RED BANK, NJ--(Marketwired - June 23, 2015) - The 2015 Plymouth Rock Assurance New Jersey Hurricane Preparedness Study published today reveals only 47% of New Jersey residents polled would leave their communities if asked to evacuate because of an incoming hurricane. Additionally, 42% noted the decision would hinge upon their perception of the hurricane’s severity.

"As a New Jersey auto insurance company we witnessed the devastation caused by Sandy firsthand," said Gerry Wilson, President and Chief Executive Officer of Plymouth Rock Management Company of New Jersey. "While we are proud of the strength and resilience New Jersey residents have demonstrated, we must not forget the lessons of the past. Failure to obey evacuation orders can be catastrophic not only for those who stay, but also for emergency responders."

While 50% of respondents noted that experiencing Sandy changed the way they prepare for hurricanes, just 28% indicated they are extremely or very prepared to deal with a hurricane strike right now.

"Be proactive. There are steps you can take to prepare," says Wilson. "Create a family emergency plan and consider how you will safeguard your automobile in a secure location away from trees and potential flooding. Protecting your car is critical. Not only is it a valuable asset, but you may need it should evacuation become necessary or advisable."

Plymouth Rock offers detailed hurricane preparedness tips for these essential steps to be ready for a storm:

Stock an emergency kit: Ensure you and your family, including pets, will be well-supplied without access to basic services.

Gather important documents: Put Social Security cards, home deeds, insurance policies, birth certificates and other important papers in an easy-to-carry, waterproof container.

Review your insurance coverage: Make sure your home and auto are adequately covered for potential hurricane damage, including flooding.

Establish a plan: Make sure everyone in your family knows what to do and how to connect in an emergency.

Stay informed: Follow news and weather reports so you know what’s coming your way. Plymouth Rock will provide updates via Facebook and Twitter.

To encourage preparation, the company is launching an initiative asking New Jersey residents to share their lessons from Sandy so others can learn and be better prepared this hurricane season.

New Jersey residents can use the hashtag #DontForgetDontRegret through August 1 on Plymouth Rock’s Facebook page or on Twitter to share what they learned from Sandy. One entry will be randomly picked to receive a state-of-the-art emergency preparedness kit, which includes food rations, water, shelter supplies and a hand-crank radio. Five others will be randomly picked to receive a battery-powered cell phone charger. For more information, preparation resources and official rules visit DontForgetDontRegret.com.

About Plymouth Rock

Plymouth Rock Assurance is a marketing name used by a group of separate companies that write and manage property and casualty insurance in multiple states. Insurance in New Jersey is offered by Plymouth Rock Management Company of New Jersey on behalf of Palisades Safety and Insurance Association and its affiliates. Each company is financially responsible for its own insurance products. Actual coverage is subject to the language of the policies as issued by each company. For more information about Plymouth Rock Assurance, visit http://www.plymouthrocknj.com.