Hurricane Helene - September 2024

PPA Can Help Those Affected In Florida by Hurricane Helene With Their Insurance Claims

Updated September 30, 2024 

In the wake of Hurricane Helene's devastating landfall last week, Florida and the southeastern United States are grappling with the aftermath of this powerful storm. As of today, September 30, 2024, the impact of Helene's catastrophic winds and torrential rains continues to be felt across the region. Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Clearwater experienced the brunt of the storm, with hurricane-force winds and significant storm surges causing widespread damage to homes, infrastructure, and businesses.

The human toll of Hurricane Helene has been heartbreaking. Across six states, the death toll has tragically risen to at least 95. In Florida alone, 11 people have lost their lives, with over a million residents still without power. Communities across the state are facing immense challenges as they navigate the recovery process. Shelters have been set up to accommodate those displaced by the storm, and relief efforts are underway to provide food, water, and medical supplies to the affected population. The state's emergency response teams, along with federal agencies, are coordinating efforts to ensure that help reaches those in need as quickly as possible.

The storm's impact has also extended beyond Florida, with North Carolina reporting 36 fatalities and South Carolina reporting 25. Other southeastern states, including Georgia, Virginia, and Tennessee, have also experienced casualties and damage from flooding and power outages.

Governor Ron DeSantis has been actively involved in the response and recovery efforts. In a news conference held today in Steinhatchee, Florida, he emphasized Florida's commitment to restoring power and providing aid to the hardest-hit areas. He announced that over 2.3 million accounts have had power restored and launched "Operation Blue Ridge" to deploy recovery assistance to North Carolina and Tennessee. The Florida Disaster Fund has been activated to help communities affected by the hurricane, and donations are encouraged to support ongoing relief efforts.

For those facing the daunting task of dealing with insurance claims for their storm-damaged properties, Parker Public Adjusters stands ready to assist. With our expertise in navigating the complexities of insurance claims, we can help ensure that homeowners and businesses receive the maximum compensation they are entitled to.

Updated September 27, 2024 

Hurricane Helene, which made its devastating landfall in Florida's Big Bend area as a powerful Category 4 storm late Thursday evening, has now weakened to a Category 1 tropical storm as of Friday, September 27th. Currently, Helene is located over southern Georgia, continuing its northward track and bringing heavy rains and strong winds to the region.

The hardest-hit area remains Florida's Big Bend region, where Helene's ferocious winds and storm surge caused widespread damage. Coastal communities like Cedar Key, Steinhatchee, and Apalachicola experienced catastrophic flooding, with some areas reporting storm surges of up to 15 feet. Power outages are widespread, affecting an estimated 2.5 million residents across Florida alone, with additional outages in Georgia and the Carolinas. Sadly, several fatalities have been reported, highlighting the severe impact of this storm.

As of this morning, a tropical storm warning has been discontinued for the Gulf Coast area from the Suwannee River to Indian Pass, as well as for the east coast of Florida to southeastern Georgia, signaling a gradual easing of conditions in those regions. Across Florida, the focus is shifting towards recovery and rebuilding. Emergency crews are working tirelessly to restore power, clear debris, and provide assistance to those in need. Communities in the Big Bend region, particularly those along the coast, are facing a long and arduous road to recovery.

After a devastating storm, it's crucial to protect your property and ensure a smooth insurance claim process. Read our blog post "Why Timing Matters: When to Call a Public Adjuster After a Disaster" for insights on post-storm actions and how Parker Public Adjusters can help you navigate insurance claims for the maximum settlement you deserve. We're here to support you during this challenging time. Reach out if you need assistance.

Updated September 25, 2024 

Hurricane Helene is rapidly intensifying as it approaches Florida's Big Bend area. Currently, Helene has been upgraded to a Category 1 hurricane with sustained winds of 65 mph and is expected to strengthen further before making landfall. The storm is projected to hit Florida late tomorrow, bringing life-threatening storm surges and high winds. 

As of the latest updates, Helene is moving past Mexico and towards the U.S. Gulf Coast. It is expected to become a major hurricane with winds potentially reaching 120 mph before landfall. Florida's west coast, from the Anclote River to Mexico Beach, is under a hurricane warning, and a storm surge warning is in effect for almost the entirety of Florida's west coast. 

Parker Public Adjusters is ready to set appointments to discuss your insurance claim options in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. We are here for all people in the counties affected by Hurricane Helene to help you with your insurance claims for any Hurricane, Wind, Flood, or Fire damage. 

