Category Archives: Weather Disaster

Severe Storm and Tornado Causes Expensive Property Damage in Adairsville, Gordon & Bartow Counties

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Severe weather and tornado activity swept through Atlanta and northern Georgia, causing serious destruction especially in Gordon and Bartow counties Wednesday. Many families and business owners are now faced with figuring out how to regroup and rebuild while dealing with loss.

After all the difficulties of such a life-interruption, having to deal with an insurance claim can almost be too much to handle. You have to navigate through paperwork to properly file a claim, and later determine if your settlement offer is even fair. That’s where a public adjuster can make a world of difference. As a professional who understands the insurance industry, a WorldClaim public adjuster handles the claims process and advocates for you, so you can focus on what’s most important.

Weather experts knew the weather on Wednesday was about to become severe because cold air from the north was about to collide with moist tropical air from the south and cut a swath of explosive storms from the gulf coast across Georgia and up the east coast to New York. Their severe weather and tornado forecast proved true.

The massive storm system caused extensive northeast Georgia and Atlanta property damage. News reports on CBS showed demolished businesses and homes, overturned cars, downed trees and power lines. The downtown area of Adairsville, Georgia just north of Atlanta was demolished, and two people there were killed and 9 hospitalized. Interstate 75 was even shut down for the better part of the day because of overturned tractor trailer trucks and flooding on some interstate ramps. Homes suffered damage from falling trees and flooding in some areas. Governor Nathan Deal declared a state of emergency in two of the hardest hit counties. Widespread property damage and power outages affected areas of metro Atlanta and surrounding communities.

Now the cleanup will begin with people taking stock of their property damage and contacting their insurance companies. Now is the time to consider getting help with the property insurance claim process. Experiencing major property damage can be an emotional and stressful time and having to deal with the paperwork and red tape involved in filing a property damage claim can only add to the frustration. Letting a public adjuster handle a commercial property claim can free up the business owner or property manager letting them get back to running their businesses and getting order back into their lives.

Our Atlanta public insurance adjusters at WorldClaim can take the burden off your shoulders and handle your residential or commercial property insurance claim for you. Best of all, our Atlanta public adjusters work for you not the insurance company. That means we look out for your interests and make sure that you will receive the fair settlement that you are entitled to and deserve.

WorldClaim Atlanta Public Adjusters Settle Property Damage Claims Fairly for Owners

If you need an Adairsville public adjuster, call us at 1-800-831-1331! We have experienced extensive property damage from severe weather or from any type of disaster including earthquake, fire, or flood you should contact one of our Atlanta public insurance adjusters at WorldClaim.

Has a Winter Storm Inflicted Property Damage to Your Atlanta Home or Business?

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Atlanta property owners who sustain major damage from winter weather event may need help with property damage insurance claims as they try to get their property repaired and/or rebuilt along with replacing personal property that was ruined. One of the last bouts of severe weather the Southeast experienced was a month ago during the Christmas Day winter storm of 2012 which blew in from the west and proceeded to cause property damage from Mississippi, through Alabama, and into Georgia and surrounding states. The storm caused winter property damage due to the strong winds, tornados, heavy snow, freezing rain, ice and flooding it produced, and the southeastern United States is geographically susceptible to serious winter weather.

WorldClaim’s Atlanta public adjusters work for the property owner, not the insurance company and are well known for the excellent service they provide to property owners, both private and commercial, helping with property insurance claims.

Geography of Southeastern States Makes Them Friendly Environment for Storms

According to Nicholas D’Andrea, a professor of geography, winter tornado formation in the South is due to a “perfect environment” of weather patterns and geography. According to the professor, cold air from Canada mixes with the warm tropical air from the Gulf of Mexico giving storms the immense energy they need to grow in intensity. They then blow up the valleys formed by the mountains in Mississippi, Alabama and Georgia. Even strong straight line winds within a storm have the potential to produce severe property damage.

