Here to Help in the Wake of Michael

October 12, 2018

Email us at Ins-CATclaims@McGriff.com or call 800-990-4228.

Please be ready to provide your insurance carrier and McGriff representative.

• Listen to authorities and stay tuned to local media for information and special instructions regarding cresting rivers, road conditions, and more.
• Be careful during clean-up. Wear protective clothing and work with someone else.
• Be cautious when returning to your home or business. Electrical lines may be down and gas lines may have been compromised.
• Be sure the area is cleared by an experienced professional before you enter.
• Don't touch electrical equipment if it is wet or if you are standing in water. If it's safe to do so, turn off electricity at the main breaker or fuse box to prevent electric shock.
• Avoid wading in flood water, which can contain dangerous debris.
• Underground or downed power lines can also electrically charge the water.
• Save phone calls for emergencies. Phone systems are often down or busy after a disaster. Use text messages or social media to communicate with family and friends.
• Document any property damage with photographs. Contact your insurance company for assistance.
• Make temporary repairs to protect property from further damage.
• Save all receipts and don't throw away damaged property.
• Be very careful about choosing contractors to make repairs as disreputable contractors can take advantage of unsuspecting clients. Don't sign assignment of benefits forms for contractors or restoration companies. This can result in excess charges not covered by insurance.
• An adjuster will be in touch as soon as possible. Jot down their name and number. Many times insurance companies hire independent companies to assist with the large number of claims.

More information about being prepared for a hurricane or tropical storm(opens in a new tab).

For information about flood insurance from McGriff, please call 800-228-6978 to talk to a specialist or email us at InsFloodUnit@McGriff.com. Flood insurance policies typically require a 30-day waiting period.

Rest assured, we'll do everything we can to support you through this ongoing difficult time. Thank you and stay safe.

Links to help you with additional informational.

• Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC): Natural Disasters & Severe Weather: Hurricanes and Other Tropical Storms(opens in a new tab)
• Department of Homeland Security (DHS): Natural Disasters(opens in a new tab)
• Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)(opens in a new tab)
• National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA): National Hurricane Center(opens in a new tab)
• Ready.gov: Hurricanes(opens in a new tab)
• Weather.gov(opens in a new tab)