hurricane ian covered disaster area

Zee: The dedication of the first responders is always something to be enamored with but with a disaster of this scale I was floored by the dedication I saw. Affected taxpayers who receive a late filing or payment penalty notice that has an original or extended filing, payment, or deposit due date falling within the postponement period should contact the IRS to have the penalty abated. Estimates show that Hurricane Ian could be the second largest automobile loss event in U.S. history after Hurricane Harvey in 2017, which damaged over 500,000 vehicles. To determine how much of your loss is tax deductible if you are insured, you must first subtract the amount reimbursed or the salvage value determined by your insurance company. Bingopublic adjusters and attorneys. Floridas Insurance Consumer Advocate Tasha Carter said she expects there are hundreds of thousands of homeowners whove been affected by the storm. The industry also covered roughly 45% of the economic losses this year, indicating a large protection gap worldwide. The station representative that can assist any person with disabilities with issues related to the content of the public file is Maryann Ryan. PwC refers to the US member firm or one of its subsidiaries or affiliates, and may sometimes refer to the PwC network. During such challenging times, Bermuda re/insurers ability to respond quickly in settling potential claims obligations allows for these critical efforts and enhances climate resilience.. I couldnt imagine the sounds and sights they saw while they were in Ians eyewall. File a complaint:https://apps.fldfs.com/eService/Newrequest.aspx, South Carolina Department of Insurance For those who need more assistance filling out an application, please call 1-800-892-0948. FEMA also publishes a wealth of information online, including a helpful page of Frequently Asked Questions at https://www.disasterassistance.gov/help/faqs#before-you-apply-3. The important part about being a captain is making sure your vessel can survive, whatever condition it gets put through. Several investigations have demonstrated that the interaction of salt water and EV batteries can cause fires. Hurricane Ian and other extreme weather events such as the winter storms in Europe, flooding in Australia and South Africa as well as hailstorms in France and in the U.S. resulted in an estimated $115 billion this year to date, according to Swiss Re Institute. Heres the Disaster Survivor Checklist: Social Security number. Thats about 55 hours before the storm hit. To speak with one of our attorneys or get a free case review, call us or fill out the. With the help of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Florida is exerting every effort to assist in the victims rehabilitation. Individuals and households affected by Hurricane Ian that reside or have a How to File a Hurricane Ian Damage Claim? Friends will drive down grills and cook on street corners for anyone that needs a meal. Begnaud: I can see myself checking in on the people we met in the immediate aftermath of the storm. Carfax reports that as many as 358,000 vehicles in the affected areas from Florida to the Carolinas were damaged by floodwaters during Hurricane Ian. Most standard homeowners insurance policies do not cover damage from natural disasters such as floods and earthquakes. Disaster victims may apply to FEMA for financial help. All disaster-related expenses not covered by insurance or savings are eligible for reimbursement. Russom: Hurricane Ians destruction was incredibly widespread. As of now, Cox Automotive predicted in an October news release that new vehicle inventories would remain constrained, with approximately 80% of Ian replacement vehicles being used, but without a discernible impact on national used-vehicle retail sales. Each member firm is a separate legal entity. With cell towers down and power out, there was no form of communication to tell people where to go. Those are the human-driven stories that I personally like to tell. This comes following Hurricane Ian, which was the costliest natural catastrophe with estimated preliminary insured losses of $5065 billion, data from Swiss Re Institute found. Nunley: I admire how quickly most people are ready to throw out the rulebook and offer anything they have in service to others. People without flood insurance will be able to apply for grants from FEMA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Bach said, but they max out at about $38,000. Until Saturday, November 12, state agencies will continue to offer in-person services at DRCs in Charlotte, Collier, Lee, and Sarasota counties. The shape and size of barrier islands has transformed, buildings have disappeared, lives torn apart. Homeowners in certain Florida counties can get free, temporary roofing through the Army Corps of Engineers. From wildfires to tornadoes, flash floods and hurricanes the grace people give nature and the grace and beauty after a storm like this is astounding. Public adjusters and attorneys are about the only ones I can think of. Our Hurricane Ian property damage claims attorneys can defend you and be by your side when you have to face the insurance company. One of so many unfortunate stories we heard from folks on the ground. electric vehicles in Florida have begun catching fire in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian. CARFAX says that 50 percent of flood-damaged cars end up back on the market as used cars, with Texas, Florida, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey taking the cake for the states with the most flooded cars. 