FVMA building takes hit from Hurricane Jeanne

ORLANDO, FLA.— A gaping hole allowed 2 inches of rain water to drench computers and other equipment in the Florida Veterinary Medical Association's (FVMA) building after Hurricane Jeanne gushed across Orlando.

The building has a $200,000 policy with a $500 deductible, plus the additional 5 percent fee, explains Don Schaefer, executive director for FVMA.

"We'll have to pay out $10,500 before the insurance company will cover anything," Schaefer says. "We have a good insurance company; everything is just frustrating with all of the damage."

The insurance company had not yet assessed the damage at presstime.

The building currently has tarps draped over the areas damaged where a large vent was ripped off from Jeanne's high winds. The flatroof allowed water to steadily flow into the building, causing damage to three-quarters of the 3,000-square-foot building.

"Walls, rugs, insulation and parts of the roof were damaged," Schaefer says. "The worst part was we came into work to help our members, and it made everything come to a stand still for the day."

Schaefer says he got a taste of what veterinarians are going through finding contractors to make repairs to damaged practices.

"It's get in line everywhere you call," Schaefer says. "We would also prefer to use someone we know and trust, no one is available."

Schaefer says what FVMA staff endured is minor compared to what its members have reported.