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5 Potential Risks to Your Business If You Have Poor Security

5 Potential Risks to Your Business If You Have Poor Security

Every business is susceptible to threats, hacking, vandalism, etc. which is why prioritizing security for your business can help reduce the implications of these situations. The risks of having poor security can far outweigh what you’d invest in for a good system, so keep these 5 potential risks in mind when considering the security (or lack thereof) at your business.

No Procedure to Handle Incidents

Security breaches and theft does happen, but what’s worse is not having any sort of procedure to handle the issue. And without a proper security procedure, it’s likely incidents will happen more often. It’s better to be prepared for something that could happen then to be surprised and ill-equipped for when something does, so it’s essential for your business to have a clear security procedure.

Legal Liability

As a business owner, you not only have to protect your brand, but you have the responsibility of protecting the safety of your customers, clients, and vendors’. If that information is not secure and something were to happen, these people could lose trust in you, or possibly pursue legal action that could heavily impact your business. It’s important you are following regulations and complying with routine security checks to ensure your business is safe and running efficiently, and so that information is safe and secure under your account. Taking the right steps to safeguard data and regulate personnel allowed access to this information will help your business improve security and reduce liability.

Increase of Theft and Vandalism

Unfortunately, no business is safe from theft or vandalism, and a lack of security only makes you more vulnerable. This can delay business growth and without action, lead to an increase of incidents. Poor security at your business can cost you stolen goods or assets that can’t be replaced, which can affect your profits, and employee’s safety and trust.

There are a few ways to act on these incidents. First, get a security assessment to help you determine your company’s current state of security, and what needs to be improved upon. Then you can figure out an acceptable security system to be installed, to ensure you’re taking the right precautions to safeguarding your property.

Tainted Business Reputation

If employees and clients are susceptible to your poor security measures, the reputation of your business could sink. Customers and employees could possibly seek other places to feel safe, exposing you to harsh reviews and a decrease in business. People and workers want to interact with a business they trust, this can include having latest technology, and security systems such as cameras or alarms. On the flip side, a business that is growing should increase their security, as there are more visitors, employees, or important data that needs to be protected. You should want your business to be a safe and trusted establishment for all involved, which is why having a good security system is vital for your reputation.

Employees Feel Unsafe

The safety of your employees and company data should be the upmost of importance to your business, so if you’re employees are aware of your poor security, it’s likely they will feel unsafe at work. Security issues, limited regulation of the building, or outdated technology can show a lack of interest in the company’s security precautions, which can contribute to a negative work environment and high employee turnover rates. As mentioned previously, this can also harm the reputation of your business, so having a strong security system is the best way to ensure a sense of safety and reliability for your business.

Contact:

John Libby
Regional Manager
United Security, Inc.
950 South Pine Island Road-Suite A 150
Plantation, FL 33324
Mobile: (407)-675-7960
JLibby@usisecurity.com

 

  United Security Inc. (USI) provides contract security solutions and investigation services to a select group of vertical markets. For the past 30 years, USI has created safe, secure environments for commercial and government employees and customers by investing in our people, innovation and relationships. USI is committed to delivering:

  • Responsive management and security personnel
  • Continuous quality improvement and training
  • Consistent, client-focused service and performance

 

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CAN YOU REPEAT THAT? Is Your Condominium in Compliance?

CAN YOU REPEAT THAT? Is Your Condominium in Compliance?

  • Posted: Feb 08, 2023
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CAN YOU REPEAT THAT?

Is Your Condominium in Compliance?

Additional Clarity Provided

If your condominium is greater than 75 feet tall, then you need to read this article (most especially due to a small but meaningful typo in the prior version which is now revised with the red text below).

