Hurricane Isias moves toward Gulf Coast, here’s how to prepare and collision assistance available

Hurricane Isias is expected to bring heavy rainfall to the central U.S. Gulf Coast and much of the Southeast Friday and into the weekend, according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC). 

NHC told the area to prepare for considerable flash and urban flooding, along with significant river flooding, gusty winds, and areas of heavy rain in the western portion of the Yucatan Peninsula.

To get ready for Isaias, GEICO urges customers in the storm’s potential path to take these steps: 

• • “Follow guidance from local emergency officials, including any evacuation orders.
  • “Create an evacuation plan ahead of time. Identify a safe place outside the storm’s path and designate a key contact to share evacuation plans.
  • “Move vehicles out of low-lying areas. Vehicles that aren’t being used to evacuate should be moved away from areas prone to heavy flooding. If possible, use a garage or covered parking.
  • “Fill the tank. Make sure all vehicles have a full tank of gas.
  • “Build a disaster kit. Include three days of water, medications, toiletries, charging cables, blankets, batteries, and a radio. Add food as needed, plus supplies for pets.
  • “Identify a safe place for key vehicle documents. If you need to file a claim, have your vehicle title, registration, and any lienholder information handy.”

Consumers are encourage download insurance company mobile apps to access policy documents and file a claim, according to a GEICO press release. Consumers may also want to add insurance company 800 numbers to their contacts.

After a storm, consumers should use extreme caution as wind and flooding damage could be severe. The insurance company notes that cars may have been submerged in floodwaters that have since receded. 

“Don’t try to drive a vehicle you suspect was flooded,” the release adds. 

It also warns consumers to stay away from their vehicle if downed power lines are nearby. 

Consumers should leave their vehicles in place if heavy debris, such as a tree limb, falls on them, the release adds. It says the debris could pose a safety risk. 

“In situations with major safety risks, GEICO’s claims team will work with customers and come directly to them to inspect a vehicle that isn’t drivable,” the release states. “Customers just need to file a claim first, and GEICO will then work with them to set up a field inspection appointment as quickly as possible.”

The Collision Industry Foundation (CIF) is a resource the industry can request emergency relief from after catastrophic events such as a hurricane. 

Resources are available to anyone who works in the industry. This includes individuals working in shops or in supporting roles outside of a shop.

The organization does not provide funds for businesses. However, a business owner can apply for funds for items, like personally owned tools. 

To apply for assistance, click here. Businesses may wish to broadcast the resource to any employee or family impacted by the storm.

Individuals and business owners can also apply for assistance if they’ve lost personal property, such as a house, from a disaster. 

To give a tax-exempt donation to the nonprofit, click here or text 734-366-4990. Donations can be made once, monthly, quarterly, or annually. 

CIF is also running a “$25 for 25” donation campaign to celebrate their 25th anniversary. 

“Meaningful change doesn’t require a massive contribution — it just takes a community standing together,” a social media post from CIF states. “We’re rallying 1,000 individual technicians, estimators, shop owners, and suppliers to donate $25 in honor of CIF’s 25th anniversary. Together, we can build a rock-solid safety net for colleagues recovering from natural disasters and life-altering emergencies.”

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