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Flood
09 Jul, 2013
We have all seen and heard stories in the news recently about the flooding that is devastating areas all over the United States, and we have also seen and heard stories about how floods are leveling other parts of the world including one that recently invaded the city of Calgary in Alberta. While the majority of us have never actually experienced a flood, too many of us have and those who have endured this type of a disaster understand the extent of the damage that can be done in both a financial sense and in terms of the emotional damage such a situation can inflict. The team at J&M Keystone, Inc. has been serving clients all over the county as San Diego disaster cleanup professionals for many years, and one of the most common problems that we help people deal with is flooding. One of the things that we tell people when they speak to us is that while we are always ready, willing and able to jump in and help with this problem on a moment’s notice, people who own commercial properties, people who manage large residential or commercial buildings and insurance agents would be well-served to have our contact information ready before a disaster strikes. That’s because the next flood that hits could be in this area. To illustrate the need to be prepared, below you will find the latest set of data that’s available from FloodSmart.gov, a federal agency that manages the National Flood Insurance Program, or the NFIP. As part of what it does, the NFIP provides statistics to the public that define just how prevalent flooding is in the United States. The most recent statistics run through the calendar year of 2011, which means that the most recent floods from disasters such as Superstorm Sandy are not even included. NFIP Statistics Floods are the most common natural disaster in the United States. Between the years of 2007 and 2011, the average flood insurance claim that was paid was worth approximately $35,000. Between the years of 2002 and 2011, total flood insurance claims averaged more than $2.9 billion per year. People who live outside of what are considered high-risk areas file more than 20 percent of all NFIP claims and receive one-third of all disaster assistance paid out for flooding. These statistics should make anyone realize that if they are not properly prepared for a flood that they need to take immediate steps to be ready. This is especially true for anyone who is responsible for large properties, as that many more people will be affected immediately if a flood strikes. There are specific preparatory steps that you can take to help minimize the damage of a flood should one hit San Diego, but you should seek professional help in completing those steps. Contact the team at J&M Keystone, Inc. today to get yourself prepared and to make sure that you have a trusted partner ready to help should the worst-case scenario ever develop.
Pipes
08 Jul, 2013
The past year has not been kind to people living in areas that have been affected by floods. Those devastated by Superstorm Sandy and in other flooded areas are still working tirelessly to get back onto their collective feet months after the floods hit. While the immediate danger appears to have subsided in these places, many insurance agents and business owners are beginning to grapple with the long-term consequences of such a disaster. While they have come a long way already, there is still a long way to go. ​Places that were impacted by floodwaters that came from the sea are facing especially unique challenges, particularly if they did not take proper steps to clean up their properties as soon as possible after the waters receded. Seawater is saltwater, and saltwater can have a particularly harmful effect on buildings over time if the areas are not properly cleaned. Saltwater over time will corrode just about anything, and that’s a big problem for buildings with boilers, older plumbing or any type of electrical wiring that can be reached by any type of water. At this point, many are beginning to notice the effects of this corrosion, but once it starts it is usually too late to reverse this process. Unfortunately, many people will be faced with the prospect of an additional round of enormous and unforeseen expenses. That list of affected parties includes: Homeowners Business owners Property managers Commercial property owners Insurance agents Each of these individuals will face unique challenges. Homeowners will not only need to replace the corroded apparatuses and wiring, but they will also need to work with their insurance companies in order to come to some sort of a resolution. Business owners will need to do the same thing to a large extent so that they can keep their operations running. Property managers have tenants to protect and commercial property owners need to avoid any unforeseen shutdowns. Insurance agents need to deal with all of these claims and get them resolved as well. The best way for this to have been handled, and the best way for anyone in San Diego to handle an inundation of seawater is to immediately obtain the help of disaster cleanup professionals. However, if that was not possible the individuals will still need help so the dangerous and decaying components of buildings can be safely removed before they are replaced. Those who work with the San Diego disaster cleanup specialists at J&M Keystone, Inc. will soon realize that they have a partner working with them to put this serious problem in the past. We work with insurance companies to help avoid delays and we understand what it takes to get a job done and to get it done right. Contact J&M Keystone, Inc. today to get the help you need.
