The mudslide has filled homes along this quiet neighborhood street, causing hundreds of thousands in damage….

This will probably never happen to you.

The blaze, extinguished by firefighters before causing more damage to your home….

This will probably never happen to you.

Water damage caused by common and underestimated home disaster: a burst washing machine hose….

This will probably never happen to you.

Wind & Water. Fire & Flood.  Common home disasters.  They typically happen to other people. Not you. So you don’t need OC Restoration.

More than just a contractor, OC Restoration is a friend that will help you during your insurance damage needs.  OC Restoration will restore your property whole again.

So when the disaster that’ll never happen to you.. happens.. you have someone on your side.  Wind & Water.  Fire & Flood.  After a disaster, make it whole again. 
OC Restoration. Serving all of the OC & LA county. 

       24HR EMERGENCY SERVICES       
PH: (714) 625-8635 – (310) 261-6216
WWW.OCRESTORATION.COM
CA Lic. #853685

Looking for a Reliable Contractor in Southern California?  Tired of Bouncing from one Contractor to Another?  Find a Home with OC Restoration Inc.
714-625-8635
www.ocrestoration.com

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O.C. Restoration Inc.  Is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and provides a 90 minute response time. We arrive prepared to handle any damage situation no matter how big or small. Just Call:  714-625-8635

Our Services include: water damage restoration, water extraction, sewage clean-up, crawl space drying, structural drying, emergency board-up, wind damage, fire damage, and mold abatement, General Contracting, Historical Renovation, Tenant Improvement, New Construction 
Building Renovation, Pre-Fab Steel Buildings

We are proud members of the following:  BBB –Better Business Bureau, CSLB- California State License Board, CFSEI- Cold-Formed Steel Engineers Institute, HBCC- Huntington Beach Chamber of commerce, WRMBA- Western Regional Master Builders Association, NAGC- National Association of Government Contractors, CCR- Central Contractor Registration, AAOC- Apartment Association of Orange County.

Experiencing water damage to your home, often your most valuable asset can be very upsetting, and deciding which restoration company to hire can be difficult.
O.C. Restoration Inc. understands this and wants to help in your decision so your home is restored back to its pre-loss condition as quickly as possible. In times like this it is extremely important to address the situation immediately, as to avoid any secondary damage which could result in mold growth.
O.C. Restoration Inc.  is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and provides a 90 minute response time. We arrive prepared to handle any damage situation no matter how big or small. We also work directly with your insurance company to address any concerns.

Our Services Include: water damage restoration, water extraction, sewage clean-up, crawl space drying, structural drying, emergency board-up, wind damage, fire damage.

We hope that you never experience a natural disaster or suffer damage to your property. In the event this does happen, you want someone that is experienced in insurance restoration and accustomed to dealing with insurance companies.
Our team at O.C. Restoration Inc. is uniquely trained and experienced in insurance repair and restoration.  Our professionals are equipped to handle all requirements necessary to restore damage for fires, floods, wind, vandalism, soot, smoke, water, sewage and any other disaster that may happen to private, commercial, and industrial sites of any size.  We provide a full range of reconstruction services dealing with all phases of restoration from start to finish.  Our goal is to make your restoration process as simple as possible and restore your property to new.

CONSTRUCTION SERVICES

Emergency Services
Fire – Flood – Water- Wind – Earthquake
- Water extraction and deodorization
- Board up and property security
- Barricade & Safety
- Temporary Repairs
- Temporary Weather Proofing

Insurance Restoration
Fires – Floods – Wind – Vandalism – Soot – Smoke – Water – Sewage
Earthquake – Construction defect

General Building Contractor
Tenant Improvement – Building Renovation – New Construction

CONSULTING SERVICES
O.C. Restoration Inc.  provides qualified consulting services consisting of the following.
- Damage Assessment & Scope Preparation
- Project Management
- Building Moisture Diagnostics/ Thermo Imaging
- Certified Xactimate estimate
- Loss dispute resolution
- Experienced defect litigation experts

Services areas - Orange Counties, Anaheim, Atwood, Avalon, Brea, Buena Park, Corona del Mar, Costa Mesa, Cowan Heights, Cypress, East Irvine, Foothill Ranch, Fountain Valley, Fullerton, Garden Grove, Huntington Beach, Irvine, La Habra, La Habra Heights, La Palma, Los Alamitos, Midway City, Newport Beach, North Tustin, Orange, Placentia, Rossmoor, Santa Ana, Seal Beach, Silverado, Stanton, Sunset Beach, Surfside, Tustin, Tustin Marine Corps Air S, Tustin MCAS, Villa Park, Westminster, Yorba Linda, Aliso Viejo, Capistrano Beach, Coto de Caza, Dana Point, Dove Canyon, El Toro, Ladera Ranch, Laguna Beach, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Woods, Lake Forest, Mission Viejo, Monarch Bay, Monarch Beach, Newport Coast, Portola Hills, Rancho Santa Margarita, Robinson Ranch, San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano, Trabuco, Trabuco Canyon, Trabuco Cyn

EMERGENCY RESPONSE AGREEMENT (ERA)

Burst pipes, flooding, fire & smoke, or storm damage.
You hope it never happens. But disasters occur all the time and the aftermath can be devastating in terms of property damage, business interruption and loss of customers or staff. You can’t always predict when disaster will strike or the impact it may have on your business. But you can take steps to ensure a faster and more effective recovery if the unthinkable happens. It begins with an Emergency Response Agreement (ERA).

The ERA solution  
An Emergency Response Agreement (ERA) is a disaster recovery plan for commercial business owners and property managers. Created and administered by OC Restoration, Inc. an ERA is a contractual agreement detailing recovery services performed should disaster strike your operation.

A plan to calm the chaos
Establishing your company as one of our pre-registered customers adds an extra measure of preparedness to your contingency plan and provides peace of mind in the event of a disaster. With an ERA on file, a single telephone call to one of our offices is all that’s needed to initiate recovery services, minimize business interruption and loss of revenue, and get your business up and running as quickly as possible.

Pre-registration has its benefits
• Immediate emergency services, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• No surprises. All emergency services and contractual agreements are specified before     disaster happens.
• Expert services are provided by highly trained professionals.
• Services and costs are pre-approved by you.

How it works
An effective ERA is one that merges seamlessly with your existing contingency plan and addresses your specific business needs. Before crafting your contractual agreement, our representatives will work with you. We will then complete your contractual agreement including pre-determined services, rates and response times.

Your one-stop recovery shop
With OC Restoration, Inc. in your corner, you can count on complete recovery services ranging from emergency response to final reconstruction work.

24-hour emergency response   Environmental remediation
• Fire, flood and smoke damage   • Mold
• Debris removal     • Asbestos
• Board-ups      • Lead
• Roof covers      • Bio-hazards
• Water Extraction
Contents restoration     Reconstruction and restoration
• On-location cleaning     • Minor repairs    
• Pack-outs for off-site cleaning and storage  • Complete demolition and rebuilding
• Document restoration and preservation   • General Contracting
• Electronics restoration

Services areas - Orange Counties, Anaheim, Atwood, Avalon, Brea, Buena Park, Corona del Mar, Costa Mesa, Cowan Heights, Cypress, East Irvine, Foothill Ranch, Fountain Valley, Fullerton, Garden Grove, Huntington Beach, Irvine, La Habra, La Habra Heights, La Palma, Los Alamitos, Midway City, Newport Beach, North Tustin, Orange, Placentia, Rossmoor, Santa Ana, Seal Beach, Silverado, Stanton, Sunset Beach, Surfside, Tustin, Tustin Marine Corps Air S, Tustin MCAS, Villa Park, Westminster, Yorba Linda, Aliso Viejo, Capistrano Beach, Coto de Caza, Dana Point, Dove Canyon, El Toro, Ladera Ranch, Laguna Beach, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Woods, Lake Forest, Mission Viejo, Monarch Bay, Monarch Beach, Newport Coast, Portola Hills, Rancho Santa Margarita, Robinson Ranch, San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano, Trabuco, Trabuco Canyon, Trabuco Cyn

OC Restoration is a multi-faceted company with the capability to handle all your construction needs.  With over 20-years of experience in the construction industry, we have built a solid quality long-term relationship with our clients.  We have the knowledge and skills to complete any job at competitive prices. Whatever your project entails, we can meet your requirements.  Our projects consist of residential repair as well as small and large scale commercial.

We have diversified experience to include various categories of Construction:

Emergency Services  General Contracting  Historical Renovation
Insurance Repair  Tenant Improvement  New Construction 
Mold Abatement  Building Renovation  Pre Fab Steel Buildings 

OC Restoration, Inc. maintains a high level of performance on each project unequaled by the competition. Our company has developed a relationship with our customers that encourage their trust in our ability to perform on a moment's notice.  Our goal is to provide quality service to our clients with the utmost professionalism. If you have a project or are planning a new one, we would like the opportunity to join your team and bid your next project.
Regards,
OC Restoration Inc.  714-625-8635, www.ocrestoration.com

Services areas - Orange Counties, Anaheim, Atwood, Avalon, Brea, Buena Park, Corona del Mar, Costa Mesa, Cowan Heights, Cypress, East Irvine, Foothill Ranch, Fountain Valley, Fullerton, Garden Grove, Huntington Beach, Irvine, La Habra, La Habra Heights, La Palma, Los Alamitos, Midway City, Newport Beach, North Tustin, Orange, Placentia, Rossmoor, Santa Ana, Seal Beach, Silverado, Stanton, Sunset Beach, Surfside, Tustin, Tustin Marine Corps Air S, Tustin MCAS, Villa Park, Westminster, Yorba Linda, Aliso Viejo, Capistrano Beach, Coto de Caza, Dana Point, Dove Canyon, El Toro, Ladera Ranch, Laguna Beach, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Woods, Lake Forest, Mission Viejo, Monarch Bay, Monarch Beach, Newport Coast, Portola Hills, Rancho Santa Margarita, Robinson Ranch, San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano, Trabuco, Trabuco Canyon, Trabuco Cyn

OC Restoration is a contracting company and water damage restoration company, we are serving the Los Angeles county, entire Orange county

. Orange County Cities served: Newport Beach, Newport Coast, Costa Mesa, Anaheim, Aliso Viejo, La Habra, La Palma, Irvine, Huntington Beach, Garden Grove, Fullerton, Fountain Valley, Dana Point, Santa Ana, Brea, Buena Park, Cypress, Laguna Beach, Laguna Hills, Laguna Woods, Lake Forest, Los Alamitos, Orange, Placenia, Rancho San Margarita, San Clemente, Seal Beach, Villa Park, Westminster, Stanton, Midway City, Ladera Ranch, Coto de Caza, Tustin Aliso Viejo, Anaheim, Anaheim Hills, Balboa Island, Bell Canyon, Brea, Buena Park, Capistrano Beach, Corona Del Mar, Costa Mesa, Coto de Caza, Cypress, Dana Point, Dove Canyon, El Toro, Foothill Ranch, Fountain Valley, Fullerton, Garden Grove, Huntington Beach, Irvine, La Habra, La Palma, Ladera Ranch, Laguna Beach, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Woods, Lake Forest, Las Flores, Los Alamitos, Midway City, Mission Viejo, Modjeska Canyon, Monarch Beach, Newport Beach, Newport Coast, Orange, Placentia, Rancho Santa Margarita, San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano, Santa Ana, Seal Beach, Silverado, Stanton, Sunset Beach, Trabuco Canyon, Tustin, Villa Park, Westminster & Yorba Linda.

Los Angeles cities served: Long Beach, Pasadena, West Hollywood, Santa Monica, North Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Culver City, Brentwood, Rancho Palos Verdes, Bel Air Estates, Beverly Glen, Covina, Pacific Highlands, Pacific Palisades, La Brea, Sherman Oaks, Studio City, West Covina, Westwood, Malibu, Lomita, La Mirada, Cheviot Hills, Harbor City, Mar Vista, Playa del Rey, San Pedro, Venice, Wilmington, Pico Rivera, Manhattan Beach, Marina del Rey, Claremont, , Monrovia, Montrose, San Dimas, Claremont, Hawaiian Gardens, Torrance, Bellflower, Hawthorne, Sierra Madre, Paramount, Hermosa Beach, Montebello, Agoura Hills, Cerritos, Diamond Bar, Alhambra, Downey, Lawndale, Rosemead, Arcadia, Duarte, Lomita, Artesia, El Monte, El Segundo, Gardena, Temple City, Lynwood, San Marino, Baldwin Park, Bell, Glendora, Manhattan Beach, Palos Verdes, Santa Fe Springs, Signal Hill, Inglewood, Bradbury, Hidden Hills, Monterey Park, Carson, South El Monte, Huntington Park, Norwalk, South Gate, La Verne, South Pasadena, Redondo Beach, Culver City, Lakewood, City of Industry, Rolling Hills, Whittier, Baldwin Hills, Century City, Windsor Hills, Country Club Park, Crenshaw, Hancock Park, Hyde Park, Jefferson Park, Koreatown, Ladera Heights, Leimert Park, Wilshire Mid City, South Central, West Adams, Camarillo, Port Hueneme, Newbury Park, Fillmore, Ojai, Ventura, Oxnard, Santa Paula, Azusa, Avalon, Bell, Cudahy, Palmdale, Maywood, Irwindale, Industry, San Gabriel, West Hollywood, Port Hueneme, Thousand Oaks, Westlake Village, Calabasas, Porter Ranch, Simi Valley, Moorpark, Santa Clarita, Valencia, Sylmar, San Fernando, Wilmington, Rolling Hills Estates

Although water damage remediation is important for cleaning up the immediate structural damage to your home or business, it is also crucial for preventing further hazards to your home. Water damage can provide the necessary conditions for mold growth, which in some cases can be toxic. As such, water damage restoration is important not only for cosmetic purposes, but also for maintaining a healthy working and/or living environment.

Damage to your home and possessions is not the only reason to be concerned with mold. Although most people are exposed to small amounts of mold or their spores on a daily basis without apparent harm, mold is an unsanitary condition that may present potential health risks to certain individuals.

Possible adverse health effects produced by molds can include allergic, irritating, or toxigenic effects, and even infections, allergic reactions being the most common. Symptoms reported by affected people include: respiratory conditions, such as wheezing, difficulty breathing, and shortness of breath, sneezing and/or nasal congestion, eye and/or throat irritation, headaches and fatigue.

• Fire Damage Repair
• Water Damage Repair
• Insurance Repair
• Remodel
• Tenant Improvement
• Historical Renovation
• Building Renovation
• Green Build
• Pre-Engineered Metal buildings
• Ozone Purification
• Property Preservation

• Damage Assessment & Scope Preparation
• Project management
• Building Moisture Diagnostics/ Thermo Imaging
• Xactimate experience
• Expert Witness/ Litigation Support
• Property Inspections

The Huntington Beach Fire Department Emergency Management and Homeland Security Office has prepared the following information regarding preparing for a flood emergency. Water damage caused by flooding is costly and it is important to be prepared for this type of emergency. Before a storm strikes, you can take the following steps to increase safety and minimize damage:

Keep a stock of food on hand which requires little cooking and no refrigeration.  Electrical power may be interrupted.
Have a supply of at least one gallon of water per person per day for each family member
Keep an extra supply of prescriptions.
Have flashlights and extra batteries.
Have a portable radio so you will receive emergency instructions from your local radio stations.
Keep your automobile fueled. If power is out, gas stations may not be able to operate and you may have to evacuate your family.
Keep materials like sandbags, plywood, plastic sheeting, and lumber available for emergency waterproofing.
Make sure your family is safe.  Get prepared for floods!

The mudslide has filled homes along this quiet neighborhood street, causing hundreds of thousands in damage….

This will probably never happen to you.

The blaze, extinguished by firefighters before causing more damage to your home….

This will probably never happen to you.

Water damage caused by common and underestimated home disaster: a burst washing machine hose….

This will probably never happen to you.

Wind & Water. Fire & Flood.  Common home disasters.  They typically happen to other people. Not you. So you don’t need OC Restoration.

More than just a contractor, OC Restoration is a friend that will help you during your insurance damage needs.  OC Restoration will restore your property whole again.

So when the disaster that’ll never happen to you.. happens.. you have someone on your side.  Wind & Water.  Fire & Flood.  After a disaster, make it whole again.  OC Restoration. Serving all of the OC & LA county. 

• Do they have a contractor’s license?
• Are they general liability insured and have workers’ compensation?
• Are they part of the Better Business Bureau?

