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1 Miami:305-595-9595orNationwide:1-800-211-0434PrimeStatePublicAdjusters,Inc.www.primestateadjusters.com

DISASTER READY

Children’s Educational Book


Dear Friend:PrimeState Public Adjusters, Inc. has been successfully serving many states throughout the country providing their communities with the best public adjusting service that has ever been offered. Our clients choose PrimeState Public Adjusters not only for the fairest settlements we are able to obtain, but also for our high ethical standards and genuine caring attitude.Being that our headquarters are located in the State of Florida, we have been greatly affected by hurricanes and other, sometimes deadly natural disasters which makes our adjusters experts, qualified to handle complicated insurance claims, and get our clients the settlement they are entitled. In an attempt to show our appreciation for the ongoing support as well as trust from our existing clients, we are happy to provide you with this guide in the hopes that it will help you to be better prepared before and after a catastrophic event. PrimeState Public Adjusters is concerned with the safety of your family and this guide will assist you in dealing not only with the physical aspects of a hurricane, but also the psychological effects that may arise during what could very well be a difficult time. We at PrimeState Public Adjusters would like to thank our clients for continuing their faithfulness to our service. Client patronage and complete satisfaction is our main goal, and it is with deep gratitude that we now offer you this guide, wishing it will help you to better protect your home and your family. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at any of the numbers below so that one of our adjusters may assist you. Your friend,

Mabel Jimenez, Primary AdjusterPrimeState Public Adjusters, Inc.

Author:Scott Sevin

Illustrations by:7-Dippity, Inc.

Thank you to NOAA for the pictures of Hurricane Andrew and Hurricane Hugo.

Custom created for PrimeState Public Adjusters, Inc. by 7-Dippity, Inc.© Copyright 2001, 7-Dippity, Inc., 1313 Ponce De Blvd., Suite 301, Coral Gables, FL 33134.No part of this book may be reproduced without written permission. All rights reserved.

127 Grand Avenue, Coral Gables, Florida 33133Phone: (305) 595-9595; Fax: (305) 448-8181; Email: [email protected]; www.primestateadjusters.com

Naples: (239) 775-4300; Jacksonville: (904) 268-1010; Port Charlotte: (941) 255-9595

1-800-211-0434


Inland MarineFlooding

VandalismCollapseTornado

Pipe BurstBusiness Interruption

SinkholeHurricane

Falling Object

Toxic MoldLightning

FireVehicle

BurglaryTransit/Cargo

WaterBlasting

Supplemental ClaimRoof Leak

Other

WHAT IS A PUBLIC ADJUSTER?

A public adjuster is someone who is licensed to represent a person or company in an insurance claim with their insurance company. Public adjusters know all about insurance laws and help people save time and effort during the often difficult and long process of dealing with their insurance company

Being a public adjuster is very exciting. Every day and every case is different. You get to meet many new and interesting people. Best of all, you get the satisfaction of seeing the results of a job well done. My greatest reward is the smiles from people I’ve helped, who thank me sometimes give me candy and cake to show their appreciation.

Public Adjusters work with many kinds of insurance claims. Some of the claims we work with include damages that are caused deliberately by people, such as burglary and vandalism. Other damages that can be caused by people, but not on purpose, include pipe burst and fire.

A majority of the insurance claims we see in South Florida are not caused by people, but rather by nature itself. Severe weather events such as hurricanes, tornadoes, floods and lightning account for almost all of our weather-related insurance claims. Sometimes, if the damage is widespread, these events can turn into a disaster.


There are many kinds of “natural disasters.” Natural disasters are large, damaging events caused by forces of nature that mankind cannot control. A natural disaster can cause great destruction and death. Some events in nature that can cause a natural disaster are:

FLOODA great flow or overflow of water on land not usually covered by water.

LIGHTNINGA violent burst of electricity that kills stupid golfers out on their golf course while playing their beloved game which they claim is a sport, but isn’t.

