Tornado Recovery, Where Do You Start?

Emotions run high as communities assess the full extent of devastation caused over the weekend. About 40 tornadoes tore across the Midwest, including Nebraska, Iowa, Oklahoma, and Kansas, as well as a few down in Texas. Some reports show around a hundred tornadoes touched down over the tumultuous weekend. It’s clear there is much work ahead to recover from this disaster. But where do you start?

If this whirlwind of devastation affected you, then you most likely asked yourself that very question: Where do I start?

When you experience such a level of devastation that rips your entire life from its foundation and scatters it about, it becomes almost impossible to think straight. The flattened view of homes and memories before you is captioned by children’s confused cries as they search for their Wubbie or bicycle – the equivalent of an emotional tornado. Where do you find time to pick up the pieces of littered remnants of your home and everything within it?

Recovery & Claim Tips

Next Steps

The next steps become increasingly complicated and time consuming. The claims process can take 6 months to a year or longer. Do you have an additional 20 hours available to spend on a claim for the next 6 months to a year on top of your normal life? I know I don’t and most other people don’t either.

Are you prepared to tackle all that is required in the claims process?

Unlike the carrier adjuster, a public adjuster solely has your interests in mind. They can manage the additional 20 hours a week to handle your claim, reducing your burden. Public adjusters are experts in their field. They will advise and assist you throughout the entire claims process, eliminating those nagging questions and uncertainties you have right now.

What should I do?

Where do I start?

How do we get through this?

Premier Claims is familiar with disaster response and aiding property owners with claims, and this time, it’s in our own backyard. Our experts are here to help our community rebuild and heal from this tragedy. For more support, reach out to our team today: https://premier-claims.com/storm-damage/ 

By: Ashley Workman | Sr. Paralegal & Licensed Public Adjuster

Hurricane Post-Recovery

The post-recovery after a hurricane can be a challenging and stressful experience. Understanding damage assessment, contacts, and expectations post-hurricane as a local resident can ease recovery burdens significantly. 

Assessing Hurricane Damage & Mitigation

Prior to the storm, we recommend following a detailed checklist, having your property inspected, and accurately documenting the current condition of the property. (Read Prepare before the storm, Review Your Policy, Tips & Dangers or Mitigation for more information) 

After the storm has passed, your responsibility as a policyholder will be to assess the damages to your property and mitigate further damage. We recommend inspecting the exterior of your property looking for any broken or loose materials. In addition, inspect the interior of your property for water leakage or pooling water. Early connection, detailed documentation of damage, and mitigation strategies are vital for your insurance claim process.

Important Contacts After the Hurricane

In regards to property damage after a hurricane, there is a significant need for mitigation professionals, inspectors, and contractors in the community. Insurance carriers will also experience an increase in call volume and claims coming in from the community. Prior to the storm, we advise having a list of important contact information including your insurance carrier, mitigation companies, contractors, government authorities, medical assistance during a disaster,  and your local Red Cross

Our team is readily available during a hurricane. In the aftermath of the storm, we take over the communication, scheduling, and coordination with your insurance carrier, inspectors, mitigation companies, and contractors. We take the burden of handling the devastating damage from the hurricane so you can have a full focus on your family, health & safety following the storm. 

What to Expect as a Resident

As a resident, you can expect the recovery process to take time. The immediate aftermath of a hurricane can be chaotic and challenging, often requiring a great deal of patience and persistence. Communities will come together to overcome the struggles of power outages, limited access to food and water, as well as the extensive damage to homes, businesses, and natural resources. 

Keep informed about the latest updates and instructions from location authorities to help you navigate the recovery process. The days and weeks following a hurricane may result in delays of power recovery and availability of essential services. It’s important to be prepared to live without essential services for a period of time, and to come together as a community to support one another as you navigate the recovery from the hurricane’s impact.