'Fort Myers Beach is gone': Waterfront workers recount Hurricane Ian devastation, including a helpful page of Frequently Asked Questions, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. 2022 Global Digital Trust Insights Survey, Application Security and Controls Monitoring Managed Services, Controls Testing and Monitoring Managed Services, Financial Crimes Compliance Managed Services, Virtual Business Office services for healthcare. Very shortly, itll start getting cleaned up and things like that. Far too many will be underinsured and uninsured. However, each insurance policy is different, so we recommend that you read your homeowners insurance policy. How do you plan on continuing to cover the story in the weeks, months and possibly years ahead? Avoiding Frauds and Scams After a Disaster These 8 nonprofits are making a difference: North Bay Gives Awards for 2022. Enter Your Details to Find Out What Your Case Is Worth: 7171 North Federal Highway Boca Raton, Florida 33487 (561)-995-1966. At the same time, I saw a lot of people post content that was misleading either out of context or from entirely different storms. To send TVNewser senior editor A.J. It, like all hurricanes before it, has changed lives forever, and hopefully given those who lived through it a new appreciation for the power of wind and water. Those of us on the side of policyholders need to do better to help our elected officials do and say the right things to protect insurance consumers. Administration officials said Friday thatOrange, Osceola, Polk, and Seminole counties were declared major disaster areas and that more may be added in the coming days. Thats where United Policyholders, (UP) comes in. What struck me was how big the area was that experienced the powerful winds and torrential rains. With power out and cell service essentially nonexistent, we found ourselves reporting in the dark for the first few days. Check back often: www.uphelp.org/IAN, Insurers and Public Officials Must Ensure Consumer Claims Get Paid in Full. How a Disaster Gets Declared. Fortunately this is not Floridas first hurricane and help resources are pouring in. When I can do an Instagram Live and share the latest forecasts, stand on Sanibel Island and say I am leaving and NO ONE should be on here after tonight. there is great power in being able to answer peoples questions and point them to the evidence before, during and after a storm. Going through the emotional hit of what Ian did, as well as trying to figure out what your life will look like in the coming weeks can be very difficult and traumatic. In addition, if a survivors home requires repairs not covered by their insurance policy, the Federal Emergency Management Agency may provide up to $37,900 in assistance. Getting claims paid after Hurricane Ian must not become a second disaster for the policyholders who will rely on the insurance companies in the weeks and months ahead, said Douglas Heller, CFAs Director of Insurance. This is in addition to the currently over 400,000 cars registered with it that are water-damaged. Financial information. Field adjusters write estimates only to have desk adjusters re-write them lower without approval of the field adjuster. United Policyholders has set up a Hurricane Ian Insurance and Recovery Help Library, and will be supporting recovery in the months and years ahead by working with trusted partners in the region and connecting impacted home and businesses with reliable and current information and resources. Flood water reached about 8 feet. Steele: What I saw when I was down there was an immediate response from the local, state, and federal government. When you work with us, we can accompany you and defend against all the tactics that insurance claim adjusters try to use. It was him, his wife, and their four kids. The good news is every one of them survived and now have a story that will stick with them for the rest of their lives. There was a fear among neighbors that theyd be left behind. To view an accessible video about how to apply visit: Three Ways to Register for FEMA Disaster Assistance - YouTube. PublishedNovember 14, 2022 at 9:30 AM EST, Ramesh 'Sunny' Balwani is sentenced to nearly 13 years for his role in Theranos fraud, Boil water advisory lifted for most of Fort Myers; several areas need more bacteriological sampling, DOJ watchdog finds missteps by prison officials ahead of Whitey Bulger's killing, Taliban carry out the first public execution since taking over Afghanistan, BREVARD COUNTY: Cuyler Park Community Center, 2331 Harry T. Moore Ave., Mims, FL 32754, DESOTO COUNTY: Brewer Sports Park, 1347 SE Hargrave St, Arcadia, FL 34266. 