Posted on Monday 15 June 2009

• How well are they financed?
• Will they be able to provide the service and expertise you will need?
• If they are required to back up a claim, will they be out of business?
• What happens to your deposit if they fold?
• A 50-year warranty is only good if the company will be there in 50 years.

Posted on Thursday 4 June 2009

Posted on Wednesday 10 June 2009

• Do you really know this company?
• Is it a new startup by a couple of salespeople who left their employer to go off on their own or is it a company that will be there when you need service?
• How well are they financed?
• Will one claim on a project wipe them out, and your deposit with it?
• Are they one deposit away from closing the doors?

Experiencing water damage to your home, often your most valuable asset can be very upsetting, and deciding which restoration company to hire can be difficult.
O.C. Restoration Inc. understands this and wants to help in your decision so your home is restored back to its pre-loss condition as quickly as possible. In times like this it is extremely important to address the situation immediately, as to avoid any secondary damage which could result in mold growth.
O.C. Restoration Inc.  is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and provides a 90 minute response time. We arrive prepared to handle any damage situation no matter how big or small. We also work directly with your insurance company to address any concerns.

Our Services Include: water damage restoration, water extraction, sewage clean-up, crawl space drying, structural drying, emergency board-up, wind damage, fire damage.

-          Water extraction and deodorization

-          Board up and property security

-          Barricade & Safety

-          Temporary Repairs

-          Temporary Weather Proofing

O.C. Restoration Inc.  provides qualified consulting services consisting of the following.

-          Damage Assessment & Scope Preparation

-          Project Management

-          Building Moisture Diagnostics/ Thermo Imaging

-          Certified Xactimate estimate

-          Loss dispute resolution

-          Experienced defect litigation experts

WATER DAMAGE RESTORATION
OC RESTORATION WATER DAMAGE REPAIR – Huntington Beach, CA
 OC Restoration specializes in water damage and flood damage restoration, as well as sewage cleanup and fire and smoke damage cleaning & renovation. Our services are available 24-hours a day, 365 days a year. We use advanced moisture meters and infrared cameras to detect moisture in the walls.
714-625-8635, E-mail: info@OCRestoration.com
Serving Area: Costa Mesa, CA – Newport Beach, CA – Westminster, CA – Irvine, CA – Santa Ana – Garden Grove – Anaheim, CA – Yorba Linda, CA – Fullerton, CA – Huntington Beach, CA - - - Orange County, CA – Los Angeles County, CA – San Diego County, CA – Riverside County, CA – San Bernardino County, CA  Orange County California Cities served: Newport Beach, Newport Coast, Costa Mesa, Anaheim, Aliso Viejo, La Habra, La Palma, Irvine, Huntington Beach, Garden Grove, Fullerton, Fountain Valley, Dana Point, Santa Ana, Brea, Buena Park, Cypress, Laguna Beach, Laguna Hills, Laguna Woods, Lake Forest, Los Alamitos, Orange, Placenia, Rancho San Margarita, San Clemente, Seal Beach, Villa Park, Westminster, Stanton, Midway City, Ladera Ranch, Coto de Caza, Tustin Aliso Viejo, Anaheim, Anaheim Hills, Balboa Island, Bell Canyon, Brea, Buena Park, Capistrano Beach, Corona Del Mar, Costa Mesa, Coto de Caza, Cypress, Dana Point, Dove Canyon, El Toro, Foothill Ranch, Fountain Valley, Fullerton, Garden Grove, Huntington Beach, Irvine, La Habra, La Palma, Ladera Ranch, Laguna Beach, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Woods, Lake Forest, Las Flores, Los Alamitos, Midway City, Mission Viejo, Modjeska Canyon, Monarch Beach, Newport Beach, Newport Coast, Orange, Placentia, Rancho Santa Margarita, San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano, Santa Ana, Seal Beach, Silverado, Stanton, Sunset Beach, Trabuco Canyon, Tustin, Villa Park, Westminster & Yorba Linda.

OC Restoration is a licensed general contractor specializing in insurance repair, property preservation, and Pre Fabricated steel buildings.   Our wide range of experience and expertise includes: residential, commercial, businesses, churches, historical buildings, multi-unit and high rise condominiums, shopping centers, municipal buildings, schools, and light industrial structures. OC Restoration has developed an industry wide reputation for being safe, responsive, professional and efficient, all while offering superior service and quality workmanship. We have over 20 years of experience in the construction industry and providing crucial services to business and property owners nationwide. We tailor our approach to aid each of our clients through their individual project whether disaster recovery and storm damage restoration, property preservation or a turn key general contractor for your new building.

We hope that you never experience a natural disaster or suffer damage to your property. In the event this does happen, you want someone that is experienced in insurance restoration and accustomed to dealing with insurance companies. 

Our team at OC Restoration is uniquely trained and experienced in insurance repair and restoration. Our professionals are equipped to handle all requirements necessary to restore damage from fires, floods, wind, vandalism, soot, smoke, water, sewage and any other disaster that may happen to private, commercial and industrial sites of any size. We provide a full range of reconstruction services dealing with all phases of restoration from start to finish. Our goal is to make your restoration process as simply as possible and restore your property to new.

www.ocrestoration.com

OC Restoration’s approach allows us to manage and maintain your properties regardless if properties are in pre-foreclosure or foreclosure. We are committed to providing our clients with superior and Complete Property Management.
We provide all of our clients with up to date reporting on the condition of the property. Timely information that include detailed monthly inspections and status reports.  Call us at 714-625-8635 or email us at info@ocrestoration.com

Complete Property Security:
Vacant properties are secured immediately and monitored throughout the foreclosure process to help prevent vandalism. We change locks and place warning signs in visible street windows with a 24-hour hotline number posted for immediate contact. Perform a property inspection report to advise lending co of the condition of the property with digital pictures.  Inform the bank or lending co, or personal investor of their property condition and what would need to be done in order to sell or rent the home.  Bring home back to market condition and keep home up to county code for resale.

Quality Maintenance and Repair:
As a licensed general contractor we will perform all maintenance and repairs . We perform home trash cleanouts, lock-changes, pool maintenance, lawn service, pest control, certified mold remediation, cleaning, painting, power washing exterior of home. Weekly or monthly services can be done with only one point of contact and payment.

OC Restoration’s approach allows us to manage and maintain your properties regardless if properties are in pre-foreclosure or foreclosure. We are committed to providing our clients with superior and Complete Property Management.
We provide all of our clients with up to date reporting on the condition of the property. Timely information that include detailed monthly inspections and status reports. Call 714-625-8635 or email us at info@ocrestoration.com

Property Management:

  1.) Supervise repairs and maintenance weekly monthly.
• 2.) Monthly inspection reports pictures, videos, security.
• 4.) Address county environmental/compliance Issues.
• 5.) Payment of property utilities.

Basic Foreclosure Maintenance Package:
• Inspection of property, with detailed maintenance report
• Re-keying to all key Codes Lock-changes,
• lock-outs, padlocking
• Lock boxes installed and coded to your Specifications
• General Clean- outs, Trash-Outs and debris removal services

OC Restoration Inc. will remove foul odors through an ozone purification system which will oxidize unwanted odors in any facility.  The ozone purification system attacks odors at their source sanitizing the entire targeted treatment area. It is especially effective on...

• Cigarette Smoke
• Mold & Mildew
• Smoke Damage
• Food Odors  • Pet Odors
• Carpet Odors
• Water Damage
• Cleaning Fumes  • Beverage Odors
• Decaying Matter
• New Construction
• Microorganisms

Houses, Condominiums and Rental Properties    
Undesirable smells develop in homes and rental units from food, beverages, body odors, moisture, pets, and the occasional cigar or cigarette smoker. These odors adhere to walls, ceilings, cabinets and crevices. They also get embedded into carpets, furniture, drapes and bedding as well as bathrooms, kitchens and closets. 
OC Restoration Inc. is able to remove these stubborn odors.  For example, a property designated as non-smoking is sometimes smoked in by an occupant.  Simply cleaning the area will not eliminate smoking odors because fumes penetrate the furniture and fabrics.  Microscopic smoke residue clings to walls and most other surfaces.  Using OC Restoration’s ozone purification system will eliminate the smoke odor and virtually all other odors.
Our system is safe for the environment, furnishings, and electronics.  It leaves absolutely no residue and is 100% chemical and pesticide free!
Contact OC Restoration Inc. at 714-625-8635

Water damage - reduce your risk
You can help prevent future leaks and water intrusion by regularly inspecting the following elements in and around your home to make sure they remain in good condition.
Plumbing and Appliances:
• Inspect plumbing supply lines and drain systems annually:
o Look for condensation around the pipes or an obvious leak and corrosion.
o Watch for stains on walls or ceilings or a musty smell.
o Pay attention to your water bill. A significant increase could indicate a leak.
o Call a plumber at the first signs of rust-colored water, backed-up toilets or sinks and cracked or warped flooring.
o Insulate pipes in attics, basements and exposed exterior pipes to avoid freezing.
o During periods of freezing weather, open cabinet doors to expose pipes to warm air.  
o Disconnect garden hoses when freeze warnings are issued.
• Ensure proper refrigerator/icemaker operation:
o Proper installation of the icemaker supply line hose is important to avoiding water damage.
o Tightly connect the hose to the valve. Avoid over-tightening.
o Inspect the hose every six months.  Ensure the valve connection is secure and check for kinks.
If kinks are present, replace the hose.
o Leave a 3- to 4-inch space between the back of the refrigerator and the wall to prevent the hose from crimping.
o Locate the water shut-off valve.
 Inspect the valve every six months to make sure the water supply will shut off. 
 Replace the valve if needed.
• Prevent washing machine leaks:
o Turn supply valves off when not in use.
o Consider installing a lever-type valve that is easy to operate between uses.
o Do not operate the washing machine while the home is unoccupied.
o Leave a 3- to 4-inch gap between the back of the washing machine and the wall to avoid kinking the hose near the valve connection.
o Inspect the water supply line hoses every six months.
o Ensure that the connection to the valve is se-cure, but avoid over-tightening.
o Hand-tighten first. Then tighten an additional 2/3 of a turn using water pump pliers.
o Check the hoses for cracks, kinks or blisters, which are most commonly found near the hose connection.
o Washing machine manufacturers recommend replacing washing machine hoses every five years. 
o Consider installing reinforced braided stainless steel hoses.
• Protect water heaters:
o Schedule a professional plumbing inspection of the anode rod at least once every two years.
o Annual inspections are recommended once the warranty has expired.
o The rod will eventually corrode and leave the tank vulnerable to damage, so replace when needed.
o Flush the tank every six months to remove sediment.
o Sediment will build up faster in areas with hard water.
• Avoid toilet leaks:
o Inspect the flushing mechanism inside the toilet every six months.
o The fill valve should shut off when the float reaches the proper water level.
o Replace the flapper or fill valve assembly if you notice intermittent or constant tank refilling when the toilet is not in use.  
o Inspect the supply line every six months.
o Ensure the connection to the valve is secure.
o Operate the valve to make sure the water supply will shut off.  Replace if needed.
o Keep sinks operating:
o Inspect plumbing beneath sinks every six months.
o Ensure connections are secure and there is no evidence of corrosion on the pipes.  
o Look for kinks in copper or plastic pipes. These could lead to pinhole leaks over time.
o Locate the water shut-off valve.  
o Inspect the valve every six months to make sure the water supply will shut off.  
o Replace the valve if needed.
• Shower stall safety:
o Inspect tile and grout every six months, paying attention to loose or cracked tiles and cracked or crumbling grout lines. Repair as needed.  
o Test the shower pan annually:
o Block the floor drain.
o Fill the shower stall with approximately one inch of water
o Use a pencil to mark the water line.  
o Leave the water standing in the shower pan for eight hours.  
o If the water level decreases, contact a plumbing professional. 
• Ensure proper sump pump operation:
o Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for sump pump maintenance. These vary from running the sump pump every two to three months to a yearly cleaning before the rainy season.
o To inspect the sump pump:  
 Open the lid and remove debris that may be blocking the water inlet screen.  
 Pour approximately five gallons of water into the pump and watch the float valve rise.
 As the float valve rises, the pump should turn on and the water should discharge through the outlet pipe.
 Go outside and inspect the outlet pipe. Wa-ter should be flowing from the pipe and away from the home.  
 If the sump pump fails to operate during this inspection, contact a plumbing professional.
o Install a battery backup system.  
 Choose a system with a battery replace-ment warning.
 Replace batteries every two to three years.

Home's Interior:
• Windows and Doors:
o Check for leaks around your windows and doors, especially near the corners.
o Check for peeling paint, it can be a sign of water getting into the wood.
o Inspect for discolorations in paint or caulking, swelling of the window or doorframe or surrounding materials.
• Termite-Damaged Material:
o Check for termite damage in wood materials such as walls, beams, or floors.
o Any wood exposed to the exterior can potentially lead to moisture intrusion or termite infestation.
• Basements:
o Make sure that basement windows and doors have built-up barriers or flood shields.
• Humidity:
o The relative humidity in your home should be between 30% and 50%.
o Condensation on windows, wet stains on walls and ceilings, and musty smells are signs that you may have too much humidity in your home.
o Check areas where air does not easily circulate, such as behind curtains, under beds, and in closets for dampness and mildew.
o Be sure to use bathroom exhaust fans following warm showers or baths.
o When going on trips, turn the temperature up on the air conditioning, not off. The air conditioning system helps remove moisture from your home.
o  If you are concerned about the humidity level in your home, consult with a mechanical contractor or air conditioning repair company to determine if your HVAC system is properly sized and in good working order.
• Air Conditioners:
o Check drain pans to insure they drain freely, are adequately sloped toward the outlets and that no standing water is present.
o Make sure drain lines are clean and clear of obstructions.
o Drain pan overflows usually occur the first time the unit is turned on in the spring.
o Clean prior to first use with compressed air or by pouring a water-bleach solution down the drain line until it flows freely.
• Drywall:
o Since drywall is an extremely porous material and is difficult to dry out completely, damaged areas should be replaced if any signs of moisture are present.
o One way to protect drywall from moisture intrusion in the event of a flood is to install it slightly above the floor and cover the gap with molding.
Home's Exterior:
• Flashing: Flashing, which is typically a thin metal strip found around doors, windows, thresholds, chimneys, and roofs, is designed to prevent water intrusion in spaces where two different building surfaces meet.
• Vents: All vents, including clothes dryer, gable vents, attic vents, and exhaust vents, should have hoods, exhaust to the exterior, be in good working order, and have boots.
• Exterior Wood Sheathing and Siding:
o Replace any wood siding and sheathing that appears to have water damage.
o Inspect any wood sided walls to ensure there is at least 8" between any wood and the earth.
• Exterior Walls:
o Exterior walls should be kept well painted and sealed.
o Don't place compost or leaf piles against the outside walls.
o Landscape features should not include soil or other bedding material mounded up against walls.
• Landscaping:
o Keep trees trimmed so that branches are at least 7 feet away from any exterior house surface. This will help prolong the life of your siding and roof and prevent insects from entering your home from the tree.
o Vines should be kept off all exterior walls, because they can help open cracks in the siding, which allows moisture or insects to enter the house.
• Irrigation: Inspect and adjust the spray pattern of the irrigation heads to minimize the water sprayed directly onto the house to avoid excessive water near the foundation.
To prolong roof life, have a professional roof inspection annually. Request a detailed inspection report that includes the condition of the flashing, roof covering, parapets and drainage system.  
• Repairs are needed if there are cracked or missing shingles or loose or missing granules; if flashing has deteriorated, particularly around chimneys and vents; or if pooling water is present.
• Leaks are particularly common around chimneys, plumbing vents and attic vents.
o To trace the source of a ceiling leak, measure its location from the nearest outside wall and then locate this point in the attic using a measuring tape.Keep in mind that the water may run along the attic floor, rafters, or truss for quite a distance before coming through the ceiling.
Act Quickly if Water Intrusion Occurs
• If water is flowing into the home from burst piping or damaged appliances, shut off the water supply, typically found outside the house or at the meter. Immediately remove standing water and all moist materials, and consult with a licensed building professional who can determine the extent of the repairs necessary.
• Water damage left unattended can result in structural failure or, potentially, mold growth.
• Should your home become damaged by a catastrophic event such as fire, flood or storm, take appropriate actions to prevent further water damage once it is safe to do so. This may include:
o Boarding up damaged windows
o Covering a damaged roof with plastic sheeting
o Removing wet, damaged rugs, carpet, or personal belongings
o Fast action on your part will help minimize the time and expense for repairs, resulting in a faster recovery.
For further help contact OC Restoration (714)625-8635 Serving Services areas - Orange Counties, Anaheim, Atwood, Avalon, Brea, Buena Park, Corona del Mar, Costa Mesa, Cowan Heights, Cypress, East Irvine, Foothill Ranch, Fountain Valley, Fullerton, Garden Grove, Huntington Beach, Irvine, La Habra, La Habra Heights, La Palma, Los Alamitos, Midway City, Newport Beach, North Tustin, Orange, Placentia, Rossmoor, Santa Ana, Seal Beach, Silverado, Stanton, Sunset Beach, Surfside, Tustin, Tustin Marine Corps Air S, Tustin MCAS, Villa Park, Westminster, Yorba Linda, Aliso Viejo, Capistrano Beach, Coto de Caza, Dana Point, Dove Canyon, El Toro, Ladera Ranch, Laguna Beach, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Woods, Lake Forest, Mission Viejo, Monarch Bay, Monarch Beach, Newport Coast, Portola Hills, Rancho Santa Margarita, Robinson Ranch, San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano, Trabuco, Trabuco Canyon, Trabuco Cyn, Long Beach

