BARTOW COUNTY, Ga.,None — The storm path in Bartow County tore through the home of the Huskins clan. Nearly a dozen related families live along Gaines Road in Cartersville.
The youngest of his generation, Oscar Huskins was born in a house heavily damaged by the storm. His current home, 50 feet away, lost the front porch and the roof.
"I've been walking around basically in shock, but I've been having to talk and work with the claims adjuster and all and he's been helping me to understand what it takes," Huskins told Channel 2 Action News consumer investigator Jim Strickland.
It could easily take six figures to make Huskins whole.
His State Farm claims rep, Bruce Mulkey, walked the house with advise and questions.
"Which room was this on the back side of the house?" asked Mulkey. The damage was so extensive that he couldn't recognize the type of room he was in.
WEB EXTRA: 10 Claims Commandments
Georgia licensed public adjuster Mark Goldwich, in his book, "10 Claims Commandments," said storm victims should do their own walk through, documenting any damage the insurance rep may have missed. They should also take their own pictures.
Mulkey said victims rarely invest the time to document their possessions beforehand.
"The real fact is I wish I had all my stuff photographed and inventoried. Most folks don't. People know they need to do that, but they're busy," he said.
State Farm is bringing in out-of-state adjusters to handle the growing list of claims.
"In Georgia, it's 1,200 claims as of a half hour ago," spokesman Justin Tomczak told Strickland around 1:30 p.m.
Victims should also make sure the adjuster knows of any special circumstances. Huskins has spent $50,000 in materials doing his own remodel. The plastic is still on the appliances.
"Go through all the claims and stuff and get stuff replaced but your life and nobody getting hurt is the most important thing," said Huskins.