http://www.free-articles-zone.com Morenos en 15/12/2009 If you’re like most homeowners, you carefully selected a homeowner’s insurance policy when you purchased your home. You made sure that you had adequate coverage based on the value of your home, its contents, and your financial needs at the time. However, if you’ve been in your home for a number of years, it’s highly likely that your situation has changed – for better or for worse. http://www.free-articles-zone.com/article.php?id=297996 2009-11-04 Because mold needs a moist environment before it sets up a colony and begins devouring your home, it makes sense to get the water out! Whether your home has suffered from a major flood event or you have a steady drip, drip, drip in the basement, drying out is your first defense. http://www.free-articles-zone.com/article.php?id=290949 2009-09-26 Now, what about mold that is the result of water damage from a covered insurance event such as a burst pipe? Will insurance pay for mold damage in these cases? Maybe yes, maybe no. http://www.free-articles-zone.com/article.php?id=288532 2009-09-14 What about the cheese? Some types of cheese, such as bleu cheese or gorgonzola, are made with mold. Yes, on purpose. In fact, these cheeses require mold as part of their creation. The strains of mold used in cheese making are safe to eat. http://www.free-articles-zone.com/article.php?id=272488 2009-07-03 Most homeowner’s insurance policies are HO-3 policies. This type of policy has property insurance and personal liability components and provides coverage from the home and structures for all risks other than those that are specifically excluded with earthquakes and floods commonly excluded. http://www.free-articles-zone.com/article.php?id=265836 2009-06-08 First, assess the damage. A small patch of mold in the bathroom and mold that has infiltrated the carpets, wallpaper, and drywall are two different beasts. One you can deal with on your own; the other requires professional help. http://www.free-articles-zone.com/article.php?id=265031 2009-06-04 If you’ve recently filed a water damage insurance claim, strike up the band because it’s time to dance! Yes, you will need to do a little dancing with the insurance adjuster. Feel the beat: one, two, three, four, one, two, three, and four. Okay, let’s go. http://www.free-articles-zone.com/article.php?id=248818 2009-04-20 This is where you are raising your family and making memories of a lifetime. Even if the market is in the shambles, neglecting your home is the biggest mistake you can make. Not only is pride of ownership and providing a nice, secure place for your family to live important, home neglect is far more costly than making the necessary repairs. http://www.free-articles-zone.com/article.php?id=247698 2009-04-16 Nothing’s prettier than snowflakes drifting from the sky, dusting the landscape with a fresh coat of snow though icicles glistening are also gorgeous. However, it’s tough to appreciate the beauty of a winter wonderland when the power’s out and your pipes are freezing! http://www.free-articles-zone.com/article.php?id=227759 2009-02-17 Ice melting in rivers and streams can cause local flooding as well. Large chunks of ice can become lodged between boulders and under bridges causing a temporary dam. These temporary dams block flowing water, sending the water over the river’s banks. http://www.free-articles-zone.com/article.php?id=226253 2009-02-13 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? http://www.free-articles-zone.com/article.php?id=224133 2009-02-08 While FEMA pats itself on the back, conditions remain brutal for residents in the area: freezing temperatures, no power, and no water. Icy roads, downed power lines, and fallen trees make venturing outdoors for supplies dangerous. Clearly, aid needs to arrive soon or the situation will rapidly deteriorate. http://www.free-articles-zone.com/article.php?id=223671 2009-02-06 The next time you pull out a piece of moldy bread, take a moment to contemplate this strange organism that both kills and heals. http://www.free-articles-zone.com/article.php?id=222749 2009-02-04 Water damage can occur under many situations. Remember, where there’s water, there’s the potential for future water damage. http://www.free-articles-zone.com/article.php?id=222113 2009-02-03 Mold is often present where we can’t see it. It could be growing beneath your rugs or behind your wallpaper. If possible, peel back the layers to search for mold. For example, if you remember a water pipe break mishap and you smell mold in the general area of the flood, peel back the carpet where the flooding occurred. http://www.free-articles-zone.com/article.php?id=221507 2009-01-31 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. http://www.free-articles-zone.com/article.php?id=220031 2009-01-27 As winter approaches each year, take the time to take care of your pipes. Preventing pipe bursts and water damage is well worth the effort. http://www.free-articles-zone.com/article.php?id=219359 2009-01-24 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. http://www.free-articles-zone.com/article.php?id=218524 2009-01-22 If you haven’t updated your insurance coverage in some time, your home may be vastly underinsured. For example, if your home is worth $150,000 on the real estate market, how much insurance should you carry? $150,000? $75,000? $300,000? http://www.free-articles-zone.com/article.php?id=205929 2008-12-15 For most homeowners, filing homeowner’s insurance claims is a rare event. Unfortunately, because individuals don’t