It is essential for condominium associations to ensure that their buildings are in compliance with the requirements of the Florida Fire Prevention Code (the “Fire Code”). For the safety of all residents, associations must ensure they stay up to date with the latest and greatest in fire safety provisions. One of these essential safety features is a requirement that systems be built into new and existing buildings to ensure that first responders’ radios will work throughout buildings in an emergency situation. Pursuant to Section 11.10.1 of the Fire Code, “in all new and existing buildings, minimum radio signal strength for fire department communications shall be maintained at a level determined by the AJH [the authority having jurisdiction]. Additionally, Section 11.10.2. provides that where required by the authority having jurisdiction, two-way radio communication enhancement systems must comply with the requirements of the Fire Code.

When originally adopted, the requirements of Sections 11.10.1 and 11.10.2 of the Fire Code applied only to new buildings, so the requirement was not a burden on existing buildings. However, in 2013, the Fire Code was updated as set out above to provide that all new and existing buildings must maintain adequate fire department radio signal strength inside the building. This new requirement applied to all buildings and did not provide a grace period. This posed a significant problem for many high-rise condominiums, as the installation of the necessary equipment involves opening walls and ceilings and can be quite costly to the association. The cost of such installation was a substantial burden to condominiums, not expecting to be required to install same, and therefore never budgeted for the installation.

Recognizing the problem, in 2016 the Florida Legislature adopted section 633.202(18), Florida Statutes, which provided a grace period for high-rise buildings. Existing high-rise buildings were not required to comply with minimum radio strength for fire department communications until January 1, 2022. You may be thinking, “that date is passed”, but do not panic. If your condominium has not yet complied with the requirements, have no fear. The 2021 Florida Legislature amended section 633.202(18), Florida Statutes, to provide another extension for compliance.

In accordance with the newly amended statute, existing high-rise buildings now have until January 1, 2025 to come into compliance with the requirements. However, the association must apply for an appropriate permit for the required installation by January 1, 2024. More specifically, section 633.202(18), Florida Statutes, is amended to provide, in pertinent part, that:

(18) The authority having jurisdiction shall determine the minimum radio signal strength for fire department communications in all new high-rise and existing high-rise buildings. Existing buildings are not required to comply with minimum radio strength for fire department communications and two-way radio system enhancement communications as required by the Florida Fire Prevention Code until January 1, 2025. However, by January 1, 2024, an existing building that is not in compliance with the requirements for minimum radio strength for fire department communications must apply for an appropriate permit for the required installation with the local government agency having jurisdiction and must demonstrate that the building will become compliance by January 1, 2025. Existing apartment buildings are not required to comply until January 1, 2025…

Therefore, all existing high-rise buildings must come into compliance by January 1, 2025. It is important to note that this time extension applies only to high-rise buildings. By way of over simplification, it does not apply to buildings less than 75 feet tall (the measurement can be tricky, so if your building is close to 75 feet check with your association attorney regarding this measurement). In 2018, the Florida Department of Financial Services, Division of State Fire Marshal issued a Declaratory Statement finding that section 633.202(18), Florida Statutes does not apply to the enforcement of Section 11.10 of the Fire Code to buildings under 75 feet in height. Therefore, if your building is greater than 75 feet in height, it is required to comply with the radio signal strength required by the authority having jurisdiction at this time.

In light of the foregoing, it is essential that your association take action to determine whether sufficient fire department radio signal exists in your building. We recommend the association reach out to the local fire code official to determine the exact requirements for your jurisdiction. If sufficient signal does not exist in your building, it is essential to prepare a plan (including design, permits, financing, etc.) to ensure that your building will comply by the deadline of January 1, 2025.
Reliable Technology for Peace of Mind

Reliable Technology for Peace of Mind

  • Posted: Dec 28, 2022
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Reliable Technology for Peace of Mind

Every facility, be it a private home, apartment complex, condo building, or hotel is threatened by water leaks issues. The cost of this damage to the population runs in the hundreds of millions of dollars and represent about 48% of insurance claims*. Burst hoses connecting refrigerators, washing machines or dishwashers; overflowing sinks and toilet bowls; leaky pipes and damaged water heaters or AC units are all sources of this destruction. And it seems that every leak in a high-rise building always occurs on the top floor when no one is at home, multiplying the catastrophic consequences.

