Handling disaster claims. There are several factors for insurance professionals to keep in mind when handling disaster-related claims. (Photo: Shutterstock)

It's disaster season; already Hurricane Barry has caused between $500 to $900 million in damages, and the season is just beginning. California has had 6.4 and 7.1 magnitude earthquakes recently, with a number of smaller aftershocks. The National Interagency Fire Center predicts that chances of wildfires will be higher than normal in parts of California, Oregon and Washington from June through September. Whether this is your first year handling claims or your fifteenth, there are a number of things to keep in mind when handling claims.

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Safety first

Any water on the ground is likely to be contaminated, especially flood water. Sewers, chemical and other waste may be released, and any water could cause significant health concerns. If you have any cuts or are cut, be sure to thoroughly clean the wound once you are out of the area. People have died from infections they received from standing in floodwaters when a new or existing wound became infected.

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Christine G. Barlow, CPCU

Christine G. Barlow, CPCU, is Executive Editor of FC&S Expert Coverage Interpretation, a division of National Underwriter Company and ALM. Christine has over thirty years’ experience in the insurance industry, beginning as a claims adjuster then working as an underwriter and underwriting supervisor handling personal lines. Christine regularly presents and moderates webinars on a variety of topics and is an experienced presenter.