Hurricane and Major Loss Response
Even though this type of loss does not happen often, this seems to be one of the major areas of concern for property managers and condominium owners.
What can we expect when a major loss occurs? Well, it depends on whom you called, and why you called them. Was your decision based on careful deliberation and consideration based on qualifications, or was it a decision made in haste and under duress?
It is important to prepare for this type of emergency before it occurs so that you know exactly who to call to get the best service. It should start by an interview process, during which prospective emergency services providers can present their qualifications to the property manager and condominium board of directors. The company that you call will likely be involved in work that affects the property and contents of both the homeowners and the association. Emergencies can often be contentious and sometimes litigious. When selecting your emergency services contractor be sure to choose the company with the requisite experience and knowledge or you may find yourself in not just in water, but hot water.
We have a long and successful history of proven area experience with large losses, including condominium roof replacements and multiple-story high-rise water and fire losses. In virtually all single-event losses, we performed the work with in-house employees and proven subcontractors. On two occasions (a large medical facility in North Ft. Myers and a large law firm that operated from a historic Ft. Myers structure), we brought in a large-loss “partner” which routinely performs work on an international scale. Firewater’s local connections and supervision combined with their resources made for a very successful partnership.
After the last two hurricanes inundated Southwest Florida, the area suffered a second flood: that of the “Storm Chasers” coming in from all areas of the country in the hopes of getting your business. While there are a number of very qualified and capable companies that perform this type of service, there are also be a number of unscrupulous characters looking more to profit than to serve. The best scenario for a condominium association is to hire a firm with a strong local connection, but with the ability to bring in the additional help if needed to provide efficient emergency service.
After hurricanes Charley and Wilma, Firewater collaborated with other emergency service providers from Texas and Cincinnati to dry and repair hundreds of individual units and dozens of condominium properties. These are companies with whom we have a successful and ongoing relationship. When we need them, they will be here.
Helpful Files
