There are no impending weather events at this time.
FMIT Alert:
Hurricane Irma Recovery Update
2+ Weeks from Landfall
FMIT Member:
Irma affected FMIT Members more than 2 weeks ago. FMIT continues to assist members with completing Damage Assessments using the Trackdown mobile application (7,000+ to date). In addition, we are completing emergency stabilization procedures on 40+ critical Member assets.
Now that the build-back stage of recovery is commencing, we wanted to provide an update and guidance to FMIT Members moving forward. Please read below for more information.
How Do I Report Damages?
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Continue to report any and all damages to Member-owned property caused by Irma.
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The period for receiving a complimentary Damage Assessment of known damages to your insured assets is coming to an end. The purpose of these assessments is to document the post-loss condition of damaged assets. While not a formal adjustment, these assessments streamline the assigning of an adjuster and are used for reporting damages to insurance and documenting for potential Public Assistance purposes. Email irma@flcities.com to request a Damage Assessment along with a list of damaged locations/assets for us to review.
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Alternatively, you can email irma@flcities.com directly with your claim information related to damaged covered property and covered vehicles. Please note the Damage Assessment method is the most effective and efficient method of claim reporting since it syncs with FMIT’s claims system. Either way your claim-related communications will be addressed as quickly as possible.
When Will Adjusters Be Visiting My Damaged Locations?
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Adjusters have been visiting Member locations this week as FMIT is currently deploying a state-wide rollout of insurance adjusters.
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Adjustment teams should be contacting you to schedule your site visits over the coming days.
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Adjustment teams are focused on visiting losses to buildings and larger structures. Some of these may be at secure facilities, such as water plants. Please ensure the appropriate personnel are available when scheduling site visits..
How Do We Manage Repairs to Our Scheduled Buildings & Structures?
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Irma caused widespread minor damages to many scheduled buildings and structures. With the application of the Named Storm Deductible (NSD) as standard part of municipal insurance programs in Florida, for this event deductibles change from the per occurrence P&C deductible (found on the Declarations Page) to the Named Storm Deductible, which is calculated using a percentage (typically 2%, 3%, or 5%) that is multiplied by the scheduled value of each building/structure. In effect, each scheduled asset will have its own deductible.
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Due to the application of the NSD for wind-related damages, unfortunately many covered member damages to scheduled buildings and structures will fall below the deductible threshold for receiving insurance proceeds.
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Members will need to manage the recovery of the below-deductible losses assets directly as they would not be eligible for FMIT Turnkey Recovery program unless the Member has a contract with SynergyNDS, Inc. to perform recovery of assets below deductible. This is to protect FMIT Members from potential issues with FEMA public assistance when using a Recovery Program Manager for under-deductible losses.
How Do We Manage Repairs to Our Covered Property in the Open?
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We know that many Members have also experienced damage to Property in the Open (PITO), such as fencing, lighting, playground equipment, etc.
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Covered PITO is addressed in a special endorsement in the 2016-17 policy. Covered PITO must not be excluded in the PITO Endorsement and must be located at a scheduled location in the policy.
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Damages to PITO covered under the Endorsement are subject to a PITO sublimit (found on the Dec Page of the FMIT Policy) with a minimum limit of $100,000 per Member).
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The named storm deductible for PITO is triggered when damage amounts to all covered real property (building, structures, property in the open) exceed the Member’s P&C Deductible for Real Property (found on the Dec Page of the FMIT Policy). Once triggered, the PITO deductible is calculated by multiplying the Named Storm Deductible Percentage in your Named Storm Deductible Endorsement (typically 2% ,3% or 5%) by the actual recovery cost of the covered PITO damages.
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Example: Member P&C Deductible is $25,000 and NSD is 3%
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Assume: Damage to scheduled buildings/structures > $25,000
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Assume: Covered PITO damages of $50,000
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PITO Deductible: 3% multiplied by $50,000 = $1,500
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FMIT Anticipated Proceeds: $50,000 – $1,500 = $48,500 (97%)
* Note: If damages to scheduled buildings & structures do not meet the P&C deductible, PITO damages are added to the total until the P&C deductible is met. Additional PITO damages after the P&C deductible is met would then be calculated using the NSD multiplied by the remaining costs to repair the PITO.
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While most PITO is included in the Endorsement, the following assets are not covered and would need to be scheduled separately in the Real & Personal property schedule in order to receive coverage:
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Signs & Scoreboards (excl. signs attached to buildings)
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Pavilions & Shade Structures
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Non-Fixed Assets (portable shade structures, trash cans, etc.)
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Pumps
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Please review the PITO Endorsement for more information
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When repairing covered PITO damages, ensure that you are documenting a photo of the damages and keeping track of all costs incurred by your organization (overtime hours for salaried staff, hourly rates paid to subs, invoices for repairs, etc…) as these will need to be submitted to FMIT for reimbursement.
How Do We Apply for Public Assistance through FEMA?
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While much of the damage caused by Irma is covered under the FMIT policy, most of Irma’s damage to Member buildings and larger structures will fall well below the Named Storm Deductibles triggered when Irma made landfall as a named storm in Florida.