(March 2008)
Water damage to your home can be costly and time-consuming to repair. Delaying or failing to remove water that enters your house because of an accidental leak or flooding can lead to extensive mold growth and further damage.
This publication provides useful tips to follow after your home is damaged by water. You’ll also find suggestions for handling insurance claims related to water damage and mold to help ensure that your claims are processed timely and efficiently.
If Your Home is Damaged by Water
Any time your home becomes flooded, it’s important to stop the water leak or water flow as soon as possible. Once the leak or flow has been stopped, protect the area from further damage by removing standing water and drying the area. If you cannot remove the water and dry the area promptly, consider contacting a water extraction company for immediate action. Move water-soaked items to a dry, well-ventilated area. Pull up soaked carpeting and wet rugs as soon as possible. If you must move items outdoors, place them in a secure area to protect them from possible theft.
Important! Not all water and mold damage is covered by your homeowners insurance policy. Coverage and limitations vary with individual policies. Most policies will cover mold remediation only to the extent necessary to repair or replace property damaged by a water loss otherwise covered by the policy. Some policies, however, may not provide any coverage for mold remediation or for damages resulting from sudden and accidental water leaks. It’s important that you read your policy carefully to understand your policy’s coverages and dollar limits.
Filing a Claim
If you think you have a water-damage claim, notify your insurance company as soon as possible. You may contact your company by telephone, but your company may also ask you to provide a written notice that includes the facts related to the claim.
The following tips can help the claims process go more smoothly:
• Make sure you understand what losses are covered under your policy. If you’re not sure, ask your agent or an insurance company representative for an explanation.
• Have your policy number ready when you contact the company and be prepared to answer questions about the extent and severity of the damage. Your initial contact with the company may be with your insurance agent, a claims office, or the company’s toll-free claims center. The telephone number should be listed on your policy.
• Photograph or videotape the damaged area and any damaged property before you make any repairs. This is very important because it can help you document your losses, especially if you clean up or make any repairs before your insurance adjuster has viewed the damage.
• Don’t throw away removed or damaged materials until your insurance adjuster has seen them.
• Make reasonable and necessary repairs to protect your home and property from further damage. Don’t make large structural or permanent repairs until instructed by your insurance company. When making repairs, don’t exceed your personal capabilities.
• Keep an accurate record of all repair expenses and save all receipts.
• Keep an activity log, including a record of all contacts with your insurance company. Note the time, date, name of the person you spoke with, and a description of the discussion. Keep copies of letters or other documents sent between you and the company.
For typical claims, most insurers will contact you in writing or by phone within one business day after receiving notice of your claim. The insurance company may provide you with information about its claims handling process and any responsibilities you have under the policy. If you have an active water leak – such as a plumbing leak – the company will probably verify that you have shut off the water and have arranged to repair the leak. It is your right to select a plumber or contractor of your choice. The insurance company may assist you by providing a list of qualified specialists, but you do not have to choose a vendor from the company’s list.
In addition, you can reasonably expect your company to
• Provide you with the name of a contact person who will monitor your claim.
• Send a company representative, or adjuster, to your home to view the damage. If your damage was caused by a natural disaster or similar catastrophic event, it may be some time before an adjuster is able to view your home. Adjusters typically won’t be able to enter a disaster-impacted area until after emergency officials have determined that the area is safe. When the adjuster inspects your home, it’s a good idea for you or a family member to be present to provide information or to answer any questions.
• Notify you in writing whether the damage is covered under your policy and provide you with an initial estimate of damage. Keep in mind that the initial estimate is subject to change.

About Adjusters
The person you deal with most frequently during a claim will probably be your adjuster. There are several types of adjusters.
• Company adjusters are full-time employees of the insurance company.
• Independent adjusters are independent contractors who provide claims services to insurance companies. They usually charge the insurance company a fee for each claim they handle.
• Public insurance adjusters are independent contractors who provide claims services to consumers. Public insurance adjusters usually charge a percentage of your total claims payment. Before you hire a public insurance adjuster, make sure you understand what the fee will be.
Adjusters must be licensed
Settling a Claim
If the damage is covered by your policy and you have replacement cost coverage, the insurance company will pay you the necessary costs to repair or replace your home, up to your policy’s dollar limits and subject to the provisions of your policy.  Replacement cost is what you would pay to rebuild or repair your home, based on current construction costs. Replacement cost is different from market value and does not include the value of your land. Some companies also offer extended replacement cost coverage that pays a certain percentage over your policy’s limits to replace a damaged home.
Be aware that the insurance company will pay to repair your home with materials of like kind and quality to the original. This means that the insurance company is only responsible for the costs necessary to return your home to a state similar to the way it was before the damage occurred. For example, if the damaged area was carpeted, the insurance company will pay to replace the damaged carpet with carpet of a similar grade and quality. If you choose to upgrade the carpet, you will have to pay the cost difference between the carpet of similar quality to the original and the higher-grade carpet.
Most HO-B and HO-C policies provide replacement cost coverage for your house, up to your policy’s dollar limits. Unless you buy an endorsement increasing your coverage, HO-A policies only provide actual cash value coverage. Actual cash value is the replacement cost of your property minus depreciation. If your home is destroyed and you only have actual cash value coverage, you may not be able to completely rebuild.
If you have an HO-A amended policy or an approved alternative policy, read your policy carefully to know whether it offers replacement cost coverage or actual cash value coverage.
Personal property coverage pays only the actual cash value of damaged, stolen, or destroyed household contents – furniture, clothes, appliances, etc. – unless you buy replacement cost coverage.
Your insurance company will generally only pay claims that exceed your deductible. For example, if you have a $1,000 deductible on your policy and the cost to repair the damaged area is $800, you will have to pay the full cost of repairs yourself. Review your policy or ask your agent or adjuster if you’re unsure of your policy’s limits and deductibles.

Additional Living Expenses if You Relocate
While health experts agree that more research is needed on the potential health effects of mold, some people appear more susceptible than others. Infants, the elderly, people with asthma, and people with weakened immune systems are thought to be at a higher risk to develop symptoms or other complications from exposure to mold.
A homeowners insurance policy won’t cover health expenses but it might pay for you to live elsewhere while your home is being repaired and the mold removed. If your policy covers mold remediation, your insurance company will pay reasonable and necessary expenses – up to your policy’s dollar limits – for you to relocate while your home is being repaired and the mold removed. These expenses are called additional living expenses (ALE).
Ask your insurance company whether your policy covers ALE and, if it does, what the policy’s dollar limit is. In addition, your insurance company may
• Provide you with an advance ALE payment.
• Reimburse you for covered expenses within five business days of receiving a request for reimbursement. Your company will ask you to provide documentation or receipts for any expenses you pay out of pocket.
• Tell you how much of your ALE provisions you’ve spent and how much is remaining.
Note: It’s important that you understand your policy’s ALE limits. Your insurance company will only pay for additional living expenses up to your policy’s ALE dollar limits. Since mold remediation can sometimes take months, you should monitor your expenses carefully to ensure that you have adequate ALE to cover the entire time you will be out of your home. If you reach your policy’s ALE dollar limits before your home is fully repaired or the mold remediation complete, you will have to pay any further additional living expenses out of your own pocket.
To help you control and monitor your additional living expenses, it may be helpful to
• Get a written plan of action from your remediation contractor that includes a timeline for completing repairs. Monitor the contractor’s activities to ensure that work is completed on time.
• Budget your ALE based on the contractor’s timeline and the time it will take to begin the remediation or repair. If your insurance company is requiring testing, for instance, it can sometimes take a month or more to schedule testing and get the test results back. If your contractor estimates that the remediation and repairs will take four months to complete, you could be out of your home for six months or more. If your policy has an $18,000 limit on ALE, you should make sure your additional living expenses don’t total more than $3,000 a month. Keep in mind that if additional damage is discovered during the remediation, it may take the contractor longer to complete the work than originally estimated.
• Discuss the timing of recurring bills, such as rent or a mortgage payment, with your adjuster to ensure that bills are paid on time.
• Consider using vendors or companies who will bill your insurance company directly. If you relocate to a hotel, for instance, try to arrange for the hotel to send the bill directly to the insurance company.
• Understand exactly which ALE your insurance company will pay for, and ask about any expenses you’re not sure about. Your insurance company will pay some, but not all of the costs to allow your family to maintain its “normal standard of living.” Some items might not be covered. For instance, if you relocate to a hotel, your company may reimburse you for meals out. However, if you relocate to a house or apartment with a kitchen, dining out expenses may not be covered. If you have pets, your company will probably pay any pet deposits you incur or may pay to board your pets if you are unable to take them with you.
If You Have a Complaint
If you have a complaint about the way your claim is being handled, first contact your insurance company. Many times, complaints arise from misunderstandings or miscommunication. If you believe your insurance company isn’t being responsive to your needs, be persistent. Ask to speak to a manager and continue up the chain of command as necessary.
Protecting Your Home from Water Damage and Mold
Inspect your home regularly for possible signs and sources of indoor moisture. Check for evidence of water stains or odors on areas that could get wet, particularly after rain. Establish a maintenance schedule to check the following sources of water leaks on a regular basis and contact a maintenance or service company with any questions or concerns:
• Hot water heaters. Hot water heaters may rust or develop cracks over time, and the resulting leaks can be very costly. Check your water heater for rust and deterioration every year. Check the drain pan for water and ensure that the drain line for the overflow pan is not clogged. Drain and clean the water heater as recommended by the manufacturer.
• A/C drain lines. Damage can occur when the line that drains condensation from the evaporator coils becomes clogged and water overflows from the drip pan. To prevent this, periodically check the drip pan for water and consider an annual inspection or service call to reduce the buildup of algae and mold in the drain line.
• Appliance hoses. Broken hoses are among the most common causes of water damage. Regularly inspect hoses and hose fittings on washing machines, icemakers, and dishwashers for kinks, cracks, bulges, or evidence of deterioration. Replace standard rubber washing machine hoses every two to five years or more frequently if they are showing signs of wear. Consider using steel-reinforced hoses for longer life.
• Showers, tubs, sinks, and toilets. Water that leaks from around bathtubs, showers, sinks, and toilets can cause extensive damage because the leak is often hidden from view. To prevent leaks, make sure you have a continuous watertight seal of caulk around the edges of sinks, toilets, tubs, and shower stalls. Cracks or mold on caulk or tile grout on walls or shower floors may indicate that you do not have a watertight seal. Remove all caulk or grout, clean and dry the surface thoroughly, and apply fresh caulk. Do not apply new caulk or grout on top of the old materials.
• Windows, doors, penetrations, and cracks.  Windows and doors should have a continuous bead of caulk sealing them to the exterior surface of the home. Holes in the exterior walls for pipes, electrical conduit, phone or cable lines, and exhaust ducts should also be caulked. Cracks or mold on the caulk may indicate that you do not have a watertight seal. Remove all caulk, clean and dry the surface thoroughly, and apply fresh caulk. Do not apply new caulk on top of the old caulk.
• Visible pipes.  Routinely check pipes under cabinets and sinks for leaks, rust, and any signs of deterioration.
• Waste/garbage disposal systems.  Routinely check for cracks or other sources of leaks in your garbage disposal.
• Attics and ceilings. Routinely check for wet insulation and water stains.
• Wallpaper. Routinely check for bubbling, peeling, and stains.
• Roofs. Keep roofs free of debris that can damage roofing material and allow water to seep in. Trim tree branches to prevent them from rubbing and damaging the roof. Repair missing or damaged shingles promptly. Properly seal any cracks around chimneys, skylights, and vents. Check metal flashing for holes, cracks, or other damage. Replace flashing or use silicon caulk to seal any openings.
• Landscape. Yards should slope away from the house to prevent puddling near the foundation or under pier and beam houses. Do not allow sprinklers or sprinkler heads to soak the exterior of the home.

Other Precautions
• Water valves. Make sure everyone in the household knows where the main valve is located and how to turn the water off.
• Rain gutters and downspouts. Direct rainwater away from your home. Keep gutters clear and make sure downspouts are long enough to carry water away from your foundation. Gutters that are filled with leaves and other debris allow water to back up on the roof, which can result in water damage to eaves and roofing material.
• Pipes and outside faucets. Minimize the potential for water damage from frozen, broken pipes by insulating supply lines (in attics, crawlspaces, and exterior walls), protecting exposed outdoor faucets, sealing gaps in exterior walls, and maintaining adequate heat in your home.
• Sump pumps. Sump pumps are the first line of defense in preventing water from seeping into basements. Periodically check the sump and remove any debris that could clog the pump. Consider installing a battery-powered backup to protect your basement during power outages.
• Weep holes. Weep holes are openings at the foundation level of a brick wall that allow moisture to escape from behind the wall. Do not close or block these openings.
• Utility bills. Monitor your utility bills. An unusually high water bill could signal a water leak.
• Before you travel. Turn the water off at the main valve or at major appliances. Consider leaving a house key and contact information with a neighbor or trusted friend and ask the person to check the inside and outside of your home periodically while you are away.

About Mold
Molds are microscopic organisms commonly found both indoors and outdoors. Molds, along with mushrooms and yeast, are known scientifically as fungi. Their purpose in nature is to break down dead material and recycle nutrients in the environment. For molds to grow and reproduce, they need a food source – any organic material, such as leaves, wood, paper, natural fabrics, or dirt – and moisture. Since molds grow by "eating" the organic material, they gradually destroy whatever they are feeding on.
Mold growth on surfaces can often be seen as a colored spot, frequently green, gray, brown, black, or white. Actively growing molds typically produce odors, sometimes described as similar to mildew or ammonia. It is common to find mold spores in the air inside homes and on most surfaces, including clothes, walls, and furniture. Routine housecleaning – including removing visible mold, like what may occur around showers or bathtubs – helps keep mold spore levels low.
Molds can begin growing within 24 to 48 hours of a water leak. Therefore, stopping the flow of water and drying out materials as soon as possible reduces the potential for mold growth. Your insurance policy allows you to protect your damaged property from further damage by removing it from the house without jeopardizing your coverage.
Mold Remediation
The process for removing mold from a home or other building is called remediation. The following are some key points to consider regarding mold remediation:
For More Information or Assistance
For answers to general insurance questions or for information, call the Consumer Help Line 24/7, Monday-Friday, or visit our website
714-625-8635
www.ocrestoration.com
For further help contact OC Restoration (714)625-8635 Serving Services areas - Orange Counties, Anaheim, Atwood, Avalon, Brea, Buena Park, Corona del Mar, Costa Mesa, Cowan Heights, Cypress, East Irvine, Foothill Ranch, Fountain Valley, Fullerton, Garden Grove, Huntington Beach, Irvine, La Habra, La Habra Heights, La Palma, Los Alamitos, Midway City, Newport Beach, North Tustin, Orange, Placentia, Rossmoor, Santa Ana, Seal Beach, Silverado, Stanton, Sunset Beach, Surfside, Tustin, Tustin Marine Corps Air S, Tustin MCAS, Villa Park, Westminster, Yorba Linda, Aliso Viejo, Capistrano Beach, Coto de Caza, Dana Point, Dove Canyon, El Toro, Ladera Ranch, Laguna Beach, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Woods, Lake Forest, Mission Viejo, Monarch Bay, Monarch Beach, Newport Coast, Portola Hills, Rancho Santa Margarita, Robinson Ranch, San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano, Trabuco, Trabuco Canyon, Trabuco Cyn, Long Beach

UC Irvine 

TITLE: Procedures for Handling Water Damage
INITIATOR: Alvin Samala  REVISION DATE: 5/20/03

