7 Storm Recovery Tips from a TASB Property Claims Expert

On July 8, 2024, Hurricane Beryl hammered the Gulf Coast. Winds approached 100 miles per hour. The storm dumped up to 10 inches of rain, causing widespread flooding and forcing Danbury ISD to close all campuses and cancel student activities for the week.

Barbara Sharp, the district’s CFO, credits TASB Property Claims Adjuster Kim Shelly with helping the district return to normal operations quickly, without the need to relocate students.

“Kim knew the challenges we faced as a school district,” said Barbara. “She responded to inquiries quickly. She helped secure approvals so vendors could begin work quickly. She even helped us navigate the FEMA reimbursement process.”

Kim brings nearly four decades of property claims experience to her relationship with Fund members. Her expertise helps members navigate the challenges that follow major weather events.

Kim shared seven things members should do in the aftermath of a weather-related emergency.

1. Watch for Hazards

It’s natural to want to get inside your facilities as soon as possible to assess the damage, but be careful. Wait for roads to clear, and stay alert for hazards like debris, and fallen trees. Stay extra aware of downed power lines. Flooded facilities combined with electricity can cause serious or fatal injuries.

Pro Tip

Before you enter a facility with water, ask the electric company to shut the electricity off.

2. Protect Against Further Damage

Work with professionals trained to help you safely:

• Take photos of the damage.
• Board up broken windows, holes in walls, and leaking roofs.
• Cover equipment, furniture, and other property inside your facilities with heavy duty plastic or tarp.
• Move unharmed property away from the area.

3. Make a List of Damaged Items

Include descriptions, manufacturers, models, and serial numbers if available. Your online property schedule should include most of this information. Don’t throw damaged property away. The Fund might need it to evaluate your losses.

Key term: Property schedule

A schedule is a comprehensive list of your organization’s property, vehicles, and mobile equipment. For example, property schedules capture details such as facility location, age, square footage, roof type, and replacement cost. Maintaining accurate schedules before a storm helps streamline recovery afterward. Fund members leverage the Resolver platform to streamline schedule maintenance.

4. Use Caution on Roofs

When it comes to hail, Texas tops the country, and roofs are every school’s first line of defense. In fact, hail-damaged roofs consistently account for the lion’s share of claims filed by Fund members with Property coverage.

Roofs should be inspected for damage after storms but remember: Anyone who inspects roofs must know how to protect themselves from hazards like falls, slips, trips, electrical shocks, chemical exposure, and extreme temperatures. If you don’t have staff who are trained to do the job safely, notify your TASB adjuster and we will arrange your inspection.

Pro Tip

Stains on ceiling tiles might indicate a roof leak that could cause additional damage if left unaddressed.

5. File a Claim Promptly

The Fund encourages members to report damage promptly, even when losses appear minor. Delayed reporting could increase costs of damage and impact coverage. The Fund will arrange a thorough inspection and prompt repairs to minimize operational disruptions. Report claims online or by phone at 800-482-7276.

Pro Tip

If there is evidence that your vehicles sustained water damage, please do not attempt to move them. We will arrange for an inspection after you report a claim.

6. Start Repairs

The Fund encourages members to mitigate damage quickly. You don’t have to wait for your adjuster to arrange a damage inspection before starting repairs. You can streamline the claims process by collecting relevant documentation such as videos, photos, passenger lists, police reports, damage estimates, medical, or legal notices.

7. Make Your Adjuster Your First Call

The Fund’s property team is strategically located across the state to better serve members. The team brings decades of experience helping members return to normal operations after fires, hailstorms, hurricanes, and other emergencies.

Contact your adjuster if you have questions or concerns and if you need advance payment to pay contractors during the construction period. Early communication and prompt action can help reduce disruption and speed recovery after severe weather events.

Recovery Starts with Preparation

Severe weather can disrupt operations in an instant, but the actions taken in the hours and days that follow can make a significant difference. By staying safe, documenting damage, and reporting claims promptly, Fund members help protect their people, property, and operations. When questions arise, your TASB adjuster is ready to provide guidance and support throughout the recovery process.