Florida Insurance Council Taking Action for Potential Strike by Hurricane Isabel

FIC is preparing for Hurricane Isabel by coordinating with government agencies, insurance carriers, and grassroots assets.

(PRWEB) September 14, 2003 - The Florida Insurance Council, the states largest not-for-profit association representing Floridas insurance companies, today announced the activation of its catastrophe public awareness program and Partners in Recovery, a milestone catastrophe claims network, to assure quick assistance to hurricane victims. FIC is preparing for Hurricane Isabel by coordinating with government agencies, insurance carriers, and grassroots assets.

Hurricane Isabel is a major threat and Floridas insurance companies are working hard to prepare for the worst case scenario," said Guy Marvin, president of the Florida Insurance Council. FIC is working with federal and state agencies, as well as our member companies until we determine whether or not Hurricane Isabel will strike the United States."

Marvin added that FICs public awareness program serves to inform the media and the public so they can quickly contact their insurance carriers for claim processing and payment. FIC will be working around the clock with member companies to collect pertinent information and distribute it to the public.

Partners in Recovery, the second significant initiative implemented by FIC in the face of a catastrophe, involves critical, close communications with the Florida Insurance Regulation and Emergency Management Departments. If the state Emergency Operations Center is activated, Partners in Recovery will require FIC to staff the insurance seat at the recovery desk, which includes both FEMA and the Division of Emergency Managements Bureau of Recovery and Mitigation. Partners in Recovery is designed to get insurance adjusters into hurricane damaged areas as quickly as possible. Adjusters will provide funds for emergency living expenses and begin processing claims for immediate repairs.

If the worst happens and Hurricane Isabel strikes, then we will dispatch a disaster assement team within hours of landfall providing information on losses to the Division of Emergency Management and the Governors office," added Marvin. We have claims adjusters on alert and prepared to be dispatched to man mobile claims processing centers, which will be located close to emergency evacuation shelters. We will provide the best care we can to alleviate as much anxiety for victims who have lost their homes and property."

FIC has posted on its website additional information on hurricane disasters and disaster management. Visit the FIC website: www.flains.org.

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Florida Insurance Council is Floridas largest not-for-profit trade association representing 59 insurers groups - consisting of 212 companies - which write over $16 billion a year in premium volume and provide all lines of coverage. FIC is the key contact for the insurance community in Florida's landmark Emergency Management-Insurance Community Cooperation Pact, which ensure swift claims handling following a hurricane or other catastrophe.