I.
II.
III.
IV.
V.
VI.
VII.
VIII.  Program Description
Scope
Definitions
Responsibilities
Specific Program Components
Reporting Requirements
Information and External References
Competency Assessment and Training Requirements

I. Program Description

The purpose of this document is to provide guidance and response procedures for Project Support Personnel to water intrusion events inside buildings. Water damage occurring inside a building can be very disruptive and costly to occupants and building owners. Although an expedient response is critical, taking short cuts can have undesirable consequences such as mold growth, mold discolored surfaces, and odor problems. Molds and fungi may cause allergic reactions in susceptible individuals as well as other potential health problems. This document provides a practical approach to handling water damage.
II. Scope
This document applies to all situations where a water intrusion event has occurred. The event may impact various building construction materials such as, but not limited to, flooring materials, framing network, wallboard, insulation, and ceiling components.
III. Definitions
Project Support Personnel: Staff involved in mitigating the water intrusion event. Personnel include employees from Facilities Management staff or contractors acting on behalf of UC Irvine to address the water intrusion event.
Water Intrusion Event: An incident involving the incursion of water into spaces that are occupied or can be occupied. The incident may involve clean or contaminated water that results from, but not limited to, flooding, leaks, or spills.
Gray Water: Water containing a significant level of contamination and has the potential to cause discomfort or sickness if consumed by or exposed to humans.
IV. Responsibilities
Project Support Personnel are responsible for following the Process Components. Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) may be consulted for Program clarification, monitoring, quality control, and Project oversight.
V. Specific Program Components
To preempt microbial growth, immediate action by Project Support Personnel is required following a flood or water leak. The following list of considerations, (if carried out quickly and carefully) should prevent or greatly limit microbial growth.
1. If applicable, shovel out the worst of the mud and silt before it dries. Use a hose if necessary.
2. Before the area has dried out, scrub the floors and woodwork with a stiff brush, plenty of water, a detergent, and a disinfectant. A solution of 1/4 -cup liquid chlorine bleach per one gallon of water makes an adequate disinfectant. Test a small area for colorfastness. Remove the mud and silt from corners, cracks, and crevices.
3. Clean glued-down carpet in place before attempting to pull it up. Use a wet/dry vacuum to extract the water and then shampoo the carpet with detergent. Glued-down carpet may be adhered to asbestos-containing flooring material; confer with EH&S before pulling up the carpet. If the carpet is not glued down, roll up the carpet and move it to another location for cleaning. Remove and discard the spongy carpet padding. After the carpets are rinsed, quickly dry them by turning on the heat and using dehumidifiers. Wet carpet should be thoroughly dried within 48 hours; if this is not possible, discard the carpet. Materials contaminated with sewage or gray water must be completely discarded.

4. If a professional carpet cleaner is retained, a steam cleaning method (hot-water extraction) is preferred.
5. After the carpet is thoroughly dried, vacuum the area. Give floors a thorough final washing with a non-sudsing cleaning product. Repeat the drying process. Vacuum again. Until the floors are thoroughly dried, runners should be placed on tile, or other slippery floors to help prevent slips and falls. The musty smell can be reduced by following these procedures:
a. Sprinkle baking soda over the carpet, working it in with a broom or sponge mop.
b. Leave the baking soda treatment on overnight.
c. Vacuum the baking soda out. Vacuum twice, moving back and forth in a different direction the second time.
6. Walls may wick up and retain water. Water may also accumulate in the interstitial spaces between walls. Prior to disturbing wall systems (drywall, baseboard), confer with EH&S to determine if asbestos is an issue. Remove all wet baseboards and drill holes between studs a few inches above the floor to drain these areas. Inspect the drywall and the interstitial spaces to determine if it is wet. Use a moisture meter to determine the extent of penetration.
7. Wet walls must be removed to at least the flood level, or dried by cutting holes at strategic locations to increase air circulation. Serious fungi contamination can occur on the back of the drywall if left wet. Cut several inspection holes in the walls to determine if the wall interior is wet.
8. Walls containing fiberglass insulation must be removed. Check the metal track for water accumulation.
9. Wet ceiling tiles must be dried or discarded.

10. Water can flow a considerable distance on hard ceilings. Thoroughly inspect hard ceilings that may be wet. Dry or remove all wet ceiling gypsum board.
11. The area under floor-mounted cabinets is difficult to dry out. The cabinets must either be lifted or panels removed from the cabinet to allow for water removal and drying.
12. Paper products and boxes must be completely dried or discarded.

13. Electrical circuits in the walls under the floors and in ceilings may be wet. These should be inspected by a qualified electrician.
14. Computers and other electronic equipment should be inspected by a qualified technician before they are re-energized.
Good ventilation is essential to the rapid removal of water vapor. Open windows and doors and/or adjust the ventilation equipment to provide as much air exchange to the outside as possible or use blowers and dehumidifiers until the carpet is dried. Use a dehumidifier to extract water out of the room air and maintain relative humidity to less than 70 percent (less than 60 % is desirable).
VI. Reporting Requirements
Reporting the event is not mandatory; however, EH&S should be consulted for guidance and quality assurance.
VII. Information and External References
IICRC Standard and Reference Guide for Professional Water Damage Restoration, S500-94 document prepared by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification
VIII. Competency Assessment and Training Requirements
There are no training requirements. Recommended training for UCI Project Support Personnel would be “Health and Safety Guidelines for Staff Support Personnel” (HAZCOM for Staff Support personnel).

Table 1: Water Damage - Cleanup and Mold Prevention
Table 1 presents strategies to respond to water damage within 24-48 hours. These guidelines are designed to help avoid the need for remediation of mold growth by taking quick action before growth starts. If mold growth is found on the materials listed in Table 1, refer to Table 2 for guidance on remediation. Depending on the size of the area involved and resources available, professional assistance may be needed to dry an area quickly and thoroughly.
An Adobe Acrobat PDF version of this table is available here (PDF, 1 page, 209KB, About PDF)
Table 1: Water Damage - Cleanup and Mold Prevention
Guidelines for Response to Clean Water Damage within 24-48 Hours to Prevent Mold Growth*

Water-Damaged Material† Actions
Books and papers   For non-valuable items, discard books and papers.
  Photocopy valuable/important items, discard originals.
  Freeze (in frost-free freezer or meat locker) or freeze-dry.
Carpet and backing - dry within 24-48 hours§
  Remove water with water extraction vacuum.
  Reduce ambient humidity levels with dehumidifier.
  Accelerate drying process with fans.
Ceiling tiles   Discard and replace.
Cellulose insulation   Discard and replace.
Concrete or cinder block surfaces   Remove water with water extraction vacuum.
  Accelerate drying process with dehumidifiers, fans, and/or heaters.
Fiberglass insulation   Discard and replace.
Hard surface, porous flooring§ (Linoleum, ceramic tile, vinyl)   Vacuum or damp wipe with water and mild detergent and allow to dry; scrub if necessary.
  Check to make sure underflooring is dry; dry underflooring if necessary.
Non-porous, hard surfaces
(Plastics, metals)   Vacuum or damp wipe with water and mild detergent and allow to dry; scrub if necessary.
Upholstered furniture   Remove water with water extraction vacuum.
  Accelerate drying process with dehumidifiers, fans, and/or heaters.
  May be difficult to completely dry within 48 hours. If the piece is valuable, you may wish to consult a restoration/water damage professional who specializes in furniture.
Wallboard
(Drywall and gypsum board)   May be dried in place if there is no obvious swelling and the seams are intact. If not, remove, discard, and replace.
  Ventilate the wall cavity, if possible.
Window drapes   Follow laundering or cleaning instructions recommended by the manufacturer.
Wood surfaces   Remove moisture immediately and use dehumidifiers, gentle heat, and fans for drying. (Use caution when applying heat to hardwood floors.)
  Treated or finished wood surfaces may be cleaned with mild detergent and clean water and allowed to dry.
  Wet paneling should be pried away from wall for drying.
*  If mold growth has occurred or materials have been wet for more than 48 hours, consult Table 2 guidelines. Even if materials are dried within 48 hours, mold growth may have occurred. Items may be tested by professionals if there is doubt. Note that mold growth will not always occur after 48 hours; this is only a guideline.
These guidelines are for damage caused by clean water. If you know or suspect that the water source is contaminated with sewage, or chemical or biological pollutants, then Personal Protective Equipment and containment are required by OSHA. An experienced professional should be consulted if you and/or your remediators do not have expertise remediating in contaminated water situations. Do not use fans before determining that the water is clean or sanitary.
† If a particular item(s) has high monetary or sentimental value, you may wish to consult a restoration/water damage specialist.
§ The subfloor under the carpet or other flooring material must also be cleaned and dried. See the appropriate section of this table for recommended actions depending on the composition of the subfloor.

You’ve had water damage in your house due to a burst pipe, a roof leak or a heavy summer storm. You hope that your insurance will cover the damage. What to do? First, read about mold below. You may not know the implications of water and mold damage.
What Is Mold, and Why Should You Care?
Molds are part of a group of micro-organisms called fungi that also includes mushrooms and yeasts. Molds are familiar to most people as food spoilers on items such as bread or fruit. Molds are nature’s decomposers in the food chain.
Mold requires the following conditions to grow:
• Mold spores (which are always present indoors and outdoors)
• The right temperature range, from 2°C to 40°C
• A food supply, which means anything organic such as books, carpets, clothing, wood, drywall, etc.
• A source of moisture
The last condition, moisture, is the only practical factor to control in most houses.
If allowed to grow inside your house, mold can be a problem because:
• It can damage your possessions
• It can cause health problems, for example:

“ … mould … can cause … allergic reactions such as asthma or allergic rhinitis, non-allergic reactions such as headaches, and other symptoms [including] lung and breathing infections” (Health Canada, 2003).
Dry Quickly to Avoid Mold!
1 — Contact your insurance broker
First, call your insurance broker or agent and report the water damage. You can expect to discuss these questions and issues:
• How did the water damage occur?
• Is this damage covered by your policy?
• Did the damage occur during the period your policy was in effect?
• Are you reporting the water damage promptly (within 24 hours) to allow quick drying and repairs?
2 — Hire a Contractor
Hire a contractor to clean up the water and make repairs as needed to your house. Your adjuster can recommend contractors, but you must confirm the selection with your adjuster — the contractor reports to and is paid by you. You need to be sure that the adjuster and the contractor are following the best possible procedures to look after your concerns.

A thorough and fast cleanup will help avoid mold growth. If you wait too long and mold growth starts, cleanup costs will increase significantly. This is what you should be looking for:

Speed
Mold grows quickly; your adjuster should ensure that you have a contractor in your house promptly.

Knowledge
The contractor you select should have certification or training in water damage restoration and mold remediation.

Competence
The contractor should follow basic, good clean up practices after your water damage. Here are some things to look for:
• The moisture source is stopped
• Wet items that can’t be salvaged are removed
• What can’t be removed is dried quickly
• Ideally, drying is done within 48 hours (to minimize mold growth)
• No refinishing is done until the area is thoroughly dried
3 — Make sure everything is dry
Confirm that the contractor checks thoroughly to make sure all wet areas are completely dry. Be sure all cavities, such as crawl spaces, are dry.
4 — Verify the work
Make sure all repairs and cleaning have been done properly before you tell your adjuster you are satisfied.
You’ve Got Mold
If you already have extensive mold because, for example, you’ve had water damage while you’ve been away for two weeks, or there was a long delay between the water damage and the arrival of a restoration contractor, then you and your adjuster will have to discuss the following points:
1 — Drying the damaged area
In addition to the items discussed in steps 1 and 2 of the previous section, your adjuster will ask you about pre-existing mold and discuss minor or hidden water damage with you. See the text boxes below for more information.
2 — Removing the mold safely
To protect the workers and you and your family from exposure to mold, the contractor must follow certain procedures. Here are some things to look for:
• The affected area should be sealed off from the rest of your house.
• The workers should be wearing protective gear.
• There will need to be an exhaust fan removing air from the affected area to the outdoors.
• No chemical disinfectants, such as bleach, should be used during clean-up, only fragrance-free detergent.
• If transported through your house, moldy materials should be sealed in plastic.
3 — Inspecting for mold
Confirm that the contractor checks thoroughly to make sure there is no remaining mold in your house. This means inspecting:
• All areas adjacent to the mold growth
• Behind wallpaper
• In areas where water may have seeped, such as wall cavities, basement subfloors, crawl spaces, etc.
• Under wall-to-wall carpeting
4 — Verifying the work
Make sure the repairs and cleaning have been done properly and check for the possible spread of the mold before you tell your adjuster you are satisfied. This is what you should ask yourself:
• Do you smell mold?
• Do you see mold?
• Have all affected items been either properly cleaned and dried or discarded if cleaning was not effective?
• Are you or your family experiencing health problems that could be mold-related?
Pre-existing Mold
Typically, most insurance policies cover mold damage if it is directly related to a "covered peril" or insured loss. This means that the direct cause of the water damage, and consequently the mold growth, can be identified. Your adjuster will want to determine whether the mold you are reporting is pre-existing. In other words, was mold in your house prior to the water damage? The adjuster may make a visit to your house to assess the cause of the mold.
If you have a damp basement already full of moldy furniture and stored items, for example, and a water pipe bursts, you cannot claim for the material that was damaged prior to the water damage caused by the burst pipe. A good inspector should be able to tell the difference between pre-existing mold and recently developed mold.
The adjuster may determine that the mold is the result of some factor other than the water damage (the burst pipe) you reported, such as lack of maintenance or poor house design. If the mold was not the result of a specific occurrence that is covered by your insurance policy, the mold damage is unlikely to be covered by your policy.
Mold From Ongoing Minor or Hidden Water Damage
Minor or hidden water damage means that you had a leak for a long time before you became aware of it. The water seepage may be, for example, from a defective water pipe, hot water heater, or window seal. You almost certainly have mold along with the leak and water damage. The adjuster and contractor will need to deal with both issues, the water damage and the mold. Again, the cause of the leak will determine what costs your house insurance will cover. Discuss with your adjuster whether the cause of the minor or hidden water damage is covered by your policy and whether the mold was pre-existing.
For further help contact OC Restoration (714)625-8635 Serving Services areas - Orange Counties, Anaheim, Atwood, Avalon, Brea, Buena Park, Corona del Mar, Costa Mesa, Cowan Heights, Cypress, East Irvine, Foothill Ranch, Fountain Valley, Fullerton, Garden Grove, Huntington Beach, Irvine, La Habra, La Habra Heights, La Palma, Los Alamitos, Midway City, Newport Beach, North Tustin, Orange, Placentia, Rossmoor, Santa Ana, Seal Beach, Silverado, Stanton, Sunset Beach, Surfside, Tustin, Tustin Marine Corps Air S, Tustin MCAS, Villa Park, Westminster, Yorba Linda, Aliso Viejo, Capistrano Beach, Coto de Caza, Dana Point, Dove Canyon, El Toro, Ladera Ranch, Laguna Beach, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Woods, Lake Forest, Mission Viejo, Monarch Bay, Monarch Beach, Newport Coast, Portola Hills, Rancho Santa Margarita, Robinson Ranch, San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano, Trabuco, Trabuco Canyon, Trabuco Cyn, Long Beach

When you occupy your own home, it’s much easier to take prompt action during plumbing mishaps than when you must rely on others. Landlords have no way of knowing that a pipe has burst, a water heater has toppled, or that rain is pouring through a leaking roof until they get that phone call from their tenant asking, “What do I do?” If you have rental property, water damage has the potential to become far costlier than it could have been due to renters who have less at stake or simply don’t know what to do.

Instead of hoping the pipes will hold, educate your tenants about the actions that they should take should flooding or plumbing mishaps occur. Here are a few tips to help you get started.

First, create a small binder for each property that you own. This binder will act as a resource for your tenants and should include detailed information about a variety of concerns. Create tabbed sections and include a table of contents so that the tenants can quickly flip to the section, such as the water damage section, as needed. Include sections such as:

• Contact information and rental agreements – List contact numbers where you can be reached, including phone number, cell phone number, and e-mail address. Include a log sheet where renters can record their security deposit, rental payments, and related information.

• Maintenance – Create a sheet of standard maintenance that your renters are expected or authorized to handle. For example, do tenants need your permission before repairing leaking faucets? If not, how much money do you authorize for repairs before they must contact you? Include pockets for receipts along with reimbursement forms for authorized out-of-pocket repairs. Create a second sheet covering other maintenance requests, such as for repairing broken windows, repainting a room, or replacing water damaged carpets. Give detailed instructions on how to request repairs and improvements.

