A message from the Treasurer:
Woodlake Villas was hit by a Category 2 hurricane in the early morning hours of October 8th. Storm damage is prevalent though out the property. Thankfully, most buildings were spared the damage wrought by fallen trees. Still, there are dozens of trees down across he property, many units were flooded, and it will take a Herculean effort – and time – to fully recover. All of this damage does not come without a price; still, there is some good news to report:
- Due to Woodlake’s strong financial position, there will not be any special capital assessment due to the storm!
- Our insurance carriers were notified immediately after the storm and damage assessment is already in process.
- We have already contracted with BALFOR, a professional disaster recovery firm, whose representatives are already on the property assessing damages.
- Water extraction, carpet cleaning/removal, and tree crews are already on site and recovery is underway.
- A complete tree inspection by our professional arborist has already begun so as to identify trees and limbs that may not have fallen but pose a safety risk. These will be removed as soon as possible.
- Through coordination with FEMA and the Town of Hilton Head, pallets of bottled water and MRE (Meals Ready to Eat) boxes were made available to all residents.
ALL residents are urged to take the following steps immediately:
- The Woodlake Master Deed requires all owners to carry an HO-6 policy. This policy covers damages not covered by Woodlake’s policies (such as damage to furniture, personal belongings, etc.) READ YOUR POLICY!
- If you have any possible damage that may be covered by your HO-6 policy, you should file a claim with your insurance company immediately. Also, some HO-6 policies provide reimbursement for out-of-pocket hurricane evacuation costs such as hotel, mileage and meals. If you have such coverage, be prepared to document these expenses.
- Document all damage as best you can. Take pictures. Prepare a written list with as much detail as possible. This documentation will be useful in processing any claims.
- Notify, in writing, the on-site office of any damages to your unit. Please submit your damage report by October 18, 2016!
- Damage to automobiles is not covered by Woodlake’s policies nor is such damage covered by an HO-6 policy. If your auto has suffered any damage due to the storm, you should notify your automobile insurance carrier as soon as possible.
Some not-so-welcome news:
- Despite everyone’s best efforts, complete recovery is going to take time. For example, if 25 units have carpet damage and we repair 2 units a day, someone will still have to wait about 2 weeks before someone gets to them. Please be patient and cooperate with Woodlake staff.
- While the Woodlake POA has sufficient cash to cover all Association deductibles and to pay for damage recovery, we will have to gradually replenish our deductible reserves to be ready for the next storm. It is likely that there will be a reasonably prudent increase in monthly regime fees beginning in January 2017. More news on this in the annual budget letter to be mailed to all owners in early November.
Thank you.
Bob Arundell,
Treasurer of the Woodlake Property Owners Association