Freisenbruch-Meyer Insurance Services Ltd said yesterday it was dealing with around 200 claims related to damage from Tropical Storm Fay.

And the insurer urged its customers to patch up any damage to their properties to make them as secure as possible as Hurricane Gonzalo approaches.

Fellow insurer BF&M Ltd also urged residents to take the necessary precautions for the approaching storm.

“We are working diligently to process claims made related to Tropical Storm Fay in advance of the impending hurricane and we are monitoring Hurricane Gonzalo very closely,” Freisenbruch-Meyer stated.

“While we continue to ‘hope for the best, we must prepare for the worst’. Therefore, we urge our clients to make the necessary temporary repairs to secure their property from further damage caused by Tropical Storm Fay or potential new damage by Hurricane Gonzalo.”

The firm added that it had a business continuity plan to minimise service interruptions.

“If the hurricane continues on its current path, it is our intention to have a skeleton crew in the office to assist you with claims, as soon as it is safe to do so,” the company told policyholders. “We anticipate experiencing worsening conditions by Thursday evening.”

If the company’s Front Street offices are not in working condition, Freisenbruch-Meyer said it would announce an alternative location of operation.

BF&M’s guidance on precautions are outlined on its www.sharkoil.bm website.

For more information, contact Freisenbruch-Meyer on 296-3600, or go to www.fmgroup.bm for hurricane precaution tips.