• Insurance Claims – Your insurance policy covers your rental property but not the renter’s personal belongings. With this in mind, you may want to create a section covering insurance claims. Let the renter know that their personal belongings are not covered by your insurance policy and that they are responsible for obtaining coverage if desired. Detail the steps the policyholder must do when the property has been damaged – such as call you immediately, call 911 in emergencies, file a police report, and so on.

• Plumbing and Water Damage – Plumbing problems are among the most common problems tenants and landlords deal with. From garbage disposals that won’t turn on to overflowing toilets and burst pipes and everything in between, your tenants will likely encounter some form of water or plumbing trouble. What should they do? In this section, you should list specific steps for minimizing the damage followed by instructions on what to do once the water has stopped flowing. Include the following information:

- Detailed diagram and instructions showing the exact location of all water shut-off valves and how to turn off the water.

- Safety precautions and warnings about electrocution.

- Instructions on how to turn off the power.

- Instructions on how to mop up the water. It’s not a bad idea to invest in basic cleanup supplies and stock each rental property with a mop and bucket, absorbent towels and sponges, and a toilet plunger. This ensures that your tenants have the tools required to act quickly.

- Instructions on what to do once the basic water issue has been somewhat contained, such as after shutting off the shut-off valve of an overflowing toilet and mopping up the water, what should the tenant do?

• Preferred Vendors – Home repairs will be necessary from time to time. If you have agreements with specific vendors or have vendors you trust and prefer to work with, this is an excellent place to list the information. It is also helpful for tenants as they will need to call to arrange service. List the phone numbers to preferred local handyman services, water damage restoration companies, pest control companies, electricians, roofing companies, plumbers, carpet cleaners, home improvement contractors, and so on. Provide pockets so that the tenant has a place to store contracts and receipts along with blank pages for writing down notes and estimates.

When it comes to taking care of your rental properties, it helps to keep your renters involved as they are on the front lines. When it comes to emergency repairs and water damage, renters need to know how to act promptly and safely and that you will take care of the necessary repairs. They also need to know that their prompt actions can minimize the damage and cause less disruption to their lives. This simple binder provides renters with the tools and information that they need to better help you keep your properties in tiptop shape.
For further help contact OC Restoration (714)625-8635 Serving Services areas - Orange Counties, Anaheim, Atwood, Avalon, Brea, Buena Park, Corona del Mar, Costa Mesa, Cowan Heights, Cypress, East Irvine, Foothill Ranch, Fountain Valley, Fullerton, Garden Grove, Huntington Beach, Irvine, La Habra, La Habra Heights, La Palma, Los Alamitos, Midway City, Newport Beach, North Tustin, Orange, Placentia, Rossmoor, Santa Ana, Seal Beach, Silverado, Stanton, Sunset Beach, Surfside, Tustin, Tustin Marine Corps Air S, Tustin MCAS, Villa Park, Westminster, Yorba Linda, Aliso Viejo, Capistrano Beach, Coto de Caza, Dana Point, Dove Canyon, El Toro, Ladera Ranch, Laguna Beach, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Woods, Lake Forest, Mission Viejo, Monarch Bay, Monarch Beach, Newport Coast, Portola Hills, Rancho Santa Margarita, Robinson Ranch, San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano, Trabuco, Trabuco Canyon, Trabuco Cyn, Long Beach

Water damage happens and it isn’t pretty. While rain water is pure, the other stuff isn’t. Floods bring debris, mud, sewage, chemicals, and other contaminants into your home. Once the water recedes, guess what’s left behind? Even if the water damage came from a relatively clean source, such as a refrigerator water line break or an unattended faucet causing a sink or bathtub overflow, the water mixes with dirt hidden deep within your carpets and soaks everything it comes in contact with. To make matters worse, structural damages like soggy drywall, ruined carpets, and shorted-out electrical systems are common. Finally, unless cleaned up quickly, mold is sure to sprout, further damaging your home. No matter how the flooding began, the damage has been done and you’ve got a mess on your hands.

Safety First
When water damage occurs, always put your safety first. Turn off the power and make sure that the building is safe to enter.

Stop the Water from Flowing
Once the area is safe to enter, stopping the flow of water is critical. After all, what good is mopping up a mess when the sludge continues its onward flow? If the water damage is due to a plumbing mishap, shut off the water at its source. For example, use the shut off valves below the toilet if your toilet is overflowing. You may need to turn off the main shut-off valve to the home for pipe bursts and other plumbing problems.

If the water damage is due to weather conditions, you may have no choice but to ride out the storm. Emergency repairs may lessen the amount of water damage that occurs. When possible, do what you can to stop the water from coming in. Use sandbags, tarps, buckets, storm shutters, and other materials and tools to stop the flow of water.

Cleanup and Dry Out
Mopping up and drying out the home is crucial. The sooner that you can do this, the better. Otherwise, the water will soak in further causing more damage while mold spores will soon find the ideal environment from which to thrive. Use protective clothing, gloves, and a breathing mask, especially if the water is likely contaminated with sewage or chemicals. Depending on the extent of the flooding, you may need to remove furnishings and carpets. Before throwing damaged goods out, document the damage for insurance purposes.

Clean, clean, and clean some more. Clean and disinfect any items that came in contact with the water. Electronics may be unsalvageable. Again, keep your safety in mind and document any water damage before discarding damaged items. Once the mess is mopped up and cleaned, air out the building, using fans to assist in blowing out the moisture. Remember that mold loves a moist environment, so drying out the building quickly is essential.

Repair Structural Water Damage
Warped floorboards, damaged electrical systems, ruined carpets and drapes, damaged roofs, broken windows, and soggy drywall are common victims of water damage. Depending on the damage, you may need to hire a contractor to make the repairs.

Water causes serious damage that gets progressively worse with every delay. Fortunately, you don’t have to clean up on your own. Consider hiring a water damage professional to mop up the mess.
For further help contact OC Restoration (714)625-8635 Serving Services areas - Orange Counties, Anaheim, Atwood, Avalon, Brea, Buena Park, Corona del Mar, Costa Mesa, Cowan Heights, Cypress, East Irvine, Foothill Ranch, Fountain Valley, Fullerton, Garden Grove, Huntington Beach, Irvine, La Habra, La Habra Heights, La Palma, Los Alamitos, Midway City, Newport Beach, North Tustin, Orange, Placentia, Rossmoor, Santa Ana, Seal Beach, Silverado, Stanton, Sunset Beach, Surfside, Tustin, Tustin Marine Corps Air S, Tustin MCAS, Villa Park, Westminster, Yorba Linda, Aliso Viejo, Capistrano Beach, Coto de Caza, Dana Point, Dove Canyon, El Toro, Ladera Ranch, Laguna Beach, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Woods, Lake Forest, Mission Viejo, Monarch Bay, Monarch Beach, Newport Coast, Portola Hills, Rancho Santa Margarita, Robinson Ranch, San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano, Trabuco, Trabuco Canyon, Trabuco Cyn, Long Beach

Water Related Issues Responsible for Most Insurance Claims

Water is essential to life and covers over 70% of the planet. However, it also causes about 70% of all insurance claims. From hurricanes, winter storms, and flood events to broken pipes and plumbing overflows, these water related issues place a huge burden on homeowners, property owners, and the insurance industry.

Water Damage Denials
While water related issues are common, not all are covered. For example, typical homeowner’s insurance policies do not cover natural flooding such as storm surges or rivers overflowing their banks. Instead, you must purchase flood insurance from the National Flood Insurance Program if you want this type of coverage.

In addition, water damage during storms may or may not be covered depending on how it occurred. For example, if you have a standard insurance policy and the water damage occurred because hurricane force winds ripped off your roof, than your insurance will likely cover the damage. However, if it’s determined that the water damage occurred due to the storm surge, it may be declined.

In addition, water damage due to poor maintenance of your home isn’t covered. If you let your roof deteriorate and don’t fix it, then you can’t expect the insurance company to pay for repairs when it leaks.

Water Related Insurance Losses
Natural disasters and flooding cause widespread devastation and capture their fair share of the headlines. After all, it’s hard to ignore damages amounting to over $40 billion (Hurricane Katrina 2005). But, let’s not overlook the everyday occurrences of water related insurance claims which amount to significant amounts of property loss each year.

The Insurance Information Institute reports that water damage and freezing claims occur about 1.5 times for each 100 homeowner’s policies per year, with an average severity of over $5000. This figure is three times higher than theft or fire claims.

Preventing or Minimizing Water Damage Claims
While preventing hurricanes and river overflows is impossible, you can prevent many other types of water claims. The first step is to keep your home well maintained. Regularly inspect your roof and basement and other areas where water can enter the home. Prompt repairs can extend the life of the roof while preventing further damage. In addition, keep your rain gutters clear of debris.

The next step is to invest in the tools that make a difference. If you live in an area with freezing temperatures, insulate your water pipes to prevent freezing and subsequent water pipe bursts. Buy a strap for your water heater so it won’t topple over during an earthquake. Buy a sump pump for your basement. Hire a back hoe service to re-grade your lot if it’s sloped in such a manner where water collects against your house.

Teach your family members how to turn off individual and main water shut-off valves. If a plumbing mishap occurs, prompt action by family members is necessary to minimize the damage.

Water is everywhere: it flows through our rivers and through the pipes in our homes. However, a single weather event or weakened plumbing joint can send the waters flowing where they don’t belong, causing water damage, devastation, an insurance claim, and a major mess.

For further help contact OC Restoration (714)625-8635 Serving Services areas - Orange Counties, Anaheim, Atwood, Avalon, Brea, Buena Park, Corona del Mar, Costa Mesa, Cowan Heights, Cypress, East Irvine, Foothill Ranch, Fountain Valley, Fullerton, Garden Grove, Huntington Beach, Irvine, La Habra, La Habra Heights, La Palma, Los Alamitos, Midway City, Newport Beach, North Tustin, Orange, Placentia, Rossmoor, Santa Ana, Seal Beach, Silverado, Stanton, Sunset Beach, Surfside, Tustin, Tustin Marine Corps Air S, Tustin MCAS, Villa Park, Westminster, Yorba Linda, Aliso Viejo, Capistrano Beach, Coto de Caza, Dana Point, Dove Canyon, El Toro, Ladera Ranch, Laguna Beach, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Woods, Lake Forest, Mission Viejo, Monarch Bay, Monarch Beach, Newport Coast, Portola Hills, Rancho Santa Margarita, Robinson Ranch, San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano, Trabuco, Trabuco Canyon, Trabuco Cyn, Long Beach

Water Damage Restoration and You
Imagine the following scenario: you’re just getting ready for a hot, relaxing bath when the phone. You dash down the stairs to see who is calling and it’s your teenage daughter saying her car has broken down and she’s stranded on the freeway. In your rush to rescue her, you forget to turn off the bath water. When you return home, your daughter’s safe, but your house is flooded and the water damage is readily apparent!

Now what? An overflowing upstairs bathtub can cause significant water damage affecting several rooms of your home and various structural elements including the bathroom floor, the ceiling of the room below, the walls, carpets, electrical systems, insulation, baseboards, doors, and furnishings. Regardless of how water damage occurs, what’s a homeowner to do?

First, take a deep breath because you have a big job ahead of you, even if you will be hiring a water damage restoration service. First, you’ll need to ensure the safety of your family by taking the necessary safety precautions such as turning off the power to prevent electrocution. Next, stop the water! Depending on the source of the overflow, you may need to use the home’s main water shutoff valve. Next, perform emergency dry out procedures before calling your insurance and a professional water damage restoration expert.

In our example above, you would first turn off the power at the main breaker (making sure that you’re not standing in water when you do so) and then go upstairs where you’ll turn off the bath tub’s faucet. In this case, you’d start mop up procedure upstairs and work your way down. This is because of the simple rules of gravity. After all, if you dry the downstairs first, water will continue to drip from above, defeating you as you go.

Contact your insurance company to see if the water damage is covered by your insurance policy. Water damage claims are tricky to determine coverages, so it never hurts to call. Many policies do cover water overflows such as our bathtub example. Next, call a water damage restoration company for assistance in thoroughly drying out your home and repairing the damage.

Professional water damage restoration help can minimize the damage, especially when you choose a company that promises a fast response. A fast dry out is necessary to prevent mold growth as well as lessen the trauma and inconvenience of a flooded home or business. Water damage restoration goes beyond merely mopping up the mess as structural repairs may be needed such as removing and replacing drywall, cleaning and disinfecting water soaked items, repairing electrical systems, fixing floors, retexturing and repainting the ceiling, and so on.

No matter how your home or business flooded, an experienced water damage restoration expert can help you recover from a flood, roof leak,low, or plumbing accident

Whether your home’s been damaged due to a theft, fire, pipe burst, storm, or other calamity, the question will soon arise, “Should I file an insurance claim?” Filing insurance claims is a painstaking process that requires loads of paperwork, documentation, visits with insurance adjusters, deductibles, estimates, and more. Yes, it is an insurance maze. When should you file a claim? When shouldn’t you file a claim? How do you know when the hassle of filing insurance papers is worth it?

Get to Know Your Policy
Before making a decision, it’s important to understand your insurance policy. What’s covered? What’s excluded? How much is the deductible? For example, if your home was burglarized and the only thing that was stolen was your $10,000 mink coat, you need to make sure that your policy covers this loss. In the case of high value items like jewelry, art collections, and furs, most insurance policies have low limits. Unless you’ve purchased an endorsement covering the fur coat, it is likely subject to the policy’s lower limit.

Water damage is a tricky issue for those who must file insurance claims. Examine your policy to find out what types of water damage are covered and what types are specifically excluded. While you may feel silly for having left the kitchen faucet running, the water damage may in fact be covered. On the other hand, water damage from a hurricane may not be covered at all depending on the circumstances.

Understand Your Insurance Deductible
Whenever you file an insurance claim, you are responsible for paying the insurance deductible before the insurance kicks in. Many homeowners choose higher deductibles in exchange for lower annual premiums. In addition, some types of damages have different deductible amounts. For example, in some states, hurricane deductibles are significantly higher than deductibles for standard insurance claims. Find out what your deductible is for the damage in question and compare that to the estimated repairs. For example, if you have a $500 deductible and the water damage repair bill is $450, filing a claim isn’t necessary as the total damage is under your deductible amount.

Determine Whether Your Rates will Increase
While a single small claim isn’t likely to cause a rate increase, it’s always a consideration. Certain types of claims raise red flags with insurance companies including dog bites, water damage, and slip and fall injuries. However, these same claim types often have high expenses involved. For example, if your dog bites someone, you may be sued for damages in excess of the medical bills. The decision to file an insurance claim or not is a personal one. You will need to weigh the advantages and disadvantages carefully. If you think you’ll be sued as a result of a dog bite, you may want the insurance company involved even if your rates may increase in the future. On the other hand, if the bite wasn’t serious and the other party is amenable to your paying their medical bills directly, you may want to avoid a claim.

Navigating the insurance maze is confusing and all claims and their circumstances lead to different possible routes. Your best bet is to learn what protections your policy provides you with and at what ultimate cost. While you’re learning about your homeowners policy, spend some time at your state’s department of insurance Web site. Here, you’ll find a wealth of information for consumers.

If your home has suffered water damage of any sort, you’re one of thousands of U.S. residents every day that has the water damage blues. From simple toilet overflows and water leaks to flooded basements and wall-to-wall water, water damage is messy and costly. And if that’s not enough to have you singing the water damage blues, the insurance nightmare surely will.

The Muddy Waters Mess
Flooded basements and flooding due to storms and overflowing rivers bring with them a toxic soup of muddy waters. Not only are flood waters filled with mud and debris, they can also contain chemicals, fertilizers, and raw sewage. Because of the mess and the bacterial dangers, simply draining the water is not an option. Yes, the water must be drained of course, but the debris and gunk left behind must also be mopped up. From there, everything that came in contact with the water must be cleaned and disinfected, if it is even salvageable. In addition, the entire space must be washed, disinfected, repaired, and thoroughly dried out – promptly so that mold doesn’t have a chance to take over.

The Electrocution Hazard Blues
In addition to the muck, water damage is extremely hazardous to your health. Not only could you have sewage floating around, you could get electrocuted! Water and electricity are a deadly combination so use extreme care any time a water mishap occurs. Whether your dishwasher is leaking or your entire home is underwater, electrocution is always a concern. Shut off the power to your home before attempting any repairs or cleanups.

Structural Repairs Strike a Chord through Your Budget
As if the mess and safety hazards weren’t enough to have you singing the water damage blues, the structural repairs might. Soggy carpets, ruined wallpaper, damaged electrical systems, wet drywall, moldy carpet pads, warped floorboards, the list goes on. Depending on the extent of the flood, you may be in for a set of extensive repairs.