Residents of Atlanta, thankfully, escaped the worst of the Christmas day winter storm. However it is important to note that the conditions which produced this storm are still at work in the atmosphere. The Weather Channel informs us that late winter through spring is the peak tornado season in the Southeast. In addition, late fall can increase tornado activity because the jet stream often drops down to the south from a normal higher location and interacts with moist tropical air to produce strong storms which can spawn tornados.

Tornadoes, Straight Line Winds, Freezing Rain, Frozen Water Pipes, Ice, Snow, Fire Cause Winter Property Damage

Most property cannot withstand a tornado, but strong winter storms can cause major property damage from tornados as well as wind, ice, snow, freezing rain and extreme cold conditions. The weight of ice and snow on a roof can cause a roof to fail and collapse, damaging not only the building but the contents as well. Water pipes can freeze and burst in extreme winter weather causing thousands of dollars in property damage. During an ice storm nearby trees can crack and fall into homes and businesses inflicting major damage. Then there is damage to property that is secondary to the storm caused by fireplaces and space heaters which have not been maintained properly or are being used improperly which end up causing a fire. Many winter home fires are caused by space heater and fireplace accidents.

Atlanta Residents Have Advantage of Local WorldClaim Public Adjusters Office

Residents of Georgia have the advantage of a conveniently located WorldClaim Atlanta public claims adjuster office which can quickly respond to those who need insurance claim help after suffering damage from a winter storm, or any cause of major property damage. Because an Atlanta public adjuster works for the property owner, not the insurance company, you can be assured your interests are being protected and you will receive the compensation you are entitled to from your insurance company.

If you have you own a Georgia business or are an Atlanta property manager and need help with an Atlanta commercial property insurance claim, WorldClaim is ready to help you. Our Atlanta public adjusters help both residential and commercial property owners with their insurance claims. This frees you up to deal with the needs of your family and/or business. We also free you up from the burden and frustrations of dealing with the insurance company, filing all the necessary paperwork, and expediting the entire insurance claims process.

Contact WorldClaim’s Atlanta Public Adjuster Office for Insurance Claim Help

Don’t think your insurance company has offered you a fair settlement for your property damage? Is the insurance claim paperwork too much to handle? Have multiple franchised properties to take care of? Call a WorldClaim Atlanta public insurance adjuster for help today! You can use our web form or give us a call. We are expert at filing property damage insurance claims on behalf of the insured to get a speedy and a fair settlement.

Get Help with Insurance Claims When Winter Weather Results in Property Damage

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One major thing which property owners need to also keep in mind this time of year is being proactive in inspecting and preparing their property for the cold winter months ahead to help prevent damage from winter weather.

One major area of concern that should be looked at is home heating. Your home may be heated by any number or combination of heat sources including central heat & air. Many people struggling in our poor economy are increasingly using alternate sources of heating their property (fireplaces, wood burning stoves & small electric space heaters) which are inherently more dangerous because knowledge of safe use and regular maintenance are needed.

All of these different heating units require maintenance and occasionally repair to keep them in safe operating condition. Those with wood burning stoves & fireplaces and small electric & kerosene heaters in particular need to be aware of safe use guidelines. According to FEMA a major contributing factor in winter home fires are small space heaters, wood burning stoves, and fireplaces which are used improperly or have been poorly maintained.

Just recently, an unattended space heater caused a fire in an apartment in Brentwood, Maryland which damaged most of the apartments on the second and third floors including the residents’ personal property and leaving them homeless. Sometimes winter weather property damage occurs despite our efforts to use and maintain our homes and apartments. As in the case of the apartment fire in Brentwood, it only took one careless neighbor to affect dozens of others in the apartment complex, including the apartment complex owner or manager who must now deal with the insurance company to rebuild.