need to do so often, it’s easy to find yourself getting the short end of the deal. http://www.free-articles-zone.com/article.php?id=204148 2008-12-10 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. http://www.free-articles-zone.com/article.php?id=203105 2008-12-08 What’s the big deal about a little leak and a lot of mold? At its worst, mold can be toxic. People with allergies and weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable to health problems related to mold exposure. Respiratory ailments, allergies, headaches, and other symptoms adversely affect those living in the mold-infested home. http://www.free-articles-zone.com/article.php?id=202649 2008-12-06 Who are the right people? This answer varies from one company to the next, though many of the same traits (such as honesty, integrity, skill, and loyalty) cross all industries. The first step is to sit down and look at your company’s long term goals. http://www.free-articles-zone.com/article.php?id=197511 2008-11-21 Because mold problems can quickly spread from being minor annoyances to major mold problems, it’s important to keep your eyes (and nose) out for signs of mold infestations. The sooner you can spot the problem, the better. http://www.free-articles-zone.com/article.php?id=196682 2008-11-19 Years of drought coupled with seasonal Santa Ana winds blowing from the desert to the coast are responsible for the loss of thousands of homes throughout the region over the last few years. Major wildfires in 2005, 2007, and 2008 have devastated entire counties. Residents have learned that fires located far off in the distance can arrive at their doorsteps in a matter of hours. http://www.free-articles-zone.com/article.php?id=196273 2008-11-18 Depending on the extent of the damage, mold remediation bills can quickly climb. To make matters worse, not all mold damage is covered by insurance. In fact, many policies specifically exclude mold claims. http://www.free-articles-zone.com/article.php?id=192172 2008-11-06 In short, insurance fraud is wrong. It is unethical. It hurts us all. If you want to see decreased insurance premiums, you must take a stand against insurance fraud. In addition, if you want to see increased profits of your own, taking the high, ethical road is the right choice. http://www.free-articles-zone.com/article.php?id=187617 2008-10-18 Arm yourself with knowledge, documentation, and real-world estimates while also considering professional representation and you’ll be better equipped to answer the question, “Will they pay for it?” http://www.free-articles-zone.com/article.php?id=185245 2008-10-10 Because of the mess, damage, contamination, and potential for nasty infestations, flood clean-up should begin ASAP. http://www.free-articles-zone.com/article.php?id=180799 2008-09-24 With another major hurricane battering the Gulf and Atlantic coasts come questions about electric power and restoration, generators, portable power plants, and other means of getting by. http://www.free-articles-zone.com/article.php?id=179933 2008-09-22 The southern California lifestyle is alive and well in San Bernardino County. Good jobs, beautiful weather, affordable housing, and recreation galore continue to attract new residents. The flipside is equally attractive; for those wanting less hustle and bustle, numerous communities in the county offer a quieter pace. http://www.free-articles-zone.com/article.php?id=175665 2008-09-06 So, who are these responders? Typical first responders include law enforcement and emergency medical personnel. Occasionally, branches of the military are mobilized for additional support. http://www.free-articles-zone.com/article.php?id=175405 2008-09-05 If you’ve ever wondered why hurricanes arrive like clockwork during “hurricane season,” it’s because conditions are just right. With the warm waters of late summer, low pressure systems, and other conditions in place, hurricanes are born. http://www.free-articles-zone.com/article.php?id=174990 2008-09-04 Scoundrels are everywhere but they love to descend upon areas that are ripe for exploitation such as areas devastated by flooding, hurricanes, tornados, wildfires, and earthquakes. No matter what disaster has affected you, beware of the scoundrels that are sure to emerge from the debris. http://www.free-articles-zone.com/article.php?id=175148 2008-09-04 Hurricane Gustav bore down on the Gulf Coast, making landfall in Cocodrie, Louisiana on Monday, September 01, 2008. http://www.free-articles-zone.com/article.php?id=174485 2008-09-02 So, what do you do if you live or work in Yolo County? Stay informed and prepare for the worst. By staying informed, you will know where to look for the latest flood threats and when to flee. By being prepared, you will know what to do should a flood occur. http://www.free-articles-zone.com/article.php?id=174188 2008-09-01 “We’re excited to be able to offer assistance to Hurricane Gustav Recovery ,” Mark Decherd, president of Dryout Inc. said. “We have the infrastructure in place to rapidly dispatch a water damage professional no matter where flood damage occurs in the United States and are poised to do the same in flood zones.” http://www.free-articles-zone.com/article.php?id=174014 2008-08-31 Now, you have paid for your coverage through your premiums and you deserve to get the service that you paid for. Unfortunately, unless you are vigilant, you may not be fully reimbursed for your insurance losses. http://www.free-articles-zone.com/article.php?id=173939 2008-08-30 Document the damage now. Take pictures and video of