HURRICANE A large, organized storm with a pronounced counterclockwise circulation around a calm center with surface winds of 74 mph or more.

TORNADOLocalized violent circular windstorm that occurs over land and is usually characterized by a long funnel shaped cloud.


While people cannot prevent a natural disaster, they can take precautions that will minimize loss of life and property.

One of the deadliest natural disasters people face living in South Florida is the hurricane.

HURRICANE HUGO ON SEPTEMBER 21, 1989

Wind directioncounterclockwise

Eye(calm center)

Wall cloudsDense concentration of thunder storms organized in circular band around the center (contains strongest winds and heaviest rain)


The word “hurricane” comes from the early Spanish and Indians who thought the “big winds” were sent by evil spirits. Hurricanes form over warm water, generally in the summer, when the oceans are at their warmest. Hurricanes are called typhoons or cyclones in other parts of the world. Although it is not fully known how a hurricane forms or what exactly triggers development, meteorologists do have some idea how they start.

THE BIRTH OF A HURRICANE

A. The sun warms the ocean.B. The warm seawater evaporates.C. Water vapor condenses into clouds; it rains.D. The energy that drives the hurricane becomes available to the storm

when it rains. When it rains, heat is released into the atmosphere and causes the hurricane to get stronger.

E. Winds are driven toward the center or “eye” of the hurricane. The water vapor generated by evaporation is the fuel that drives the hurricane.


Meteorologists are people who study climate and weather. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the National Hurricane Center, in Miami, keep a close watch on major storms. They use weather satellites, radar stations, weather balloons, computer models, ship reports and hurricane hunting aircraft to track and predict where a hurricane will go.


In order for people to understand how bad an approaching hurricane will be, scientists have put the storms into categories according to wind speed.

The charts below are based on the Saffir-Simpson scale. All winds speeds are based on a sustained 1-minute average.

HURRICANE CATEGORY BY WIND SPEED

CATEGORY WIND SPEED1 74-95 MPH2 96-110 MPH3 111-130 MPH4 131-155 MPH5 ABOVE 155 MPH

HURRICANE DAMAGE ESTIMATE

CATEGORY 1 MINIMALCATEGORY 2 MODERATECATEGORY 3 EXTENSIVECATEGORY 4 EXTREMECATEGORY 5 CATASTROPHIC


HURRICANE SEASON

The Atlantic hurricane season begins June 1 and ends November 30. August and September have historically been the worst months for major hurricanes in the Atlantic Ocean. Hurricanes that affect South Florida form in the warm waters of the Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea.

NAMING HURRICANES

Before the 20th Century, hurricanes were reported by latitude and longitude (position on a map) where they were spotted. Sometimes they were given short code words like “Able” or “Baker.” Often this became very confusing. In 1953, weathermen began to identify hurricanes using the names of women. In 1979, men’s names were added to the alphabetical listing of storm names.

COSTLIEST U.S. HURRICANES

Hurricane Year Category Damages

HUGO (SC) 1989 4 7,000,000,000

ANDREW (SE FL/SE LA) 1992 5 26,500,000,000

ALLISON (N TX) 2001 TS 5,000,000,000

CHARLEY (SW FL) 2004 4 15,113,000,000

FRANCES (FL) 2004 2 9,507,000,000

IVAN (AL/NW FL) 2004 3 18,800,000,000

JEANNE (FL) 2004 3 6,900,000,000

KATRINA (SE FL, LA, MS) 2005 3 $108,000,000,000

RITA (SW LA, N TX) 2005 3 12,037,000,000

WILMA (S FL) 2005 3 21,007,000,000

IKE (TX, LA) 2008 2 29,520,000,000

IRENE (East U.S.) 2011 3 15,8000,000,000

SANDY (East U.S.)* 2012 2 71,000,000,000

* Hurricane Sandy cost is estimatedOther Hurricanes which caused a severe amount of costly damages are Frances, Hugo, Jeanne & Allison.


