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Prepare for Hurricane Ian Homeowners & Property Owners Preparedness Tips: by Cohen Law Group

Prepare for Hurricane Ian Homeowners & Property Owners Preparedness Tips: by Cohen Law Group

It is extremely important for you to have records of your property’s condition in the event that you need to file a claim with your insurance company.

Click Here For The Homeowners Guide To Storm Damage

Before The Storm:

  • Take photos of your property- Interior of Home, Exterior of Home, Roof, Pool and Pool Area, Fencing, Trees, Front Yard, Back Yard.
  • If you are not able to take photos before a storm, collect the most recent photos you have taken of your property.
  • Document belongings- with proper documentation, you may also be able to recover lost expenses for home contents, personal property, and other items. Here is a list of some items to consider keeping receipts for or appraising: Televisions, Furniture, Jewelry, Artwork, Appliances, Computers, Antiques, Beds, Decks, Other Electronic Equipment
  • Know what is in your homeowner’s insurance policy.
  • Have records of your property’s condition in the event that you need to file a claim with your insurance company.
  • Review your mold coverage.
  • Review your flood coverage. This is normally separate insurance policy.
  • Ask your insurance agent about coverage for water damage, law and ordinance, debris removal, and additional living expenses.
  • Check your hurricane deductible, it can be much higher than your regular deductible.
  • Have a plan to move yourself and your family – especially those with special needs.
  • Have a portable radio, TV or NOAA Weather Radio on hand to monitor important information.
  • Homeowners who depend on well water should draw an emergency supply.
  • Get cash or travelers checks in case banks or ATMs are not operational.
  • Ensure all your electronic/mobile devices are fully charged.
  • Gather important documentation and place in waterproof container.
  • Make arrangements for pets; emergency shelters may not let you bring your animals with you.
  • Find out where the nearest shelter is located and the routes to get there.
  • Fill your automobile(s) with gas or ensure your electric vehicle is charged.
  • If you have an emergency power source, learn how to use it properly.

After The Storm:

  • When it is safe to do so, photograph your property’s: Interior, Exterior, and Roof
  • Consult with an attorney experienced in handling insurance claims before giving any recorded statements or meeting with an adjuster assigned to the claim.
  • Call the insurance carrier and timely report the claim.
  • Homeowners should obtain an inspection by a qualified contractor and/or roofer to assess whether the hurricane force winds have damaged or diminished the roofing system and building envelope.
  • Take photos and record the questions and answers when talking to adjusters.
  • Make sure to keep track of the name and number of every person you talk to at your insurance company.
  • Check your Co-Insurance penalties.
  • Make a copy of the insurance policy and keep it in a safe place.
  • Check your policy coverages and sublimits.
  • Just because water has not began to enter the structure does not mean that there is not damage to their property.
  • We have seen too many homeowner claims where an engineer is hired months after the storm and the engineer states the damage preexisted the hurricane.
  • For more information about the work we do with insurance claims, Click Here.

Business Owners Preparedness Tips:

Click Here For The Large Loss Guide To Storm Damage

  • Businesses should pay close attention to the storm’s forecast over the weekend. The National Hurricane Center releases a new full advisory every 6 hours, at 5am, 11am, 5pm and 11pm EDT. They are issuing intermediate advisories every 3 hours, between the full advisories (1am, 8am, 1pm, 8pm EDT.)
  • During this time, it’s important to review your disaster and emergency communication plan.
  • Backup all data on servers and personal computers and ensure remote access is available.
  • Ensure your equipment is raised above potential flood levels.
  • Review your insurance policies to mitigate any possible gaps in coverage.
  • Protect and duplicate important business documents and records. Be sure they are accessible from anywhere.

For More Information Click The Link Below:

http://itsaboutjustice.law/hurricane-preparedness/

 

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Roof Maxx of N Fort Lauderdale, FL

