ALERT | Potential for dangerous tornadoes in the South

There is a significant threat of severe weather in the south over the weekend as storms that could produce strong tornadoes, straight-line winds, large hail, and torrential downpours are expected.

Forecasters say dangerous tornadoes could break out Friday evening across the lower Mississippi Valley. People who live in Louisiana, Arkansas, Alabama, and Tennessee will be on high alert overnight.

According to Weather.com, nighttime tornadoes are more than twice as likely to be deadly. 

Before the storm hits, you can take steps to protect yourself and your property.

Here are some tips:

1. Create a plan: Develop an emergency plan for your family or employees that includes a designated safe area and evacuation route.

2. Secure loose items: Secure loose items outside that could become flying debris, such as lawn furniture, bicycles, or trash cans.

3. Reinforce your home or business: Consider reinforcing your home or business by installing impact-resistant windows or shutters and reinforcing garage doors.

4. Install a safe room: Consider installing a safe room that meets FEMA criteria. This can provide a safe space to shelter during a tornado.

5. Keep an emergency kit: Keep an emergency kit in your safe area that includes water, non-perishable food, a first-aid kit, and a battery-operated radio.

6. Stay informed: Stay informed about severe weather conditions by monitoring local weather reports and alerts.

7. Practice tornado drills: Conduct regular tornado drills so that everyone knows what to do in case of an emergency.

Remember that the best way to protect yourself and your property from a tornado is to take action before it strikes. By planning ahead and taking preventive measures, you can minimize the impact of a tornado on your home or business.

WHAT IF YOUR PROPERTY IS DAMAGED?

If a tornado has damaged your property, the first people you should call are emergency services, such as the police or fire department, if there are any injuries or immediate danger.

Next, you should contact your insurance company to report the damage and begin the claims process. Be sure to have your policy number and any relevant details about the damage ready when you call.

You should also call a public adjuster if you are dealing with a business or a substantial residential claim. A public adjuster can guide you through each step of an insurance claim, even taking much of the burden of handling the claim off your plate so you can focus on your recovery plan.

WHY HIRE A PUBLIC ADJUSTER?

Hiring a public adjuster is your best chance to reach a more successful outcome for your claim. Here are six reasons to hire a public adjuster:

1. Knowledge and expertise: Public adjusters have specialized knowledge and expertise in handling insurance claims, which can be especially useful when dealing with complex and extensive property damage claims. They are familiar with insurance policies and can interpret the language of policies to determine the scope of coverage.

2. Time-saving: Public adjusters can save you time by handling the claim process on your behalf. They will collect and submit all necessary documentation, communicate with the insurance company, and negotiate the settlement on your behalf, freeing you up to focus on other things.

3. Maximizing compensation: Public adjusters are skilled negotiators who can often obtain a higher settlement than the insurance company's initial offer. They will also ensure that all damage is properly assessed and documented so that you receive the maximum compensation you are entitled to.

4. Claims management: Public adjusters can manage the entire claims process, from start to finish, including evaluating the damage, documenting the loss, submitting the claim, and negotiating a settlement. They will also keep you informed of the progress of the claim.

5. Objectivity: A public adjuster is an independent third party who is not tied to the insurance company. They will objectively evaluate your loss, which can be especially important if there is a dispute over the claim's value.

6. Stress reduction: Dealing with a large property damage claim can be stressful and time-consuming. By hiring a public adjuster, you can reduce your stress and anxiety, knowing that the claim process is being handled by an experienced professional.

Overall, hiring a public adjuster can be a good idea when dealing with a large property damage claim, as they can save you time, maximize your compensation, manage the claims process, provide an objective evaluation, and reduce your stress levels.

HIRE THE RIGHT PUBLIC ADJUSTER

When considering hiring a public adjuster, there are several things you should look for to ensure that you select a qualified and trustworthy professional. Here are some key factors to consider:

1. Experience: Look for a public adjuster who has extensive experience in the field. This can give you confidence that they have the knowledge and expertise to handle your claim effectively.

2. Licensing and Accreditation: Make sure the public adjuster you are considering is licensed and accredited by the appropriate state or national regulatory body. This will ensure they are qualified to work in your state and have met the required professional conduct and competency standards.

3. Reputation: Check the public adjuster's reputation online by reading reviews from previous clients. You can also ask for references from the public adjuster and contact these clients directly to hear about their experience working with the adjuster.

4. Communication Skills: Look for a public adjuster who communicates effectively and can clearly explain the claims process and any issues or concerns that arise during the course of the claim.

5. Fee Structure: Ensure the public adjuster's fee structure is fair and transparent. Typically, public adjusters work on a contingency fee basis, which means they only get paid a percentage of the settlement amount they secure for you.

6. Availability: Choose a public adjuster who is available to work with you when you need them. You want to make sure that your adjuster is responsive and available to answer any questions or concerns you may have throughout the claims process.

By considering these factors when selecting a public adjuster, you can find a qualified professional who can help you navigate the complex process of filing and settling an insurance claim.

Sill is the leading public adjusting firm in North America. We have offices throughout the United States and Canada, which means we can quickly respond to any location.

Our disaster response team is carefully monitoring the situation with severe weather in the south. Our team of public adjusters will be there to assist any property owners who may need to file an insurance claim.

You can contact Sill 24/7 by calling 844.650.7455.

SOURCE | Weather.com