IMPORTANT WEATHER TERMS:

Tropical Wave:Westward moving trough of low pressure that usually contains cloudiness and thunderstorms.

Tropical Disturbance:An area of clouds and thunderstorms that maintains its identity for 24 hours.

Tropical Depression:An organized system of clouds and thunderstorms with a well defined circulation and a constant surface wind speed of 38 mph or less.

Tropical Storm:An organized system of strong thunderstorms with a well defined center of circulation and sustained winds between 39-73 mph.

Hurricane:An intense tropical weather system with a pronounced circulation and a calm center (eye) with surface winds of 74 mph or more.

Tropical Storm Watch:An announcement meaning tropical storm conditions (winds 39-73 mph) are possible in the watch area within 24-36 hours.

Tropical Storm Warning:A warning that a tropical storm is expected in the warning area within 24 hours.

Hurricane Watch:Issued when hurricane conditions (sustained surface winds of at least 74 mph) are possible within 24 to 36 hours.

Hurricane Warning:Means hurricane conditions are expected in the warning area in less than 24 hours.

Hurricane Warning Flag


WHAT CAN HAPPEN IN A HURRICANE

Heavy RainMany inches of rain can be expected, sometimes over a foot.

FloodingHeavy rains from a hurricane can cause devastating flooding well inland from where a storm hits the coast.

High WindsSustained winds can range from over 74 mph to well over 155 mph, with higher gusts.

Storm SurgeThe storm surge is a large dome of water that sweeps across the coastline usually right before the eye of the hurricane. It is the result of the winds of the storm, and may be from 8 to 20 feet high or more. The storm surge can be the deadliest part of a hurricane.

TornadoesAs a hurricane moves ashore, it may spawn many tornadoes. These tornadoes can cause as bad, if not worse damage, than the hurricane itself.

Eye of the StormThe eye of a hurricane is the calm area at the center of the storm. Never go outside if the eye passes over you. The backside of the storm can have stronger winds than the front.


What to do if a HURRICANE WATCH is issued:

• Listen to your radio and TV for official bulletins of the storm’s progress.• Review your evacuation plans.• Fuel and service all automobiles.• Prepare to cover all windows with plywood or hurricane shutters.• Prepare to bring lawn furniture, outside toys and other loose, lightweight objects

such as garbage cans, garden tools, ornaments, etc. indoors.• Have on hand an extra supply of cash.• If you own a boat, find safe harbor immediately.• Place a copy of your insurance policy and other important papers in waterproof,

plastic bags. • Keep PrimeState Public. Adjusters. Inc.’s information on hand.

Make sure your family has enough of these items to last one week or more:1. Non-electric can opener2. Waterproof matches3. Non-perishable foods, beverages4. Extra medicine5. Baby food, formula, diapers6. First Aid Kit

Clear the area around your house of any loose tree limbs and garbage items and place in garbage bags for pick-up. It is a good idea to have some plastic tarp to cover damaged roofs and windows after the storm. If you or someone in your family is handicapped, make sure your evacuation plans are ready early in case an evacuation order is given.

7. Toiletries8. Bleach (to sterilize water)9. Battery operated radio or TV10. Extra batteries11. Plenty of bottles water12. Flashlights


If a HURRICANE WARNING is issued:

• Follow all directions and bulletins closely.• Complete preparation activities such as putting up storm shutters and

plywood, bringing in loose items and taking down your TV antenna.• If ordered to evacuate, do so as soon as possible. Never stay in a mobile

home during a hurricane.• Notify relatives or friends of your evacuation plans.• Fill bathtubs and large containers with water.• Fill portable ice chests with ice.• Turn your refrigerator to maximum cold.• Turn off propane tanks.• Unplug small appliances.• If you have a swimming pool, do not drain it.• Take pictures or video of all rooms in your house and keep in a safe place

wrapped in plastic.

