Meteorologists predict that the 2011 hurricane season will be more active than in previous years. Read this article.
Now's the time to send out a news release on the need for a home inventory -- if you live in a hurricane area.
Showing posts with label Hurricane. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Hurricane. Show all posts
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
The Aftermath of Ike: The Need for Home Inventory Services
This is a news release I wrote -- this one is geared towards home inventory service professionals who live in areas outside of Texas (i.e., Louisiana, Florida, South Carolina, Georgia, etc.)
HURRICANE IKE VICTIMS MAY BE REVICTIMIZED BY INSURANCE COMPANIES
Hurricane Ike has come and gone, leaving billions of dollars of destruction in its wake. The state and federal government will pay to fix the damage to the infrastructure of Texas and Louisiana; small and large businesses will file insurance claims to cover their losses. That leaves the individual homeowners. They too will file their insurance claims -- the first step in a slow process of recovery. But while many businesses have "business interruption" coverage to help them cover costs in the meantime, individuals do not.
Insurance companies will dispatch their mobile disaster claim units to Texas, and the first thing the customer service representatives and agents will ask for is documentation of the loss.
For those that are quickly able to produce a comprehensive home inventory, processing the claim will begin almost immediately. For those without one, the process has just begun. They must begin to compile an inventory -- a difficult experience for shell-shocked survivors whose homes may have washed away or been reduced to a pile of rubble. Some may have to rely on their memories to reconstruct a record of their belongings. Others will have to slosh through their flood-ravaged homes to compile a record. In the absence of documentation or proof of ownership of the goods claimed, much of their claim may be denied.
"Your heart goes out to those who have already suffered the loss, and then must wait to start putting their lives back together because they can't prove what they've lost," says Bridget Brooks, editor of THISmagazine, a trade journal for home inventory service professionals. "For those who live in many hurricane-prone areas, it's not a matter of IF, but WHEN something will happen."
While many survivors of hurricanes will tell you "It's just stuff -- and stuff can be replaced," the hard reality is that many of them will receive an insurance settlement that is only a fraction of their loss, due to inadequate documentation.
For example, you may have just purchased a brand-new, 42" high-definition flat screen television for your living room. But if your home is swept out to sea in a hurricane, the insurance company may only pay to replace a "standard" television (at 1/3 to 1/2 the cost you paid) in the absence of proof of your purchase.
A comprehensive home inventory -- updated regularly -- is the only way to facilitate speedy, comprehensive payment of your claim. And while it's true that anyone can compile a home inventory, the harsh reality is that fewer than half of all homeowners actually have one.
A news release from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) reports that 48% of all consumers do not have any kind of an inventory. Further: "Of those consumers who reported having a checklist, 32 percent had not taken any pictures and 58 percent had no receipts validating the cost of their possessions. In addition, 44 percent of respondents acknowledged that they had not stored their inventory in a remote location," the survey found.
"When you live in a hurricane-prone area, not having a home inventory is just foolish," says Brooks. "We all hope that hurricanes don't hit, but if -- and when -- they do, you'd better be prepared. Prepare an emergency plan; prepare an evacuation plan; and most of all, prepare a home inventory -- or contact a professional who can compile one for you."
Brooks notes that the cost of a professionally-prepared home inventory ranges from $99 to $500, depending on the size of the home and the detail involved in the inventory (special collections and extensive belongings require more time to compile).
HURRICANE IKE VICTIMS MAY BE REVICTIMIZED BY INSURANCE COMPANIES
Hurricane Ike has come and gone, leaving billions of dollars of destruction in its wake. The state and federal government will pay to fix the damage to the infrastructure of Texas and Louisiana; small and large businesses will file insurance claims to cover their losses. That leaves the individual homeowners. They too will file their insurance claims -- the first step in a slow process of recovery. But while many businesses have "business interruption" coverage to help them cover costs in the meantime, individuals do not.
Insurance companies will dispatch their mobile disaster claim units to Texas, and the first thing the customer service representatives and agents will ask for is documentation of the loss.
For those that are quickly able to produce a comprehensive home inventory, processing the claim will begin almost immediately. For those without one, the process has just begun. They must begin to compile an inventory -- a difficult experience for shell-shocked survivors whose homes may have washed away or been reduced to a pile of rubble. Some may have to rely on their memories to reconstruct a record of their belongings. Others will have to slosh through their flood-ravaged homes to compile a record. In the absence of documentation or proof of ownership of the goods claimed, much of their claim may be denied.
