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.

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.