Fortunately, there is now a reliable, cost-effective solution to prevent and detect water-related damage, with the associated insurance claims, repairs, and personal losses. The answer is AKWA Technologies, an innovative, customizable solution designed for residential and commercial buildings. The AKWA Technologies system,100% manufactured in Quebec, Canada, has a advanced design, and is fully autonomous, as an alarm system. It consists of a Master Valve installed on the property’s incoming water line with a Water Alarm Controller that supervises the entire system. Discreet Wireless leak sensors are placed at all water sources, including sinks, toilets, and other water appliances, such as washing machines, dishwashers, etc. An optional Flow sensor can be added for invisible leaks inside the walls and water usage management.

When water is detected in any of these locations, a signal is immediately sent to the Master Valve and the incoming water is shut off. This will minimize the flooding and prevent critical damage. An alarm will sound and notifications are sent to designated parties reporting the occurrence. The benefits of this customizable system are many. They include cost-effective installation with minimum disruption, elimination of expensive repairs and remediation caused by flooding, potential saving on insurance costs, and of course, your peace of mind.

Whether you are sleeping, at work, or on vacation halfway around the world, your domicile is safe with a solution that does not need Wi-Fi to be functional and requires very low maintenance. Water to your home can be shut off manually, from a distance or automatically when leaving your property for a long period of time. Whether you are a property manager or an individual user, you can manage your properties remotely from anywhere on the planet and keep your peace of mind!

 

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WHEN THE GOING GETS TOUGH By Eric Glazer, Esq.

WHEN THE GOING GETS TOUGH By Eric Glazer, Esq.

WHEN THE GOING GETS TOUGH

By Eric Glazer, Esq.

It has always been difficult to get volunteers to be on the Board of Directors.  Even when times are good and the building has made repairs and has some money in the bank, you can never count on owners to volunteer their time for a position where on their best day they will be second guessed and criticized.  It’s always touch and go as to whether an election will even be required in most condominiums because there won’t be enough volunteers.  Maybe it’s because the job doesn’t pay too much.

Well, if you thought it was hard to get volunteers for the Board before, you ain’t seen nothing yet.  Members of Boards starting in 2025, and perhaps some Boards getting a jump on the new laws know that they certainly won’t be winning any popularity contests by serving on the board, especially when they prepare the association’s annual budget.  These new Board members will be the ones who have to tell the members of the community that their monthly assessments are about to skyrocket due to:

  1. Mandatory Phase One Inspections;
  2. Probable Phase Two Inspections;
  3. Massive required repairs in order to pass the 25,  30, 40 or 50 year inspections;
  4. The full funding of a reserve account based upon a structural integrity reserve study;
  5. The fact that reserves can no longer be waived.
  6. Massive Increases in the association’s insurance.

These board members will need to sit behind barbed wire and Police “Do Not Cross” tape during the budget meeting.  They will probably want to be escorted to their units after the meeting by security.  Bottom line is they are going to be facing hostile crowds.

Let’s say they make it back to their unit and still wish to remain on the Board.  Now the fun begins.  These board members will have to hire the architects, hire the engineers, hire the contractors, make sure the repairs get made and pay all of the association’s massive bills. They may also have to negotiate a loan from a local bank so that everyone doesn’t have to come out of pocket for all the repairs.  Of course they will also still have the usual responsibilities of Board members such as attending meetings.

So who in the world is going to want to serve on the Board in 2025 when all of these new laws go into effect?  Why would anyone stick their neck out so far?  Well, if you were always a board member, you may not be scared of the responsibilities to come.  On the other hand, if you were shy of becoming a board member before, I don’t doubt that you’re going to remain the same and stay away.  It’s going to get tough ladies and gentlemen.  But will the tough get going and make the association’s Board the best it can be?