If you have experienced property damage to your home, business, or property that you manage because of a faulty or poorly maintained heat source or because of the negligence of another, an experienced public insurance adjuster can give you insurance claim help that will represent your interests. They are knowledgeable and experienced at negotiating with insurance companies to make sure that you will receive the largest settlement amount that you are due.

Don’t let winter weather that results in property damage to your home or business ruin your peace of mind at this time of year. Let WorldClaim public claims adjusters handle your property insurance claim and take the worry and stress off of you. We have regional offices located throughout the United States and also international offices which make us able to respond quickly to anyone needing help with their insurance claim.

WorldClaim Teams Mobilize to Help with Insurance Claims After Hurricane Sandy Causes Serious Storm Damage

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WorldClaim Global Claims Management will be mobilizing its team of professional claims adjusters and resources up the Northeastern part of the United States to respond and assist those in need after the storm. WorldClaim’s team of adjusters, estimators, business interruption specialists, CPAs and appraisers will be available to commence with the arduous process of maximizing your claims collections from your insurance company immediately after the storm.

We work for you, not the insurance company — to help you maximize your claim settlement and smooth out the process. For immediate needs and questions regarding your insurance or property damage, please call our national disaster response hotline at 1-800-831-1331 or 1-800-470-4700.

Whether you are a commercial property owner or business owner, the local landfall impact of Hurricane Sandy will be one of the most significant financial events you will ever have to deal with. WorldClaim will be there for you to assure that your coverages are maximized, and all your recovery efforts go smoothly.

As of right now, predictions are that up to 24” of snow in West Virginia and surrounding states, mixed with 80-100 mile per hour winds will wreak havoc on the Eastern seaboard. The storm may affect over 10 million people between Virginia and New York. When high surge and heavy rains collide with blizzard-like conditions, the result will be major catastrophic damage to properties and businesses. Preliminary reports predict the storm will emulate the great storm of 1991 and the Southeast crippler of 1993. Landfall is expected Monday night between New Jersey and Delaware, and possibly within 100 miles of New York City. Millions of homes and businesses face flooding and coastal areas will experience significant storm surge and widespread power outages.

Path of Hurricane Sandy Expected to Cause Damage between South Carolina and Maine

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Hurricane Sandy on Track to Join with Cold Front & Turn into a Destructive Super Storm

Although it is late in the hurricane season which runs through November it looks like we will be dealing with at least one late season hurricane, Hurricane Sandy, which is shaping up to have the potential to cause widespread property damage across a wide area.

Hurricane Sandy developed in the Caribbean and crossed over Jamaica and eastern Cuba into the Atlantic. It is expected to cross over the Bahamas on Friday as it passes just to the east of Florida. For Florida it will mainly cause dangerous surf, beach erosion, some heavy rain bands, and minor coastal flooding along Florida’s east coast. The biggest impact of Hurricane Sandy, according to its computer-projected path, is expected to be from the Carolinas through Maine the first part of the week.

Hurricane Sandy is expected to hook back into the coastal U.S. somewhere between South Carolina and Maine, at this point targeting New Jersey, and interact with a strong cold front, morphing into a super storm which has the potential to be very dangerous. This storm system is expected to cause widespread wind damage, torrential rains, storm surge and inland flooding along the affected coastal area, damage from battering wave action, and widespread power outages. The New York area could see 5 inches of rain, and Pennsylvania, Virginia and Ohio could see snow. Debris from roofing materials, signs, and other small items picked up by the hurricane force winds adds to damage to homes and businesses as the wind turns them into flying missiles. Meteorologists say it may cause up to $1 billion in damages.

According to the National Weather Service the hybrid storm that will result when Hurricane Sandy meets with the strong cold front will also increase the probability of spawning dangerous tornadoes and the interaction of warm moisture laden tropical air combining with cold air from the north may even produce snow in some areas. This dangerous hybrid storm has the potential to cause widespread property damage to homes and businesses over a wide area and residents are being warned to be proactive in getting their property and themselves ready for its impact.

