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Insurance agents prepare for storm
02/17/2010 |
Insurance agents prepare for storm damage claims
Homeowners can take steps to keep melting snow from damaging their property.
Insurance offices can expect a lot of claims once the snow begins to melt, according to two State Farm agents.
"There will be a lot of rain gutter damages as ice dams form in them," Darius Mark said. "And as snow melts, if you have an asphalt roof, it can go through and come down the walls."
Many of Frederick 's older houses have metal roofs and the snow will come down to the rain gutters and damage them, he said.
Tim Winter expects claims for outbuildings and sheds that may have collapsed under the weight of the snow. That also went for porches and overhangs, not meant to sustain the weight of heavy snow.
"Be sure to clean walkways and around fire hydrants for emergency vehicles," Winter said. "If an emergency vehicle gets there, the responders have to have a way to get into the house."
Be cautious of snow falling from the roof and overhangs, and slips and falls on ice and snow, Winter said.
When the snow melts, keeping drains along the sidewalk clear is important, Winter said, as is keeping water from the basement.
"You can use sandbags, rocks, wood, anything to deep the water from coming in if possible," he said.
Winter, whose office is on Ballenger Creek Pike, was working from home Thursday.
"My staff and I are using cell phones and computers," he said. "I didn't want them going out in this stuff. We should be open tomorrow."
Mark said one good thing is that he lives just half a block away from his office at East Fifth and North Market streets. "At least I didn't have to drive to an office."
The city is working to clear the streets, Mark said, but there is no parking along Market Street, which has discouraged merchants.
"We have been getting updates from the mayor that the city is doing all it can," he said.
Once the damage can be seen, from rain gutters to leaks and even structural cracks, call your agent.
"Depending on the severity of the damage, a claims representative will check it out," Mark said.
If a house is severely damaged and not habitable, the company will help arrange hotel accommodations.
"I've seen a few auto claims, but I look for most of the claims when the snow melts for homes," he said.
If the snow comes through the roof, it will most likely be covered, Mark said.
"But if there is water in the basement, unless you have a policy that covers backup in sewer and drain, and that is the case, it may not be covered," he warned.
Flood insurance is available through the federal government, "but you have to live in a flood zone to get it," he said.
A native of Alaska, Mark said he grew up in State College, Pa., where he saw 36 inches of snow in 1996.
"But this is a big snowstorm. More than 30 inches is a lot of snow," Mark said. "The difference in Alaska is it doesn't melt." |
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