The calm hurricane season of 2006 has given way to an activewinter-storm season in 2007. There have been tornadoes in Florida,blizzards and ice storms in the Midwest and Northeast, and windstorms and flooding in the Northwest.

If you're an adjuster or claim manager in any of these areas,chances are you've had to arrange temporary housing on the fly.BridgeStreet Worldwide, a temporary housing specialist, recentlyspoke with Claims' Eric Gilkey, and offered six tips to take thepain out of the temporary-housing process.

1. Just the Facts. Engage your client in adialogue on their exact housing needs. Take notes on children andpet requirements, geographic location (school systems), andtransportation, as well has commute time and communitypreferences.
2. The Have and the Have Nots. Comparing whatyour client needs and what the insured is entitled to ensures thatyour client will not overrun or be disappointed with theirtemporary housing.
3. Keep Options Open. Choosing a temporaryhousing provider that has demonstrated knowledge of marketavailability and a solid inventory base means your client will havegood choices in housing. Companies should have access to everythingfrom residential homes to unfurnished apartments. In the long run,this will save adjusters time and hassle because they can turn overthe temporary housing process to the provider.
4. Get Detailed Document. the details of theinsured's needs to the housing provider, so they can preparemultiple housing options that meet the specific needs of yourclient. With global travel on the rise, many temporary housingproviders offer flexible a la carte packages of services,amenities, furniture, and housewares to accommodate alllifestyles.
5. Welcome to the Neighborhood. Moving into a newlocation, whether across town or across the globe, is jarring foryour client. Some temporary housing providers offer tours ofhousing options, even meet and greet services in which a counselormeets your client at the property and acclimates them to theprovider's services. This introduction can be highly comforting toa client and sets the tone for the rest of their stay.
6. (One) Check Please. The last thing you want todeal with is multiple bills for many services around temporaryhousing. Choosing a provider that offers flexible and consolidatedbilling means adjusters and their clients deal with one bill thatis clearly itemized and totally transparent.