The Kicker – Your Insurance May Not Pay!
Water damage is messy, dangerous, and expensive to recover from, but at least you can count on your insurance, right? Not so fast. While some water damage is covered under your homeowners policy, some is not. Certain plumbing mishaps such as sewage backflows may be specifically excluded from your policy. In addition, unless you have national flood insurance, you’re out of luck if a river overflows its banks and floods your home. The same is true of other major events such as storm surges and coastal flooding.

In addition, even if the insurance company will pay for the damage, the claims process requires a great deal of negotiation, paperwork, and general hard work on your part. Plus, you will be responsible for paying your deductible.

So, sing the water damage blues if you must, but don’t delay in calling in a professional to start mopping up the mess and restoring your home. We understand what you are going through and will do our best to cure your water damage blues.

 from a plumbing or major appliance leak inside their home
While homeowners enjoy their May flowers resulting from April showers, they often blame the month's rain on their springtime household leaks, too.

According to State Farm claims data, however, more than 80% of household leaks are caused by plumbing and major appliances. In 2007, more than 150,000 homeowners filed Insurance Claims with State Farm after experiencing water damage from a plumbing or major appliance leak inside their home.

State Farm insures about one in every five homes in the U.S. and reported that in 2007, water caused significant damage to homes, with the average leak costing policyholders more than $7,500 to repair. State Farm suggests routine maintenance and early detection of trouble spots can help homeowners avoid costly leaks and potentially save money. Addressing even minor leaks is important because most property insurance policies only cover water losses caused by sudden and accidental overflow, not continuous or repeated leakage, which occurs over time.

"Nearly one-quarter of State Farm's total home claims result from all categories of water damage," said Betsy McDermeit, State Farm analyst. "It's worth homeowners' time to take a few extra moments to check around the base of major appliances, such as dishwashers and washing machines, for evidence of leaks, which may appear in the form of discolored, warped or soft flooring materials. Early detection is key to avoiding thousands of dollars in damage, not to mention the inconvenience of major repairs."

According to State Farm, water leaks can happen anywhere in the house, but they occur most frequently in the kitchen, laundry room and bathroom. Toilet leaks, one of the most common and costly for homeowners, caused an average of $10,000 in damage per home in 2007.

-          Water extraction and deodorization

-          Board up and property security

-          Barricade & Safety

-          Temporary Repairs

-          Temporary Weather Proofing

O.C. Restoration Inc.  provides qualified consulting services consisting of the following.

-          Detailed Documentation (written, photo, estimate)

-          Accurate scope of work

-          Defendable costs of repair

-          Certified Xactimate estimate

-          Loss dispute resolution

-          Experienced defect litigation experts

If you’re in the midst of a water, fire or smoke disaster, know that OC Restoration will be there when you call 714-625-8635. In the meantime, here are some ways to mitigate the damage yourself.

What to do if you ever have water damage:
• If the outside temperature is above 60 degrees, use dehumidifiers if available.
• Use fans to circulate the air and assist drying.
• Remove as much water as possible by mopping and blotting.
• Wipe furniture dry.
• Lift draperies off carpet, loop through a coat hanger, and place the hanger on the drapery rod.
• Prop up wet furniture cushions for even drying and place small wood blocks or aluminum foil under furniture legs.
• Remove wet area rugs or other floor coverings.
• Open furniture drawers, closet doors, and luggage to enhance drying.
• Move photos, paintings, and art objects to a safe, dry location.
• Remove wet fabrics and dry them as soon as possible. Hang furs and leather goods to dry separately at room temperature.
• Remove damp books from shelves and spread out to dry.
• If damage occurs during a cool season, leave heat on; if in summer, use an air conditioner if available.

Each year, water-related damages cost property owners and renters billions of dollars. The most common damage results from plumbing problems (tubs, toilets, pipe breaks, showers), rain water, washing machines and frozen pipe breaks. By taking certain precautionary measures, and by following proper clean-up procedures, you may be able to lessen the severity of damage that may occur should a water-related problem present itself.
 

Preparation Tips
Here are some steps you can take to help save your home from permanent water damage. A few precautions are:
• When on vacation, shut off your water. This can help to reduce the chance of flooding from a washing machine hose or frozen pipe break.
• Let faucets continuously drip during extremely cold weather to prevent pipes from bursting.
• Clean downspouts and gutters regularly to prevent roof damage from overflowing water.
• At least once a year, inspect and replace worn fittings or loose hose connections on household appliances that use water.
 

Safety Tips
• Keep out of rooms where ceilings are sagging due to retained water.
• Avoid using electrical appliances that may have been damaged by fire, heat or water.
• Do not use any electrical equipment/appliances while standing on wet carpet or floors.
• Avoid using televisions and other electrical appliances while standing on wet floors, particularly if the floor is concrete.
• If electricity is still on, do not enter rooms where standing water is present.
 

Recovery Tips
• Call for professional help immediately. Prompt attention and proper clean up can help prevent further water damage, as well as bacteria or mold growth.
• In rooms where the ceiling is not sagging, but merely wet, remove fixtures so that wet wiring can dry.
• Mop or blot as much excess water as possible – spread out damp books to dry, wipe wooden furniture dry and prop up wet furniture cushions for even drying.
 

You can learn more about preventing water damage by contacting OC Restoration Inc.

With all the heavy rains recently in the state it is important to remember some tips to stay safe when it comes to flooding. All tips provided by the Two Rivers Public Health Department.

Prevent illness from FOOD - Identify and throw away food that may not be safe to eat. Throw away food that may have come in contact with flood or storm water. Throw away canned foods that are bulging, opened, or damaged. Throw away food that has an unusual odor, color, or texture. Throw away perishable foods (including meat, poultry, fish, eggs and leftovers) that have been above 40°F for 2 hours or more. Thawed food that contains ice crystals or is 40°F or below can be refrozen or cooked. If cans have come in contact with floodwater or storm water, remove the labels, wash the cans, and dip them in a solution of 1 cup of bleach in 5 gallons of water. Reliable the cans with a marker.

Store food safely. While the power is out, keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible. Add block ice or dry ice to your refrigerator if the electricity is expected to be off longer than 4 hours. Wear heavy gloves when handling ice.

For more information, see Keep Food and Water Safe after a Natural Disaster or Power Outage and Prevent Illness after a Natural Disaster.

Prevent illness from WATER - Listen to and follow public announcements. Local authorities will tell you if tap water is safe to drink or to use for cooking or bathing. If the water is not safe to use, follow local instructions to use bottled water or to boil or disinfect water for cooking, cleaning, or bathing.

Correctly boil or disinfect water. Hold water at a rolling boil for 1 minute to kill bacteria. If you can't boil water, add 1/8 teaspoon (approximately 0.75 mL) of newly purchased, unscented liquid household bleach per gallon of water. Stir the water well, and let it stand for 30 minutes before you use it. You can use water-purifying tablets instead of boiling water or using bleach. For infants, use only pre-prepared canned baby formula. Do not use powdered formulas prepared with treated water. Clean children's toys that have come in contact with water. Use a solution of 1 cup of bleach in 5 gallons of water to clean the toys. Let toys air dry after cleaning.

For more information, see Keep Food and Water Safe after a Natural Disaster or Power Outage and Prevent Illness after a Natural Disaster.

Prevent and treat OTHER ILLNESS and INJURIES - Prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that is produced by many types of equipment and is poisonous to breathe. Don't use a generator, pressure washer, charcoal grill, camp stove, or other gasoline- or charcoal-burning device inside your home, basement, or garage or near a window, door, or vent. Don't run a car or truck inside a garage attached to your house, even if you leave the door open. Don't heat your house with a gas oven. If your carbon monoxide detector sounds, leave your home immediately and call 911. Seek prompt medical attention if you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning and are feeling dizzy, light-headed, or nauseated.

For more information, see Carbon Monoxide Poisoning After a Disaster.

Avoid floodwater and mosquitoes. Follow all warnings about water on roadways. Do not drive vehicles or heavy equipment through water. If you have to work in or near floodwater, wear a life jacket. If you are caught in an area where floodwater is rising, wear a life jacket, or use some other type of flotation device. Prevent mosquito bites by wearing long pants, socks, and long-sleeved shirts and by using insect repellents that contain DEET or Picaridin. More information about these and other recommended repellents can be found in the fact sheet Updated Information Regarding Insect Repellents.

Avoid unstable buildings and structures. Stay away from damaged buildings or structures until they have been examined and certified as safe by a building inspector or other government authority. Leave immediately if you hear shifting or unusual noises that signal that the structure is about to fall.

Beware of wild or stray animals. Avoid wild or stray animals. Call local authorities to handle animals. Get rid of dead animals according to local guidelines.

Beware of electrical and fire hazards. NEVER touch a fallen power line. Call the power company to report fallen power lines. Avoid contact with overhead power lines during cleanup and other activities. If electrical circuits and equipment have gotten wet or are in or near water, turn off the power at the main breaker or fuse on the service panel. Do not turn the power back on until electrical equipment has been inspected by a qualified electrician. Do not burn candles near flammable items or leave the candle unattended. If possible, use flashlights or other battery-operated lights instead of candles.

Beware of hazardous materials. Wear protective clothing and gear (for example, a respirator if needed) when handling hazardous materials. Wash skin that may have come in contact with hazardous chemicals. Contact local authorities if you are not sure about how to handle or get rid of hazardous materials.

Clean up and prevent mold growth. Clean up and dry out the building quickly (within 24 to 48 hours). Open doors and windows. Use fans to dry out the building. To prevent mold growth, clean wet items and surfaces with detergent and water. To remove mold growth, wear rubber gloves, open windows and doors, and clean with a bleach solution of 1 cup of bleach in 1 gallon of water. Throw away porous items (for example, carpet and upholstered furniture) that cannot be dried quickly. Fix any leaks in roofs, walls, or plumbing.

Pace yourself and get support. Be alert to physical and emotional exhaustion or strain. Set priorities for cleanup tasks, and pace the work. Try not to work alone. Don't get exhausted. Ask your family members, friends, or professionals for support. If needed, seek professional help.

Prevent musculoskeletal injuries. Use teams of two or more people to move bulky objects. Avoid lifting any material that weighs more than 50 pounds (per person).

Stay cool. When it's hot, stay in air-conditioned buildings; take breaks in shaded areas or in cool rooms; drink water and nonalcoholic fluids often; wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing; and do outdoor activities during cooler hours.

Treat wounds. Clean out all open wounds and cuts with soap and clean water. Apply an antibiotic ointment. Contact a doctor to find out whether more treatment is needed (such as a tetanus shot). If a wound gets red, swells, or drains, seek immediate medical attention.

Wash your hands. Use soap and water to wash your hands. If water isn't available, you can use alcohol-based products made for washing hands.

Wear protective gear for cleanup work. Wear hard hats, goggles, heavy work gloves, and watertight boots with steel toes and insoles.

Contact OC Restoration Inc. at 714-625-8635
Serving the following areas:
Orange Counties, Anaheim, Atwood, Avalon, Brea, Buena Park, Corona del Mar, Costa Mesa, Cowan Heights, Cypress, East Irvine, Foothill Ranch, Fountain Valley, Fullerton, Garden Grove, Huntington Beach, Irvine, La Habra, La Habra Heights, La Palma, Los Alamitos, Midway City, Newport Beach, North Tustin, Orange, Placentia, Rossmoor, Santa Ana, Seal Beach, Silverado, Stanton, Sunset Beach, Surfside, Tustin, Tustin Marine Corps Air S, Tustin MCAS, Villa Park, Westminster, Yorba Linda, Aliso Viejo, Capistrano Beach, Coto de Caza, Dana Point, Dove Canyon, El Toro, Ladera Ranch, Laguna Beach, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Woods, Lake Forest, Mission Viejo, Monarch Bay, Monarch Beach, Newport Coast, Portola Hills, Rancho Santa Margarita, Robinson Ranch, San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano, Trabuco, Trabuco Canyon, Trabuco Cyn
Los Angeles cities served: Long Beach, Pasadena, West Hollywood, Santa Monica, North Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Culver City, Brentwood, La Puente, Van Nuys, Glendale, Arleta, Canoga Park, Mission Hills, North Hills, Northridge, Pacoima, Rancho Palos Verdes, Panorama City, Burbank, Reseda, Winnetka, Bel Air Estates, Beverly Glen, Cudahy, Castellammare, Encino, Mount Olympus, Covina, Pacific Highlands, Pacific Palisades, West Fairfax, La Brea, Sawtelle, Sherman Oaks, Studio City, West Covina, Tarzana, View Park, West Beverly, Westwood, Woodland Hills, Malibu, Oak Park, Pomona, Topanga Canyon, Universal City, Alinda, Lennox, Lomita, La Mirada, Cheviot Hills, Harbor City, Mar Vista, Playa del Rey, Compton, Rancho Park, San Pedro, Walnut, Sawtelle, Venice, Wilmington, Pico Rivera, Manhattan Beach, Marina del Rey, Claremont, La Habra Heights, Diamond Bar, lendora, La Canada Flintridge, La Crescenta, City of Commerce, La Habra Heights, La Verne, Tujunga, Vernon, Monrovia, Montrose, Rowland Heights, San Dimas, Claremont, Sierra Madre, Valyermo, Walnut, Bell Gardens, Hawaiian Gardens, Torrance, Maywood, Bellflower, Hawthorne, Monrovia, Sierra Madre, Paramount, Hermosa Beach, Montebello, Agoura Hills, Cerritos, Diamond Bar, Alhambra, Downey, Lawndale, Rosemead, Arcadia, Duarte, Lomita, Artesia, El Monte, El Segundo, Gardena, Temple City, Lynwood, San Marino, Baldwin Park, Bell, Glendora, Manhattan Beach, Palos Verdes, Santa Fe Springs, Signal Hill, Inglewood, Bradbury, Hidden Hills, Monterey Park, Carson, South El Monte, Huntington Park, Norwalk, South Gate, La Verne, South Pasadena, Redondo Beach, Culver City, Lakewood, City of Industry, Rolling Hills, Whittier, Baldwin Hills, Century City, Windsor Hills, Country Club Park, Crenshaw, Hancock Park, Hyde Park, Jefferson Park, Koreatown, Ladera Heights, Leimert Park, Wilshire Mid City, South Central, West Adams, Camarillo, Port Hueneme, Newbury Park, Fillmore, Ojai, Ventura, Oxnard, Santa Paula, Azusa, Avalon, Bell, Cudahy, Palmdale, Maywood, Irwindale, Industry, San Gabriel, West Hollywood, Port Hueneme, Thousand Oaks, Westlake Village, Calabasas, Porter Ranch, Simi Valley, Moorpark, Santa Clarita, Valencia, Sylmar, San Fernando, Wilmington, Rolling Hills Estates, Orange County:  Newport Beach, Newport Coast, Costa Mesa, Anaheim, Aliso Viejo, La Habra, La Palma, Irvine, Huntington Beach, Garden Grove, Fullerton, Fountain Valley, Dana Point, Santa Ana, Brea, Buena Park, Cypress, Laguna Beach, Laguna Hills, Laguna Woods, Lake Forest, Los Alamitos, Orange, Placenia, Rancho San Margarita, San Clemente, Seal Beach, Villa Park, Westminster, Stanton, Midway City, Ladera Ranch, Coto de Caza, Tustin

Typical leakage points between the house and attic are:

* leaky attic hatches

* holes drilled for plumbing pipes and electrical wires that penetrate the attic and are usually not sealed

* Recessed light fixtures that are not the airtight type

* Exhaust fans that vent directly into the attic

For those who live in warmer climates, water damage can occur within your walls because of poorly designed air conditioning systems.

Systems that are oversized (a larger capacity than necessary)will not remove enough humidity which leads to high moisture levels that condense on cooler surfaces.

Duct systems that are imbalanced can draw outside humidity through walls that can produce water in the walls.

Mitigating these problems requires a professional.

Repairing the attic problems listed above may seem simple enough, but trying to do it yourself doesn’t guarantee you really fixed the problem and can sometimes lead to other problems.

Hiring an insulation expert who specializes in building science (also known as a building performance specialist) will ensure the job is done properly and safely.

These specialists come equipped with tools such as blower doors, pressure gauges, etc. to quantify the measures taken for the repairs.

The same goes for the air conditioning specialist, he should have duct diagnostic tools to test your ductwork to be sure it is properly designed and performing efficiently. If you are unable to find someone in your area, go to www.energyconservatory.com.

They are manufacturers of the required testing instruments and they will have contractors in their database they can recommend.