If you evacuate to a hurricane shelter, make sure you bring identification, a copy of your insurance policy, cash, a first-aid kit, medicine, baby food and diapers, a flashlight, extra batteries and blankets or sleeping bags. Bringing a few books to read is also a good idea. Children may even take a few toys or games.


PETS

If you have pets, make sure you have plenty of supplies for them. If you are evacuating, take your pets with you if possible. Remember hurricane shelters do not allow pets! Check your local Humane Society for more information. If you must leave your pet behind:

1. Leave plenty of food and water (enough for a week if possible)2. Lock your pets in the safest room of your house. Make sure there is

ventilation.


DURING THE HURRICANE

• Go to a “safe” room. A room without windows in the center of the house is best. A bathroom or closet may also be used.

• Use flashlights when your power goes out.• Be very careful if you must use candles. The wind can knock them over

and a fire must start.• Open the refrigerator as little as possible so your food stays cold.• Try to keep all doors and windows closed.• If flooding occurs, go to the highest point in the house.• If you see or hear a tornado, take cover in the smallest room with

concrete walls or under heavy furniture.• Do not use the telephone except in an emergency.• Never go outside if the eye of the storm passes over.• Be as calm as possible.


RIGHT AFTER THE HURRICANE

• Listen to bulletins on the radio or TV; follow all directions carefully.• Don’t go outside until the “all clear” is given.• Don’t touch fallen wires, trees, or objects touching power lines.• Stay out of flooded waters and puddles. The water may be electrified or

contaminated with raw sewage.• Get medical help if needed.• Use the phone only for emergencies.• Do not sightsee. Emergency vehicles must get through.• Use bottled or stored water only, until your water is declared safe to drink.• Throw out all spoiled food from the refrigerator.• Don’t get stray animals. They may be scared or injured and could bite.• Be very careful when helping to clean up. Nails, broken glass and other

sharp objects may be everywhere.• If traffic lights are down, treat all intersections as four way stops.• Take photographs or video of damage to your house.• Call an insurance public adjuster like PrimeState Public adjusters.


HELP WILL COME

While no one wants to have damage to their home and other property, the important thing is that you and your family and friends are safe. After a major hurricane, there may be widespread damage. It may take days or even a week before help arrives. But don’t worry; help will come. Hat is why it is important you have the necessary hurricane supplies. Besides family, friends and neighbors, help will come from your local police, fire department, the Red Cross, utility companies, the National Guard and other military and government agencies. Have your parents call an insurance adjuster like PrimeState to send a representative to look at the damage to your house. The insurance adjuster can assist in your paperwork and help place your claim, as well as help get money back from your insurance company as quickly as possible.

1-800-211-0434


Being part of a natural disaster can be very scary, not just for children but adults also. It helps to talk to someone about how you felt.


HURRICANE ANDREW

On August 23, 1992, Hurricane Andrew hit the Bahamas and in the early morning hours of August 24, it struck South Florida. Hurricane Andrew then went on to hit Louisiana on Tuesday, August 25. When Andrew hit South Florida, it was a Category 4 hurricane with sustained winds around 145 mph with higher gusts. Hurricane Andrew caused more destruction than any natural disaster ever in the history of the United States. It caused over $26 billion dollars in damages, killed 52 people, and damaged or destroyed over 133,000 homes.

Here is what some people who lived through the storm had to say:

“I was scared I was about to die.” Age 7

“I thought the hurricane was going to come and it was going to blow our house away.” Age 11

“I thought the hurricane was going to come over and over again.” Age 8

“A monster was at our window.” Age 4

“I thought it was going to be scare and everything, but it was more scarier than I thought.” Age 11

“I was very afraid I was going to lose my dog.” Age 13

“I had a dream another hurricane was coming through the house again. I woke up shaking.” Age 13

“I am afraid to go to sleep alone.” Age 6

“I was very scared, but I tried to be brave for my kids.” Adult

“I thought the hurricane would be an adventure for the kids. After being through this one, I will take hurricanes more seriously.” Adult

“We lost everything we owned in this hurricane; but a lot of people are helping us and we will rebuild.” Adult


MOLD

It is easy to see most of the damage caused by a hurricane or strong storm. Trees can be blown down, cars overturned, buildings and roofs ripped apart, and boats sunk or tossed on land. These are just

a few examples of destruction a Hurricane or other strong storm can cause. The pictures on the next page show some of the damage caused by hurricane Andrew.

