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Photo courtesy Sue Orgrocki Associated Press
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Family Insurance
Oklahoma insurance agents are here to assist victims of the devastating wildfires and high winds across the state last week.
According to fire officials, more than 50 homes were burned in Oklahoma County Wednesday evening, the result of just one of many fires statewide. Choctaw, Lindsey and Sparks were also affected, among other areas around the state.
The Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management reports more than 100 homes were destroyed, along with various vehicles and other property and at least 49 people were injured.
Over 60 mile per hour winds and the dry grounds in the region contributed to the fires; however, marshals in Midwest City believe the fire there may have been intentionally set by local teens. There are currently no suspects, but it is thought that a group of teens started the fire while hanging out in a local hotspot where the fire began.
Oklahoma Governor Brad Henry has declared a state of emergency for many Oklahoma counties. Oklahoma Insurance commissioner Kim Holland has also declared a state of emergency to allow adjusters temporarily licenses in order to speed up the claims process for those in need.
“My thoughts and prayers are with the hundreds of Oklahomans who have lost their homes in these recent fires, and I am committed to getting them the assistance they need. Allowing adjusters from other states will assist insurance companies in quickly assessing damages and paying policyholder’s claims” said Holland.
Policyholders should always refer to their policy documents when filing claims. If something is not understood or if policy documents were destroyed in the fires, they should call their local agents for assistance.
“Losing everything is an unimaginable and devastating experience. Oklahoma’s professional agents and adjusters are poised to respond. I have been in contact with many companies…who have already moved claims adjusters into impacted areas to facilitate a quick and timely response for their policyholders”
Holland suggests to affected families to proceed with caution in this vulnerable time, keeping an eye out for fraudulent agents or adjusters. If a person approaches an insured is unsure of, they can look up the agent/adjuster’s credentials on the Oklahoma Insurance Department’s website. The Department has also set their Anti-Fraud Division on high alert to assist in this process.
ABOUT FAMILY INSURANCE
Phone # (405) 329-9780
Fax # (405) 823-6917
http://www.gotomypolicy.com
paul@familyinsu.com
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Posted On
4/16/2009 4:17:07 PM
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