2022 Hurricane Ian. However, it is not uncommon to find these vehicles in the market. Residents need security and reassurance that theyll be covered by their insurance company. I recommend them without reservation., We cannot thank you enough for all your support, education and assistance through our recovery from the 2017 Tubbs Fire. Hurricane Ian is a hurricane that is Others had views similar to the sheriff of Lee County and Gov. Licensed professional claim help, UP will be updating our Hurricane Ian Insurance and Recovery Help library often with resources. The loss estimate is according to commercial insurers market claims data collected by the Bermuda Monetary Authority in November. Action item: Taxpayers in Florida affected by Hurricane Ian do not need to contact the IRS to obtain the benefit of this automatic relief. Ironically, many of the most vulnerable storm victims are also the least able to afford the high reconstruction costs. Survivors who sustained damage from Hurricane Nicole should contact their insurance company, take pictures of the damage, begin clean up, and save receipts. I hate it in that old video from previous storms gets recycled on social media by people who were pulling pranks, or just pressing send, without verifying or vetting what theyre spreading. Including losses covered by this sector in the data would result in even larger estimates of incurred gross losses and claims paid, it said. This is optional, but FEMA would need the following banking information: Bank name, type of account (checking or savings), bank routing number and the applicants bank account number. Learn more at fema.gov/disaster/46732; Open 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday, OKEECHOBEE COUNTY: Okeechobee County Library, 206 SW 16th St., Okeechobee, FL 34974; Open 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday, ORANGE COUNTY: Barnett Park, 4801 W. Colonial Dr., Orlando, FL 32808, OSCEOLA COUNTY: Hart Memorial Central Library, 211 E. Dakin Ave., Kissimmee, FL 34741, PINELLAS COUNTY: Lealman Exchange Community Center, 5175 45th St N., St. Petersburg, FL 33714, POLK COUNTY: W.H. They face stiff competition for reputable professionals to accurately estimate repair and replacement costs and do the necessary work, supply chain problems, inflated material costs, high-pressure sales tactics and ripoff artists. Much of the guidance that United Policyholders (UP), a non-profit organization provides to insurance consumers and disaster survivors comes from professional volunteers who share insights and technical information. Consequently, Bermuda re/insurers may incur as much as 25 per cent of the industry losses. Consumer.Services@myfloridacfo.com You also have more immediate access to what emergency officials are trying to get out into the public. Yang: This was the first hurricane Ive covered from Ground Zero, as it were (in the past I was dispatched to places within the cone of uncertainty but they were all places that got missed). Disaster Recovery Centers for Hurricane Ian survivors reopened Monday after temporarily closing last week for severe weather. The IRS automatically identifies taxpayers located in the covered disaster area and applies The BMA said the data does not include exposure to Hurricane Ian losses covered by the majority of insurers in Bermudas insurance-linked securities sector. We go back after most of our colleagues have been long gone to follow up. If an individual tax returns due date is September 23, 2022, or later, and they receive a late filing or payment penalty notice from the IRS, such an individual can waive the penalty by calling the number listed on the notice. We were done gathering for the day, but I recorded her story on my phone and posted it to Twitter. More importantly, I hope to do more stories before a storm because we know where its going to be the worst why cant we be part of the rescue before the rescue. For a smooth experience with our commenting system we recommend that you use Internet Explorer 10 or higher, Firefox or Chrome Browsers. One thing I hadnt thought about was the second wave of flooding in areas along the Gulf Coast as a result of the heavy rains traveling downstream. Did Hurricane Ian damage your home, vehicle? "2022 has been another year of increased natural catastrophe loss activity, and demand for insurance is growing as the protection gap remains vast," said Thierry Lger, group chief underwriting officer. And only about 20% of homeowners in the state have flood insurance, according to the nonprofit Insurance Information Institute. This storm lived up to our fears. Absolutely stunning. Michaels: One thing Florida has experience doing is responding to tropical weather of all kinds including hurricanes. Sanchez: I spoke to some in Lee County who felt evacuation orders werent issued as quickly as they couldve been including a woman who was caught totally off guard and she tried to ride out the storm in her boat but wound up taking shelter inside a public restroom, alongside her cats. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) allows a tax deduction for a loss sustained during the tax year of the federally declared disaster, as required by section 165 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act. At Ged Lawyers, we understand the frustration that Florida residents have to go through each year when hurricane season arrives. Survivors can go online to disasterassistance.gov, use the FEMA mobile app or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. We hope insurers will be good partners in the recovery and rebuilding to come, but history tells us that policyholders and regulators must stay vigilant to ensure fair treatment., Home and flood insurance funds should be the fastest and best source of recovery help for the home and business owners whove been devastated by Ian, said Amy Bach, Executive Director of United Policyholders. I feel it is important for us to be very blunt and no-nonsense in our coverage, on-air and online, and gain trust with our audience by showcasing experts, experience, and truth about the power of storms. Zee: Social media allows me to update much more frequently and most importantly answer specific questions that people have. Its almost unbelievable, and you cant believe this happened to you, said Chip Merlin, a lawyer in Tampa. Of