The effects of a natural disaster are never predictable, especially when business owners or homeowners are unprepared for the devastation caused by a fire, hurricane, or other natural disaster. Many efforts can be put in place to either prepare for a natural disaster or ease the recovery process once devastation has occurred. Many non-profit organizations and associations have gathered to help victims of natural disasters recover from severe losses. One network in particular, the Insurance Information Network of California (IINC), is taking great measures to aid those deeply affected by or at risk for loss from a natural disaster.
Educating Consumers and Business Owners
Members of the IINC are comprised of both commercial and personal lines insurers who conduct business in California. IINC provides objective information about the insurance industry to consumers in California on a daily basis. Their goal includes educating consumers on safety and enhancing consumers’ understanding of insurance.
As part of their ongoing efforts to inform consumers of important insurance issues and concerns, the IINC developed a free electronic toolkit to help victims of the Angora wildfire – which burned more than 3000 acres and destroyed or damaged more than 200 structures in June 2007 – better understand insurance, organize a home or business inventory, prepare an evacuation plan and create defensible space around their homes or businesses.
The Business Insurance Toolkit
The toolkit includes a disc titled Prepare, Survive, Recover in which articles, videos and website links are provided for consumers to access important information on preparing for devastating natural disasters as well as advice for recovering from disasters like the Angora wildfire.
Along with the Prepare, Survive, Recover disc, the toolkit also includes free home inventory software. Homeowners and business owners alike can utilize the software to conduct an inventory analysis of their home or business. The major benefit that this software provides is the ability for homeowners and businesses to use their inventory to gauge the appropriate amount of insurance needed. Plus, the inventory will serve as an important recovery tool in the event of a loss.
To obtain a free toolkit or to find more information on this subject or related topics, visit www.iinc.org. Consumer tips and advice are also available on the IINC podcast, “IINC Spots” at www.iincspots.com.
Print | posted on Monday, October 06, 2008 1:07 PM