The Government of Prince Edward Island announced today that adjustors assessing the recent flood damage to Island residential properties, businesses and wharfs have completed 80 per cent of their assessments. Third-party, private-sector adjustors will present a report to the Minister of Community Services and Attorney General within the next two weeks.
"Adjustors have been very busy visiting 109 claimants across Prince Edward Island," says Wes MacAleer, Minister of Community Services and Attorney General with responsibility for the Emergency Measures Organization. "I am very pleased to say that the adjustors are expected to meet our deadline by finalizing their assessment report within two weeks."
Preliminary reports from adjustors indicate that the bulk of claims are in the areas of clean up, furnace damage, well testing, temporary lodgings, shore damage and wharf damage.
Minister MacAleer reconfirmed that the government's first priority is to meet the needs of Islanders most affected by the flood. The government recently introduced an initiative to commit $200,000 to help Islanders right now. Special emphasis will be placed on issuing payments to those who urgently require them.
Minister MacAleer stresses that the provincial fund is a first response to alleviate hardships resulting from damages to homes and businesses, and that further assistance may be available upon completion of the damage assessments. "As earlier indicated, some callers to our hotline and our officials have suggested that it may take months to assess the full extent of the damages to dwellings, businesses and infrastructure. Our emphasis remains focused on issuing cheques as soon as possible, after individual damage assessments are verified," he said.
Independent insurance adjustors in the private sector have been hired to provide objective, third party assessments of damages. The adjustors have visited homes and businesses to thoroughly inspect damages and validate all claims.
The Minister stresses that flood victims should consult with their insurance companies, document their damage with photos or videotape, and contact the province's Emergency Measures Organization to file an initial report of damages.
The Emergency Measures Organization is maintaining its toll-free number until February 29 and Islanders who suffered flood damages are encouraged to contact the EMO at 1-800-640-8651, during regular business hours 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.