Sometimes damage caused by a hurricane or other strong storms may not be so easy to detect. If there is water damage by your home, or if there are small cracks in your roof or other parts of your building and water seeps in, mold can begin to grow and eventually become a problem.

Mold is a tiny plant that can cause harm to you home and the health of you and your family if it is not detected and treated properly. Mold belongs to a group of plant known as fungi. They do not have chlorophyll and do not need to be in sunlight to survive. Different types of mold grow naturally in the environment, and can be found in shady, damp areas and on decomposing or decaying matter, such as fallen leaves or dead trees.

However, mold can also be found in buildings such as houses or apartments. Mold is hard to detect because it usually grows in cool, damp areas that can be hard to reach or see, such as behind cabinets or in attics, basements or bathrooms.

Molds produce tiny particles about the size of a pinhead called spores. Molds reproduce by releasing spores into the air, where air currents spread them. When inhaled, mold spores can make people very sick. Toxic molds are dangerous because they can cause allergies and other chronic illnesses. This is why it is important to check your home after a hurricane or other strong storm, pipe burst or simple roof leak or wet or damp areas where mold can grow. If there is water damaged or you find cracks in your roof or other parts of the building, everything must be fixed as soon as possible.

If there is mold in your home, and you cannot get rid of it, call Prime.State Public Adjusters who will assist you. PrimeState Public Adjusters will give a free consultation to your family.

What isMOLD?

Leaks or any other form of water intrusion in your home can cause mold problems that can affect your health.

Miami Naples(904) 268-1010 (941) 255-9595

Jacksonville Port Charlotte(305) 595-9595 (239) 775-4300

PrimeState Public Adjusters, Inc.www.primestateadjusters.com 321


Some of the damage caused by hurricane Andrew when it struck South Florida on August 24, 1992

Photos compliments of David Calderin and Tropicolor Photo Lab


FLOODS

Flooding is a major problem in South Florida. Because our area is flat and close to sea level, rainwater takes a long time to drain naturally from the land. If a lot of rain falls in a short period of time, flooding can result.

During the summer months, South Florida receives large amounts of rainfall. Thunderstorms can produce a lot of rain quickly, resulting in flash flooding. When a tropical storm or hurricane hits, many inches of rain fall over a large area for a long period of time causing widespread flooding that can last a week or more. Coastal flooding occurs when winds from a tropical storm or hurricane drive ocean water inland. This can cause significant flooding near the shore, especially when the storm surge of a hurricane strikes!

NATIONALWEATHERSERVICEFLOODADVISORIES

Flood or Flash Flood Watch – Flooding or flash flooding is possible within the designated watch area. Be alert and listen for further advisories.

Flood or Flash Flood Warning– Flooding has been reported or is imminent. Take necessary precautions at once. If told to evacuate, do so immediately.

Urban And Small Stream Advisory– Flooding of small streams, streets and low-lying areas is occuring.

Flood or Flash Flood Statement– Follow-up information of a previous flood statement.


Flooding kills more people in the United States in an average year than hurricanes, tornadoes and lighting combined. Knowing what to do in a flood can save your life. Before a flood strikes, know your flood risk and evacuation routes. Also, check your insurance policy to see if you have flood insurance. Once flooding begins, the water may rise rapidly, leaving you little time to get out.