Preparing For Severe Weather & Potential Damage
You can prepare for a hurricane and help to protect your home and/or business by boarding up windows or putting up storm shutters. Walk through your yard or the area around your business and check shrubs and trees, removing any limbs or branches which could damage your property or nearby power lines. Secure anything that might blow away or become a windblown missile like garbage cans, grills, potted plants, toys, signs, and lawn furniture.

After the storm has passed and you discover that you have suffered property damage to your home or business you will want to call your insurance company to begin the claims process so you can recover for any losses. This is the time to consider letting an experienced public claims adjuster like WorldClaim represent your interests with your insurance company. Hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, fire, and other disasters result in more than physical property loss, they also cause emotional loss and having help with your insurance claim by a public claims adjuster like WorldClaim can help you bridge this difficult process.

WorldClaim public insurance adjusters make sure that you will receive the largest compensation for your losses by negotiating with your insurance company using the fair value for property damage and items you have lost, not just what the insurance company tells you they will allow for your property damage. A public insurance adjuster works for you, not the insurance company. They can take over the whole claims process, eliminating your stress, and allowing you time to recover emotionally without having to worry about whether your insurance company is being fair with you.

Contact A WorldClaim Public Insurance Adjuster for Help With Your Insurance Claim

As Hurricane Sandy approaches and you are making your storm preparations, write down contact information for WorldClaim insurance adjusters and add it to your evacuation packet of other important telephone numbers and papers. If you decide you need insurance claim help, you will not have to search for contact information. Because our regional offices are located throughout the U.S. it allows us to be on the ground quickly and ready to help in whatever area a disaster such as a hurricane may strike.

Strong Cold Front Leaves Storm Damage & Flooding in Its Wake

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Cold fronts bring welcome rain and cooler weather after the end of a hot dry summer. But when all the right weather ingredients come together in specific combinations it can be a recipe for severe weather. That’s what happened when the September 18 cold front spawned severe east coast weather from the Carolinas up to Maine.

Reagan National Airport experienced winds of over 60 miles per hour and several east coast airports had to stop all incoming and outgoing flights during the severe weather. A story on the effects of the severe weather in the Baltimore Sun tells how it caused widespread disruption of power in several states including Pennsylvania, Delaware, and New Jersey. It caused a disruption of train service and the cancelation of baseball games in New York. All these power outages, canceled games, and disrupted travel plans are inconvenient, but damage to property caused by the bad weather is a serious issue and many families affected by this storm may need help filing insurance claims for the damage they suffered from the severe weather.

There were many reports of damage from high winds and tornadoes, flooding from heavy rains and hail. In the D.C. area one woman recounts how she was snuggled up on her couch during the storm when a tree branch suddenly crashed through her ceiling, barely missing her. When severe weather damages homes & business property as well as personal items contained within, owners want to know that they will receive fair value for their losses from their insurance companies.

Where to Get Help with Storm Damage Insurance Claims: A Public Adjuster

This is where the expertise and knowledge of a public claims adjuster like WorldClaim can be most helpful to a homeowner or a business that has suffered property damage from severe weather. WorldClaim has many years of experience helping owners of residential and business property, as well as property managers, receive fair compensation from their insurance companies.

Contact a WorldClaim insurance claims adjuster today to help you with your insurance claim. We have regional offices across the nation which allows us to be on the ground quickly to help people who have suffered property damage from flooding, fire, tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes, or any type of disaster resulting in property damage. We stand up for your interests to get you the best insurance settlement for your losses.

Have Your Plans in Place as Hurricane Isaac Takes Aim at Florida & the Gulf Coast

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Emergency preparedness workers and response teams are gearing up this weekend as Tropical Storm Isaac continues to move through the Caribbean following its expected path of entering the Gulf of Mexico on Sunday. Stay watchful of storm updates on the path of Tropical Storm Isaac.