"Your heart goes out to those who have already suffered the loss, and then must wait to start putting their lives back together because they can't prove what they've lost," says Bridget Brooks, editor of THISmagazine, a trade journal for home inventory service professionals. "For those who live in many hurricane-prone areas, it's not a matter of IF, but WHEN something will happen."
While many survivors of hurricanes will tell you "It's just stuff -- and stuff can be replaced," the hard reality is that many of them will receive an insurance settlement that is only a fraction of their loss, due to inadequate documentation.
For example, you may have just purchased a brand-new, 42" high-definition flat screen television for your living room. But if your home is swept out to sea in a hurricane, the insurance company may only pay to replace a "standard" television (at 1/3 to 1/2 the cost you paid) in the absence of proof of your purchase.
A comprehensive home inventory -- updated regularly -- is the only way to facilitate speedy, comprehensive payment of your claim. And while it's true that anyone can compile a home inventory, the harsh reality is that fewer than half of all homeowners actually have one.
A news release from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) reports that 48% of all consumers do not have any kind of an inventory. Further: "Of those consumers who reported having a checklist, 32 percent had not taken any pictures and 58 percent had no receipts validating the cost of their possessions. In addition, 44 percent of respondents acknowledged that they had not stored their inventory in a remote location," the survey found.
"When you live in a hurricane-prone area, not having a home inventory is just foolish," says Brooks. "We all hope that hurricanes don't hit, but if -- and when -- they do, you'd better be prepared. Prepare an emergency plan; prepare an evacuation plan; and most of all, prepare a home inventory -- or contact a professional who can compile one for you."
Brooks notes that the cost of a professionally-prepared home inventory ranges from $99 to $500, depending on the size of the home and the detail involved in the inventory (special collections and extensive belongings require more time to compile).
Friday, December 7, 2007
2008 CSU Hurricane Forecast Released
U.S. forecasters are predicting seven hurricanes for the 2008 season:
Researchers from Colorado State University's hurricane team predicted that 13 tropical storms will develop in the 2008 Atlantic hurricane season (June 1-November 30, 2008), of which seven would strengthen into hurricanes. They are predicting a "somewhat above-average" hurricane season for 2008.
This is another opportunity for home inventory service professionals to tie into national publicity. Contact your local media and offer to be a local angle for the story -- about how hurricane season might be six months off, but you can't be prepared too early ... and how more common "disasters" (such as fires and burglary) also provide motivation to get an inventory done.
My 16-page special report on "Getting Publicity for Your Home Inventory Service Business" includes a hurricane news release. You can purchase for $10 using the link below and the report will be delivered to you immediately. The special report also has information about how to build your media list, what to put in your media kit, ideas for what to write about in your news releases, sections you can target in your local newspaper, 12 timely news release topics, and 20 reasons to send a news release.
http://payloadz.com/go/sip?id=357385
Researchers from Colorado State University's hurricane team predicted that 13 tropical storms will develop in the 2008 Atlantic hurricane season (June 1-November 30, 2008), of which seven would strengthen into hurricanes. They are predicting a "somewhat above-average" hurricane season for 2008.
This is another opportunity for home inventory service professionals to tie into national publicity. Contact your local media and offer to be a local angle for the story -- about how hurricane season might be six months off, but you can't be prepared too early ... and how more common "disasters" (such as fires and burglary) also provide motivation to get an inventory done.
My 16-page special report on "Getting Publicity for Your Home Inventory Service Business" includes a hurricane news release. You can purchase for $10 using the link below and the report will be delivered to you immediately. The special report also has information about how to build your media list, what to put in your media kit, ideas for what to write about in your news releases, sections you can target in your local newspaper, 12 timely news release topics, and 20 reasons to send a news release.
http://payloadz.com/go/sip?id
Friday, July 13, 2007
Using News Releases to Generate Visibility
The start of hurricane season is an excellent opportunity for home inventory specialists in the coastal regions to write and distribute a news release reminding homeowners that as they prepare, they should have a home inventory.
Remember, in a news release, the focus is on NEWS & INFORMATION (not SELF-PROMOTION), so the angle of it is "Here's some tips on conducting your own inventory." If you have a relationship with an insurance agent, ask them if you can quote them too about the need for an inventory and having their coverage up to date (they'll like the promotional opportunity to be mentioned too).
Throw in a couple of stats (The Insurance Information Institute has some good ones) plus you can quote the hurricane forecast for this year.