IF FLOODING OCCURS:

• Get out of the area subject to flooding and get to higher ground.• If your car stalls, leave it immediately and seek higher ground.• Evacuate immediately if you are told to do so.• NEVER try to walk, swim or drive through flooded waters. Water 2 feet

deep can float your car.• Be very careful at night, when it is harder to see flood dangers.• Children should NEVER play around high water, storm drains or viaducts.

It is very important that you never step into or play in flooded waters, especially after a storm. An electric line may have fallen down into a puddle or flooded street, electrifying the water. Anyone that comes in contact with the electrified water may be electrocuted and die. Also, floods cause sewers to back up. The contaminated floodwater can be filled with bacteria, and you could get very sick.


TORNADOES

Tornadoes are nature’s most violent storms. In an average year, they result in about 80 deaths and over 1,500 injuries in the United States. Only the states of Texas and Oklahoma have more tornadoes than the state of Florida.

Most tornadoes in South Florida are spawned by thunderstorms. However, tornadoes frequently accompany tropical storms and hurricanes that move over the area. Waterspouts are quite common over the waters off South Florida, especially during the summer months. Waterspouts are weak tornadoes that form over warm water. Waterspouts sometimes come ashore and cause minor damage.

Like hurricanes, scientists have created a scale to measure the strength of a tornado. This is called the Enhanced Fujita scale. Winds in a tornado can be greater than 300 mph!

Enhanced FUJITA WIND DAMAGE SCALE

Classification WindSpeed DamageEF0 65-85mph LightEF1 86-110mph ModerateEF2 111-135mph ConsiderableEF3 136-165mph SevereEF4 166-200mph DevastatingEF5 >200mph Incredible

Although most tornadoes that occur in southern Florida are generally rated EF0 or EF1, the area is not immune to intense tornadoes. Two EF3 intensity tornadoes have been recorded in Miami-Dade County, one in 1959 and one in 1925 that killed five people. On February 2, 1998, a severe outbreak of tornadoes with EF1 and EF2 intensity caused an estimated $80 million dollars in damages throughout Miami-Dade and Broward Counties.


HOW TORNADOES FORM

Before a thunderstorm develops, a change in wind direction and an increase in wind speed with height create a horizontal spinning effect in the lower atmosphere.

Rising air within a thunderstorm tilts the rotating air toward the ground.

Eventually, this area of rotation comes down from the thunderstorm and forms a funnel. When the funnel touches the ground, it becomes a tornado.

In 1997, a tornado struck downtown Miami. It was rated an F1 on the Fujita scale, with estimated winds of 100mph.


A TORNADO WATCH means that tornadoes are possible in your area, keep a look out for threatening weather. A TORNADO WARNING means that a tornado has already been seen on the ground or is indicated by weather radar; take cover immediately! Tornado warnings are very different from those of a hurricane. When a tornado warning is issued, you may only have a few seconds or minutes to get to safety before a tornado strikes.

If a TORNADO WARNING is issued in your area:

• Go inside a strong building. NEVER stay in a mobile homes or automobile.• Go to an interior room, storm cellar, basement or lowest level of the building.

If there is no basement, go to an inner hallway or a small inner room without windows, such as a bathroom or closet.

• Stay away from all windows.• Go to the center of the room; stay away from corners, which can attract

debris.• Get under a piece of sturdy furniture such as a workbench, heavy table or

desk and hold on to it.• Use your arms to protect your head and neck.• If you are at work or in school, avoid auditoriums, cafeterias, gymnasiums

and large hallways. Get to an inside hallway at the building’s lowest level or under a piece of sturdy furniture, such as a desk.

• If you are caught outdoors or in an automobile, leave your car and lie in a ditch or low-lying area. Use your arms to protect your head and neck.

Have you ever seen a tornado or waterspout? Draw a picture of a tornado or waterspout you have seen in real life or on television. Describe what the tornado looked like and what you would do if a tornado warning is issued for your area.


