Help is on the way

The Oklahoma Insurance Commission has set up a mobile office in Elk City after Tuesday’s tornado, and will be there throughout the recovery process.

The Oklahoma Insurance Commission has set up a mobile office in Elk City after Tuesday’s tornado, and will be there throughout the recovery process, the agency said Thursday.

The office is at the clubhouse of the Elk City Golf & Country Club. Anti-Fraud investigators are going door-todoor speaking to homeowners about how to spot fraud and posting yard signs throughout the damaged area.

“We’ve been

talking with people who lost everything, and our goal is to try to help in any way we can,” Commissioner John Doak said. “The Elk City fire chief, police chief, city manager, mayor and county sheriff have shown tremendous strength. I want to thank them for their efforts. Recovering from a disaster is never easy, but with these people to help, we have faith this community will bounce back.”

Tornado survivors with insurance questions are urged to call field representatives Rochelle Covington at (405) 4964724 or Amanda Riddle at (405) 420-5398. They can also call the Oklahoma Insurance Department’s Consumer Assistance hotline at (800) 522-0071.

The agency encourages those with storm damage to follow these basic steps:

•Call your insurance agent or insurance company to start the claim process.

•Before moving any debris or removing personal property, take photos or video. Make a list to document these losses.

•Make the necessary repairs to prevent further damage to your property. Examples include covering broken windows, leaking roofs and damaged walls. Do not make permanent repairs until your insurance company has inspected the property and you have reached an agreement with them on the cost of appropriate repairs.

•Save all receipts including those from the temporary repairs that might be covered by your insurance policy.