WINTER PARK, Fla. — It’s storm season again in Florida. Just last week, severe weather swept through the metro area — downing trees and ripping off roofs. Last year, rain, wind, hail and lighting caused billions of dollars of property damage nationwide, leaving owners overwhelmed not only by the emotion of the loss, but also with the harsh realities: roof and structural damage, water intrusion, mold, electrical failures, plumbing problems . . . and the list goes on. Those who don’t know where to turn find themselves at the mercy of insurance companies, and vulnerable to scams and price gouging.

“When faced with multiple system failures caused by catastrophic damage to their homes or businesses, most people don’t know who to call,” says Scott McCurdy, Executive Vice President of Coastal Reconstruction. “As disaster contractors, we take care of everything. When property owners sign up for our Rapid Response Program, they simply place one call to us – and we’ll take it from there. We immediately begin damage remediation, such as boarding up windows and putting tarps on roofs. Then, we’ll meet with insurance adjusters to help settle the claim, finish making all the necessary repairs and complete the restoration as efficiently as possible. There is no charge for the program. We are reimbursed by the owner’s insurance company.”

McCurdy adds that the only way to ensure protection is to establish a relationship with a reliable disaster contractor before severe weather strikes. In Florida, more than 75 property owners have already signed up for Coastal’s Rapid Response Program. Last year, the company restored more than 350 structures that were damaged by fire, wind, water or mold.

This year, in addition to the normal severe weather threats, experts also predict an above-average hurricane season with 14 named storms. So McCurdy suggests seven steps to get prepared:

• Establish a relationship with a disaster contractor.
• Know all emergency numbers and who to call when a disaster occurs.
• Identify a safe room. (This is usually an interior room with no windows, such as a bathroom or hallway.)
• Become familiar with insurance deductibles for all perils.
• Develop a plan in advance, should your building become uninhabitable.
• Make sure shrubs and trees are trimmed in advance to reduce debris.
• Plan ahead on how to best secure windows and doors. (Taping does not work.)

For more information, or to enroll your property in Coastal Reconstruction’s Rapid Response service, please call (407) 644-1800 or visit the Web site at www.coastalgc.net.

About Coastal Reconstruction
Founded in 1986, Coastal Reconstruction has offices in Winter Park, Winter Springs, Melbourne and Jacksonville, Fla. Coastal Reconstruction serves the entire Southeastern United States under its Rapid Response service and practices as a general contractor in Florida.

About Rapid Response
Rapid Response is available for both residential and commercial properties and is free because the company is paid directly through the owner’s insurance company (the insured is responsible for their deductible). Under this program, a crew arrives onsite within four hours after damage is reported and begins boarding up windows, tarping roofs and eradicating water damage to prevent more structural deterioration. From there, Coastal Reconstruction representatives meet with the insurance adjuster to help settle the claim and restore the property to its previous condition.