In addition to taking care of the water damage, your home will be more comfortable, you’ll save money on your energy bills and improve your indoor air quality.

By Kimberly Lankford
June 9, 2006

I put in a claim about three years ago for a $1,200 leak caused by wind with my homeowners insurance. Now, I had a pipe burst in my wall. It caused damage to the ceiling below, and there is water under my bathroom tile floor. I may have to remove the tiles. I had to rent fans and a dehumidifier, which was expensive. I was thinking of just paying for it all, but what is homeowners insurance for? The result of damage is adding up quickly. If I put in a claim, I have heard that you get dropped or your rates rise. What do you suggest? If you have a legitimate claim, should you eat the cost or put it in?
It depends on the size of the claim and your deductible. Submitting a claim that only pays a few hundred dollars after your deductible could end up costing you a lot more in the long run -- especially because this is your second water-damage claim. And insurance companies are particularly worried about small water-damage claims that could end up growing into very expensive mold problems. They pay out the legitimate claims but are much more likely to drop the customers when their policies are up for renewal.
In a study by the California Insurance Department, 25% of the companies refused to renew the policies of customers who made one or two nonwater-damage claims in the past three years. And 32% refused to renew policies for people who made one or two water-loss claims in the past three years.
You're right that this seems strange to avoid submitting legitimate claims when you actually have insurance. But these are the new rules of homeowners insurance. A few years ago, many homeowners insurance companies made an effort to become more profitable and decided they didn't want to deal with people who submitted small claims. The administrative costs were big even if the payouts were small, and they also worried that small claims could lead to much larger ones -- like very expensive mold claims that could arise from water damage. That's why you need to be particularly careful in your situation.
And getting dropped by your insurance company isn't the only problem. Insurers share claims information with each other through a database called the Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange (CLUE), and other insurers may not want to insure you after you've had a few small claims either, even if they were with another insurance company. In the California Insurance Department study, 62% of the top 13 companies refused applicants with only one or two claims in the past three years.
If you do find an insurer to cover you, you may end up paying a lot more for the coverage than you had in the past. We've talked with way too many people who submitted claims that paid out just $200 or $300 after their deductible then were dropped by their insurer and ended up having to pay double the premiums with a new insurance company -- costing them way more than $200 or $300 extra in premiums over the next year or two.
Because these are the new rules of the game, it's best to adjust your game plan, too. If you aren't going to submit small claims, then you shouldn't have to pay for insurance you aren't going to use. The best move is to increase your deductible to $1,000 or $2,500, which can reduce your premiums by as much as 30%. Then you'll avoid the temptation to submit small claims but still have the coverage for the big claims, which is what homeowners insurance really is for. And you'll be more likely to qualify for a claims-free discount, which could reduce your premiums by 25% to 35% after seven to ten years without a claim.

CSLB Press Release - 11/16/2004
Contractors Board Offers New Resource to Prescreen Service and Repair Contractors

SACRAMENTO — Holidays can bring on a flurry of home repair headaches as seasonal celebrations tax household plumbing, heating and electrical systems, putting a damper on festivities. From clogged garbage disposals to heaters that go kaput, California homeowners have an increased need for home service and repair contractors during the holidays. The California Contractors State License Board urges consumers to be prepared and do their home repair homework to avoid extra holiday stress.
"The best time to find a qualified, licensed home service and repair contractor is before something goes wrong," Contractors State License Board Registrar Stephen P. Sands said. "Selecting your preferred contractors in advance saves time and money."
CSLB is offering a free Home Service and Repair Checklist on its Web site, www.cslb.ca.gov. The one-page guide includes a fill-in-the-blank section where homeowners can write information about their prescreened contractors.
Some common home repair headaches that happen around the holidays include:
• Clogged drains: Cooking for a crowd puts a heavier load on sinks and garbage disposals, causing drains to back up, leaving a sink full of dirty water.
• Bathroom flooding: More people around the house means more use of toilets, showers and bathroom sinks that can easily become clogged and overflow.
• Electrical emergencies: Stringing holiday lights and the increased use of household appliances can put an extra strain on your home's electrical system. Don't overload outlets with too many electrical cords, and don't use worn or frayed cords - or you may be dining by candlelight, and not by choice.
• Broken windows, wall boards and woodwork: No matter how careful you are when bringing in the tree, moving furniture for decorations or playing with new toys, accidents can happen.
• Damaged gutters, awnings and roofs: Hanging outdoor lights and decorations can sometimes damage structural elements of the home, especially in windy conditions. Walking on the roof can cause shingle damage, leading to leaks inside the house.
• Water heater problems: Winter is often the time when marginally performing water heaters fail. Be ready, and don't get burned by this common holiday headache.
• Faulty heaters: Don't leave yourself and guests out in the cold - have your heaters inspected. Properly running heaters not only save energy, but may also prevent life-threatening gas leaks.
• Fireplace safety: Christmas is often the first time that homeowners light a fire in the fireplace. Chimneys should be cleaned and checked prior to use each season to avoid dangerous problems.
Planning ahead can help homeowners alleviate home repair headaches. To help consumers in these holiday hazard situations, CSLB offers these tips for seasonal solutions:
• Pre-screen home repair contractors by making a list and checking it twice - once by the Contractors State License Board and again by checking contractor references.
• Verify contractors' licenses by visiting the CSLB Web site at www.cslb.ca.gov.
• Post contractors' contact information in an easy-to-access place.
• Get a written contract for any repair work performed.
• Be sure to ask questions and understand the work being performed.
• Do not pay cash for the repair work.
The CSLB, which operates under the umbrella of the California Department of Consumer Affairs, licenses 278,000 contractors in California and investigates 25,000 complaints against licensed and unlicensed contractors every year.

HAS WATER DAMAGE OR FLOODING OCCURRED IN YOUR HOME OR BUSINESS? CRAWLSPACE(UNDERHOUSE)FLOODED? NEED A MOISTURE INSPECTION OF YOUR BUILDING USING THE LATEST DETECTION EQUIPMENT AND TECHNIQUES?
CALL 24 OURS, A DAY 7 DAYS A WEEK, YOUR FRIENDS AT "OC Restoration"
CONSUMER ALERT! Only hire licensed Contractors! Our CA State Contractor's License is #853685. Who must be a licensed contractor?
In California, anyone who contracts to perform work on a project that is valued at $500 or more for labor and materials must hold a current, valid license from the CSLB. You can verify the license on-line or call 1-800-321-CSLB (2752).
 ALERT Be advised that unlicensed individuals pose a risk to you and your family's financial security. They expose you to significant financial harm in the event that a worker is injured while on your property, if your property is damaged, if the work is incomplete and/or faulty. Few, if any, unlicensed individual has bonding or workers' compensation insurance. The quality of their work usually doesn't compare to that of a licensed contractor. Don't take the chance in order to save a few dollars. You'll probably end up paying more in the long run
Our friendly, well trained, certified technicians will be on site in 90 minutes or less, in most cases, or by appointment should the situation warrant. We'll thoroughly extract the water with powerful vacuums. Next, we'll conduct a thorough moisture inspection, with sensitive moisture meters, to locate and identify areas with hidden and trapped moisture. After our initial moisture inspection, we'll evaluate all water damaged building materials (carpet, drywall, etc.)and make recommendations as to whether they should be removed and discarded or dried and saved. Consideration is given to the source of the water, how long building materials have been wet and their type, age and condition. All savable building materials and the structure are dried as quickly as possible by installing high velocity air movers (to speed the rate of evaporation) and dehumidifiers (to remove excess moisture from the air). Follow up moisture inspections are routinely conducted, and drying equipment added, rearranged or removed as needed. Our moisture detection equipment will tell us when building materials are returned to a "dry" condition. At this point the water damaged area is safe to be rebuilt without the threat of microbial amplification or mold growth.
Most buildings can be dried within 72-96 hours following installation of drying equipment. This may vary depending on available power, types of material, water quantity, degree of saturation, airflow volume and velocity, temperature and indoor and outdoor humidity.
You can rest assured your "OC Restoration" technician(s) will do everything in their power to get your home or business "dry" and back to normal as soon as possible.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Removal of excess moisture and rapid drying of a building should begin as soon as possible to avoid “secondary” damage (caused by elevated moisture and humidity) to the structure and personal belongings. Also, the longer water damaged building remains “wet”, the greater the potential for microbiological amplification or mold growth (which can create an unhealthy living environment).

We hope that you never experience a natural disaster or suffer damage to your property. In the event this does happen, you want someone that is experienced in insurance restoration and accustomed to dealing with insurance companies.
Our team at O.C. Restoration Inc. is uniquely trained and experienced in insurance repair and restoration.  Our professionals are equipped to handle all requirements necessary to restore damage from fires, floods, wind, vandalism, soot, smoke, water, sewage and any other disaster that may happen to private, commercial, and industrial sites of any size.  We provide a full range of reconstruction services dealing with all phases of restoration from start to finish.  Our goal is to make your restoration process as simple as possible and restore your property to new.

CONSTRUCTION SERVICES

Emergency Services
Fire – Flood – Water- Wind – Earthquake
- Water extraction and deodorization
- Board up and property security
- Barricade & Safety
- Temporary Repairs
- Temporary Weather Proofing

Insurance Restoration
Fires – Floods – Wind – Vandalism – Soot – Smoke – Water – Sewage
Earthquake – Construction defect

General Building Contractor
Licensed – Insured

CONSULTING SERVICES
O.C. Restoration Inc.  provides qualified consulting services consisting of the following.
- Detailed Documentation (written, photo, estimate)
- Accurate scope of work
- Defendable costs of repair
- Certified Xactimate estimate
- Loss dispute resolution
- Experienced defect litigation experts

“We guarantee to perform our estimated scope of work for our cost.”
Serving the following areas.
Anaheim, Atwood, Avalon, Brea, Buena Park, Corona del Mar, Costa Mesa, Cowan Heights, Cypress, East Irvine, Foothill Ranch, Fountain Valley, Fullerton, Garden Grove, Huntington Beach, Irvine, La Habra, La Habra Heights, La Palma, Los Alamitos, Midway City, Newport Beach, North Tustin, Orange, Placentia, Rossmoor, Santa Ana, Seal Beach, Silverado, Stanton, Sunset Beach, Surfside, Tustin, Tustin Marine Corps Air S, Tustin MCAS, Villa Park, Westminster, Yorba Linda, Aliso Viejo, Capistrano Beach, Coto de Caza, Dana Point, Dove Canyon, El Toro, Ladera Ranch, Laguna Beach, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Woods, Lake Forest, Mission Viejo, Monarch Bay, Monarch Beach, Newport Coast, Portola Hills, Rancho Santa Margarita, Robinson Ranch, San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano, Trabuco, Trabuco Canyon, Trabuco Cyn

The mudslide has filled homes along this quiet neighborhood street, causing hundreds of thousands in damage….

This will probably never happen to you.

The blaze, extinguished by firefighters before causing more damage to your home….

This will probably never happen to you.

Water damage caused by common and underestimated home disaster: a burst washing machine hose….

This will probably never happen to you.

Wind & Water. Fire & Flood.  Common home disasters.  They typically happen to other people. Not you. So you don’t need OC Restoration.

More than just a contractor, OC Restoration is a friend that will help you during your insurance damage needs.  OC Restoration will restore your property whole again.

So when the disaster that’ll never happen to you.. happens.. you have someone on your side.  Wind & Water.  Fire & Flood.  After a disaster, make it whole again.  OC Restoration. Serving all of the OC & LA county. 

Experiencing water damage to your home, often your most valuable asset can be very upsetting, and deciding which restoration company to hire can be difficult.
O.C. Restoration Inc. understands this and wants to help in your decision so your home is restored back to its pre-loss condition as quickly as possible. In times like this it is extremely important to address the situation immediately, as to avoid any secondary damage which could result in mold growth.
O.C. Restoration Inc.  is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and provides a 90 minute response time. We arrive prepared to handle any damage situation no matter how big or small. We also work directly with your insurance company to address any concerns.

Our Services Include: water damage restoration, water extraction, sewage clean-up, crawl space drying, structural drying, emergency board-up, wind damage, fire damage.
Anaheim, Atwood, Avalon, Brea, Buena Park, Corona del Mar, Costa Mesa, Cowan Heights, Cypress, East Irvine, Foothill Ranch, Fountain Valley, Fullerton, Garden Grove, Huntington Beach, Irvine, La Habra, La Habra Heights, La Palma, Los Alamitos, Midway City, Newport Beach, North Tustin, Orange, Placentia, Rossmoor, Santa Ana,

One of the most traumatic disaster occurrences facing property owners, insurance companies and risk managers is water damage. Whether caused by a natural or man-made disaster, moisture is a fast and silent destroyer of furnishings, equipment and building interiors. The result of the damage is costly repairs and often replacement. Timing is crucial to the dehumidification of a building and the prevention of the growth of destructive mold and mildew.

SIGNONSANDIEGO NEWS SERVICES

6:24 a.m. November 20, 2008

Associated Press
Firefighters help Lindy Lindholm, center, sift through the rubble of his burned out home in Yorba Linda Monday. The Freeway Complex Fire burned through the neighborhood on Saturday destroying several homes. Preliminary estimates of property losses resulting from the Triangle Fire stood at between $125 million and $135 million in Yorba Linda, $17.4 million in Anaheim and $3.5 million in Brea, officials said in remarks published Thursday.
CORONA – Preliminary estimates of property losses resulting from the Triangle Fire stood at between $125 million and $135 million in Yorba Linda, $17.4 million in Anaheim and $3.5 million in Brea, officials said in remarks published Thursday.
The wildfire, which scorched 30,305 acres in Orange, Riverside, Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties, was 100 percent contained as of noon Wednesday, according to the Orange County Fire Authority.

The Triangle Fire – also known as the Freeway Complex Fire – started near Corona in Riverside County about 9 a.m. Saturday, and strong winds quickly fanned the flames into Orange County, then into parts of San Bernardino and Los Angeles counties.

The lion's share of the damage was in Orange County, where the fire that broke out in Corona later merged with on that began near Brea.

The OCFA said the fire caused minor injuries to 14 firefighters, destroyed 187 residences and damaged 127 others, while four commercial properties were either damaged or destroyed.

Updated 10:04 PM PST, Tue, Nov 18, 2008

Related Topics: California Highway Patrol

 YORBA LINDA, Calif. -- Thousands of residents were allowed to head back home after the final evaucation orders from the the so-called "Freeway Complex" fire were lifted Monday afternoon.

Watch VideoThe Freeway Complex Fire has caused serious damage in Orange County.

113 Homes Were Lost in Yorba Linda

1:15 PM, November 15, 2008
[Updated at 2:40 p.m.]

Firefighters are battling two fast-moving fires that have burned homes in Yorba Linda, Corona and Anaheim Hills and closed both the 91 and 57 freeways.

At least 20 homes in Yorba Linda have burned, and officials say the blaze is moving west. Several homes were also burned in Corona. That blaze jumped the 91 Freeway and was burning homes in Anaheim Hills.

A fire in Brea has surrounded Brea Olinda High School and  is burning around the 57 Freeway.

The larger of the two fires broke out in Corona off Green River Road and the 91 Freeway around 10 a.m.

Homes have been destroyed  along Golden Ridge Drive and Feather River Road, surrounded on three sides by dry, brush-covered mountains. Firefighters are still battling the blaze in the neighborhood of cul de sacs, hacking through a garage at another home that was aflame at noon Saturday.

Mike Goff, lives at 4876 Golden Ridge, next door to one of the houses that was destroyed.

Shortly after 9 a.m., Goff’s wife called to tell him that there was a fire in the aqueduct and brush about a mile from the home. The 50-year-old and his son went outside to water their home when they noticed that a palm tree in front of the house was on fire. When Goff climbed a 10-foot-ladder to try to extinguish the burning tree, he noticed his next-door neighbor’s house was on fire. He watched a neighbor knock on their door to alert the residents, who apparently were not aware their home was ablaze. “I didn’t even know their house was on fire,” he said.

Bob Klein slumped on a sidewalk in front of a smoldering house at 11409 Alder Creek Road, watching as firefighters hacked into the burning garage to salvage what was left of the home. “It just went so fast you didn’t even have time to think,” said the 53-year-old. He had been up for hours watering his home at 11453 Alder Creek Road. When he moved into the Santa Ana Canyon home 21years ago, there was nothing but dirt roads. Every year, when he saw smoke in the Santa Ana Mountains, he would dutifully pull out his garden hoses to make sure he was prepared. But the fire never approached the neighborhood. Today, he was startled to realize homes down the street from his were aflame. “I just couldn’t believe it, it’s just been chaos,” he said. “Most people are like me just keeping their houses wetted down. The other people just got the hell out. ... This is what really scares me. Not earthquakes, it’s these fires that will kill people around here.”

