Hurricane season has just started, so now is a good time to point out what you should do if one is headed your way. Here are the Top 15 things to consider before a storm hits:

• Restock your emergency preparedness kit. Include food and water sufficient for at least three days, medications, a flashlight, batteries, cash, and first aid supplies.
• Plan how to communicate with family members if you lose power. For example, you can call, text, email or use social media. Remember that during disasters, sending text messages is usually reliable and faster than making phone calls because phone lines are often overloaded.
• Review your evacuation zone, evacuation route and shelter locations. Plan with your family. You may have to leave quickly so plan ahead.
• Review insurance policies and catalog belongings.
• Collect and safeguard critical financial, medical, educational, and legal documents and records. Make copies and safeguard, if you have time.
• Back up electronic data. This is best if done offsite or through cloud storage.
• Pack a “go bag” to bring with you if you have to leave quickly.
• Keep your car in good working condition and keep the gas tank full; stock your vehicle with emergency supplies and a change of clothes.
• Bookmark your city or county website for quick access to storm updates and emergency instructions.
• Bring loose, lightweight objects inside that could become projectiles in high winds (e.g., patio furniture, garbage cans); anchor objects that would be unsafe to bring inside (e.g., propane tanks); and trim or remove trees close enough to fall on the building.
• Consider covering all of your home’s windows. Permanent storm shutters offer the best protection for windows. A second option is to board up windows with 5/8” exterior grade or marine plywood, cut to fit and ready to install.
• Charge your cell phone now so you will have a full battery in case you lose power.
• If you’re not in an area that is recommended for evacuation, plan to stay at home or where you are and let friends and family know where you are.
• Turn your refrigerator or freezer to the coldest setting and open only when necessary. If you lose power, food will last longer.
• Keep a thermometer in the refrigerator to be able to check the food temperature when the power is restored.

If a storm does cause any damage to your property, please reach out to us. We are always here to help.

Winter can bring about various dangers and cause damage to you and your home. Here are some common winter hazards that you should be aware of:

1. Frozen Pipes: Extremely cold temperatures can cause water pipes to freeze and burst. To prevent this, insulate pipes, keep faucets dripping during very cold nights, maintain adequate heating in your home, disconnect exterior hoses in the winter.
2. Ice Dams: Accumulation of ice on the roof can lead to ice dams. These dams can prevent melting snow from draining off the roof, causing water to seep into the home. Adequate insulation and ventilation in the attic can help prevent ice dams. If you think this maybe a problem at your home, consider heat tape for the gutters or over roof soffits.
3. Roof Damage: Heavy snow accumulation on the roof, combined with ice and freezing temperatures, can lead to roof damage. Regularly remove snow from your flat roof to prevent excessive weight and potential frozen scupper/drain boxes and other structural issues.
4. Furnace Issues: Your heating system works harder during the winter, and it’s essential to have it serviced regularly. Change filters, check for leaks, and ensure that the furnace is functioning efficiently.
5. Carbon Monoxide Leaks: Cold weather often leads to increased use of heating appliances, which can increase the risk of carbon monoxide leaks. Ensure that carbon monoxide detectors are installed and functioning correctly.
6. Chimney Fires: If you have a fireplace, it’s crucial to have the chimney inspected and cleaned regularly to prevent the buildup of creosote, which can lead to chimney fires.
7. Power Outages: Winter storms can result in power outages. Have an emergency kit with essentials, such as flashlights, batteries, blankets, and non-perishable food items.
8. Tree Limb Damage: Ice and snow can weigh down tree limbs, leading to breakage. Trim tree limbs that pose a risk to your home. You can minimize these damages by consulting a certified Arborist to advise you on the maintenance of the trees on your property.
9. Gutter Issues: Clogged gutters can lead to ice dams and water damage. Consider installing gutter guards to prevent debris buildup and heat tape to eliminate ice buildup. Inspect the angle of your gutter to ensure proper drainage.

Regular maintenance and preparation can help minimize the risks associated with winter weather and protect your home from potential damage.

I’m not sure if you heard about the Franklin Street fire in Doylestown. There were four families affected by this tragedy and Property Adjustment Corporation is handling all of the claims.­

Unfortunately, one those impacted was the mother of our very own Samantha who’s  mother’s childhood home that was connected to the twin where it originated. Nothing is salvageable and both will likely have to come down.

Thankfully everyone is safe included all the pets that had to be rescued.

The upside: they are all in amazing hands now. Everything is under control and running smoothly.  We met with Fire Marshall, fire investigators, restorations company for emergency services, insurance company and adjusters for dwelling & contents, etc.

