May 2, 2008 severe weather
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May 2, 2008 storm damage
A powerful storm blew through Lawrence early Friday morning, May 2, 2008, causing damage and power outages.
With the destruction across the region from the Friday morning storm, insurance agents will surely be busy.
Lawrence insurance agent Ron King said American Family insurance company already had received 1,800 claims across the region - including the hard-hit areas of Kansas City - by late morning. He expected that number to double by the time it was all said and done.
Most insurance companies have declared the storm a catastrophe and brought in extra claims adjusters to handle the load.
If problems are major, King said, you don't need to wait for the claims adjuster.
"If they have any damage - a tree that pokes a hole in the roof - that needs to be repaired immediately, people can make repairs," King said. "Take pictures. Keep receipts. Document it."
For the most part, King said, he hadn't seen catastrophic claims - mostly wind damage and fallen trees.
But with the destruction comes the opportunity for unscrupulous builders to descend on the community. District Attorney Charles Branson said simple steps can help people stay away from those kinds of problems.
"Don't get in a hurry," he said. "Just because you've got something that needs to be repaired, see if the worker has worked for someone else you know before."
Branson also stressed the importance of getting a written estimate before allowing any work to be done. It can prevent surprises later and establishes everyone's expectations, he said.
Send us your storm stories
Tell us about damage at your home or business. Let us know how you weathered the storm.
Please send us an e-mail at editor@ljworld.com so we can get in touch with you.
Debris disposal
Due to tree damage from Friday's storm, Lawrence's brush drop-off site will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. today through Monday. There will be no charge for drop-off during this period at the site, 1420 E. 11th St.
All wood debris, tree limbs and brush from residents' private property will be accepted, but no leaves or trash will be taken. For more information, call 832-3450.
Comments
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themiddlechild (mary smith) says…
Anyone know of a good, honest tree removal company in the area?
Lynn731 (anonymous) says…
We would be much better off if the district attorney was running the emergency management office, he has some sense. Thank you, Lynn
Godot (anonymous) says…
Get real. The DA would have blown the sirens when the haze first appeared.