A Second Disaster Strikes: Will FEMA Pay Again?

6 D I SAS T E R R ECOVE RY TODAY.COM STRATEGIES FOR YOUR RECOVERY Following these strategies will help you and your organization better prepare for and handle insurance issues when a disaster occurs. Prior to a Disaster — • Update your property lists regularly and include the following information if possible: — Address and GPS locations. — NFIP FIRM (Flood Insurance Rate Map) designation and location. — Appraisals and/or elevation certificates if available. — Photos of facilities (digital preferred). —Maintenance records and other property information you deem to be important. • Review your insurance coverage at least annually and make certain that insurance policy schedules are coordinated with your property lists. • Consider purchasing NFIP flood insurance for properties in flood zones to avoid possible mandatory reductions in future disaster events. • Maintain disaster files with project worksheets, along with insurance information to prove that projects were completed and insured adequately. • Keep copies of insurance and property information in safe, off-site locations. If a Disaster Occurs — • Prepare copies of your insurance policies for transmittal to FEMA. Prepare a transmittal form and ask the Project Officer (PO) or Public Assistance Coordinator (PAC) to sign for their receipt. [Tip: Make a duplicate set because records are often misplaced or not transmitted to new FEMA staff who rotate in to become part of your team.] • Contact your NFIP flood insurance carrier and begin working immediately on developing your claim. Your NFIP insurance payments will require effort and time to settle, but could move needed funds to you faster than your property insurance settlement. • Contact your property insurance company to alert them that you have suffered insurable damage. • Begin developing and documenting your list of damaged facilities and losses — supported by photographs, inventories and facilities/equipment lists, and records of force account equipment and labor use. FEMA will require this shortly after their team arrives on the scene. • Ensure that your state’s insurance commissioner and emergency management office are aware of the state’s right to waive obtain and maintain requirements. Learn More About Working with FEMA and Achieving a Comprehensive Overall Recovery — Request an AI Speaker Today! The professionals at Adjusters International are experienced in all aspects of disaster recovery and are available to share their technical expertise through a training or workshop tailored to your organization. Contact us to learn how we may be of assistance to you by email — presentations @ adjustersinternational.com.