course, there will always be a segment of the population, who has nothing good to say, and wants everything immediately and for free. By A.J. Thats a tremendous testimony to planning, execution, sacrifice and talent. We dont have internet, she told us. policies in Florida will cover hurricane damage. The We can forecast storm surge, lets say 8-12 feet, but when we can see that in real time, and potentially see it coming in higher this will give residents and viewers life-saving information. Home Practice Areas Disaster Recovery Hurricane Damage Ian. My best friend called me panicked that they werent evacuating and I plotted where they lived with the flood maps (they are way inland) and felt good with the specs on their house for wind. While all insurance policies are different, there are a few that have some similarities that can help you know what is covered in a hurricane: If the hurricane damaged your home, most homeowners insurance policies in Florida will cover hurricane damage. Its not my place, as a reporter, to comment on whether or not government is doing a good job or not, but people on the ground, with few exceptions, seem to express their opinions positively when talking about this topic. For example, it said, Bermuda re/insurers picked up 30 per cent of hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria industry losses from the 2017 record-setting hurricane season; in 2021, Bermuda re/insurers estimated paying 30 per cent of Hurricane Ida losses and 20 per cent of industry losses for the Texas Winter Storm Uri. Division of Consumer Services We have years of experience with. When Ian made landfall, numerous automobiles were flooded, destroyed, or carried away. Our team back in New Jersey told us we were in the destruction zone, but we couldnt fully see the scope. However, tax payments for those 2021 returns that originally were due on April 18 are not eligible for the relief. It is not necessary to visit a center to apply for FEMA assistance. But they want to take the initial assessment of all the damage and get that all documented as soon as they possibly can, Merlin said. Steele: Social media gives us real time information about what people are seeing as long as they have service. Anyone who has flood damage from storm surge or other water that came in from the ground up will only be covered by flood insurance not by a regular homeowners insurance policy, said Karen Collins at the American Property Casualty Insurance Association. Its a lower-income neighborhood where not many people have insurance. FEMA requires an applicant provide their total annual household income, before taxes, at the time of the disaster. He said it can be hard in the midst of that trauma for people to take the necessary steps to get what theyre entitled to from their insurance company. Scientifically Ive seen 12-15 feet of surge with my own eyes ripping holes from their foundations (when I was in the eye wall of Category 5 Michael in 2018 in Mexico Beach, Fla., watching homes carried off their foundation and shredded in the surge). And that is covered by regular homeowners insurance. The IRS will waive the usual fees and requests for copies of previously filed tax returns for affected taxpayers. For Twitter, I treated it as a reporters notebook with threads. Christopher and Urmila - 2017 Tubbs Fire Victims. Please see www.pwc.com/structure for further details. Even as we cover Ian, we have plans to return for updates on Mayfield, Ky., Virginia flooding victims, Jackson, Miss., water customers, California fire victims the list goes on. After the worst of Ian passed, Kevin jumped in one of his boats with his three children and went door to door searching for survivors. No fundraising drives. The other requirements: At least one household member must be a U.S. citizen or legal U.S. resident. The line is open every day from 7 a.m. to 11p.m. File a complaint:https://sbs.naic.org/solar-web/pages/public/onlineComplaintForm/onlineComplaintForm.jsf?state=SC&dswid=3785, Federal Emergency Management Agency Could a publicly funded plan stave off an insurance crisis? GULF COAST STATES FOUND TO BE AMONG MOST VULNERABLE TO BILLION-DOLLAR DISASTERS. By working with one of our compassionate lawyers in Florida, we can help you make sure that you have a valid claim and that you are eligible for compensation. High deductibles, fine-print limitations and exclusions, and business and political dynamics mean that many victims will have to fight to recover the full benefits theyre entitled to. If you have people living on a barrier island and 4-8 feet of surge is in a forecast, I tell them that type of water moves cars and can cause great damage to homes you have to leave to be safe. Begnaud: I wouldnt say I have a pulse on this to answer the question like an expert but from the general consensus I got being on the grounds, people were pleased with both the state and federal response. 