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Federal Court Identifies Potential Collection Issue for Community Associations in Florida

Federal Court Identifies Potential Collection Issue for Community Associations in Florida

Federal Court Identifies Potential Collection Issue for Community Associations in Florida

Community association operations rely upon the timely and full payment of all assessments by all of the owners. One of the mechanisms that Florida law provides to put associations in a stronger position when an owner becomes delinquent is the “secured interest” of the association in the unpaid assessments by way of its ongoing lien against the unit or lot for the unpaid assessments. This secured interest puts the claim of the association at a higher priority than most other claims, other than a first mortgage or unpaid property taxes. However, a recent decision in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Florida, In re: Adam, Case No.: 22-10140-MAM, September 23, 2022, has cast a potential cloud on that secured interest.

In the In re Adam case, the Association previously obtained a judgment of foreclosure for over $76,000, which was considered as a secured interest by the Court. The Association was also claiming an additional $36,558 which came due after the judgment was entered. The owners were asking the Court to decide that the $36,000 was not secured and therefore uncollectible in the bankruptcy (or at least not fully collectible).

In deciding whether certain association claims were secured and collectible in the bankruptcy setting, the Court undertook an analysis of Florida law on the subject. The Court noted that both the Florida Condominium Act (Chapter 718 F.S.) and the Homeowner’s Association Act (Chapter 720 F.S.) currently contain express provisions that identify that the lien of the association is effective from the original recording of the declaration (with the added requirement in HOA’s that the declaration specifically expresses this lien right). However, the Court also points out that the Condominium Act was amended in 1992 to provide for this effective date. (The Homeowner’s Association Act was amended to provide for it in 2008.) Prior to these amendments, these Statutes provided for the effective date of the lien to be when it was recorded in the public records of the county. The analysis of the Court required it to consider whether the current version of the Statute applies to the situation or whether an earlier version of the Statute is the controlling authority. (This case involved a condominium so only the Condominium Act was considered in the decision.)

To make that determination, the Court applied the principles of the seminal case of Kaufman v. Shere, 347 So.2d 627 (Fla. 3d DCA 1977), which require declarations to contain the specific phrase “as amended from time to time” when identifying the Statute that governs the documents in order for the current version of the Statute to apply. This is because Statutes are not retroactive in their application unless the legislature expressly makes them so in the Statute itself. Both the U.S. and Florida Constitutions do not allow for the State to make a law that infringes upon the vested rights in an existing contract (which would be the declaration). As a result, the contract (declaration) would need to have the specific “as amended from time to time” language (often called “Kaufman” language) to automatically incorporate changes to the Statute that is not otherwise retroactive.

When the Court reviewed the governing documents, it noted that they were from 1987 and did not have the Kaufman language. As such, the Court held that the provisions of the declaration were the same as the Statute in 1987, which provided that the lien was effective only upon being recorded in the public records of the county. Since the Association did not file another lien for the amount being claimed subsequent to the foreclosure judgment, the Court concluded that this portion was not secured. In the bankruptcy setting, this meant that the Association would likely be unable to recover most, if not all of this claim from the Debtors, Mr. and Ms. Adam.

While this issue may be most relevant to associations when dealing with a case in bankruptcy, it is possible that it could also be raised in state court foreclosure cases under certain circumstances. It is also important to note that this Bankruptcy Court did not include a significant issue in the analysis regarding the Statute at issue, that being whether or not the statutory provision was “substantive” or “procedural”, as those terms apply to this situation, which could have led to a different result. (This portion of the legal analysis is quite technical and beyond the scope of this article.)

For communities whose declarations were recorded prior to the statutory changes described above, the first step in protecting the interests of the association is to review the documents to determine whether Kaufman language is already in them. If not, the board may wish to consider proposing an amendment to the owners to change the documents to include this language, if not for the entire declaration, then at least for the timing of the effectiveness of the lien of the association. Having qualified legal counsel review these issues in the documents is a strong business practice.