At the end of the release, offer photo or video opportunities to show how an inventory should be conducted. You can also direct them to your website for a free list of tips for compiling their own inventory, or a sample of an inventory. (Be sure to have these on your website if you're going to offer them! *smile*).
Here's the Press Release (as filled in by John Sample, owner of Sample Home Inventory Service). You, of course, would fill in your relevant information, and make up your own quote.
If you'd like a copy of the News Release in Microsoft Word format (ready to insert your information), please e-mail me at NebraskaInventory@yahoo.com. (The Word format also includes the two attachments -- "Relevant Facts" and "Items to Inventory.")
You'll want to customize the City/State and contact information with your own data, of course!! The Word format makes that easy. (I've highlighted all the information you need to change in Red on the Word file.)
===================================================
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: John Sample, Home Inventory Specialist
Phone Number: 402.555.4663
HURRICANE PREPARATION DOESN'T END WITH BOARDS AND NAILS
As Tampa residents prepare for what is forecasted to be an above-average hurricane season, experts say one thing on the to-do list should be a home inventory.
A home inventory is vital for many reasons. When you make an insurance claim for lost, stolen, or damaged property, you are required to provide a list of affected items, including the quantity, description, and value of each item. You'll also need copies of bills or receipts or other documentation to support your claim. Even if a loss isn't covered by insurance, you'll need proof to substantiate your loss on your tax return.
"Relying on your memory during the stressful time following a catastrophe can be an expensive mistake," says John Sample, a home inventory specialist with Sample Home Inventory Services in Tampa. "Not only are you likely to forget something, but you also need to provide proof of ownership to your insurance company."
"You will only be compensated for your loss based on the proof you provide. Some individuals have been shocked when they received only 30-50% of the value of their insured loss because they could not provide proof," Sample added.
Although hurricanes are one threat, a more realistic danger to residents comes from more mundane causes: burglary, fires, and non-catastrophic storms. Conducting a home inventory can provide peace of mind. It's also probably required by your insurance policy.
Sample provides tips on conducting an inventory:
"We encourage people to do their own inventories," says Sample. "But many people don't have the time -- and some people like the security that a third-party inventory offers."
Sample offers a free do-it-yourself checklist on their website, www.samplehomeinventory.com, plus an example of a completed home inventory.
The start of hurricane season provides Tampa residents with a good reminder to conduct -- or update -- their home inventory.
"Better to be safe than sorry," says Sample. "We hope you won't need it, but if you do, you'll be glad you did! Nothing can replace your stuff, but getting new stuff faster -- without as much hassle -- is sure worth it!"
* * *
MEDIA NOTE: If you are interested in video or photo opportunities showing how a home inventory is conducted, please contact John Sample at 402.555.4663.
===================================================
A few more notes:
Remember, in a news release, the focus is on NEWS & INFORMATION (not SELF-PROMOTION), so the angle of it is "Here's some tips on conducting your own inventory." If you have a relationship with an insurance agent, ask them if you can quote them too about the need for an inventory and having their coverage up to date (they'll like the promotional opportunity to be mentioned too).
Throw in a couple of stats (The Insurance Information Institute has some good ones) plus you can quote the hurricane forecast for this year.
At the end of the release, offer photo or video opportunities to show how an inventory should be conducted. You can also direct them to your website for a free list of tips for compiling their own inventory, or a sample of an inventory. (Be sure to have these on your website if you're going to offer them! *smile*).
Here's the Press Release (as filled in by John Sample, owner of Sample Home Inventory Service). You, of course, would fill in your relevant information, and make up your own quote.
If you'd like a copy of the News Release in Microsoft Word format (ready to insert your information), please e-mail me at NebraskaInventory@yahoo.com. (The Word format also includes the two attachments -- "Relevant Facts" and "Items to Inventory.")
You'll want to customize the City/State and contact information with your own data, of course!! The Word format makes that easy. (I've highlighted all the information you need to change in Red on the Word file.)
===================================================
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: John Sample, Home Inventory Specialist
Phone Number: 402.555.4663
HURRICANE PREPARATION DOESN'T END WITH BOARDS AND NAILS
As Tampa residents prepare for what is forecasted to be an above-average hurricane season, experts say one thing on the to-do list should be a home inventory.
A home inventory is vital for many reasons. When you make an insurance claim for lost, stolen, or damaged property, you are required to provide a list of affected items, including the quantity, description, and value of each item. You'll also need copies of bills or receipts or other documentation to support your claim. Even if a loss isn't covered by insurance, you'll need proof to substantiate your loss on your tax return.
