Last night I posted an appeal from Dougherty County Commission Chairman Chris Cohilas for more coverage and awareness of the plight of Georgians in the greater Albany area following an intense series of storms. Tornadoes and hurricane force straight line winds on January 2nd have left a 30 square mile area of damage. Many needs remain as much clean up and repair is left to be done.
Today and tomorrow, Insurance Commissioner Ralph Hudgens is coordinating an “insurance village” where insurers and state officials will help expedite the processing of claims and be available for residents with ongoing storm related concerns. From the Albany Herald:
Thousands of residents have suffered tremendous losses, and we are here to help them on the road to recovery,” Insurance Commissioner Ralph Hudgens said. “I encourage all residents who have insurance questions or need help filing a claim to visit our Claims Village.”
The Catastrophe Claims Village will operate in the Home Depot parking lot, located at 1219 N. Westover Blvd. Hudgens’ Consumer Services staff, along with officials from the Dougherty County Emergency Management Agency and representatives from many of the major insurance companies are scheduled to be in attendance.
State Farm spokesperson Justin Tomczak says from Albany that his company has already processed over 1,000 claims, with most damage coming from downed trees. “We’re on the ground, helping customers, and we’ll be here as long as it takes.”