everything, again paying attention to details. For example, if your home is flooded, take pictures of the standing water and the damaged contents as well as the structural damage, inside and out. http://www.free-articles-zone.com/article.php?id=173004 2008-08-27 You can respect authority but you don’t have to settle for less than you’re entitled to. In fact, you can respectfully disagree with your insurance adjuster and ensure a fair settlement offer. http://www.free-articles-zone.com/article.php?id=172463 2008-08-25 What’s always lurking, just out of sight, waiting to spring up at a moment’s notice and rear its ugly head? No, it’s not the boogeyman. It’s something even scarier: the mold monster. We all know that the boogeyman likes to hide under our beds and is really just a figment of our imaginations. But the mold monster, well, he’s REAL! http://www.free-articles-zone.com/article.php?id=172076 2008-08-24 The only time when you should wait before starting the drying and cleaning process is when it is unsafe and/or the flood event is still occurring. For example, if the home has been condemned, has a city message saying “do not enter,” is still under emergency evacuation orders, has the power turned on, or torrential rains are still pounding, you’ll have no other choice but to wait until conditions have changed. http://www.free-articles-zone.com/article.php?id=171860 2008-08-22 In order to boost your insurance payout, you must not sit back and let the insurance adjuster tell you what they will pay. Instead, you need to take an active role or hire someone to act on your behalf. http://www.free-articles-zone.com/article.php?id=170094 2008-08-15 If you live in Solano County, it’s imperative that you are aware of the flood potential and understand the risks. The wet months run from November through April. During these months, you are more likely to experience flooding. http://www.free-articles-zone.com/article.php?id=167514 2008-07-26 Even the most spotless of homes can have mold. In fact, mold is everywhere! It occurs naturally both indoors and outdoors and actually plays a vital role in the environment. For example, mold, which is a type of fungus, breaks down dead leaves and other organic material. http://www.free-articles-zone.com/article.php?id=166814 2008-07-24 So there is some black mold in your basement, laundry room, bathroom or around that pesky damp spot in your ceiling. No problem, just grab some of that mold killer you bought at the local grocery store, spray the black stuff and in a few minutes it turns brown, then vanishes – voila! You have killed the mold and have nothing more to worry about – right? http://www.free-articles-zone.com/article.php?id=166816 2008-07-24 But this isn’t a perfect world. Yes, you will call an 800 number and reach a friendly CSR. Yes, a knowledgeable insurance adjuster will come to your home and write you a check. Yes, you’ll hire a contractor to perform the repairs. But, will the check be big enough? http://www.free-articles-zone.com/article.php?id=166817 2008-07-24 No matter what has damaged your home, if it’s covered by your insurance policy, you can rest easy knowing that it will be taken care of – or can you? Insurance companies are businesses that need to make a profit in order to survive. Part of that profit comes from premiums and another part comes from minimizing insurance losses. http://www.free-articles-zone.com/article.php?id=166818 2008-07-24 Whether the flooding is obvious or hard to detect, prompt action is required. Otherwise, not only will you have damaged floorboards, carpeting, and walls, you’ll also have mold. That’s because mold thrives in a moist environment. In fact, in cases of undetected water damage, your first clue to the problem is often a musty odor. If you walk into a room and notice a damp, musty environment, you can bet that there’s a water leak or collection of moisture nearby. http://www.free-articles-zone.com/article.php?id=166819 2008-07-24 I didn’t really mind so much, we have a 12 year old dishwasher on summer vacation from school. So I delayed in replacing the old lady. I was thinking that my son could learn something from a little work in the sink. How wrong was I? http://www.free-articles-zone.com/article.php?id=166829 2008-07-24 Whether your home or business has been swamped with floodwaters or has suffered a plumbing accident, mopping up the water and drying out the structure is a high priority. However, safety must come first. http://www.free-articles-zone.com/article.php?id=166822 2008-07-24 Is anyone hurt or injured, do you need to get medical help? Who has had their tetanus shots? Do you need to get refills on any medication? Work through the medical issues first, remember the clean up can wait a little bit, medical issues can not, start with health and medical first. http://www.free-articles-zone.com/article.php?id=166828 2008-07-24 Do you have the flooded basement blues? Due to their nature, being underground structures, basements are prone to water damage. It doesn’t take a river overflowing its banks or a major hurricane to flood a basement. In fact, basement flooding often occurs due to water build up in the surrounding soil. http://www.free-articles-zone.com/article.php?id=166813 2008-07-24 After dumping torrential rain and blasting the cities with howling winds often in excess of 125 mils per hour, street lights, windows and roofs stand very little chance of surviving intact, utter destruction is left in the wake of these storms. http://www.free-articles-zone.com/article.php?id=166825 2008-07-24