"Relying on your memory during the stressful time following a catastrophe can be an expensive mistake," says John Sample, a home inventory specialist with Sample Home Inventory Services in Tampa. "Not only are you likely to forget something, but you also need to provide proof of ownership to your insurance company."
"You will only be compensated for your loss based on the proof you provide. Some individuals have been shocked when they received only 30-50% of the value of their insured loss because they could not provide proof," Sample added.
Although hurricanes are one threat, a more realistic danger to residents comes from more mundane causes: burglary, fires, and non-catastrophic storms. Conducting a home inventory can provide peace of mind. It's also probably required by your insurance policy.
Sample provides tips on conducting an inventory:
- Take One Room at a Time. Make a list of each item in the room. Be as detailed as possible. Open drawers, closets, and built-in cabinets. Also record the contents of under-bed storage boxes and "hope" or cedar chests.
- Be Thorough. Don't forget the garage, storage shed, and attic. Often-forgotten items include sports equipment, lawn gear, and barbeque grills. (See the attached list of "Items to Inventory.")
- Record All the Vital Statistics. Include the item description, manufacturer or brand name, color, and model and/or serial number. Be as detailed as possible, recording the quantity of items -- for example, "Borsheim's charm bracelet, with eight sterling silver charms: horse, butterfly, birthday cake, star, angel, flip-flop shoe, baby rattle, and tennis racket." Also include a description of where or how the item was obtained, and the date of purchase or age of the item. Include a receipt or other proof of purchase, showing cost. List the current value and/or replacement cost (if known). Attach a photocopy of any appraisals for items that may have increased in value since purchase (i.e., antiques).
- Photograph or Videotape Your Possessions. Photos or a VHS video or DVD will help show ownership and condition of the item as of the date of the inventory. Take a photo of the daily newspaper or hold up a copy of the paper in the video to substantiate the date.
- Update Your Inventory at Least Once a Year. Already have an inventory? Remember to add in all those new items you've purchased in the last year. And don't forget to remove items you no longer own.
- Keep A Copy of Your Inventory Off-Site. If your home burns down, it won't do you any good to have your inventory in your desk drawer. Mail a copy of your inventory to a trusted friend or relative living elsewhere in the U.S.
"We encourage people to do their own inventories," says Sample. "But many people don't have the time -- and some people like the security that a third-party inventory offers."
Sample offers a free do-it-yourself checklist on their website, www.samplehomeinventory.com, plus an example of a completed home inventory.
The start of hurricane season provides Tampa residents with a good reminder to conduct -- or update -- their home inventory.
"Better to be safe than sorry," says Sample. "We hope you won't need it, but if you do, you'll be glad you did! Nothing can replace your stuff, but getting new stuff faster -- without as much hassle -- is sure worth it!"
* * *
MEDIA NOTE: If you are interested in video or photo opportunities showing how a home inventory is conducted, please contact John Sample at 402.555.4663.
===================================================
A few more notes:
- Create your own Do-It-Yourself sheet, or link to one of the ones available on the Internet (search "Home Inventory Sheet"). Don't worry that the do-it-yourself option will cannibalize your business. Just reading about how much work an inventory is will make your phone ring!
- Add an e-mail capture box on your website -- using Constant Contact (Click here to try their Do-It-Yourself Email Marketing for free!) is an easy-to-use and inexpensive option to gather e-mails. Then, you can send a monthly newsletter to everyone on your mailing list. Prospects will turn into paying clients over time, and you'll be able to keep in touch with existing clients too. (Constant Contact also offers great templates -- for seasonal promotions and more!). They might download the free inventory sheet and sign up for your e-mail list. Six out of 10 of them STILL won't do their own inventory, but the monthly reminder from you ... after a few months ... will either get them to call you, or be a constant reminder that they still have this important item on their to-do list!
- Create a "sample" inventory to post on your site. Include real items but change the serial numbers (and, of course, don't include any real names or addresses in the contact information!) If you haven't had your first client yet, you should conduct 3-4 inventories first anyway (your own home, family and friends). Use one of these.
- If you get coverage (article in paper, radio mention, TV interview), promote it on your website -- "As seen on [Channel 7]" or link to the articles (or scan the article and put it up as a .JPG or .PDF). Include any articles with future news releases. Publicity begets publicity.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