We also assisted with temporary housing and all families are in a hotel until longer term housing can be found.

I can’t even begin to explain how much is involved when a tragedy like this happens.

All of these families now have peace knowing Property Adjustment will be their voice! They have all expressed over and over how they couldn’t imagine doing this themselves.

I wanted to share a few pictures from all the claims.

Heavy storms blew through our area this week causing unfortunate damage. As you assess the condition of your home and those of your neighbors, remember that we are here to assist you.

Let us deal directly with the insurance company. Spare yourself the time and aggravation of handling the claim yourself. Our professional staff is available to assist you 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, with every aspect of the claim process.

Since 1989, we have settled millions of dollars in property damage claims for our clients. Each member of our team of licensed and accredited adjusters brings more than 20 years of experience to your claim. We are experts in assessing property damage, interpreting insurance policies, and helping you receive the best and fair settlement.

It’s been a little bit of time since April Storms ripped through our area.

The office phone began ringing like crazy with homeowners that were not aware of Property Adjustment Corporation at the time of the storm and instinctively called their Insurance Company immediately after the storm.

These homeowners waited several weeks just to have a roaming storm adjuster from another part of the country come out look at their damages, only to send them an estimate to repair their home close to the policy’s deductible. Now they want us to fix it and help get them what it will really cost to repair their home.

Property Adjustment Corporation has exceeded expectations with the settlements we have been obtaining for our clients – like the recently settled claim where the family was told their damages didn’t exceed the policy deductible and I got over $60,000 for a simple wind loss.

A great outcome is more probable when we have been controlling the claim from the onset. The good news is that most times we can fix it, but it is a lot more work than if we were handling the claim from the beginning. We must charge a little more for the difficulty. It’s always better to let us handle your claim from the start.

By Kevin Kaufmann

Recently I was asked “What’s the difference between you, a public adjuster, and an adjuster from my insurance company?” I thought for a bit and answered, “If you want your roof patched after the windstorm then call your insurance company, if you want a new roof call me. You are entitled to both, but the choice is yours.”

You may not realize it at the time, but the decisions you make hours and even days after your home has experienced sudden and traumatic damage can affect your quality of life for years. That is because insurance adjusters work for the insurance company and are looking out for the company’s financial interests. Their job is to literally help the insurer spend as little as possible while still honoring the policy.  If that’s the case, then who is looking out for your interests? That is where a public adjuster like Property Adjustment Corporation (PAC) comes in.

What is a Public Adjuster?

A public adjuster is an insurance professional who works for the policy holder to help settle an insurance claim for property loss or damage. Public adjusters have no relationship with the insurance company and legally represents the policyholder (that’s you!). At PAC for example, we aid and assist our clients to make the right choices in handling their homeowner’s insurance claim, which results in the highest possible settlement.

An Example of What PAC Does

Say your home has fire damage, Property Adjustment Corporation can help you find fire damage professionals that will clean and secure your home for the rebuild paying careful attention to your

salvageable belongings. We will help arrange for suitable accommodations for your family and pets while your home is cleaned and rebuilt. Our trained staff will sift through the burnt debris to carefully prepare a detailed itemized list of your personal property to present to your insurance company. We will leave no item unaccounted, pricing your belongings at today’s market cost. Finally, our estimators will produce your own structural rebuild estimate for the insurance company based on your policy coverage.

Why Time Matters

Although we often help home and business owners after their insurance says their claim is not covered or offers too little to fix their property, sometimes it is not always possible. If the damages were presented incorrectly or something is said that goes against how the policy works, we may not be able to save the claim. To better your odds of success, get us involved immediately after the damage occurs.

Our assessments of damages are free of charge and without obligation, so why not let us see if we can help.

So, that is the difference between a public insurance adjuster and an insurance company’s adjuster – one is looking out for your interests, the other is looking out for the company’s. Our slogan at Property Adjustment Corporation is: “We Make Things Right.”  We explain your rights and coverage to you and keep your insurance company accountable, every step of the way. And, if you have any questions or concerns throughout your claim process, your adjuster is only a phone call away. And feel free to contact us and schedule a free damage inspection and policy review.

Kevin Kaufmann has earned the distinction S.P.P.A. Senior Professional Public Adjuster, having founded Property Adjustment Corporation in 1990. Kevin is certified in Property Claims and Commercial Fire Coverage and is trained in Commercial Building Restoration. He is a licensed public adjuster in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Maryland, Delaware, North Carolina, and Florida and is an active member of the National Association of Public Adjuster as well as the Mid-Atlantic Association of Public Adjusters.