2017 Its the quickest way to get out good information and bad information with a single click. Absolutely. This roles importance is heightened by the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, which continue to exact tremendous human and financial tolls. Insurance regulators and state and federal officials must hold insurers to their obligations. Ian has now regained hurricane strength after exiting the state of Florida. ARE YOU COVERED POST-HURRICANE IAN? One woman told us she was trying to reach FEMA to figure out what to do, but FEMA was directing her to go online. Sightline is a tax platform that makes the entire tax process more collaborative and insightful. to file a claim. Some automakers have offered to supply more new automobiles than usual to affected areas. Michaels: So far, I havent come across a rescue effort or story that I havent mentioned on air or social media. The authority is grateful to the companies that took part in the survey, Mr Gakundi said. Hurricane Ian decimated the southwest coast of the Florida peninsula two weeks ago, causing catastrophic storm surge, winds, flooding and loss of life in the Sunshine State. :As Hurricane Ian creates havoc, On the other side, the insurance industry has an army of insurance lobbyists. But for the most part, Floridians know how to deal with this, and know what to expect from the government and the timelines on which things happen. Sanchez: There are still many threads to pursue, including whether there will be any kind of investigation into the decision-making behind the evacuation order and what lessons officials will take into the future. Ian looks like it will be similar in the 12-15 feet of surge. like Hurricane Ian. Even before the application process begins online (offered in both English and Spanish) or in person, Floridians who qualify will need to assemble some important documents and information to share with FEMA officials. To prepare for the next storm, they must rebuild stronger homes, which isnt cheap. According to Jonathan Smoke Cox, Chief Economist for the Automotive Industry, Florida will experience above-average demand throughout October and November. Similarly, tax-exempt organizations also have additional time, including for 2021 calendar-year returns with extensions due to expire on November 15. Without all your input I have no idea how we could have recovered. Only 29 percent of the 1,8 million households in the nine disaster-declared counties have federal flood insurance, according to an analysis by POLITICOs E&E News. Sanchez: Ive covered many other storms, including Hurricane Marias aftermath in Puerto Rico, and lived through many growing up as a Floridian. Visit:www.uphelp.org/IANearly and often.. Visit floridadisaster.org/info/nicole/ for updated response and recovery information. Craig Swan, the BMA chief executive, said: The survey results demonstrate Bermudas steadfast role in supplying risk capacity to the US and other catastrophe-exposed parts of the world. United Policyholders encourages all impacted households toregister with FEMA to get information and aid., You can register here:www.disasterassistance.gov. When Hurricane Andrew struck 30 years ago, Bertogg said a $20 billion loss event had never occurred before now there have been seven such hurricanes in just the past six years. I just hope they dont go around us this time that they come by and help.. The views on stories I posted to Instagram tripled compared to what they usually are. The overall industry loss estimate for Hurricane Ian includes wind, storm surge and inland flooding losses in Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia and Virginia. FEMA does offer help by phone with any application. Were not quite there yet, but getting closer! Yes. To receive coverage from your insurance company, you must have, collision coverage or comprehensive coverage, After your home has been hit by Hurricane Ian, it may be difficult to know what to do next. But the community stepped in 100% and it was also nice to see people coming down to Floridafrom other states to help out. Survivors can apply for FEMA assistance and continuously update their applications by visiting DisasterAssistance.gov, calling (800) 621-3362, using the FEMA app, or going to one of the more than 20 open Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs). Katz on Oct. 13, 2022 - 3:38 PM. Is there an official whistleblower hotline where field adjusters can safely provide information to regulators about how claims managers are unethically instructing them how to rip off policyholders or expose other corrupt claims practices? Check if Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has made anindividual assistance declaration in your area. Note: The IRS on September 27 announced in IR-2022-164 similar disaster relief for victims of storms and flooding that began on September 15 in parts of Alaska. Thats one of the things I like about how the NewsHour covers natural disastersor even other issues like the Flint water crisis. President Biden said on Friday that Hurricane Ian is likely to rank among the worst in the nations history after producing devastation in Florida that will take months years to rebuild., Americas heart is literally breaking, Biden said in an address from the White House Roosevelt Room on the federal governments response. We saved a lot of people, Kevin told us in tears. Before, during, and after the storm, people are the focus. Then I could go deeper based on what I read. The amount of destruction, dislocation and loss of life caused by Hurricane Ian is still being calculated, but its horrendous, record-breaking and very sad. Wind damage is bad enough, but when combined with water, repairs are challenging and drying out is essential. Qualified and reputable help is very important. Local qualified and reputable is the safest bet, but those resources will be in very short supply.Genuine and not so genuine helpers will be pouring into the state, and impacted home and business owners will have to be extra careful about who they take advice from and who they hire for repairs. Biden's declarationgivesthe Federal Emergency Management