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Tampa – A priority for many survivors of Hurricane Katrina is getting back into their homes. But experts say there are two things to think about before the first nail is hammered: How can I rebuild to better prepare my home for the next time it’s threatened, and who do I get to do the job?
Fight Fraud
Unfortunately, a catastrophe greatly magnifies the opportunity for fraud and abuse. Don’t be victimized twice. The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) recommends the following steps to protect yourself financially:
- Don’t be pushed into signing a contract right away.
- Get references from contractors and check them out before you sign.
- Get more than one estimate and get everything in writing.
- Never sign a contract with blanks.
- Never pay a contractor in full until the work is complete.
Rebuild a Stronger, Safer Home
The Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) knows how to build stronger, safer homes. Free information is available to help you work with your contractor to build above code with disaster protection from the ground up. There is also information on high wind rated windows, doors and roofing material, as well as ways to add protection to existing homes.
Work With Your Insurer
The property/casualty insurance industry supports both the NICB and IBHS, to help reduce the social and financial impact of disasters. Work with your insurer if you have questions about who to hire or how to rebuild.
Online Resources
National Insurance Crime Bureau - www.nicb.org
NICB is the nation’s premier non-profit organization exclusively committed to fighting insurance fraud and vehicle theft on behalf of its member companies, their policyholders and the general public through investigations, information analysis, training and awareness.
The Institute for Business & Home Safety - www.disastersafety.org
IBHS is a national nonprofit initiative of the insurance industry to reduce deaths, injuries, property damage, economic losses and human suffering caused by natural disasters.
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