The Allstate Foundation Brings Disaster Preparedness Week to the Northwest and Donates $100,000 to the Red Cross

SEATTLE, April 15, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- With the Northwest's 2018 wildfire season on the horizon, local Allstate Agents, in partnership with the Red Cross, will be giving away 4,500 disaster kits starting Monday, April 16, across the Northwest to better prepare families and local communities.

"Although it might be the last thing on your mind, a disaster could occur in any community at any time across the Northwest," said Allstate spokesperson, Frank Clouser. "Many people—85 percent, in fact—aren't prepared. Allstate is here to help Northwest communities prepare and be less vulnerable in the event of a sudden disaster. Creating an emergency kit for you and your family is step one."

This is especially relevant for Northwest residents as Idaho, Oregon, and Washington are on the top 10 "Most Wildfire Prone States," according to the Insurance Information Institute. The three states alone have nearly half a million households that are at a high or extreme risk from wildfires. And in 2017, nearly 5,000 fires took place across the three states, burning 1.8 million acres.

Residents who wish to donate supplies to the Red Cross, or pick up a disaster preparedness starter kit, can stop by any participating Allstate Agency in the Northwest for more information.

To help local residents prepare for a disaster, The Allstate Foundation recommends three important safety tips to help communities be aware of the risks in their lives and to protect themselves and their loved ones.

Step One: Build a basic disaster preparedness kit. Your disaster preparedness kit should contain these basic supplies:

For more information, download Allstate Foundation's brochure on how you can prepare your family for a disaster. Resources are available in English and Spanish.

Step Two: Create a household emergency evacuation plan. A household emergency plan should include the following information:

Step 3: Help your community get ready for a disaster. The strength of a community comes from each person who lives in it. By raising your hand to help your community prepare for a potential disaster, you can help people respond to and recover from an emergency situation. Contact your local Red Cross to gain more information on how to prepare your community in the event of a disaster.

About the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or find Red Cross on Facebook and Twitter.

About The Allstate Foundation

Established in 1952, The Allstate Foundation is an independent, charitable organization made possible by subsidiaries of The Allstate Corporation (NYSE: ALL). Through partnerships with nonprofit organizations across the country, The Allstate Foundation brings the relationships, reputation and resources of Allstate to support innovative and lasting solutions that enhance people's well-being and prosperity. With a focus on building financial independence for domestic violence survivors, empowering youth and celebrating the charitable community involvement of Allstate agency owners and employees, The Allstate Foundation works to bring out the good in people's lives. For more information, visit www.AllstateFoundation.org.

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SOURCE The Allstate Foundation