Agency the authorization to directly help individuals in 13 Florida counties pay for temporary housing and home repairs, offer low-interest loans to cover uninsured property losses and fund other federal programs to assist individuals and business owners recover from one of the nation's biggest storms. And, thats actually more than in other states. Gerald Gakundi, the director of insurance supervision at the BMA, said: We are deeply mindful that the most important consideration after a natural disaster is rebuilding for the community and the people who comprise it. They are truly like paid locusts and show up daily with their side of the story. The ability of US insurers to cede risk to Bermuda enables diversification of risk globally and it helps stabilise the cost of buying insurance particularly property and catastrophe insurance for customers living in catastrophe danger zones. Based on publicly available estimates from catastrophe risk modellers and insurance industry analysts, the BMA said, re/insurance losses resulting from Hurricane Ian are expected to total between $50 billion and $75 billion. At the Siesta Bay RV park, the two survivors I met right away had their homes fill with water, one had only 18 of air to breathe as her bed floated to the ceiling, the other climbed to his roof to survive they told me Im so stupid Im such a jerk they told me to leave and I didnt. They were in zone A. 1-877-693-5236 FEMA has reopened its Hurricane Ian Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) in St. After your home has been hit by Hurricane Ian, it may be difficult to know what to do next. I often utilize my 3D graphic we made a few years back to help people visualize what 8 feet of storm surge looks like and how quickly it can decimate. 2022 www.tallahassee.com. DeSantis: Arguing that no matter when evacuation orders were put in place, some folks would simply refuse to go. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is under investigation by the House Ethics Committee, LASIK Patients Should Be Warned of Complications, FDA Draft Says, Violent bank jugging robberies on the rise, California police warn, Brown University becomes first Ivy League to impose campus-wide ban on caste discrimination, Trump Bedeviled by Company's Conviction and Senate Candidate's Defeat, Natural catastrophes have caused $260 billion in damage this year, Living Off Reruns, Here's How Much He Is Making, VIDEO: Hurricane damage repairs continue in Winter Springs, FEMA seeking multi-family homes to temporarily house Hurricane Ian victims. So, as always, exercising caution when reposting or retweeting is critical. Amid high emotions and. Stuart Center, 1702 S. Holland Pkwy., Bartow, FL 33830, PUTNAM COUNTY: Putnam County Fairgrounds, 117 Yelvington Road, East Palatka, FL 32131, SEMINOLE COUNTY: Seminole State College - Barbara Miller Automotive Center, 100 Weldon Blvd., Sanford, FL., 32773, ST. JOHNS COUNTY: Wind Mitigation Building, 3111 Agricultural Center Dr., St. Augustine, FL 32092, VOLUSIA COUNTY: Volusia County Health Department, 1845 Holsonback Dr., Daytona Beach, FL 32117. I feel like if there were individuals that needed something, others were there to step in and give them information about how to acquire information. The Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency For the latest information on Floridas recovery from Hurricane Ian, visit floridadisaster.org/info and fema.gov/disaster/4673. Nunley: Ian certainly ranks within my top three. While social media is incredible, it also introduces many amateur opinions into the landscape, that people sometimes perceive as fact. Health and The eye of Ian was originally expected to make landfall at Tampa Bay, however, its route ended up moving south and the Fort Myers area received the brunt of the damage. https://www.tampabay.com/hurricane/2022/09/27/what-do-if-hurricane-ian-damages-your-home, individual assistance declaration in your area. One of the most important aspects of a Hurricane Ian property damage claim is to first know If so, disaster assistance may be able to fill insurance gaps or provide help if youve been waiting more than 30 days on a homeowners claim. No PR agencies are documenting or promoting their individual work. And thats not including the amazing volunteers and local businesses that stepped up to help. We call on insurance executives, attorneys, public adjusters, and public officials to collaborate on non-adversarial solutions to resolving claim disputes. A week after the storm, we traveled to Harlem Heights in Fort Myers. In the 24 hours post-storm, downed trees, boats blocking roads, and flood water made it difficult to navigate. 803-737-6180 Everyone whose permanent address on file with the IRS is in the affected area automatically qualifies for this extension as well. According to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), after deducting salvage values and other reimbursements, you would reduce each casualty by $500. The IRS also states it will work with and extend relief to taxpayers who live outside the disaster area but whose records necessary to meet a deadline occurring during the postponement period are located in the affected area. Lets take electricity for example. The Biden administration declared four more Florida counties as major disaster If your car was damaged by Hurricane Ian, the standard, (PIP) that all Florida drivers must purchase will not be enough to cover any damage done to your car as a result of a hurricane. That vessel ended up on shore and completely tilted on its side, with other boats crashing into it. https://www.kunc.org/news/2022-12-06/no-return-home-for-some-marshall-fire-survivors, I'm happy to share that policyholders received mixed but overall very good appellateresults this week out of Pennsylvania in the fightover business interruption insurance for Covid relatedlosses. Its now threatening the Carolinas. Florida residents in those counties canregister for financial help by visiting DisasterAssistance.gov through the FEMA app or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA; 1-800-621-3362. You must be logged in to post or view comments with Disqus. 