The calm hurricane season of 2006 has given way to an active winter-storm season in 2007. There have been tornadoes in Florida, blizzards and ice storms in the Midwest and Northeast, and wind storms and flooding in the Northwest.

If you're an adjuster or claim manager in any of these areas, chances are you've had to arrange temporary housing on the fly. BridgeStreet Worldwide, a temporary housing specialist, recently spoke with Claims' Eric Gilkey, and offered six tips to take the pain out of the temporary-housing process.

1. Just the Facts. Engage your client in a dialogue on their exact housing needs. Take notes on children and pet requirements, geographic location (school systems), and transportation, as well has commute time and community preferences.
2. The Have and the Have Nots. Comparing what your client needs and what the insured is entitled to ensures that your client will not overrun or be disappointed with their temporary housing.
3. Keep Options Open. Choosing a temporary housing provider that has demonstrated knowledge of market availability and a solid inventory base means your client will have good choices in housing. Companies should have access to everything from residential homes to unfurnished apartments. In the long run, this will save adjusters time and hassle because they can turn over the temporary housing process to the provider.
4. Get Detailed Document. the details of the insured's needs to the housing provider, so they can prepare multiple housing options that meet the specific needs of your client. With global travel on the rise, many temporary housing providers offer flexible a la carte packages of services, amenities, furniture, and housewares to accommodate all lifestyles.
5. Welcome to the Neighborhood. Moving into a new location, whether across town or across the globe, is jarring for your client. Some temporary housing providers offer tours of housing options, even meet and greet services in which a counselor meets your client at the property and acclimates them to the provider's services. This introduction can be highly comforting to a client and sets the tone for the rest of their stay.
6. (One) Check Please. The last thing you want to deal with is multiple bills for many services around temporary housing. Choosing a provider that offers flexible and consolidated billing means adjusters and their clients deal with one bill that is clearly itemized and totally transparent.