Homeowners and businesses are being advised to make preparations now, from Florida through the gulf coast as Tropical Storm Isaac moves toward the U.S. mainland. The waters of the Gulf of Mexico are extremely warm this time of year and that will help to fuel Isaac to easily turn into a category 3 or 4 hurricane before it makes landfall.

Wind and Rain Damage

Hurricanes can cause major damage even when there is no direct hit because their wind field and extreme rainfall extends hundreds of miles out from the center of the storm. Flooding and tornadoes accompany these massive storms and also cause major property damage. WorldClaim public adjusters have been assisting property owners who have suffered major property damage from disasters in the U.S. since 1979. As you strategize how you would handle your situation in the event your property is damaged in a hurricane, remember that a public adjuster can help.

Regional Offices in Tampa and Miami, Florida

Now is the time to have your plans in place in case you are in an evacuation zone or discover unexpectedly that you must move from your current location. Keep the contact number for WorldClaim in your evacuation packet in the event you return home to find you have major losses to your home or business so you can quickly reach us for help. Our Florida public adjusters have regional offices located in both Tampa and Miami and will be ready to quickly respond to any major disaster in Florida. There are also regional WorldClaim offices in Mississippi and Alabama who can quickly handle the insurance claim help needs in other parts of the gulf coast.

How Can a Public Claims Adjuster Help a Property Owner with Damage Claim Settlement?

If a hurricane has blown through your neighborhood and left a disaster in its wake, you could benefit from the help of a WorldClaim public insurance adjuster. After the storm you will have enough things to deal with including finding temporary lodging, taking care of the needs of your family and perhaps even having to return to work, compounding the stress you’d be under.

Dealing with the emotional loss of items that were important to you is complicated by having to replace clothing and other personal items you need on a day to day basis. A public claims adjuster can handle your hurricane claim from the very beginning, work with your insurance company for you, and free you up to deal with the arrangements you need to make to get your life back into order. They can handle every detail of your insurance claim including analyzing the fair value of your losses and gathering together the data to support your claim. We serve you, our client, not the insurance company.

Public insurance adjusters have your back and make sure you receive fair value for your losses. Experienced at handling insurance claims for weather disasters like hurricanes, you can rest assured that your Florida public insurance adjuster will settle your claim with your insurance company quickly, smoothly, and in your best interests. They know all the steps that need to be taken and how to best deal with the insurance company to expedite your claim and get you the maximum recovery.

Does the Settlement the Insurance Company Offered You Not Seem Fair?

You carry home insurance to protect yourself and your family against major losses and expect your insurance company to take care of you. But remember, an insurance company is a business and they are going to look out for their own interests before yours. They are in business to make money while insuring you. They also need to keep their shareholders happy, so they will try to settle for the lowest amount they can and that amount may not be in your best interest. If you have been trying to get your insurance claim settled with your insurance carrier after suffering a major loss to your property or business and are not satisfied with your insurance settlement, give one of our local WorldClaim public adjusters a call. We have a number of regional offices located throughout the United States so we can quickly respond to calls for insurance claim help.

The public insurance adjusters at WorldClaim are experts in appraising and evaluating the fair market value for replacing lost property and how much your insurance company should be offering in a fair settlement. WorldClaim public claims adjusters have the experience and ability to work in a business-like manner with your insurance company to make the claims process move quickly and smoothly while maintaining a good professional working relationship with them.

Call WorldClaim Public Adjusters To Guarantee You Receive Fair Treatment From Your Insurance Company

If you have not been able to come to an agreement on the amount of your insurance claim and/or feel you have been treated unfairly by your insurance company, contact us. Our WorldClaim public insurance adjusters will respond quickly to protect your interests and help get you a fair settlement.

Have a Plan After Severe Weather: Hiring a NY Public Adjuster to Ensure Your Claim is Handled Fairly

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New Yorkers were urged to take precaution yesterday and prepare for severe weather that moved through the area. Governor Cuomo decided to activate the State Emergency Operations Center and told residents to carefully follow the storm’s progress. Storms bringing strong wind and heavy rain, as well as the possibility of tornados can cause extensive damage and residents should always take action to stay safe and limit damage.