About Robert
Robert L. Kaye is Board Certified in Condominium and Planned Development Law. Mr. Kaye attended Michigan State University, graduating with a B.B.A. in General Business in 1976. In 1986, Mr. Kaye graduated from the Detroit College of Law, magna cum laude. Mr. Kaye initially practiced tax law for the firm of Raymond, Rupp, Weinberg, Stone & Zuckerman, P.C. in Troy, Michigan, before moving to South Florida in 1987, joining Becker & Poliakoff to concentrate in the area of community association representation. In 1991, Robert Kaye left that employ to start Kaye & Roger, P.A. He was the managing shareholder of the Firm from its inception, directing all legal operations and overseeing its growth to represent over 1,000 Communities in South Florida at the time of its name change to Robert Kaye & Associates, P.A. on January 1, 2003.
On January 1, 2009 Mr. Kaye joined with Michael Bender to form Kaye & Bender, now known as Kaye Bender Rembaum, after Jeffrey Rembaum joined in 2012. Mr. Kaye serves on the Florida Bar’s Grievance Committee, is a member of the Condominium Committee of the Real Property Section of The Florida Bar, and previously served on the Committee on the Unlicensed Practice of Law. He also lectures on Community Association law and is regularly published on the subject. Mr. Kaye hosts KBR’s appearances on the radio show, ‘Ask the Experts’, from 6pm to 7pm, the first Thursday of each month.
See his full bio HERE.

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15% OFF YOUR RETAIL ROOF REPLACEMENT OR WATER MITIGATION PROJECT! Savings Code: FALL15

15% OFF YOUR RETAIL ROOF REPLACEMENT OR WATER MITIGATION PROJECT! Savings Code: FALL15

15% OFF YOUR RETAIL ROOF REPLACEMENT OR WATER MITIGATION PROJECT!

Savings Code: FALL15

 

EMERGENCY ROOF REPAIR IN CENTRAL FLORIDA

Your home is one of your most important investments, so protecting it is a top priority. Sometimes that means dealing with an emergency roof leak repair—and such needs don’t always occur during regular business hours. That’s why you need a reliable emergency roofer you can count on, no matter the time of day.

Since 2008, the award-winning Dynasty Building Solutions team has been available for after-hours emergencies throughout Central Florida. If the damage requires it, we’ll install an emergency roof covering to prevent further issues.

Needing an emergency roof repair is a stressful situation, but it’s a lot easier when we’re on your side!

24/7 Roof Repair Services

No homeowner wants to deal with emergency roof damage, but knowing you can call on our 24/7 roof repair professionals gives you some peace of mind. It’s not enough that we’re available; we also provide superior repairs using premium materials.

Those are some of the reasons we should be your first call when you have a roofing emergency. Other reasons include:

  • We’re a BBB-accredited business.
  • We’ve won industry awards from Home Guide and Angie’s List.
  • We’re a GAF Master Elite Contractor.
  • Our competitive prices and simple financing make it easier to budget for any emergency roof repair cost.
  • Our roofers work on any type of roofing, including asphalt shingles, tile, metal, and wood.
  • We stand behind our work with impressive warranties and a 100% satisfaction guarantee.

Contact Our Central Florida Roof Repair Professionals for Emergency Service

We hope you’ll never need an emergency roof repair, but we’ll be here for you if you do! No matter the time of day, we’ll help you determine if your situation is an emergency and respond quickly if your home needs immediate attention.

Call Dynasty Building Solutions today to learn more about our expert roof repairs, or fill out our online form now to request a consultation.

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The Truth About HOA Bank Foreclosure, by Mitch Drimmer

The Truth About HOA Bank Foreclosure, by Mitch Drimmer

The Truth About HOA Bank Foreclosure

Mitch Drimmer

This subject is very painful. We see it all too often in the HOA delinquency and collection world. And yet, it is not hopeless.

