NY, NJ and FL Public Adjusters Talk about Mold Damage

Did you know that there are more 95,000 different types of mold worldwide?

It’s true.

Some of the molds grow outside. Others may grow inside of a building. Of the ones that grow indoors, approximately 100 may cause health problems to develop in humans. In addition, the mold spores can also damage a structure. With that said, our public adjusters decided to spend some time this week shining a flashlight onto mold damage and discussing how to handle it.

Let’s start with the basics. Research has shown that if conditions are right, mold can start to develop indoors in as little as 48 hours.

All mold needs to develop are the following:

• A temperature range between 40 degrees Fahrenheit and 100 degrees Fahrenheit


• A consistently damp surface or relative humidity above 70%


• A food source (manmade or inorganic)

Given that, it is very important to address any leaks or condensation problems that your home may have immediately. Otherwise, damage to your property will quickly ensue. Take stain and decay fungi for example. They are microscopic, fast growing and love to colonize deep inside of wet wood. Thus, the longer they are allowed to grow, the weaker your home’s wooden structures are apt to become.

The good news is that there are ways to remove mold from a property. However, those methods are apt to vary based on the type of mold. That’s why it’s often best to address the water problem first and then call in a mold specialist to take care of the cleanup. Depending on your insurance policy, the cost of the repair and cleanup may be covered.

That’s where the services of Equitable Public Adjusters & Appraisers’ public adjusters will prove to be beneficial. Our public adjusters have a track record of successfully assisting property owners with mold damage claims from start to finish. Thus, we’ll help you to make sure that everything, including any below-the-surface mold damage, is factored properly into your insurance claim.

To discover additional ways that our public adjusters can help with mold damage situations, contact us. We have public adjusters located in New York, Florida and New Jersey. To reach them for an initial consultation, call (877) 869-8989.

NY, NJ and FL Public Adjusters Talk about Mold Damage

Florida Insurance Adjusters Talk about Lightning Damage Claims

Did you know that according to NOAA’s latest figures, 468 people have been killed in lightning strikes that have occurred throughout the State of Florida since 1959? That’s the most of any U.S. state. Nationwide, the average number of annual fatalities is said to be 100. It’s also interesting to note that collectively, the entire nation’s lightning strikes result in approximately $5 billion dollars in damage each year. Here’s a closer look:

Because of its inherent nature, lightning damage is said to be caused by several things. The estimated 25,000 to 45,000 amps of electrical current and 50,000 degree Fahrenheit heat generated by each strike are two of them. Together, they can literally destroy a structure and its contents in no time at all. The good news is that Floridians can take steps to protect their homes from lightning damage.

One of them is to secure a homeowner’s policy that includes adequate lightning coverage. Based on historical data, we’d suggest looking for policies that offer at least $6,000 in coverage. That’s because according to the Insurance Information Institute’s latest figures, the average lightning related insurance claim tends to fall in the $5,000 to $7,000 range.

We should also mention that some insurance companies offer modest to substantial discounts to those that adopt certain security measures. Those measures include, but are not restricted to installing lightning protection systems and using surge protectors. Understandably, the discount’s availability and cost savings will vary based on a person’s unique circumstances.

For those Floridians whose properties sustain lightning damage anyway, there is another action that they should take. That action is contacting us. Our Florida insurance adjusters are experienced in handling lightning damage claims. Therefore, we can assist Floridians in every step of the recovery process. For more information on what our independent insurance adjusters can do, call (877) 869-8989.

Florida Insurance Adjusters Talk about Lightning Damage Claims

Public Adjusting Firm Discusses Theft Stats and Prevention Tips

One in every 14.4 seconds. Shockingly, that is the number of burglaries that the Electronic Security Association’s figures indicate occur every single day in America. Add that to the FBI’s historical figures, which estimate that more than $2,000 in property is lost during each event and it’s enough to give even mild mannered Americans heart palpitations. We here at the public adjusting firm of Equitable Public Adjusters & Appraisers understand those emotions because we’ve been handling theft and vandalism claims for more than 5 decades. That’s why we’ve compiled a few burglary prevention and response tips that Americans may find helpful. Here they are:

Public Adjusting Firm’s Tip #1 – Be Social Media Smart

According to a recent infographic published on Technorati, a large percentage of burglars are believed to be using people’s social media activity to develop their list of targets. With that said, think twice before you tweet, post, like, check-in or share. Otherwise, you could end up inadvertently sharing all of your hard-earned property with your area’s criminals too.

