Texas Agents Group Gears up Disaster Response Team

In the aftermath of Hurricane Ike, the Independent Insurance Agents of Texas has initiated its catastrophe response plan to offer assistance to member agencies that have been severely adversely affected by the massive storm.

The plan includes a statewide call to member agencies for volunteering personnel, supplies and space. IIAT spokesman Bill Roof said the association worked over the weekend to collect supplies and identify those agencies in the affected areas who are most in need of help.

The IIAT response team is heading to the coast this morning with a U-Haul type truck loaded with generators, gasoline, office supplies and supplies for personal use, as well as food, ice and water.

Roof said the group is looking for agencies that have the greatest need and already has fielded calls from a number of agents seeking help. Acknowledging the vast expanse of the disaster zone, Roof pointed out that the response team would not be able to meet the needs of everyone. They are seeking to assist those who have been most seriously impacted.

The IIAT is accepting calls at 800-880-7428 from agencies that need help as a result of Hurricane Ike, as well as agencies around the state that wish to volunteer in the catastrophe relief effort. The association has established the IIAT Trusted Choice Foundation Catastrophe Relief Fund and is accepting tax deductible financial donations to help with the relief effort.