PRESS RELEASE
AAA Publishes Flood Damage Tips
AAA Advises on Flood Damage to Homes, Cars SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 1 -- AAA today offered the following information to residents of northern California and Nevada who may have suffered home or car damage from recent storms: Car problems -- AAA urges all motorists to drive with extra caution during storms and to avoid driving when possible. Wet weather increases the odds of on-the-road breakdowns and accidents. AAA is staffing its emergency road service dispatch centers at maximum capacity and responding to all member emergency roadside breakdowns as quickly as possible. Dispatchers will advise callers of local conditions, such as road closures, which may result in service delays. Cars should not be driven through standing water. If doing so is unavoidable, drive slowly and gently depress the brakes to aid in drying them. Emergency Phone number for AAA members requiring emergency road assistance: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week: 800-AAA-HELP (222-4357) Home damage -- Homeowners should protect property from water damage and notify their insurer if damage occurs. If flooding is likely, remove valuables from the home or move them to as high a spot as is possible. If it is necessary to evacuate, residents should pack all essentials, such as medications they may be taking. AAA members whose homes are insured through the AAA Inter-Insurance Bureau and have sustained storm damage are encouraged to call AAA whether or not they carry federal flood insurance. AAA homeowners coverage include a unique provision which may provide benefits in certain circumstances. AAA can also assist homeowners who carry federal flood insurance to process flood claims. Emergency phone numbers for AAA members reporting insurance claims: Weekends, holidays and daily from 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 a.m.: 800-222-5040 Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.: call any AAA District Office (check local listings)
CONTACT: Barry Shiller of CSAA, 415-565-2291, or pager, 415-207-1221