The Northeast anticipated the same kind of storm that created power outages for millions last month, as reported by Bloomberg. The storm did cause extensive damage especially in Elmira, NY, which was reportedly hit by a tornado, according to CBS.

Tips During a Storm

The Governor gave tips for what to do before a storm such as tying down or bringing inside anything that could become a projectile during severe weather, checking basement sump pumps, having a generator and checking on neighbors. And during a storm: staying away from windows, staying off roads, keeping cellular devices charged and many other things to keep in mind. Here’s his complete list of tips during a storm.

But as much as you may take every precaution for severe storms, also prepare what your plan will be after one to recover from your damages.

Getting Help with Insurance Claims After Storm Damage

In the first six months of 2012, severe storms accounted for $8.8 billion of insured losses, according to the Insurance Information Institute’s Half-Year Natural Catastrophe Review. After a storm, if your home or business is severely damaged, know that you don’t have to face it alone. The insurance claims process can be daunting, but with a New York public adjuster, you can rest assured your claim is being fully managed. Public adjusters are experienced at managing insurance claims and can help you maximize your recovery and make sure it happens as quickly as possible.

WorldClaim has offices all over the world, including a main corporate office with a New York public adjuster available to help you. If you’re trying to get your home or business back in order after a serious storm or natural disaster, please let our family help yours.

Educating Children About Disaster Preparedness

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Educating children about disaster preparedness is something not to be taken lightly. Preparing your child for disasters like tornadoes, floods, and fires could one day save their life, a task which many parents may find to be a little daunting. As a family who has been in the public insurance adjuster business for several decades, we have made disaster preparedness a part of our family’s everyday lives, and can provide some helpful advice when it comes to preparing yours.

How early should I teach my children about preparing for a disaster?

Disaster education should begin as soon as you choose. Even at a very young age, children are able to absorb massive amounts of information. By making disaster preparedness a part of your lifestyle, your children will more easily absorb the vital information they need to be ready. As you incorporate preparedness into your family’s lifestyle, the steps you take to stay safe and be prepared will become habitual; habits which your children will pick up.

What can I do to help them understand?

Teach them in ways that make sense to them. Use pictures and sounds. Tell it like a bedtime story. If your child can become familiar with the sights and sounds of a disaster before one occurs, the event will be less traumatic for them when they experience one. There are numerous books available to teach your children about disasters with colorful illustrations, which can help your kids associate disasters with something familiar. Remembering that their friend in their favorite book was able to get through a tornado will help them get through one too. Some great books include: The Flood That Came to Grandma’s House by Linda P. Stallone, All-of-a-Sudden Susan by E. Coatswort, and About Disasters by J. Berr. Here is a more comprehensive list of kid-friendly books on disasters.

How can I get them involved?

Have your child help you to prepare. Ask them for ideas. Ask questions like, “Where do you think would be a good place for our family to meet up in case there is a fire?” and “What do you think we should include in our disaster kit in case there is an emergency?” Talk through different scenarios with your child and get their input. They not only will feel like an important part of the process, but it will also help them think through possible situations so that you can help guide their thinking toward good solutions.

WorldClaim Settles One Of Atlanta’s Largest Tornado Losses

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WorldClaim CEO, Michael Fusco, and his team of experts handled Grady Memorial Hospital, Atlanta’s largest and most famous hospital that was hit by downtown tornadoes in March 2008. Fifteen total buildings suffered significant damage including the radiation/oncology center, Georgia Hall, Florida Hall, and the Hughes Spalding Medical Center and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.

WorldClaim was able to get Grady back up and running within 72 hours after the storm and immediately begin work on mitigation and reparations. Through strategic and constant risk relations with the Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company, WorldClaim has settled this claim efficiently and expeditiously.