers secure and convenient loss reporting.
The nomadic military lifestyle can be the enemy of proper hurricane preparation. As a leading financial services provider to military members and their families, USAA understands the impact that frequently moving or being deployed can have on the disaster planning process.
“Often, a military spouse makes the preparations alone, or a family can find themselves in a hurricane-prone area for their first time,” says Elizabeth Gulick, Executive Director of Catastrophe Operations at USAA. “Either way, there’s an increased likelihood of being unprepared and that could be devastating.”
Storm Tips
With the start of hurricane season (June 1 to Nov. 30) looming, USAA offers these tips designed to address the unique needs of military families:
- Develop or review your evacuation and family communication plan (See also, Stories from the Storm).
- Create a record of all possessions, including purchase prices, dates purchased, serial numbers and receipts. Take pictures or video of these items and keep the inventory in a safe location. Consult the local JAG office for guidance on keeping these records safe.
- When a storm requires evacuation, contact your unit’s disaster preparedness officer, the installation command post or designated emergency point of contact to report your anticipated safe location.
- Following a storm, contact the installation command post, safety office or command section for specific instructions. Temporarily displaced military families may be provided with hosting programs at other base communities. For those living off the installation, local authorities or the Office of Emergency Management can provide guidance.
“We understand the stresses, pressures and confusion that our members deal with in the wake of a catastrophe,” said Gulick. “Our goal is to provide peace of mind and extra convenience, as we help guide them through the claims process and on the road to recovery.”
Mobile Platforms Speed Claims Process
USAA enhanced its smartphone insurance claim functionality to allow its highly mobile member base to file a home or auto claim from anywhere at anytime. Today, more than 1.8 million USAA members have downloaded a mobile app. And more than 13% of first notices of loss are being filed via mobile and online platforms.
For more information regarding USAA’s mobile services, download the free USAA Mobile App by visiting the Apple® App Store™ or downloading the free USAA Mobile App for Android™ by visiting the Android Market.
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