The IRE Resource Center is a major research library containing more than 23,250 investigative stories — both print and broadcast. These stories are searchable online or by contacting the Resource Center directly (573-882-3364 or rescntr@ire.org) where a researcher can help you pinpoint what you need. Browse or search the tipsheet section of our library below. Stories are not available for download but can be easily ordered by contacting the Resource Center:
Search results for "Hurricane Charley" ...
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Hurricane Charley's Aftermath
Soon after the first of Florida's four hurricanes, victims started calling WINK-TV to complain that their insurance companies were not covering the claims they filed. Florida's Chief Financial Officer Tom Gallagher launched a crackdown on adjusters who underpay claims, and investigated the state's insurance pool. There are now Congressional investigations in Washington based on WINK-TV's story.
Tags: hurricane victims; contractors; insurance adjusters; Florida hurricane; insurance companies; Tom Gallagher; Hurricane Charley; Hurricane Frances; Hurricane Ivan; Hurricane Jeanne
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Center didn't measure up
This investigation examined why a two-year-old, $8 million hurricane shelter built to withstand winds up to 140 mph collapsed during a hurricane that registered winds of only up to 110 mph. The newspaper found that DeSoto County used a low-bid contractor who lacked certification, failed to use the latest in disaster-resistant design, and appointed the county administrator to oversee the project even though he lacked any construction background, and now the county can't find the engineering documents to prove the building's design and materials should have held up under hurricane-force winds.
Tags: Hurricane Charley; hurricane shelter; hurricane-proof construction; county government