1201 Main St #1000, Columbia, SC 29201 It was a testament to how big the response was this body sat for eight hours guarded by this one officer because I am sure other resources were busy saving those that could be saved. The company owner had 11 shrimp boats and nine of them ended up on shore with some kind of damage. Built by tax professionals for tax professionals. As a society, we sometimes get too caught up in the category of a storm, without factoring the totality of what tropical systems of any magnitude can bring. We found ourselves hitchhiking in the back of high-suspension trucks and walking in calf-deep water to see what Ian left behind. Nunley: I feel that social media has made some people cavalier about the seriousness of tropical events. Thats what makes our operation stand out a team of journalists that keep the weather conversation going, each day. She rode out the storm in a raft in her living room. Our staffers attend conferences to stayhttps://lnkd.in/gqzXakfu, Thank you to @KUNC for keeping a spotlight on the #MarshallFire long term recovery. Its important to know that most homeowners insurance in Florida does not cover damage to your home that was caused by storm surge or flooding that occurred as a result of a hurricane. It was the job of the captain and crewmates to keep the lines tight, and manage the storm in hopes the vessel could make it out. Meanwhile, humanitarian agencies are feeding and sheltering, working in [an] amazing concert. Every day, it felt as if we were looking at just one puzzle piece in a 100-piece puzzle. Do I feel that people from across the southeast and the nation are showing up to be part of the solution? "Folks in Florida who have destroyed or damaged homes if you dont have enough insurance, it means the federal government will provide individual assistance of [up to] $37,900 for home repairs, another $37,900 for lost property everything from an automobile to a lost wedding ring. United Policyholders has set up a Hurricane Ian Help Library and will be assisting impacted households in the months and years ahead by working with trusted partners in the region and connecting them with current information and resources. Previously, Biden declared Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Hardee, Hillsborough, Lee, Manatee, Pinellas, and Sarasota counties as disaster areas. It is not enough to point out the deficiencies of the current systemwe must also engage, educate, and make certain that the stories are heard of people being ripped off by insurers putting profits before people. Know someone affected by the hurricane? They detailed their respective experiences covering Ian, during and after, from Florida, the influence social media plays in relaying information to the viewer, and how they will continue to cover the story in the weeks, months and even years to come. Insurance policies are legal contracts. NEW YORK It's been a very costly year worldwide following natural catastrophe insured losses, even following a relatively-benign hurricane year in the United States, data from an insurance-based company found. In light of this, in 2021 and 2022, victims who have incurred property damage not covered by insurance can deduct these amounts from their taxable income. How are they moving forward? Yang: Most of my experience with natural disasters has been tornadoes in the Midwest. The material on this site is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal advice. Video everything in terms of the damage. However, taxpayers whose address on their tax return is not a Florida address, but whose books and records or impacted practitioners are in the disaster area, should contact the IRS at 866-562-5227 to "self identify" to obtain the relief. What I worry when it comes to the cone vs no cone (most of Lee County was in the cone the entire lifecycle of the path from the National Hurricane Center), is that the message I and every meteorologist I know try to emphasize every single storm: dont look at the track, watch the cone AND impacts can be felt well beyond the cone. This can seem like a long time, but the sooner you file, the quicker youll be able to start working with a Hurricane Ian property damage claims attorney. The death toll was also surprising considering Hurricane Andrew a direct-hit category five to Miami-Dade County caused roughly half the fatalities. That gave us the option of using it the next day for TV, if needed. You know the answer. TVNewser: How does Hurricane Ian compare with other stories youve covered in your career? Policy on Demand is a news platform that provides in-depth insights and analysis on policy developments that impact your business. Sign up on the Operation Blue Roof website, or call 1-888-766-3258. You brought an important and unique perspective to the hearing, that of homeowners themselves., Whenever I felt confused about any topic I first looked it up in the