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.

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.