PPA would like to share some of our hurricane-related knowledge with you. We want to help get you started down a stress-free path to recovering your home or business losses due to the storm. As Florida residents ourselves, we know all too well the anxiety major storms cause, and we are here to help you every step of the way. 

1) First, when safe to do so, assess all damage to your home and other structures on your property. This includes the roof, exterior, interior, fence, shed, pool enclosure, etc. 

2) Call our experts at PPA so we can advise and assist you with opening a homeowners or business claim with your insurance. This can be for Flood, Wind, Fire, or Hurricane damage. We can talk you through the steps to help review your policy, making sure you understand exactly what your coverage is. We are focused on taking the stress off your plate post-storm so you and your family can get back to normal again. 

There are several ways to open a claim. We can review all your options and advise you on what to do. 

A) Capture images of all visible damage. Avoid climbing onto the roof. Instead, use a ladder to take photos from the side. If you don't have a ladder, take photos from the ground. Ask a friend or family member to help if needed. Get shots from different angles and of all affected areas, including the exterior, interior, and any additional structures. Take these photos as soon as possible after the storm. They will be a crucial part of the inspection and report when the experts arrive. 

Your immediate documentation can significantly aid in our assessment. 

In addition to visual documentation, take detailed notes of the damage. Describe the extent, location, and nature of the damage thoroughly. Note any unusual circumstances surrounding the event, such as fallen trees or debris, which could provide context for the damage. Record dates and times for accuracy. These notes will complement your photos and videos, offering a comprehensive overview of the situation for insurance purposes and expert analysis. Make sure to store all this information in a safe and accessible place, either digitally or physically, so it's ready when needed. 

B)  As a homeowner or policyholder, it's crucial to take immediate action to prevent further damage. If you notice leaks or potential issues, cover your roof with a tarp as soon as it's safe to do so. Remember to take photos of the damage first or CONTACT US IMMEDIATELY so we can assist you promptly. This proactive step can save you from additional costs when the insurer inspects your roof. 

We are here to provide guidance on using tarps, removing water, clearing debris, and addressing smoke damage. Our team can also help you navigate the process of filing insurance claims, understanding your policy benefits, conditions, and exclusions. We are extensively trained to read and interpret your policy and accurately assess the damage to your home or business. 

3) Parker Public Adjusters works exclusively for you as your ADVOCATE and has YOUR family home or business at heart after a dramatic event. Call PPA today and let us take on the burden of dealing with your insurance. 

Stay safe and take all necessary precautions as Hurricane Helene approaches. Your safety is our top priority.5. Stay Informed: Keep up to date with the latest forecast of Hurricane Helene and heed any warnings or instructions from local Florida authorities. 

4) Here are some additional tips to help diminish damage and help you prepare:  

• Fill Ziploc bags 3/4 full with water and freeze them to create ice blocks. These will help keep your freezer and refrigerator colder for longer in case of a power outage. 
• Gather essential papers and valuables and place them in heavy-duty trash bags. Store these bags in secure locations like your dishwasher or dryer. 
• Stock up on non-perishable food, water, and necessary medications. Even if you don't evacuate, you may be stranded at home due to road closures or power outages. 
• If bottled water is scarce, fill pots, pans, and pitchers with tap water. You can also purchase empty jugs to store water. 
• Park your car in a safe location away from trees and potential flood zones. Consider a parking garage if no suitable outdoor space is available. 
• Recharge batteries for power tools, lights, and portable chargers to ensure you have power for cleanup and communication after the storm. 
• If you plan to evacuate to a hotel, book directly with the hotel to avoid potential complications with third-party websites. 
• Fill up your gas tank, withdraw extra cash, and refill any essential prescriptions today. Don't wait until the last minute. 
• Gather essential supplies for pets, children, toddlers, and babies, including diapers, pet supplies like litter or carriers, baby formula, baby food, pet food, blankets, and toys. If you evacuate, make arrangements for your pets for their safekeeping. 

5) Parker Public Adjusters works exclusively for you as your ADVOCATE and has YOUR family home or business at heart after a dramatic event.   

What Can Parker Public Adjusters Do For You?

Damage Assessment: PPA can thoroughly assess and document the damage to ensure nothing is overlooked.

 

Claim Preparation: They help prepare and file the insurance claim, ensuring all necessary documentation is included.

 

Negotiation: PAs negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf to maximize your claim settlement.
 

Stress Reduction: By handling the details, PAs can reduce the stress and time involved in dealing with insurance claims.

Call PPA today and let us take on the burden of dealing with your insurance.

Emergency Services For Hurricane Helene