Recovery

Recovering From Severe Weather

The process of assessing losses can be difficult given the intensity and scope of some severe weather. The following is useful information & cautions to help you with your post-storm recovery efforts. After your location is open for return, it is critical to follow the directions and guidance of local authorities as there will be many new hazards present including downed trees and power lines.
Times of struggle and crisis typically bring out the best in people, unfortunately times such as these also bring forth some who may bear ill intentions.

Personal Safety

Only enter the building and general area when authorities have indicated it is safe to do so.
Do not attempt to drive across flowing or standing water.
Contact family members to provide an update.
Do not enter the building until it has been inspected for damage to the utilities and structurally.
Ensure you have shoes on in case of glass breakage
Do not use electrical equipment if it is wet or you are standing in water.

Wear personal protective equipment (gloves, goggles, rubber boots, mask, long sleeves and pants) to protect yourself from exposure to mold or bacteria.
When using a generator, be sure that the main circuit breaker is off and locked out prior to starting the generator.
Account for all employees who stayed at the facility during the emergency. If someone needs to be rescued, call professionals with the right equipment to help.
Avoid breathing dust (potential fungal spores) generated by wet building materials.

Property Damage Mitigation

Consider hiring a remediation company to assist with removal of water, water-saturated materials and to dry out the building quickly and efficiently. Remove any saturated materials and dry out any wet areas with fans and dehumidifiers.
Make temporary, not permanent repairs, until an insurance adjuster inspects the damage and provides guidance.
Cover broken windows/doors and torn roof coverings to prevent further rainwater from entering the building.
Have professionals check gas, water and electrical lines and appliances for damage.

Air out the building by opening doors and windows when possible and when there are no security concerns.
Rescue the most valuable items but be careful not to put yourself or employees at safety risk.
Clean and disinfect everything that got wet from flood water.
Gently handle fragile artwork especially when wet. Contact a conservator to assist with damaged materials.
Secure 24-hour security if needed to protect the property.

The Claims Process

Claims Reporting

If your property sustained damage, notify your insurance broker/carrier immediately.
If your insurance company has provided you with a claim’s contact number or email address, then please report your claim directly to the insurance company in order to expedite handling.
Document any areas that sustained damage with pictures and inventory any damaged or missing personal or business property. Do NOT throw away any damaged items until the insurance carrier has given approval.
Keep all receipts and expenses associated with the claim including additional labor costs. These will need to be submitted to the insurance company as part of the claim.

Property Claims

Take photographs and/or videos of the damage.
Arrange to cover any exposed areas to avoid further loss and possible injury.
Make emergency repairs in order to mitigate damages and protect property from further damage.
Do not make permanent repairs until an adjuster had inspected the damage.
Separate damaged from undamaged property.
Do not discard any damaged or destroyed property until an insurance adjuster has the opportunity to inspect.
Retain any items that caused the damage such as a frozen pipe or sprinkler head, if applicable.
Contact a remediation company to extract water and bring in drying equipment (dehumidifiers, air blowers, etc.) to dry out affected areas.
Notify local authorities in case of theft, robbery or vandalism and request a copy of the report.
An adjuster may request additional information.

Claims Documents

Copy of emergency services invoices.
Obtain and submit detailed itemized repair estimates for the damages sustained to building property.
Obtain and submit detailed itemized repair or replacement estimates for damaged or destroyed personal property.
Keep a spreadsheet or accounting of all claim-related expenses and list items damaged or destroyed, quantity, description and cost.
Attach bills, receipts, estimates, proposals and related documents to substantiate costs.
A copy of the bylaws/proprietary lease/rental agreement if for a condominium, cooperative or rental.

If there is a business interruption loss, here are some of the required documents that may be needed to substantiate a business income Loss:

P&L’s (Profit and Loss statements)
Sales and Production Records
Purchase Orders
Invoices
Payment Records – credit card statements, cancelled checks
Payroll Records
Budgets and Historical Information
Leases

The Adjustment Process

An insurance adjuster will reach out once the claim is setup and assigned. This usually happens within 2 business days or sooner.
Please note the adjusters name, contact information and claim number.
An adjuster will make arrangements to inspect damages.
If the damages are substantial, an adjuster may assign a building consultant to prepare a scope of damages and cost analysis estimate.
The repair or replacement proposals along with any bills, invoices and receipts will be submitted to the adjuster for their review.
Be prepared to provide additional information as requested by an insurance company adjuster or representative.
If the damages are significant, a request for an advance can be made to the insurance carrier once coverage is confirmed.
If there is a discrepancy between the estimates, the variances can be identified and discussed in an attempt to get an agreed price for repairs.
An adjuster will present a settlement offer, net of your deductible.
The insurance carrier may require a proof of loss form to be signed, notarized and returned prior to issuing settlement checks.

After Severe Weather, Watch Out for Scams

Natural disasters and severe weather can create opportunities for fraud in their wake, occurring at a time when people may be especially vulnerable, or targeting charitable intentions. Scammers use phone, text, mail, email, and even go door to door to target residents of affected areas following hurricanes and damaging storms.

Watch for Red Flags

First, know that officials with government disaster assistance agencies do not call or text asking for financial account information, and that there is no fee required to apply for or get disaster assistance from FEMA or the Small Business Administration. Anyone claiming to be a federal official who asks for money is an imposter. Remember that phone scams often use spoofing techniques to deliberately falsify the information transmitted to your caller ID display to disguise their identity or make the call appear to be official. If someone calls claiming to be a government official, hang up and call the number listed on that government agency's official website. Never reveal any personal information unless you've confirmed you're dealing with a legitimate official. Workers and agents who knock on doors of residences are required to carry official identification and show it upon request, and they may not ask for or accept money.

Steps for Avoiding Post-Disaster Insurance Scams

If you get a phone call about an insurance claim or policy, don't give out any personal information or agree to any payment until you can independently verify that the call is legitimate. If the caller says they're from your insurance company, hang up and contact your agent or the company directly using the number on your account statement. Policyholders with the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP Direct) can call 1-800-638-6620.Contractors and home improvement companies may also call claiming to be partners with your insurance provider. Never give policy numbers, coverage details, or other personal information out to companies with whom you have not entered into a contract. If your state requires licensing, verify that any contractor you are considering is licensed and carries adequate insurance. Many states have online databases you can check.

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