yellow book. To recover damages for this type of property damage from your insurance company, you must purchase flood insurance. While its a good idea to check the cars history before buying it, consumers who need more confidence in their inspections should take the vehicle to a mechanic for a second opinion. Thank you. Good people funding their own missions and offering what they can. If you are unsure or need help determining if your insurance covers property damage, we encourage you to contact your insurance company. Its difficult to compare different beasts, but this storm is one that Ill remember. Policyholders (insurance consumers) generally do not know the rules or their rights, and are vulnerable and overwhelmed. Whats being done to help them? September 26, 2022. How a Disaster Gets Declared. Your trees can come down in a tropical storm. We captured some of that on Saturday in the aptly named Venice, Fla. Zee: Each natural disaster is unique both scientifically and in terms of humanity. Taxpayers should put the assigned An aerial view of damaged homes and debris in Fort Myers, Florida, after Hurricane Ian struck in September. UP looks forward to supporting constructive solutions that have worked in other regions impacted by large-scale catastrophic and flooding events. In Florida, after your home and other property, such as your car, are damaged in a Hurricane, you only have three years to file a claim. The information comes from the BMAs US Data Claims Survey completed last month. Instantaneously information, or misinformation, can spread like wildfire, which challenges reporters and networks like The Weather Channel to not only disseminate important, life-saving information, but also clean up the mess delivered by those offering Clickbait to attract larger audiences. This week, we caught up with a number of on-air journalists who were on the ground and have covered more than their fair share of hurricanes over the years: ABC News chief meteorologist Ginger Zee, CBS Mornings lead national correspondent David Begnaud, CNN anchor Boris Sanchez, The Weather Channel national correspondent Justin Michaels and on-camera meteorologist Jordan Steele, Fox Weather multimedia journalist Will Nunley, CNBC The News with Shepard Smith correspondent Perry Russom and PBS NewsHour national correspondent John Yang. These individuals are all around and often dont receive the spotlight. They were fine and very little damage to their home but still wished they had known earlier so they could have made plans to leave as they dont like pushing it, ever. This could include coverage under policies like homeowners, flood, automobile, or mobile home insurance. Some of the images in real time were stunning to see. Insurance companies should ideally declare a flooded vehicle a total loss and sell it off for parts or scrap. This comes following Hurricane Ian, which was the costliest natural Then and again with Ian social media is an effective way to quickly get important information from officials and get a sense of the areas in which people were hardest hit. Open 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday, FLAGLER COUNTY: Flagler County Fairgrounds, 150 Sawgrass Rd., Bunnell, FL 32110, HARDEE COUNTY: Civic Center, 515 Civic Center Dr., Wauchula, FL 33873, HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY: HCC Regent, 6437 Watson Road, Riverview, FL 33578, LAKE COUNTY: First Baptist Church of Astor Lake County, 24731 Ann St., Astor FL 32102, MANATEE COUNTY: John Marble Park, 3675 53rd Ave. E., Bradenton, FL 34203. The new roofing law doing away with the 25% requirement now has some insurance companies telling their independent adjusters not to replace roofs until the damage is at least 75% and that they will only patch up roofs. Sanchez: Captain Robert Donze and a crewmate rode out the storm on their boatthe Sea-Trek and wound up settled in a mangrove swamp hundreds of feet from their marina, which was decimated. The captains of each vessel stayed in the boats during the storm to ride it out. They bring their RVs down to shelter other volunteers and operate their own emergency centers out of the goodness of their hearts. With the help of a Hurricane Ian property damage lawyer, you can fight for the compensation you qualify for. If approved, FEMA can deposit your funds directly into your bank account. The agency automatically provides filing and penalty relief to any taxpayer with an IRS address of record located in the FEMA disaster area (in this case, the entire state of Florida). Russom: On these bigger stories, I see a more general interest in news than the typical day-to-day. My best friends parents live in Ft. Myers and they did not get evacuated (they are zone C) until about 24 hours before. Businesses that are affected taxpayers with an original or extended due date also have the additional time including, among others, calendar-year corporations with 2021 extensions that expire on October 17. WGCU is your trusted source for news and information in Southwest Florida. The toll-free number: 1-800-621-3362. That appeared to have left a gap with getting emergency supplies to those who stuck in the middle. Disaster relief applicants should also keep handy a set of notes to track when they applied, passwords and application registration numbers or other vital information to follow up on their FEMA applications. So, who can Floridians turn to when they face these underpaying and lowball tactics by insurance companies? 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