Roof Maxx of N Fort Lauderdale, FL

Roof Maxx of N Fort Lauderdale, FL

Contact Mark at (954) 493-0003 or mcucharale@roofmaxx.com

The daily beating of the sun on an asphalt shingle roof bakes at a quicker rate than the same roof type in northern states. I want my customers to understand that the demise of this asphalt shingles is “dry” and “brittleness.” The best and easiest way to explain it to you is the “burnt toast” analogy. If you take a fresh slice of bread and leave it in the toaster for too long, it will come out black and burnt. If you bend it, it will crunch or break in half. Now if you spread butter on that same piece of toast and let it sit for 20-30 minutes, you would be able to bend it without breaking in half. Very simple to understand. This is the condition of your asphalt shingle. You will pay more money for a roof replacement, more frequently, because less asphalt is used in the shingle.
Insurance has been difficult with homeowners here in the Tri-County area and it was tougher to sell the service here because of that. Now that SB-2D was passed into law (May 2022) by the Florida state legislators, we now have a much better opportunity to help those older roofs qualify for at least FIVE more years of life (if not longer), thus helping those property owners save their money and their roofs.
We won’t do repairs because of our limits with state licensing, but we offer minor maintenance, such as painting rusted vents, caulking some exposed nail heads, which are common, or replacing a missing shingle tab or two. This roof tune-up is a $499 value, usually done as a courtesy if a Roof Maxx treatment is done with us. We also offer discounts on such things as seniors, veterans and civil employees (like police and fire or first responders). We also give discounts to repeat customers and discounts base on volume (like commercial jobs).
Contact Mark at (954) 493-0003 or mcucharale@roofmaxx.com
View our Members Page on sfpma.
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The team at Aruba are your professionals to go to when you’re required to bring your business up to code.

The team at Aruba are your professionals to go to when you’re required to bring your business up to code.

Aruba Permit Services just finalized another job for a small business! Need an enclosure for your dumpster?

What we do best!

We resolve code enforcement issues and permits, fast for a reasonable price in both residential and commercial properties. Aruba is leading professional that only focuses on finding solutions through the permitting process for illegal work or reactivating an expired permit. Since Aruba is a licensed General Contractor we can perform any corrective work required to bring the work up to current Florida Building Code. Our team will follow through until the code violation case is closed or building permit. Once Aruba is involved, you can rest assure that we will make sure your property will be in compliance.

Members of SFPMA – find us on the Members directory

The team at Aruba are your professionals to go to when you’re required to bring your business and properties up to code.

Give us a call 📞 @ 954.782.7292 if you have any questions, visit our website 💻 https://www.aruba-services.com

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Schedule Your Fall Fish Stocking Discover the benefits of professional fall fish stocking and how to set your fishery up for success.

Schedule Your Fall Fish Stocking Discover the benefits of professional fall fish stocking and how to set your fishery up for success.

Schedule Your Fall Fish Stocking

Discover the benefits of professional fall fish stocking and how to set your fishery up for success.

Are you ready to build a community fishery or grow trophy fish in your private lake? Fish stocking is an important step of fisheries management. Fall is an excellent time to stock your lake. Learn how strategic fish stocking can help you build your dream fishery!

BOOK YOUR FISH STOCKING

Why a Professional Is Needed for Fish Stocking

A diverse and productive fish population is essential to creating an ecologically balanced lake or pond. Fish stocking has clear benefits – from plant and mosquito management to exciting fishing opportunities – but many property owners are unaware of the sheer number of fish species to choose from, making it very easy to get confused.

There is more to fish stocking than the act of adding fish to a pond. Rushing the process by stocking the wrong fish, or doing so at the wrong time, can result in unhealthy population conditions and ecosystems. A key part of lake and pond management is making sure the fish population is well-balanced and best equipped to help achieve your specific goals for the aquatic ecosystem. That’s where a professional comes in.

Each body of water is different, so there are no one-size-fits-all solutions. A customized plan created by experts will ensure that your lake or pond has the right fish population to endure its health and your continued enjoyment. Based on the state of the ecosystem in your lake or pond, a professional will recommend whether or not you should add fish, what species are best suited for your waterbody, what time of year to stock, and how many.

SOLitude Lake Management | Proudly Serving Clients Nationwide

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There is nothing like mosquito bites or midges to take the fun outdoor activities!  Before mosquito’s or midges “BUG” you, contact Allstate Resource Management

There is nothing like mosquito bites or midges to take the fun outdoor activities! Before mosquito’s or midges “BUG” you, contact Allstate Resource Management

Mosquitos or Midges BUGGING you?

Allstate Resource Management offers full-service larvicide spraying and/or briquette treatments to attack the insect’s breeding ground. We can also stock lakes and ponds with mosquitofish which is a long-term biological control method that is also environmentally sensitive.
There is nothing like mosquito bites or midges to take
the fun outdoor activities!
Before mosquitos or midges “BUG” you, contact us at:
Direct: 954-382-9766 or info@allstatemanagement.com
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Slippery floor tiles ​are a disaster waiting to happen for any facility…by CoverTec

Slippery floor tiles ​are a disaster waiting to happen for any facility…by CoverTec

Slippery floor tiles ​are a disaster waiting to happen for any facility. Understanding how to deal with slippery floors can be the difference between operating ​a successful facility and serious problems.

CoverTec Products

click the picture above go to CoverTec, learn about the many products we have from cleaning to maintenance for your floors, learn how to make your floors non slip!