Wildfire
25 Jun, 2013
People, who live outside of California, tend to think of a place where the weather is always the same and the only risk posed by Mother Nature is earthquakes. Everyone who lives here, however, understands the changes that occur throughout the year both in Northern and in Southern California. California is like anywhere else in that every season is critically important; that’s why so many people sounded the alarm early in the spring after most of the state went through one of the driest winters in recent history. The state requires rain and snow in order to generate moisture which keeps soil cool and wet and prevents plant life from dying. When the state experiences a dry winter and spring plants die and become nothing more than kindling. Unfortunately, we went into the spring knowing that we could be in for a terrible season of wildfires, although these do not usually hit with full force until the end of summer and into early autumn. However, the preliminary numbers are in, and we are already off to a roaring start to the wildfire season in California. This is obviously not good news, according to the state there have already been 2,609 wildfires in California at this point in 2013. That represents a rise by a factor of 75 percent of the average, which stands at 1,488. In addition, there have already been six wildfires that have been classified as major, with all of those fires occurring during the month of May. People should also understand that unless our summer is as abnormal as our winter was, we need to be prepared for what is to come. Summer across California is warm and dry, and when the winds pick up all it takes is one spark from someone or something for a massive fire to start. Fire officials are already looking for ways to add to their capabilities before the real meat of the wildfire season approaches within two months.  If you are an insurance agent or property owner, you should also make sure that you are prepared. The last thing you need is to be scrambling after a fire without much of an idea of whom to call or how to get back on your feet. You need to be sure to have a team of San Diego disaster cleanup professionals ready to go at a moment’s notice should a fire strike something you are responsible for in one way or another. J&M Keystone, Inc. has been working with insurance companies and property owners throughout San Diego County for many years. We can be at the scene of a fire within 60 minutes of a call, and we will go in and get to work as soon as fire officials give us permission to do so. Be prepared for this upcoming wildfire season and contact J&M Keystone, Inc. today to learn more about how we can help you.
Flooding
24 Jun, 2013
When a massive flood strikes a large city, people who are affected by it feel as powerless as ever because there is no stopping flood water advancement despite best efforts. Sadly, the beautiful city of Calgary was swept up in an enormous flood last week that inundated the downtown area and left behind it a scene of total disaster. Unfortunately, this happens more often than anyone would like around the world.
School fire
11 Jun, 2013
We have all seen the terrible news from around the United States recently, particularly in places like Oklahoma where entire communities were all but leveled by tornadoes. However, recently other places around our nation have been forced to pick up pieces after natural disasters and move as well. It’s a tribute to our American spirit to see people come together and help any way they can. Most of the stories we’ve seen in the news recently have been related to neighborhoods and homes that have been all but destroyed. In addition to homes and neighborhoods being destroyed there are a number of schools that have been badly damaged or destroyed by these extreme weather events. These schools will either need to be rebuilt or repaired to be once again safe. School superintendents and insurance company representatives in these locations are likely weighing their options, which include deciding whether to rebuild the schools or to attempt to repair them. Regardless of what is decided in any particular school district, massive cleanup efforts will need to be made before any additional steps are taken. The recommendations should come from disaster cleanup specialists who have handled problems in the past and who will provide officials with accurate information regarding work. J&M Keystone, Inc. has been helping school districts in Southern California clean up after disasters that include floods, wildfires and earthquakes for years. We will report to the scene of a disaster within 60 minutes of receiving a call regardless of the time of day, day of week or month of the year. We are always available because we know that a disaster can strike at any time, not just during business hours. We know how to work with law enforcement and emergency rescue personnel and we make sure to start on our work as soon as we’re allowed to do so. We will handle school cleanups with the understanding that more is likely involved in this type of work than with cleaning up a home. We will work with the insurance companies involved so that the claim process does not needlessly run into a pile of red tape. In short, we will get it done. If you are unsure of what you would do if a disaster strikes your school, contact the San Diego disaster cleanup specialists at J&M Keystone, Inc. today to schedule an initial conversation.
