As you are aware, property damages caused by Hurricane Katrina are far worse than any previous hurricanes and natural disasters that mortgage servicers have experienced in the past. Safeguard  has responded to the immediate needs of its clients by developing and implementing inspection checklists to be utilized by field inspectors for the completion of FEMA contact and FEMA no contact property inspections. These checklists will provide specific damage information for properties, which FEMA has identified as Hurricane Katrina disaster areas.
 
Field inspectors will be required to complete these checklists using personal handheld computers (pocket pc's), and Safeguard's advanced technology will immediately request additional information or clarification from field inspectors when adverse conditions are reported. Understanding how crucial timely reporting is to its clients, Safeguard will provide the checklist information provided below in an Excel format to assist clients with filing claims and addressing any and all property conditions.  All FEMA property inspections, whether contact is requested or not,  will require the property inspector to determine and list the following damages or conditions:  
 
1) Levels of damage to areas and properties;

a) Light-a few shingles missing, tree branches down, minor debris (12 yards or less), minor damage to exterior shutters and siding, and no obvious structural damage

b) Moderate-trees down, large sections of shingles missing, windows blown out, large sections of siding missing, extensive debris, some flooding or standing water in the basement only, and no obvious damage to structural support members (rafters, joists, entire walls compromised)

c) Severe-sections of the roof missing, collapsed carports or decks, destroyed patios, structural damage (rafters, joists, entire walls compromised), still flooded, mold damage, and property open to the elements

d) Total loss

e) No effect       

2) Full description of wind, water, flood, fire, and other damages;
 
3) Determination as to whether the property is currently flooded or has experienced flood damage;
 
4) Determination as to habitability of the property; and
 
5) Determination as to whether the roof is intact.
 
When contact FEMA inspections are requested, if no contact is made, the inspector will leave the the door hanger at the property with the mortgage servicers contact information; however, if contact is made with occupants or borrowers, property inspectors will ask the following additional questions:
 
    1) Does the occupant or borrower plan to occupy the property? 
    2) Has the borrower filed an insurance claim?
 
 Safeguard will still provide its standard exterior and interior checklists used by property inspectors, which provides the following information to its clients:
    
1)   Completion date and occupancy status
2)   If occupied, by whom and how was this verified?
3)   Description of the property (Building Type, Construction Type, Color, Garage, Number of  Dwellings, Estimated Value)
4)   For Sale Information (Broker name and phone number)
5)  Neighborhood Condition
6)   Exterior Property Condition
7)   High Vandalism Area – Yes or No
8)   Grass Height
9)   City Citations or Postings and Information
10) Presence of Pool, Hot Tub, and Spa           
11) Status of the Utilities – Gas, Electric, and Water
12) Is the property, garage and outbuilding secure? If not, why?
13) Is the property being maintained?  If so, by whom?
14) Describe Personals, Debris, and Health Hazards
15) Describe New Damages
16) Describe Existing Damages and advise if they are more severe than the last visit.
17) Recommended Maintenance
18) Interior Property Condition – Good, Fair, Poor – why?
19) List of Appliances Present
20) Is there a sump pump? Is the sump pump operational?  If not, why?
21) New Interior Damages and Description
22) Existing Interior Damages and Description.

The development and implementation of checklists used by Safeguard's field inspectors will provide timely critical information to clients for effective decision making purposes. This endeavor affirms Safeguard's full commitment to continually develop and offer a wide range of services to safeguard its clients assets. 

Robert Klein, CEO
Safeguard Properties Inc.
1.800.852.8306 ext 1102
robert.klein@safeguardproperties.com
www.safeguardproperties.com
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Celebrating 15 Years of Safeguarding Our Clients' Interests.