LIGHTNING

Lightning, although beautiful to look at, can be deadly and cause a lot of damage to homes and businesses. More people are struck and killed by lightning in the state of Florida than anywhere else in the United States. All thunderstorms produce lightning. Most lightning strikes occur during the summer months, when thunderstorms are most numerous.Lightning can strike as far away as 10 miles from any rainfall.

HOW LIGHTNING OCCURS

1. Rising and falling air within a thunderstorm cloud causes the build up of a static charge in the thunderstorm.

2. Negative charges that build up on the bottom of the thunderstorm could attract positive charges from the ground.

3. The positive and negative charges are pulled toward each other in an invisible stroke called a stepped leader.

4. When the positive and negative charges meet, a powerful surge of electricity between the thunderstorm cloud and the ground cause the visible lightning strike.


LIGHTNING SAFETY TIPS

IF YOU ARE CAUGHT OUTSIDE:

1. Lie down in a low spot away from trees, fences and poles.

2. Stay out of water. If you are swimming or boating, get to shore immediately.

3. If you are in the woods, take shelter under the shortest tree in the area.

4. If you feel your skin tingle or your hair stand on end, squat low to the ground on the balls of your feet and place your hands on your knees with your head between your legs

.

IF YOU ARE IN A BUILDING:

1. Do not use telephones or electrical appliances during a thunderstorm. Telephone lines and metal pipes can conduct electricity.

2. Turn off your computer.3. Do not take a shower or bath.4. Avoid windows.

If your house or business is damaged by a lightning strike, call PrimeState to send an adjuster to look at the damage. Lightning causes over 300 million dollars a year in damage to homes, businesses and automobiles.


FIRE SAFETY

Approximately 5,500 people die in fires in the United States each year. Most of these deaths occur at home. Preventing fires from starting and knowing what to do in case of a fire can save your life.

Before a fire starts, develop and practice a home fire escape plan with your family. You should know at least two ways out of every room in your house. Also, pick a safe and easy-to-remember place for your family to meet outside your home. After you have made your escape plan, practice it. Here are some other fire safety tips:

- Check your smoke alarms and their batteries twice a year.- Post your local fire department’s phone number in an easy to find place.- Keep a home fire extinguisher handy and in good condition.- Don’t overload extension cords or power outlets.- Don’t use or store gasoline and other flammable materials in your home.- Be very careful when using candles and heating sources such as electrical space

heaters.

ESCAPING THE FIRE

- If you smell smoke or see fire, get out immediately and then call the fire department or 911.

- Before opening a door, feel it first. If it is hot, there may be fire on the other side. Try to get out another way.

- If the door is cool, kneel down and check to see if the air coming is cool. If it is, open the door and head for an exit.

- Stay low to the floor when escaping a fire.- Use a stairway to escape from a burning building, never an elevator.

IF YOU ARE CAUGHT IN A BUILDING

- If you cannot escape quickly, protect your hands, face, nose and mouth with wet cloths and dampen your clothes.

- Place a wet towel at the bottom of the door to prevent smoke from entering the room.

- Open a window slightly and hang something such as a shirt or towel out of it to attract attention.

- If your clothes catch fire, stop right where you are, drop to the ground and roll over to put out the flames.


PrimeStatePublic Adjusters1-800-211-0434


Member of:• Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce• Port Charlotte Chamber of Commerce

• Better Business Bureau• American Association of Public Insurance Adjusters• Florida Association of Public Insurance Adjusters

• New York Public Adjusters Association

Headquarters:127 Grand Avenue, Coral Gables, Florida 33133

Licensed in many different states including New York:Rockefeller Center

1180 Avenue of the Americas; 8th Floor, New York, New York 10036

Miami Naples Port Charlotte Jacksonville (305) 595-9595 (239) 775-4300 (941) 255-9595 (904) 268-1010

NO RECOVERY, NO FEE

Call us for a FREE evaluation of your claim without obligation.TOLL-FREE 1-800-211-0434

www.primestateadjusters.comEmail: [email protected]

Telephone: (305) 595-9595Fax: (305) 448-8181

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