It is hard for a community to have to write off amounts that were left owing from a bank foreclosure in your community association. If you are in a super lien state, upon an HOA bank foreclosure, lending institutions will throw you a few bucks for your trouble. If an owner was foreclosed upon in a super lien state, don’t expect more than 6 months’ worth of assessments (it varies between states, but six months is the average).

It’s a pittance! And what makes it worse is that the banks are often unconcerned about speed when foreclosing–especially when dealing with a non-performing unit. Is a super lien amount enough to satisfy your association’s needs? I think not.

Communities will wonder: does my association have to write off the balance owed?

But that isn’t the question you should be asking. Instead, you need to focus all of your attention on recovering that money.

Was It Really an HOA Bank Foreclosure?

When the bank foreclosed, did they take title, or did they sell the property to a third-party purchaser?

This is a critical question. The answer can make all the difference between getting nothing or getting everything–and I mean every dime that was owed when the bank foreclosed.

In state statutes (and most likely in your governing documents) there is the concept of “Joint and Several Liability.” This doctrine makes it possible for community associations to exist, in that if I sell a property and owe the association money that obligation rides along and is the responsibility of a new purchaser.

With that in mind, when a bank forecloses and the unit is purchased, it is important to determine who was on the chain of title. If the bank foreclosed and sold the unit before they took title, then the association’s lien was not extinguished. This was not a foreclosure where the bank could hide behind their lien priority. THIS WAS A SALE.

Because it was a sale, the association is entitled to recover every penny. When Axela Technologies is servicing a debt, we do not depend on the lender to be an honest agent. This is an arm’s length transaction, and although the association is not a buyer or a seller in this deal, they do have money at stake and require professional representation (that does not cost $350 an hour) that has their interests at heart.

When a bank forecloses, look and see if they had title and sold it, or sold it post-judgment. If they did not take title, this is the difference between a successful collection event and taking a hit (sometimes substantial).

Pursuing a Surplus From a Bank Sale

Often when a bank forecloses and takes title, they will sell their REO (Real Estate Owned Property) at auction or through standard real estate brokers. In these times of real estate appreciating at a rapid rate and inflation roaring, banks will often sell the property that they foreclosed upon for more than they are allowed to recover. That results in a foreclosure surplus, and the association (by right of the contractual lien in your governing documents) has the right to claim that surplus amount.

At Axela Technologies we do this every day because if we do not recover our fees, then we do not get paid. Unlike your attorney, we don’t tell you to write it off and send you a bill, because our interests are aligned with the association. If you have had a unit foreclosed upon and don’t know if it was sold at a surplus, then somebody is not trying hard enough to recover what is legally, rightfully, and ethically money that belongs to the association.

Post-Foreclosure Recovery From the Delinquent Owner

Let’s assume that when the HOA bank foreclosure concluded, everything was done in order and there was no surplus for the association to recover. What happens then?

Well when the bank foreclosed on that unfortunate member of your association, and they left the membership holding the bag for their delinquent assessments, the debt was not extinguished.

Let me repeat that: an owner who owes the association money before an HOA bank foreclosure STILL owes that money after they have lost their house.

Now you may be inclined to say that this was a poor unfortunate person and to pursue them is heartless. In reality, it is heartless NOT to pursue this money. You must consider the good paying owners who picked up the cash shortfall by way of increased assessments and special assessments. Choosing not to pursue that debt means they footed the bill for nothing.

Axela Technologies has a cure for that as well.

Our Post-Foreclosure recovery program allows us to pursue these debts on a contingency basis. If we recover, it is like finding $20.00 in your jeans when you pull them out of the dryer, but way better. (Note: Contingency collections are not available in Texas.)

Let Axela Technologies Help

If your community association has delinquencies, remember that they do not end with an HOA bank foreclosure, or even an association/foreclosure. It ends when the debt is either collected or determined to be absolutely, positively uncollectible. Contact Axela Technologies and speak with our knowledgeable recovery specialists. Let us help you obtain the holy grail of community association governance that is a balanced budget.