Making floors slip-resistant requires a clear understanding of what you are working with. These are the factors that impact whether a floor is slippery or not:

  1. The condition of the floor
  2. The flooring material
  3. The condition and the material of the footwear interacting with the surface
  4. The contaminants present on the floor
  5. The physical ability of the person walking on the floor

Members of sfpma find us on the directory

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Lake Management: “Why does our HOA need a lake management company?” -Allstate Resource Management

Lake Management: “Why does our HOA need a lake management company?” -Allstate Resource Management

“Why does our HOA need a lake management company?”
Sometimes, aquatic management is viewed as a frivolous or unnecessary expense for a community. “My lake looks fine, why should I pay to have someone take care of it?” Unfortunately, that assessment is rarely made taking into account the whole water body.
Most people that live on lakes also see them differently than someone who maintains them. The difference is homeowners tend to look “at” the water, where as waterway managers look “in” the water. Too often people put off lake maintenance until they see a problem and weed populations have already become established. Long term management at that point becomes more expensive and time consuming, with total elimination of the problem almost impossible.
An important fact that many overlook is that the lakes on their property serve another purpose other than a nice view. They are actually man made stormwater retention areas . When communities are built, the lakes are carefully designed to hold a certain amount of stormwater. Water bodies filled with weeds no longer have the correct capacity, potentially causing neighborhood flooding during storms. Algae is another constant nuisance in South Florida lakes. Because of our warm waters and long sunny seasons, algae can spread very rapidly and unpredictably.
As a property owner or property manager, it’s valuable to have a company that will respond to these unexpected outbreaks. Every lake matures differently, and it takes a combination of experience and expertise to maintain a healthy balance as changes occur.
Allstate Resource Management’s staff is always there to answer your questions and works to ensure excellent results in any lake management situation.
Contact us today on how we can help your community lake!
Direct: 954-382-9766
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Shoreline & Erosion Control Management – SOLitude Lake Management

Shoreline & Erosion Control Management – SOLitude Lake Management

Enhance Your Shoreline and Repair Erosion Damage with Sustainable Solutions

Shoreline management should never be overlooked. It is one of the most important aspects of a healthy lake or pond. Proactive buffer and littoral zone management not only helps increase the aesthetics of your lake or pond, but it helps protect your waterbody from the harsh effects of erosion and prevents excess nutrients from entering the water column. If erosion damage has become too severe, erosion repair solutions can be implemented to help restore the shoreline and prevent future damage.

The Benefits Behind Vegetative Buffers and Littoral Zones

Many water quality issues are caused by or intensified by factors that begin outside of a waterbody. That is why it is crucial to cultivate a beneficial vegetative buffer and a littoral zone using native sedges, grasses, and flowering species to filter excess nutrients like phosphorus and nitrogen from the water column. Allowing the beneficial plants to take root will also add to the integrity of your shoreline.

Before, Golf Course Shoreline Restoration

Erosion Repair Technologies

If your shoreline has experienced the effects of erosion like vegetation loss or uneven and unstable banks, restoration efforts should be considered before attempting to establish plants around a pond or lake. With the latest erosion control technologies, you can repair erosion wear and tear and establish a stable, natural shoreline that will halt erosion and protect your waterbody from future damage.

Discover Sustainable Solutions for Shoreline Management & Erosion Repair – Watch the Video

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Everything You Need to Know About Hurricane Damage Claims in Florida

Everything You Need to Know About Hurricane Damage Claims in Florida

  • Posted: Aug 31, 2022
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  • Comments: Comments Off on Everything You Need to Know About Hurricane Damage Claims in Florida

It’s an unspoken secret among homeowners that hurricane damage in Florida is inevitable.

It’s not a question of “if”. It’s a question of “how long before it happens to me?” So before this year’s storm season kicks off, it’s a good idea to educate yourself on the hurricane damage claim process. The more you know, the better you’ll be able to navigate these waters when disaster strikes.

In this post, we’ll talk about different types of hurricane damage claims, what you can expect from your insurance company, and how to get help from a professional claims adjuster.

COMMON TYPES OF HURRICANE DAMAGE CLAIMS

The most common types of damage after a hurricane is damage to your windows from flying debris. This is almost inevitable, but it’s important to document the condition of your windows before the storm.

As a matter of fact, this advice applies to all types of damage. Take pictures before the storm. They can be your only way to prove that the damage happened due to the hurricane, and not weeks or months beforehand.

Siding, roofing, and doors are also frequently damaged in hurricanes. Again, this is due to high winds and flying debris or falling trees, so this kind of damage can happen many miles inland.

Another common type of damage is fires. It’s counterintuitive to think about fire damage when there’s rain falling down like God’s pouring buckets out of the sky, but it’s a real risk. Power surges and outages can cause appliances to malfunction, while leaks and flooding can cause short circuits and electrical fires.

