The Allstate Foundation and Points of Light help ensure Charleston residents are prepared for disaster

Allstate agency owners and community volunteers will help hundreds of citizens build free disaster preparedness kits at the City of Charleston’s First Day Festival

CHARLESTON, SC – The Allstate Foundation and Points of Light are bringing their 14-city disaster preparation tour and education campaign to Charleston on August 16 with a booth at the City of Charleston’s First Day Festival. During the event, which will be held at the Charleston Maritime Center and SC Aquarium from 1–4 p.m., local Allstate agency owners and community volunteers will assist attendees in understanding the importance of disaster preparedness, as well as provide the tools necessary to create a free emergency kit.

“In the Lowcountry of South Carolina, we have the privilege to live in one of the most beautiful places in the world, but with that comes weather-related risks that other areas do not have to endure,” said Kevin Shealy, Allstate agency owner. “I have lived in Charleston all of my life and remember hurricanes David, Hugo and Floyd. I know the devastation and emotions that come with a catastrophe. This is why it is imperative that the Charleston community become educated on how to prepare in the event of a disaster.”

During the First Day Festival, hundreds of Charleston residents will have the opportunity to build free disaster kits that they can use to keep safe in the event of an unforeseen emergency. The free kits include a hand-crank flashlight, first aid kit, cleaning supplies, emergency blanket and other items proven to keep people safe and prepared. Volunteers will also help educate Charleston residents on the important of preparedness.

“Research shows 85 percent of Americans are unprepared for disaster and nearly half lack emergency supplies for use in the event that an emergency strikes,” said Shealy. “The Allstate Foundation will be on-site with Points of Light at the First Day Festival working to impact our community for the better.”

Disaster Preparedness Facts:

• Since 1980, the occurrence of weather related disasters has increased by more than 230 percent.
• Eight-five percent of Americans are unprepared for disaster, leading to unnecessary loss of property and lives.
• Sixty-two percent of Americans do not have any type of emergency kit prepared.
• Nearly half of Americans lack emergency supplies for use in the event of a disaster, and more than half of parents do not have a designated meeting place in case of a disaster.

The Allstate Foundation and Points of Light have an ongoing commitment to ensuring all Americans are prepared in the event that disaster strikes. They have worked together to launch www.GoodandReady.org, an educational website with free disaster preparation resources.

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.

About Points of Light

Points of Light – the world’s largest organization dedicated to volunteer service –millions of people to take action that is changing the world. Through affiliates in 250 cities and partnerships with thousands of nonprofits and corporations, Points of Light engages 4 million volunteers in 30 million hours of service each year. We bring the power of people where it’s needed most. For more information, go to www.pointsoflight.org.