Water main
06 Jun, 2013
Anyone who watches or reads the local news likely has seen coverage over the past month regarding water main breaks around the county. This is not all that abnormal, as a recent story that appeared in the San Diego Union-Tribune reported that over 100 water main breaks occur in San Diego on an annual basis. Easy math tells us that approximately twice per week, a minimum of hundreds of thousands of gallons of water are lost. Not only is water a precious resource in San Diego as it is everywhere else, but all of this water has to go somewhere. Just a few days ago, a water main break hammered a North Park neighborhood and it led to several different problems for the city as well as for home and business owners. Obviously, when this disaster strikes it requires the utmost in response by city officials to not only bring this situation under control but also to repair the break and to remove any water that could cause problems in the near future. While this response is usually strong, it often does not help those who are stuck dealing with this problem on their privately owned properties. Anyone who owns a building that houses residential or commercial tenants obviously dreads any phone call that comes in that tells them that their building has flooded because of a water main break. Not only does this create a mess that has to be dealt with immediately, but it’s also something that arose through no fault of that building owner or manager whatsoever. J&M Keystone, Inc. has been providing San Diego disaster cleanup services to entities public and private in nature for many years, and we know exactly what needs to be done when we get to a property that has been flooded. Examples of steps that we may take include: Removing any remaining flood water Removing and drying any carpeting that was affected Drying out any floorboards that got wet Opening walls to dry the interiors of them In short, the most immediate action we take is to do everything possible to dry the property as much as possible. Doing so will not only help to protect and restore the structural integrity of that building, but it will also minimize the chance that potentially harmful substances will begin to grow and spread. We will also work directly with your insurance company to make sure that the claim process moves forward as efficiently as possible and we will generally allow you to focus on getting your building back to working order. Water main breaks have been a problem in San Diego for years, and no one knows where the next one will strike. All that people who own buildings can do is prepare for them as much as possible. If you lack preparation, one conversation with the team at J&M Keystone, Inc. should be all you need to restore your peace of mind. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help.
Roofing
04 Jun, 2013
If you own and/or manage any residential or commercial properties, you most likely pay attention to extreme weather as it occurs around the country and wonder to yourself if you’re truly prepared for what can happen at almost any time. Recent news stories have been filled with extreme weather events that include tornadoes, torrential downpours, high winds, floods and fires. Each of these events dishes out a beating on any structure in their paths. Given this unavoidable reality, you need to be prepared to handle just about anything at a moment’s notice. One of the disasters that have been happening too often is the collapse of roofs; when this happens an entire building is not only unsafe for use but also uninhabitable until the structural damage can be repaired. Depending on the preparedness of building owners and the speed at which insurance companies move forward with claims, these problems can take days, weeks or even months to completely resolve. That’s why one of the phone numbers that you should have ready is the one that will put you in immediate contact with disaster cleanup professionals. Professionals, who understand how these emergencies need to be handled, are critically important so that property managers and owners, who suddenly find themselves overwhelmed, can rest assured that everything that can be done is being done as quickly as possible. Examples of what a disaster cleanup company should do when called about the collapse of a roof include: The willingness to answer these calls at any time of day, on any day of the week and any day of the year The ability to report to the scene of a roof collapse within 60 minutes of getting the initial phone call The experience necessary to act as a liaison between a building owner and the insurance company The skill necessary to work with emergency officials so that they can get to work on cleaning these messes up as soon as possible The expertise required to make sure that the job is done quickly, efficiently and properly. Every step mentioned above is critically important, as every moment that a roof collapse is not being cleaned up and repaired is not only money lost, but also safety risked. J&M Keystone, Inc. has been helping owners and managers of both residential and commercial properties with roof collapses as San Diego disaster cleanup professionals all over the county for years. Our team has earned the reputation needed with insurance companies to be able to avoid red tape and the wasting of time before getting down to work, and we have earned the loyalty of customers as a result. If you need to be sure that you’re prepared for this or any other disaster, contact us to find out more about how we can help you.