 

Public Adjusting Firm’s Tip #2 – Adopt Security Measures

It is also a good idea to consider adopting other security measures as well. For example, don’t leave your window blinds open or your windows unlocked. Contemplate installing security cameras, motion detector lighting and theft deterrent landscaping measures too. Such steps should at the very least make your home or business a less appealing target to thieves.

Public Adjusting Firm’s Tip #3 – Purchase Adequate Theft Insurance Coverage

Purchasing adequate theft insurance coverage and keeping your list of valuables updated are smart steps to take too. Speaking of lists, be sure to make several copies and put them into secure locations. That way, you’re likely to have an easier time obtaining the information when you need it. Places to consider storing the lists are built-in, fireproof, home safes and bank safety deposit boxes.

Public Adjusting Firm’s Tip #4 – Get to Know Your Independent Claims Adjuster

Lastly, we’d recommend that you contact us and get to know our independent claims adjusters. Together, we can assist you in assigning value to your property, filing a theft related insurance claim and settling matters with your insurance company. Unlike others that may try to contact you after a burglary, our public adjusting firm’s main focus is keeping your best interests at the forefront. To discuss the matter further, call (877) 869-8989 or send us an e-mail. We have offices in New York, Florida and New Jersey.

Public Adjusting Firm Discusses Theft Stats and Prevention Tips

Florida Public Adjusters Issue Hurricane Season Reminders

September and October have long proven to be the months that tropical storm activity starts to pick up off the shores of Florida. This year is apparently no exception. We’ve already seen Gabrielle and Humberto make headlines in September. One can only assume that as the season continues, they’ll have company. Because of that, our Florida public adjusters wanted to remind you of the following:

Florida Public Adjuster Tip #1: Review and Secure Policy Information

Be sure to review your homeowner’s insurance policy. During the review, look for the existence of tropical storm and hurricane related coverage. It is also a good idea to update asset lists. Afterward, make a copy of the policy and updated asset list. Then jot down our Florida public adjuster’s toll-free number on top of them. Once that’s done, place the copies in your hurricane evacuation bag or another safe location.

Florida Public Adjuster Tip #2: Review Emergency Equipment

Speaking of hurricane evacuation bags, make sure that yours is still well stocked. Double check back-up battery strength for any items that you’ll need in the event of a blackout too. This includes cell phones, USPS systems, generators, two-way radios and flashlights. You may want to review the FCC’s tips for phone usage during hurricane season as well.

Florida Public Adjuster Tip #3: Examine the Landscaping

When you are finished with the paperwork and supplies review, take a walk outside. Look at the landscaping and your outdoor living space. Consider trimming or removing any tree branches that could become missiles during a storm. While you are at it, contemplate securing or storing any loose items that could also take flight during high winds.

Florida Public Adjuster Tip #4: Remember You Have Options

Lastly, should your Florida property sustain storm damage, remember one thing. You don’t have to transact business with the insurance company on your own. Our Florida public adjusters can handle all of that hassle for you. For more information on how Equitable Public Adjusters & Appraisers can help with such tasks, contact us.

Florida Public Adjusters Issue Hurricane Season Reminders

Public Adjuster in NY Discusses Rebuilding Resources for Residents

Public Adjuster in NY

In mid-July, New York hosted a conference designed to address the state’s ongoing storm rebuilding efforts. As long-time NY public adjusters, we made it a point to pay attention to what occurred. With that said, here’s a look at storm recovery resources New Yorkers may want to avail themselves of now and in the future:

Storm Recovery Grants

Grants were one of the topics covered at the conference. The good news is that there is money available for both eligible residential and small business owners that haven’t fully recovered from previous storms. It is part of the New York Rising Disaster Recovery Programs that were recently put into place. However, funds are limited so those interested in taking advantage of the program should act quickly.

Storm Buyout Program

In addition, there is also a storm buyout program available for eligible New Yorkers as well. It is designed to help residents sell their properties and relocate to other areas. Like the recovery program grants, there is an application process involved and funds are limited.

NY Public Adjusters

Given that, residents would also do well to contact a Public Adjuster in New York. They can help New Yorkers recover after a storm in a variety of ways. Take our firm, Equitable Public Adjusters & Appraisers as a prime example. We can help New Yorkers seek equitable compensation from their insurance companies and point out additional resources like the ones mentioned above.