The blaze initially started as a brush fire in Corona on Prado Road, and quickly spread to a subdivision known as Dean Homes in the northwest part of the city. Ten homes were damaged, with at least five sustaining major damage.

--Christopher Goffard, Mike Anton and My-Thuan Tran

At least a dozen homes were damaged or destroyed Saturday by a wind-driven wildfire in the Santa Ana Canyon that scorched its way from west Corona into Yorba Linda.

Montecito  -- 
 » Tea Fire: Evacuation and Closure Information

Firefighters struggled to get control of a raging wildfire Friday that destroyed more than 100 homes and injured 13 people in this Mediterranean-style coastal town that has been home to celebrities from Charlie Chaplin to Oprah Winfrey.

Fire crews stationed in cul-de-sacs on winding residential roads had a 12-hour window to gain on the fire before the region's famous "sundowner" winds -- which roar down the mountains to the sea as the sun sets -- picked up again, with gusts that could reach 70 mph, said Santa Barbara County fire chief Ron Prince.

05 Nov 2008 08:41 PM   
Below is a write up in the National Underwriter on a recent mold case that was decided in Calif.  The plaintiff sued the carrier claiming that the remediation contractor's were agents of theirs, and also sued the remediation contractors for negligence in how they did their job, claiming that they did it incorrectly and cause mold/water damages.  A different approach was tried and failed here.  You want to talk about an exciting trial, can you imagine a trial talking about mold/water damages that lasts for TWO MONTHS?  Not my idea of fun!
 
Calif. Mold Case Seen By Defense As Growing Trend
BY PHIL GUSMAN
NU Online News Service, Nov. 5, 12:45 p.m. EST

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An Orange County, Calif., jury verdict rejecting a negligence claim against a remediation company is the latest result from a new variety of mold cases that are being filed, a defense attorney said.

In the case—E.H. Webb Blessley and Donna L. Blessley v. Fire Insurance Exchange; Orange Restoration dba ServiceMaster AAA Restoration, heard in the Orange County Superior Court—plaintiffs H. Webb Blessley and Donna Blessley filed suit against ServiceMaster AAA Restoration, a dry-out/mold remediation company that had performed work on their home, alleging negligence.

The plaintiffs said they discovered water damage and mold after the remediation company had completed its work.

They also complained against the first-party insurance carrier, Fire Insurance Exchange, for breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing and breach of contract. The plaintiffs attempted to argue that the mold remediation company was an agent of their first-party insurance carrier.

The trial, presided over by Judge Kirk Nakamura, lasted two months.

Victoria Ersoff, a partner with Wood, Smith, Henning & Berman, said the case is significant because she has seen mold cases trending away from traditional construction defect litigation involving bodily injury claims, and toward cases against contractors for failure to properly remediate.

Previously, she said, plaintiffs would argue that water intrusion through the roof or windows caused toxic mold to form, which led to a range of health complications.

But recent cases, she noted, do not involve bodily injury. Instead, a homeowner will have a house fixed and then sue the contractor for failure to properly remediate.

Ms. Ersoff said mold litigation may have evolved to this point because the bodily injury claims were hard to prove at trial. She said medical science did not support many of the claims, and noted that she has never lost a mold bodily injury case.

Even with this newer tactic, though, Ms. Ersoff said mold litigation is not increasing the way it did a few years ago. Back then, she said, big law firms took on mold cases, whereas now, it is smaller, random firms.

In the Blessley case, Ms. Ersoff said the plaintiffs, who had been “vigilant” about documenting damage to their home with video and photos, could produce no documentation of damage relating to their charges. Additionally, Ms. Ersoff said it was discovered during trial that the house had sustained previous heavy water damage despite plaintiffs’ claims that there were no prior incidents of flooding.

Jim Keathley, an attorney representing the plaintiffs, did not return a phone call.
 

Southern California Red Flags until 10:00 pm
Southern California Red Flags until 10:00 pm - Offshore winds and relative humidities below ten percent - Explosive Fire Growth potential.

A RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 PM PDT THIS EVENING. OFFSHORE WINDS WILL WEAKEN WITH LOCAL WIND GUSTS TO AROUND 30 MPH...MAINLY THROUGH AND BELOW PASSES AND CANYONS THROUGH THIS MORNING. HIGH PRESSURE ALOFT WILL BRING WARMER DAYTIME TEMPERATURES. THESE WARMER TEMPERATURES COMBINED WITH A VERY DRY ATMOSPHERE WILL BRING 10 OR MORE HOURS OF RELATIVE HUMIDITIES BELOW 10 PERCENT FOR INLAND AREAS TODAY WITH LOWEST RELATIVE HUMIDITIES IN THE INLAND VALLEYS AND ON LOWER COASTAL MOUNTAIN SLOPES. SIMILAR CONDITIONS ARE EXPECTED TO CONTINUE THURSDAY AND FRIDAY WITH CONTINUED POOR OVERNIGHT RECOVERY OF HUMIDITIES FOR INLAND AREAS AND SEVERAL HOURS OF RELATIVE HUMIDITIES BELOW 10 PERCENT FROM LATE MORNING THROUGH EARLY EVENING EACH DAY. THERE WILL CONTINUE TO BE WEAK OFFSHORE WINDS AT TIMES THROUGH FRIDAY MORNING WITH GUSTS TO AROUND 25 MPH AT TIMES THROUGH AND BELOW PASSES AND CANYONS. GREATEST COVERAGE FOR THESE WINDS WILL BE IN AREAS FAVORED FOR EASTERLY OFFSHORE FLOW...THROUGH THE BANNING PASS AND IN THE SAN DIEGO COUNTY MOUNTAINS AND INLAND VALLEYS. A WEAK TROUGH OF LOW PRESSURE IS EXPECTED TO BRING COOLING AND HIGHER HUMIDITIES FOR THE WEEKEND.

Instruction:
A RED FLAG WARNING MEANS THAT CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS ARE EITHER OCCURRING NOW...OR WILL SHORTLY. A COMBINATION OF STRONG WINDS... LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY... AND WARM TEMPERATURES WILL CREATE EXPLOSIVE FIRE GROWTH POTENTIAL.

Area: ORANGE COUNTY COASTAL AREAS-SAN BERNARDINO AND RIVERSIDE COUNTY VALLEYS-THE INLAND EMPIRE-SAN DIEGO COUNTY INLAND VALLEYS-SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY MOUNTAINS-INCLUDING THE MOUNTAIN TOP AND FRONT COUNTRY RANGER DISTRICTS OFTHE SAN BERNARDINO NATIONAL FOREST-RIVERSIDE COUNTY MOUNTAINS-INCLUDING THE SAN JACINTO RANGER DISTRICT OF THE SAN BERNARDINONATIONAL FOREST-SANTA ANA MOUNTAINS-INCLUDING THE TRABUCO RANGER DISTRICT OF THE CLEVELAND NATIONALFOREST-SAN DIEGO COUNTY MOUNTAINS-INCLUDING THE PALOMAR AND DESCANSO RANGER DISTRICTS OF THECLEVELAND NATIONAL FOREST-

Affected Counties or parts of: San Diego, Riverside, San Bernardino, Orange

Sent: 2008-10-15T02:45:26-07:00
Original Sender: KSGX@nwws.oes.ca.gov
From: NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE SAN DIEGO CA

Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Images: Wildfire Dust and Smoke Plumes from space

Fires near Los Angeles, California

Driven by powerful Santa Ana winds, wildfires raged near Los Angeles, California, in mid-October 2008. Not only did the winds fan the fires’ flames, they also sent the smoke far out to sea. The Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on NASA’s Aqua satellite took this picture at 2:20 p.m. local time (21:20 UTC) on October 13, 2008. In this image, an opaque plume of smoke fans out as it blows over the Pacific Ocean, past the Channel Islands. Counter-clockwise swirls of smoke within the plume suggest shifting wind directions as the smoke moves westward. Further evidence of the Santa Ana winds’ strength appears in the south, where a faint plume of dust mimics the smoke plume’s general movement.

According to the report from the National Interagency Fire Center issued on the morning of October 14, 2008, the Sesnon fire was located 11 kilometers (7 miles) northeast of Simi Valley, while the Marek fire was located 8 kilometers (5 miles) east of San Fernando. Both fires threatened numerous structures and forced evacuations. According to the U.S. National Weather Service, strong winds were expected to continue in the area through the evening of October 15.

CNN reported that, as of October 14, at least two people had died, and the wildfires had burned more than 10,000 acres (40.5 square kilometers) in the hills of Los Angeles and Ventura counties. More than 1,400 firefighters had joined the efforts to contain the fires.

Southern California Wildfires: Air Quality Advisories 
 
Last Edited: Monday, 13 Oct 2008, 3:55 PM PDT 
Created: Monday, 13 Oct 2008, 3:55 PM PDT 

Soot and ash from two wildfires could affect air quality across much of the region, and those suffering from respiratory and  other ailments were urged today to take precautions to minimize health risks.

The San Fernando Valley and portions of the San Gabriel Mountains will be directly impacted by the smoke, according to the South Coast Air Quality Management District.

Strong Santa Ana winds driving the blaze likely will blow fine particulates through the passes and the canyons, affecting the San Bernardino Valley, southwest Riverside County, Orange County, the South Bay-Long Beach area, and the Santa Monica-Malibu area.

"It is only natural to have concerns about what you're breathing in when you can see the extent of ash and billowing smoke around our region," said Francene Lifson, executive director of the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, California chapter.

The foundation reported that high winds can spread pollen and other allergens, increasing the risk of asthma attacks.

The American Lung Association of California today cautioned people near the fire to stay inside. For those near the affected area, the organization made the following recommendations:

if a trip outdoors is necessary in high smoke areas, use a NIOSH N95 or P100 mask, properly fitted;
people using oxygen should not adjust their intake level without consulting a physician;
when driving through a smoky area, keep windows and air vents closed, and only use air conditioning on the "recirculate" setting.

Residents can reach the American Lung Association at (800) 568-4872. Registered nurses and respiratory therapists are available for free consultation.

Allergist referrals are available through the Asthma and Allergy Foundation at (800) 624-0044.  

Last Edited: Tuesday, 14 Oct 2008, 6:35 AM PDT 
Created: Monday, 13 Oct 2008, 1:00 PM PDT 
 
(AP Photo/Dan Steinberg)  SideBar

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Red Flag Warnings in Effect for Parts of Southern California

MyFOX Los Angeles

Porter Ranch  -- 
LOS ANGELES -- Powerful gusts sent flurries of embers into Southern California neighborhoods Tuesday morning as three major wildfires charred more than 13,000 acres, destroyed dozens of homes and forced thousands of people to evacuate their homes in suburban Los Angeles and northern San Diego County.

Two people have been killed as flames raged in the northeastern and western San Fernando Valley, including one motorist who died in a rear-end freeway collision after a looming fire stopped traffic.

Fire Crews Attacking Brush Fire in Newport Beach Area 
 
Last Edited: Monday, 13 Oct 2008, 5:28 PM PDT 
Created: Monday, 13 Oct 2008, 5:22 PM PDT 

Newport Beach, Calif. -- A brush fire has burned 100 acres in Newport Beach and authorities have ordered nearby homes evacuated.

Newport Beach Fire Department spokeswoman Jennifer Schulz says four helicopters are dropping water and 15 firefighting units are battling the blaze, which broke out Monday afternoon off Bonita Canyon Road.

Schulz says homes in the neighborhood east of San Miguel Drive are being evacuated. She did not know how many homes or people were affected. 

Board Reminds Contractors They Must Hold License
To Work in Natural Disaster AreasSACRAMENTO — The Contractors State License Board (CSLB) reminds contractors that they must hold a valid California contractor's license, in the appropriate classification, in order to perform most work on homes and other structures damaged or destroyed in a wildfire, flood, mudslide or other natural disaster.

Some out-of-state contractors and unlicensed California contractors want to help with rebuilding in disaster areas. However, it is illegal and punishable as a felony to perform contracting work in a declared disaster area without a California contractor's license. Punishment may include a fine of up to $10,000 or up to 16 months in state prison.

The CSLB along with other agencies such as the Department of Insurance, local district attorney's offices, sheriff's departments, and the Governor's Office of Emergency Services conduct undercover sweeps in disaster zones, and check the licenses of contractors working or soliciting work in these areas.

"Some unlicensed contractors have good intentions and want to help homeowners rebuild." said CSLB Registrar Steve Sands. "But, the reality is, they must be tested and licensed by the CSLB to do so legally."

Anyone who contracts for or bids on a job that totals $500 or more (labor and materials) must hold a contractor's license from the CSLB. There are exceptions, including working as an employee of a licensed contractor or taking jobs that are valued at less than $500.

To become licensed, one must submit an application for review, verify four years of journey-level experience in the trade to be licensed (general, plumbing, etc.), pass a two-part examination (trade and business/law), secure a license bond, and provide workers' compensation insurance for employees. The entire process can take up to six months.

"The process to become licensed is in place to make sure, to the extent possible, that contractors have the qualifications and experience necessary to perform contracting work. It is not something that can or should be done overnight," said Sands.

A contractor's license can be verified on CSLB's Web site, www.cslb.ca.gov, to see if it is active and in the right classification for the work to be done. You can also check for legal complaints, the correct business name, address and workers' compensation insurance coverage for employees.

The CSLB, which operates under the umbrella of the California Department of Consumer Affairs, licenses 278,000 contractors in California and investigates more than 20,000 complaints against licensed and unlicensed contractors every year.

CSLB Press Release - 11/16/2004Avoid Home Repair Headaches During the Holidays
Contractors Board Offers New Resource to Prescreen Service and Repair Contractors

SACRAMENTO — Holidays can bring on a flurry of home repair headaches as seasonal celebrations tax household plumbing, heating and electrical systems, putting a damper on festivities. From clogged garbage disposals to heaters that go kaput, California homeowners have an increased need for home service and repair contractors during the holidays. The California Contractors State License Board urges consumers to be prepared and do their home repair homework to avoid extra holiday stress.

"The best time to find a qualified, licensed home service and repair contractor is before something goes wrong," Contractors State License Board Registrar Stephen P. Sands said. "Selecting your preferred contractors in advance saves time and money."

CSLB is offering a free Home Service and Repair Checklist on its Web site, www.cslb.ca.gov. The one-page guide includes a fill-in-the-blank section where homeowners can write information about their prescreened contractors.

Some common home repair headaches that happen around the holidays include:

Clogged drains: Cooking for a crowd puts a heavier load on sinks and garbage disposals, causing drains to back up, leaving a sink full of dirty water.
Bathroom flooding: More people around the house means more use of toilets, showers and bathroom sinks that can easily become clogged and overflow.
Electrical emergencies: Stringing holiday lights and the increased use of household appliances can put an extra strain on your home's electrical system. Don't overload outlets with too many electrical cords, and don't use worn or frayed cords - or you may be dining by candlelight, and not by choice.
Broken windows, wall boards and woodwork: No matter how careful you are when bringing in the tree, moving furniture for decorations or playing with new toys, accidents can happen.
Damaged gutters, awnings and roofs: Hanging outdoor lights and decorations can sometimes damage structural elements of the home, especially in windy conditions. Walking on the roof can cause shingle damage, leading to leaks inside the house.
Water heater problems: Winter is often the time when marginally performing water heaters fail. Be ready, and don't get burned by this common holiday headache.
Faulty heaters: Don't leave yourself and guests out in the cold - have your heaters inspected. Properly running heaters not only save energy, but may also prevent life-threatening gas leaks.
Fireplace safety: Christmas is often the first time that homeowners light a fire in the fireplace. Chimneys should be cleaned and checked prior to use each season to avoid dangerous problems.
Planning ahead can help homeowners alleviate home repair headaches. To help consumers in these holiday hazard situations, CSLB offers these tips for seasonal solutions:

Pre-screen home repair contractors by making a list and checking it twice - once by the Contractors State License Board and again by checking contractor references.
Verify contractors' licenses by visiting the CSLB Web site at www.cslb.ca.gov.
Post contractors' contact information in an easy-to-access place.
Get a written contract for any repair work performed.
Be sure to ask questions and understand the work being performed.
Do not pay cash for the repair work.
The CSLB, which operates under the umbrella of the California Department of Consumer Affairs, licenses 278,000 contractors in California and investigates 25,000 complaints against licensed and unlicensed contractors every year.