In the wake of Hurricane Harvey’s destruction and the ongoingrains that continue to threaten Houston and surrounding areas withpotentially-deadly flooding, the No. 1homeowner’s insurer in Texas, State Farm, said the company hassecured thousands of claims specialists to respond to the naturaldisaster.

Insurance professionals in Texas are hardly strangers tonavigating hurricane aftermath as two of the costliest hurricanesever to hit the U.S. caused damage in Texas, Hurricane Ike in 2008and Hurricane Rita in 2005, according to the Insurance Information Institute.

Related: Staying safe: A Hurricane Harvey survival guide forclaim adjusters

With nearly $1.9 million in direct premiums written in 2016 and10% of Texas' premium concentration, State Farm is the tophomeowners insurer in Texas, according to Moody's InvestorService.

State Farm Spokesman Jim Camoriano said late in the day onMonday, Aug. 28, 2017, that the insurer bulked up on the officestaff taking initial Hurricane Harvey loss reports, and deployedcatastrophe response teams from Austin and Dallas to enter theimpacted areas.

What’s more, eight catastrophe response vehicles, picturedat left, are on hand in Texas. "They are equipped with satellitetechnology, printers, computers, etc. to respond to where ourcustomers are located," Camoriano said.

In Texas and Louisiana, State Farm agents also are independentlyreaching out to policyholders, he added. By day’s end on Monday,the insurer had received more than 5,000 home and auto claims.About 75% to 80% of reported auto claims so far involve vehiclesunable to be driven.

Related: Top 10 auto insurers in Texas likely dealt hugeblow from Hurricane Harvey

"Our plans are to continue to deploy resources to all affectedareas," Camoriano said. "We are ready for the heavy rainfall tolessen, so we can get adjusters to customers’ property. We haveoperations and facilities poised and ready for the duration of thisevent; no matter how long it takes, we will be there for ourcustomers in helping them recover from Harvey."

In addition to maintaining a robust social media presence, State Farmoffered the following policyholder tips for navigating therestoration and repair process after Hurricane Harvey:

A home is surrounded by floodwaters from Tropical StormHarvey on Monday, Aug. 28, 2017, in Spring, Texas. (APPhoto/David J. Phillip)

Hurricane Harvey insurance considerations from State Farm

— Safety is a priority. Once safe to return and inspectyour property, document any damage by taking pictures andvideo.

— If you make temporary repairs to preventfurther damage, remember to keep your receipts, so you’ll have arecord for the claim adjuster for covered reimbursements.

— If you have experienced a power outage, neveruse candles for emergency lighting, use flashlights. Disconnect anyappliances, equipment or electronics that were on when the powerwent out.

— When power comes back on, it may comeback with momentary "surges" or "spikes" that can damage computersand motors in air conditioners, refrigerators, etc. Leave one lighton so you know when the power returns.

— Avoid opening the refrigerator andfreezer. This will help keep your food as fresh as possible. Besure to check food for signs of spoilage.

— Use generators safely. If you have aportable generator, only run it outdoors with adequate ventilation.Never use a generator indoors or in attached garages. The exhaustfumes contain carbon monoxide, which can be deadly if inhaled.

— The typical homeowner’s policy generallyprovides coverage for spoiled food due to a power outage, if theoutage is tied to a covered peril. In order for coverage to apply,it will need to meet the deductible. Check with your insurancecompany to see if your policy covers damages resulting fromoutages.

Related: The 'Harvey List': Top 10 homeowners, commercialinsurers in Texas

Hurricane Harvey contractor tips from State Farm

While there are many good contractors, please be wary of those who might try to capitalize on thestorm and any going door-to-door.

— Don’t pay anything up front.

— Get everything in writing.

— Get references from friends andneighbors and a physical business address of the contractor.

— Don’t accept an offer for a contractorto pay your deductible as an incentive to get your business.

— During the course of working ahomeowner’s claim, State Farm claim specialists often inform andeducate consumers on proactive steps to take when considering acontractor. Among the many preventative measures we recommend:shopping around, getting recommendations, inspecting the work,getting three written estimates, and having a written detailedestimate. Consumers are also advised not to pay for work up frontor sign a contract with any blank spaces.

See also:

Texas Insurance Dept. encourages leniency forinsureds in Harvey's wake

Harvey's cost reaches catastrophe as modelers seemany uninsured

Hurricane preparation: Be sure to beinsured