Electrical fire
31 May, 2013
If you manage an apartment building or an office complex, you might think about the potential risks that you could face with your property on a daily basis. You work tirelessly to make sure that the property is properly cared for and maintained, but no matter what you have to place some amount of trust both in your tenants and in the systems and components of that building or buildings. If you are like most managers in this position, you understand many basic things about repairing a building but you are likely not an expert in most of these fields. Unfortunately, a review available statistics reveals that one of the serious risks in place with almost any type of building in the United States involves the electrical system. The National Fire Prevention Association, or NFPA, is a non-profit organization that works to bring about awareness regarding fire dangers that exist in all types of buildings across the country. One of the tasks they handle is tracking statistics related to different types of fires. Below are a few statistics related to electrical fires: Approximately 45,000 fires in structures in the United States occur every year that are either directly or indirectly related to electrical failure or malfunction. More than $1 billion in property damage results from these fires every year. These losses account for nearly 20 percent of all property damage loss attributed to fires. These electrical fires represent approximately 13 percent of all structural fires in the United States on an annual basis. When an electrical fire strikes an apartment complex or an office building, it is obviously a disaster for everyone involved. Tenants need to be evacuated, the fire department and perhaps other rescue workers report to the scene and the insurance claim process needs to begin as quickly as possible. Any property manager who is concerned about this or any other type of unforeseen event needs to have at least one contact besides 911 ready. J&M Keystone, Inc. has been serving as San Diego disaster cleanup professionals for many years, and we will have someone in front of you and ready to help you get to work within one hour of your call to us. This timeframe applies no matter what day of the week you call, no matter what time of day you need help and no matter what day of the year something happens. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you.
California wildfire
30 May, 2013
Everyone who lives in California tends to prepare themselves each fall for the arrival of wildfire season. After months of warm, dry weather, the plant life in rural areas is nothing less than a tinderbox ready to ignite. A spark can come from lightning, a wayward campfire or some other human causing a fire to form. Regardless of what causes the wildfire, many of them can reach a size and speed that puts entire communities in danger. ​Anyone who has lived in San Diego County over the last 10 years remembers being hit with two enormous fires. Most people also remember that these fires wiped out entire areas of the county during the fall season. The month of May is generally a time when plants are blooming, grass is growing and the countryside is green from a moist winter. Unfortunately, that’s not necessarily the case this year. We have experienced a dry winter in Southern California and also a lot of heat during the spring which leads everyone to believe this summer will be even hotter. This has created a situation where wildfires have arrived earlier than usual, and several that have already hit Southern California. The latest arose just yesterday not far from Santa Barbara, and while it appears to be generally under control at this point, this is not a good omen for the coming summer months. Insurance companies that underwrite homes and commercial properties are likely to be deeply concerned with what the next five or six months may bring. Considering property values in Southern California, it does not take long for losses to reach the billions. Insurance executives need to know who to turn for disaster cleaned up and rebuilding once the fire department clears and affected area. J&M Keystone, Inc. is the company insurance agents should have at the ready for what could be a very difficult fire season. As soon as the fire department allows people to reenter an area, J&M can be onsite and ready to begin the cleanup process. The process could involve making major repairs to a home or simply helping clear the scene of a destroyed home. There could also be buildings that are badly damaged by water used to douse the fire. Our team of professionals has been handling wildfire recovery and cleanup for years and knows the steps it takes to get things back in order. Fire season is a stressful time in California, and it appears that the 2013 season is going to be a long one. We are just entering the dry time of the year and conditions could only worsen as we move forward. We hope there are no wildfires this year, but if you need the help of a San Diego disaster cleanup professionals, contact J&M Keystone, Inc. today to add us to your team.
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