Farmers Insurance has been providing frontline assistance to those affected by the catastrophic events in Joplin, Mo. since the arrival of its mobile command center (MCC). The 46-foot MCC bus provides basic necessities, including food and water, for customers and non-customers alike.

Offering both satellite phone and Internet services, the MCC enables residents to get in touch with friends and family. Paul Crosetti, state executive director for Farmers in Mo., emphasized the importance of communication after such a devastating storm. He said the majority of claims Farmers has received are very serious, and many are total losses.

"As of late last night, we had 378 claims reported so far in the first 24 hours or so," Crosetti said Tuesday, May 24. "Twenty to 30 Farmers claims personnel have arrived in Joplin. By the end of the week, we anticipate that we will have as many as 60 adjusters and personnel here."

The personnel that will continue to arrive in Joplin over the course of this week have various experience and skills that will benefit those affected. Crosetti said it would be difficult to say exactly how many more claims the company expects at this point, just that many more are anticipated.

"As long as there are customers that need immediate assistance, we will be here," Crosetti explained. "Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to the people here. The emotional toll it's taking on people is heart wrenching. We want to be here to help them through."

Crosetti said this year has been busy for the three Farmers MCCs. The units have travelled to Tenn., Ark., Ala., other areas in Mo., and more. Additionally, Farmers has about 40 customer care vehicles (CCV) operating throughout the company's major states used by local claims and state office personnel. Though smaller than the MCCs, they are similarly equipped. There is currently one CCV in Joplin as well.

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