Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey Tours Storm Damage in Greensboro, Offers Insurance Help to Tornado Survivors

GREENSBORO, North Carolina, April 25 -- The North Carolina Department of Insurance issued the following news release:

As the tornado damage clean-up efforts continue in Greensboro and Rockingham County, North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey toured some of the hardest hit areas Wednesday to see the damage first-hand and offer help to tornado survivors.

The N.C. Department of Insurance set up an assistance center to help file claims with insurance companies for those impacted by the April 15 tornado.

"When you see the tornado damage up close and personal, it really hits home, especially for me," said Commissioner Causey. "Guilford County is my home. Seeing my neighbors hurting so badly, we just want to help. Our job is to make sure the victims have everything they need to file a proper insurance claim and my department will be with them every step of the way."

In Greensboro, the storm damaged more than 1,000 buildings, according to Guilford County Emergency Management.

The same tornado also tore up homes and businesses across 17 miles of land in Rockingham County.

On Wednesday, Commissioner Causey met with families directly impacted by the tornado to remind them to beware of dishonest contractors looking to run a scam in the wake of the tornado.

The tornado that hit Greensboro and Rockingham County is a tragic reminder for people to consider investing in renter's insurance before the start of hurricane season on June 1.

Commissioner Causey held a news conference to offer the following tips to help people dealing with storm damage:

* If your home was damaged, focus on documenting everything that was damaged and what it will cost to repair or replace.

* Take pictures of damage, both of the building and its contents, for insurance purposes. If you have any doubts about safety, have your home check out by a trained building inspector or structural engineer before entering.

* Make temporary repairs only. Do not have permanent repairs made until your insurance company has inspected your property and you have reached an agreement on the cost of repairs.

Representatives from the NCDOI staff have been in Greensboro since Monday assisting tornado survivors with their insurance claims.

A help desk remains in operation until 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Willow Oaks Community Center, 1815 Everitt St., Greensboro, N.C. 27401.

If you have any questions or problems concerning your insurance coverage, contact the Consumer Services Division of the N.C. Department of insurance toll free at (855) 408-1212.