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Members can apply for reimbursement for repairs to these damages by applying for federal public assistance through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
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Members need to ensure that they are following their internal procurement procedures for making repairs to damages assets. If Members’ internal procurement procedures prior to Irma include expedited processes for critical assets damaged due to catastrophic events, those will likely be respected by FEMA.
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The first step in applying for FEMA Public Assistance is to go to www.floridapa.org and apply. Follow the instructions and fill out the information in order to register in the system.
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FEMA has a site that answers commonly asked questions located at: https://www.fema.gov/public-assistance-frequently-asked-questions
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FEMA is currently busy responding to 3 major disasters (Harvey-TX, Irma-FL, Maria-PR). FMIT anticipates that this will somewhat delay the process. Once Members begin scheduling their Kick-Off meetings, they should notify FMIT using the propclaim@flcities.com email.
How is Debris Addressed by FMIT?
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Many Members are facing issues related to debris removal. In nearly all cases, debris from trees or any vegetation knocked over or damaged by the storm is not covered under the FMIT Property Policy unless the debris is either:
a) contacting an insured asset, or
b) blocking immediate access to an insured asset & impeding recovery. -
Any Members that have or are seeking a debris management contractor should ensure that your agreements with said contractor include verbiage that indemnifies and remunerates your organization specifically from errors made by the contractor during the debris management process that would disqualify your organization from FEMA Public Assistance. We also strongly suggest you consult with your organization’s attorney prior to any procurement to assure compliance with any existing or emergency orders or directives applicable to debris removal, FEMA funding or the like.
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We have been getting requests regarding Member trees that have fallen on citizens’ homes/property. In these cases, FLC will have to determine if the tree was dead or otherwise in a poor condition before rendering a coverage decision. In most cases this is an “act of God” that would not be the fault of the FMIT Member. It is the homeowner’s responsibility to remove the fallen trees on their property and to mitigate additional damages. Homeowners can be advised to file a claim with their homeowner’s insurance company.
Will FMIT Provide Assistance with FEMA Reporting?
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This is a very popular question among FMIT Members. Through the FMIT PACT (Public Assistance Closeout Team), we have worked with FEMA and Members on previous de-obligations from ‘04/’05 storms as well as recent Hurricanes Hermine and Matthew. We will be supporting Member FEMA PA Applications and associated project worksheet development, where requested, in order to minimize potential issues. We will work with the FEMA PAC specialist to review the project worksheet to ensure that there is no potential duplication of benefits and that the claim has been adjudicated correctly. Information is already being captured in simpliCity under each Member’s claim to assist in the documentation process.
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Members are advised to contact SynergyNDS, Inc. (FMIT PACT Manager) after they have scheduled their individual FEMA Kickoff meeting. Synergy is currently setting up additional contact information for the FMIT PACT Team, which will be distributed in subsequent FMIT Alert emails.
Continue to use #FLCityShare on Social Media posts and tweets to share what you need, share what you have, or to ask questions & share answers.
If you have damages and have not yet received assistance on behalf of FMIT, please Click Here and fill out your information on the contact request page. Someone will be contacting you shortly to review with you.
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Please Ensure That Recovery Operations Are Undertaken Safely. Click Here to download an Overview of Post Event Safety.
Click on the Following FEMA Public Assistance FACT SHEETS Along With Other Materials for Additional Information to Support Your Response & Recovery Initiatives:
FMIT Alert Level 1:
Low
Hurricane Maria Remains a Powerful Category 3 Hurricane After Making Landfall in Puerto Rico And Begins to Take a Northern Turn. Current Model Projections Predict Maria Continuing to Turn North And Passing Well to the East of Florida. This Will Be The Last FMIT Alert for Maria Unless Models Change.
FMIT Member:
Thursday September 21, 2017
Latest from the National Hurricane Center:
“At 21/1200 UTC, Hurricane Maria is located near 19.9N 68.7W or about 82 nm NNW of Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. The present movement of Maria is northwest at 8 kt. The estimated minimum central pressure is 959 mb. Maximum sustained winds are 100 kt with gusts to 120 kt. Numerous strong convection is within 135 nm of the center. Scattered moderate to isolated strong convection is elsewhere within 175 nm of the center. The eye of Hurricane Maria will continue to pass offshore of the northeastern coast of the Dominican Republic today. Maria should then move near the Turks and Caicos Islands and the southeastern Bahamas tonight and Friday.”
(Courtesy http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/ and http://www.wunderground.com/)
FMIT Discussion:
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Maria made direct impact in Puerto Rico yesterday and is beginning to affect the Dominican Republic as a CAT 3 Hurricane.
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Maria has maximum sustained winds of 115mph.
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Current models continue to show a very small possibility of Maria impacting the Eastern Coast of Florida, with the center of the projected path recurving into the Atlantic prior to any landfall in Florida. This will be the last alert unless the models indicate a higher chance of impacting Florida.
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After passing near the Dominican Republic today, Maria will approach the Turks and Caicos and southeast Bahamas tonight.
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Maria is likely to bring high surf and rip currents to the U.S. East Coast starting this weekend.