 

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SO WHERE WILL PRICES GO? By Eric Glazer, Esq.

SO WHERE WILL PRICES GO? By Eric Glazer, Esq.

SO WHERE WILL PRICES GO?

By Eric Glazer, Esq.

I think last night’s 60 Minutes episode made it clear that for some, living in their condominium unit may simply become unaffordable.  The question is……which condos will suffer the most and which other forms of housing are most likely to retain their values and even go up.

Everyone is freaking out that all condominium living will soon become insanely unaffordable but that simply isn’t true.  Remember, these new inspection laws only kick in after 25 years if your condo is on the beach or within 3 miles of the coast.  They don’t kick in for 30 years for all other condos.  So, if your condo is new, these new inspections may not apply to you for decades.  Relax.

What else do we know?  Full funding of reserves start in 2025 and they can’t be waived.  Does that spell doom and gloom for everyone?  Not necessarily.  If your condominium has always been doing the right thing and has been fully funding reserves, these new laws requiring the full funding of reserves may not have a financial effect on you at all.   On the contrary, if you have been living in a condominium that has been waiving reserves for years, or even decades, you are in trouble.  You have a lot of catching up to do.  But what did you expect?  You were never putting away money for future repairs?  Did you think your building would never need repairs?  If it did need repairs, did you think these repairs would magically be paid?

Remember, these mandatory inspections, mandatory repairs and mandatory reserves only apply to condominiums of 3 stories or more.  So obviously, if your condominium is under three stories, you won’t be subject to mandatory inspections or mandatory reserves.  Something tells me, your home will be in high demand.

Of course, if you live in an HOA, the new inspection and reserve laws won’t apply to you either.  No doubt in my mind, condo dwellers will soon be looking to switch to the HOA way of life.

If you live in one of those condos above 3 stories that is 30 years of age or older and never reserved a dollar, it’s going to be hard to sell your unit. Buyers are more educated now and realize they would be buying into a financial nightmare.  If you want to sell, your price will definitely have to factor in, what the new buyer is about to pay for those inspections and repairs.

On the contrary, people who own condos under 3 stories or who live in HOAs will be in the driver’s seat as none of these costs will be passed on to their potential buyers.

I’m no realtor……..but this is how I see it.

 

We hope that you are able to make a donation of any amount to our fundraiser because there is still so much to accomplish in defeating blood cancers once and for all!

We hope that you are able to make a donation of any amount to our fundraiser because there is still so much to accomplish in defeating blood cancers once and for all!

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) exists to help cure blood cancers and improve the quality of life of patients and their families.
Every year we raise funds for LLS because of how important this lifesaving organization is to us. Last year we raised over $20,000 (THANK YOU!). Inspired by your generosity and determination to fight for a cure, this year we increased our goal to $35,000!
Here’s how your donation to LLS changes lives!
  • Since 1949, LLS has invested nearly $1.3 billion in cancer research – funding nearly all of today’s most promising advances, and bringing us closer to cures.
  • Last year, LLS Information Specialists responded to nearly 20,000 inquiries from patients and caregivers, guiding them to a wide array of education and support services.
  • LLS has a nationwide grassroots network of more than 100,000 volunteers who advocate for state and federal policies that benefit patients.
We hope that you are able to make a donation of any amount to our fundraiser because there is still so much to accomplish in defeating blood cancers once and for all!

Madison Cohen and Harvey Cohen share their touching story of survival and hope.

Please go to:

Welcome to Cohen- Marketing Team’s Fundraising Page

Cohen Law Group are members of SFPMA and we support this fundraising and health of Madison

Frank J Mari / Executive Director SFPMA

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Prepare for Tropical Storm Nicole by Cohen Law Firm

Prepare for Tropical Storm Nicole by Cohen Law Firm

Prepare for Tropical Storm Nicole

by Cohen Law Firm

Homeowners & Property Owners Preparedness Tips:
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.
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:
  • 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:
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