| Author |
Message |
Jim (Jim)
| | Posted on Tuesday, August 22, 2000 - 12:31 am: | |
I don't disagree with anything the previous posters have said, but I would remind you, that trying to rent an appartment or house early on in the storm can be a mistake.
Here's why: using Hurricane Floyd last year as an example, so many adjusters were sent to one staging area, and then sent to a storm assignment location. Then due to changing conditions, they were then re-assigned to another storm location several states away.
What I was advocating was finding a location for the first few days, and then attempting to find a house or apartment as the forseeable need arises.
I have rented apartments for longer storms, but I don't even think about it, unless I can project at least a 3+ month stay in one place.
Perhaps others may want to share a different point of view as well as their reasons for why or why not. |
steve florig
| | Posted on Monday, August 21, 2000 - 7:17 pm: | |
Many times I have contacted a corporate re-location center in the area that I will be working in. They can usually find you an apartment in a large complex (usually furnished).
This works especially well when you team up with two or three other adjusters and split the rent, food, etc. Staying in a furnished apartment makes it a little more bearable being away from home. The walls of a hotel can close in on you quickly!
Check with realtors in the area also and you can sometimes find some off season beach rentals at great rates. |
Dave (Dave)
| | Posted on Monday, August 21, 2000 - 5:30 pm: | |
When I used the Motor Coach, (or if you have a trailer) I usually make a reservation as close to the affected area as possible, (after determining that they are still operational) and also order telephone services to be installed at the site.
Now that the BUS is history, I will depend on the relocation services, web site reservations, etc.
Also you can access the local newspapers online and peruse the ads in the classifieds.
Whatever floats your boat???? |
Chuck Deaton
| | Posted on Monday, August 21, 2000 - 2:56 pm: | |
One of the things that bothers me about working hurricane claims is the weather, usually wet, and having to get under structures in the mud. So I buy a Dry Rider motorcyle rain suit and use it for a rain coat and a pair of coveralls. Once I get all zipped up in it and get under a house in the mud with my imagination I don't have to worry about a brown recluse getting in my clothes. The cheap ones are about $30 and the expensive ones are about $70 |
Jim (Jim)
| | Posted on Monday, August 21, 2000 - 9:58 am: | |
I am adding this post so that perhaps some of the more experienced adjusters can share some adjusting ideas which might be helpful to our Newbee adjusters or newer readers.
I will start off with one idea for everyone to consider.
One of the most important things any adjuster can do when called out to a hurricane assignment is find immediate housing. As the experienced adjusters know, this can sometimes be difficult given the demand for housing by roofers, contractors, FEMA, the Red Cross, adjusters, utility crews, etc.
Since we are all in the insurance business, it seems to me that we need some form of "insurance" to guarantee a place to stay.
What I do and have done in the past is this, especially when a hurricane appears imminent, but it's impact area still unknown. I use the Internet to access Extended Stay America and Red Roof Inn websites, and then make reservations for a room several days in advance at locations "up the coast" from wherever the southern most projected landfall is projected to occur. Your credit card is not billed until the day of arrival, and only then after 6 PM if you cancel. The hotel chain sends you an email room confirmation, and to me, this is a form of "risk management" for all of you to consider.
Now when I can't find a room this hurricane season, I am going to kick myself for sharing this idea.
Good Luck to all, and please post your own ideas borne of experience. This is what this site is best known and suited for: sharing to help one another. |
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