FMIT Member Preparedness Actions:
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Members should continue to monitor Hurricane Maria as well as FMIT Alerts and local/national weather forecasts.
Damage Reporting Options:
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Call 844-FMIT-CAT (844-364-8228) to report any losses to your insured property and activate the FMIT Turnkey Recovery program for immediate response to any property losses you may have incurred. Also:
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Go online: http://insurance.flcities.com and login to your account and submit your loss notice(s). FMIT and Synergy are immediately notified of your loss submittal.
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County Emergency Managers List – For additional contact information about your county, please Click Here.
Hurricane Maria
CAT 3
CAT 3
WIND:
Barometer:
Current Movement:
Current Atlantic Tracking Map
FMIT Post Event
Recovery Safety
Recovery Safety
FEMA Public Assistance
Fact Sheet
Fact Sheet
TrackDown Application
Installation & User Guide
Installation & User Guide
FEMA PA Fact Sheet Eligibility
of Building Safety Inspections
Supporting Emergency Work
of Building Safety Inspections
Supporting Emergency Work
FMIT ALERT RATING SYSTEM
FMIT ALERT
RATING SYSTEM
In order to give Members a clearer decision path for responding to alerts, FMIT will begin using a new alert rating system. The rating system will be based upon a combination of data that takes into account the following factors with regard to a weather event: Current NOAA Data, Relative Proximity to Florida and Predicted Path & Intensification Data from various sources. We will use a 5-number rating system in ascending order of intensity (similar to how hurricane intensity is rated) in order to help you determine how you should respond to alert information. The numbering system will work as follows:
LEVEL 1
LOW
Alert will provide information to FMIT Members in the entire state of Florida. This level will provide information about tropical weather with a very low potential of affecting Florida within 7 days. This will include tropical waves with a low chance of development as well as tropical storms and hurricanes that are 7+ days away from Florida with a very small chance of affecting Florida based upon NOAA and model predictions*. These alerts may also include other weather events that Members should be aware of, but for which Members should not have direct, immediate concern.
*In some cases, we may decide to withhold Level 1 alerts for tropical events developing in areas that have little-to-no immediate potential for impacting Florida.
Member Response: Awareness
LEVEL 2
LOW-MODERATE
Alert will provide information to FMIT Members in the entire state of Florida. This level will provide information about tropical weather with a low-moderate potential of affecting Florida within 5 days. This will include tropical waves with a moderate chance of development as well as tropical storms and hurricanes that are 5 days away from Florida with a low-moderate chance of affecting Florida based upon NOAA and model predictions*. These alerts may also include other weather events that Members should be aware of, but for which Members should not have direct, immediate concern.
*In some cases, we may decide to withhold Level 2 alerts for tropical events developing in areas that have little-to-no immediate potential for impacting Florida.
Member Response: Awareness & Limited Action (Possible communication with internal Disaster Preparedness Team Members as to Knowledge of Weather Event)
LEVEL 3
MODERATE
Alert will provide information to FMIT Members in the entire state of Florida. This level will provide information about tropical weather with a moderate potential of affecting Florida within 3-5 days. This will include tropical waves with a moderate-high chance of development as well as tropical storms and hurricanes that are 3-5 days away from Florida with a moderate chance of affecting Florida based upon NOAA and model predictions. These alerts may also include other weather events that Members should be aware of with moderate concern.
Member Response: Awareness & Action with Stakeholders (Potential implementation of Disaster Preparedness Plans)
LEVEL 4
MODERATE-HIGH
Alert will provide information to all FMIT Members within and in the vicinity of the 5-Day Forecast Cones issued by NOAA. This level will provide information about Tropical Storms and Hurricanes with a potential to impact parts of Florida within 24 hours. These alerts will come in with the “High Priority” setting in Microsoft Outlook used to alert Members of the importance of the email. After a Level 4 Alert, Members in the 5-Day Forecast Cones will receive communications from the FMIT Recovery Program Manager in order to ensure that the following are reviewed: Emergency Contacts, Critical Assets, Member Expectations/Requirements, Pre-Staging of Assets, etc…
Member Response: Awareness, Implementation of Disaster Preparedness Plans, Communications with FMIT Recovery Program Manager (Members should be actively preparing for the possibility of an event in their area)
LEVEL 5
HIGH
Alert will provide information to all FMIT Members in the potential 3-Day/5-Day Forecast Cones issued by NOAA. This level will provide information about Tropical Storms and Hurricanes with a potential to impact Florida within 1-3 days. These alerts will come in with the “High Priority” setting in Microsoft Outlook used to alert Members of the importance of the email. After a Level 5 Alert, Members in the Forecast Cones will receive communications from the FMIT Recovery Program Manager in order to finalize disaster preparations, contact Emergency Contacts, confirm pre-staging of Assets and FMIT Rapid Damage Assessment personnel, establish Post-Event Meeting Locations, etc…
Member Response: Awareness, Execution of Disaster Preparedness Plans, Communications with FMIT Recovery Program Manager (Members should be making final preparations for the possibility of an event in their area)