In addition, we can help re-open old NY insurance claims that may have not been settled fairly. Once the claims are re-opened, we can provide further assistance by trying to secure appropriate settlement on behalf of New York’s home and business owners. For a look at our track record in that regard, take a look at our list of recoveries. We are sure that New Yorkers will be impressed with our results. For example, one Hurricane Sandy victim was offered slightly over $9,794 in compensation. We stepped in and helped change that recovery figure to more than $45,000.

To learn more about what our Public Adjusters in NY can do to help hard-working home and business owners recover after a storm, contact us at (877) 869-8989.

Public Adjuster in NY Discusses Rebuilding Resources for Residents

Public Adjusting Firm Discusses Kitchen Fire Damage and Prevention

October is the type of month that brings several important holidays with it. One of them is National Fire Prevention Week. It tends to run from October 6th through October 12th. With that in mind, our public adjusting firm’s staff wanted to discuss kitchen fire damage and how to prevent it.

Scope of Kitchen Fire Damage

First, let’s take a moment to discuss the scope of the problem. According to the National Fire Protection Association’s research, four in 10 home fires can be traced back to the kitchen. And that figure obviously doesn’t take into account commercial kitchen fires. Based on FEMA reports, there are typically 5,900 reported commercial kitchen incidents that take place each year.

The resulting damage, whether the fire occurs at home or in a commercial establishment, can be devastating. Take for example some of the kitchen fires that have occurred recently across the country. One fire that took place in Massachusetts cost a Chinese restaurant owner an estimated $400,000. Thankfully, no fatalities occurred.

Tips for Preventing Kitchen Fire Damage

Understandably, kitchen fires may be attributed to multiple causes. However, some of the primary ones are greasy equipment or exhaust systems, unattended equipment, burnt food, chef’s error and faulty appliances. That said, two of the best preventive measures one can take are to keep everything clean and maintained. This includes your property’s smoke detectors and sprinkler system, if applicable.

Supervising the cooking process, having adequate fire insurance and keeping a fire extinguisher nearby are three other preventive actions that may help. Speaking of fire extinguishers, you will want to make sure that the one you purchase is the right class. Otherwise, you could inadvertently make the situation much worse. One of the ones to look for is a Class K. It is specifically designed to extinguish certain cooking related fires. Your local fire department’s volunteers should be able to explain the different classes to you and discuss which ones would be best for your home.

Tips for Handling the Aftermath

If a kitchen fire does ultimately occur, consider calling our public adjusting firm prior to filing your insurance claim. We can help you assess the damage caused by the kitchen fire and handle settlement negotiations with your homeowner’s insurance provider. To learn more about our public adjusting firm’s services, contact us at (877) 869-8989. We currently have public adjusters operating in the states of New Jersey, New York and Florida.

Public Adjusting Firm Discusses Kitchen Fire Damage and Prevention

Independent Claims Adjuster Can Help with Hail Damage Situations

According to NOAA’s data, each year Americans must contend with approximately $1 billion in hail damage. The damage involved is often caused by hail that is generated during hurricanes and severe thunderstorms. In many instances, the hail itself is smaller than 3 inches in diameter. However, over the years, there have been occurrences of hail much larger than that. Here’s a bit more information about hail and what to do if your property sustains damage:

Hail, as mentioned previously, can range in size, density and traveling speed. It is important to recognize that fact because all three play a role in how much damage the hail may cause to a structure. For example, previous research has shown that a 3 inch piece of hail traveling at 88 miles per hour will hit a surface with 120 pounds of pressure. A 2.75 inch piece of hail, on the other hand, may hit the same surface with 81 pounds of force. Now just imagine what would happen if either one landed on top of your home’s skylight. Once you do, you’ll have a pretty good idea of how our nation’s annual, reported hail damage may reach $1 billion or more.

This brings us to the best course of action to take in the event of hail damage. We’d recommend contacting an independent claims adjuster for several reasons. First, they can assist in surveying the damage and coming up with an unbiased repair estimate. This is exceptionally important considering the number of unscrupulous repair contractors that seem to surface after a hail storm. In addition, an independent claims adjuster can handle all of the lengthy and often complicated negotiations that follow with a person’s insurance company.

Those are just a few of reasons to hire an independent claims adjuster. To discuss the matter in detail, please contact us. Our Equitable Public Adjusters & Appraisers may be reached by calling (877) 869-8989.

Independent Claims Adjuster Can Help with Hail Damage Situations