Finally, there’s water damage. This doesn’t always happen due to flood water, either. It can happen due to a roof leak or window damage, or even because of a failed appliance leaking after the storm. Even mild water damage can lead to mold, so look out for leaking around windows or around your roof joists.

WHAT IS COVERED?

The short answer is that it depends on what kind of insurance you have. Basic homeowners insurance will cover most hurricane damage, but not damage from flooding. For example, you may be covered for water damage from a leaky roof, but not for a flooded laundry room wrecking your washer and dryer. A flood insurance policy will cover this gap in coverage. We talk more about this in our article on water damage.

Many parts of Florida are considered high-risk areas, so insurance companies place further restrictions on wind damage. In this case, you’ll need to have windstorm coverage in order to get reimbursed to damage to your roof or windows. If you live in a high-risk area, getting this coverage is a no brainer. It can be expensive, but it costs less than paying for these repairs out of pocket.

WHAT ISN’T COVERED?

There are a couple of things that your insurance definitely will not cover.

  • The first is damage due to negligence. For example, if you’re under an evacuation order and you leave a bunch of appliances plugged in, causing a fire, the insurance company may deny your claim due to negligence.
  • The second is damage to your vehicle. Even if it’s parked in a carport or garage, your vehicle will not be covered by your homeowners or flood insurance. Fortunately, it may be covered by your car insurance if you’ve purchased the right kind of coverage.

HOW TO DEAL WITH DAMAGE AFTER A HURRICANE

The first thing to keep in mind is that your home may not be safe to return to. Listen to authorities, and don’t return to your home if your neighborhood is supposed to remain evacuated.

Once you’re cleared to return, get your camera ready. Just as you did before the storm, take pictures of everything. Eventually, you’re going to need to clean up, but the claims process can drag on for months. If there’s a dispute, before and after pictures can make the difference between a successful claim and a failed one.

You may be tempted to throw out damaged furniture and appliances. Resist that temptation. Sadly, claims adjusters have to deal with fraud on a regular basis, so they’re liable to give you the stink-eye if you tell them that all your damaged furniture is at the dump, along with your 70-inch flat screen TV and your brand new, top of the line dishwasher. Save everything until the adjuster has come out, this will improve the validity of your hurricane damage claim.

On the same token, never sign an invoice with a contractor that doesn’t have an exact cost specified. Some shady contractors will write something like “for insurance proceeds” on their invoice, then try to get the whole value of the claim, instead of just the cost of their own work.

HOW CAN A PUBLIC ADJUSTER HELP?

Hurricane Damage Claimspublic adjuster is a claims adjuster who works for you instead of the insurance company. They get paid a percentage of the proceeds from your hurricane damage claim, so the more you receive, the more they make. This gives them a strong incentive to make sure you get every penny you’re entitled to.

Oftentimes, insurance adjusters will lowball repair estimates by using prices for the cheapest possible materials. Sometimes, they’ll even avoid going to damaged areas of the house to avoid having to make a note of the damage. A public adjuster works with you to find and document every bit of damage, and advocates for you with the insurance company.

If you think a public adjuster can help you, Contact Stellar Public Adjusting Services using our free web form. If your need is urgent, feel free to call us at 305-570-3519.

Our team of adjusters has a combined experience of several decades, and all of them work in-house. This means you’ll be working directly with a member of our team, and not with an independent contractor. Focus on rebuilding your home and your life. Leave the stress and paperwork to the experts.

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At Cohen Law Group, It’s About Justice!

At Cohen Law Group, It’s About Justice!

At Cohen Law Group, It’s About Justice!

It is more than a slogan, it is our firm’s mantra. The motto, developed by our founder Harvey V. Cohen was derived from our mission statement. We are aggressive, zealous advocates for our client’s rights. Our commitment to our clients is evident by our prompt reply to all phone calls and our 24 hour availability through our phone answering service.

Make sure your legal rights are protected by seeking the legal advice of an experienced Attorney. Contact Cohen Law Group.

Call us today at 407-890-0405 to see how we can help your legal needs. Or click here to fill out a free case evaluation.

 

Contractor Insurance Claim Dispute

Cohen Law Group stands up to these insurance carriers in valid contractor insurance claim disputes. Contractors have a right to be paid, just as the policy holder they are working for has a right to have a valid insurance claim paid.

Homeowner Insurance Claim Attorney

Have you had an insurance claim denied, partially paid, or reduced? If so, we may be able to help. Cohen Law Group stands up to these insurance carriers in valid homeowner insurance claim disputes.

Business Owners Insurance Claims Dispute

Cohen Law Group stands up to these insurance carriers in valid business/property owner insurance claim disputes. We possesses the experience and resources necessary to effectively guide you through each and every aspect of your business/property owner insurance claim dispute.

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