Storm Damage: What to Do After a Loss

Heavy rains and winds recently pummeled the New York Metro area, causing major damage to many homes and businesses. If you experienced property damage, you need to know what to do after a loss.


If you suffer a loss, the first thing to do is to notify your insurance company or its agent. You can do this by telephone, although it is a good idea to follow up with written notification. Remember, if you give the notice to your broker, rather than directly to the insurance company, you still have a responsibility to make sure that the insurance company receives notice of your claim.

It is also important to notify your insurance company promptly after any incident takes place that might result in a claim at some later date, even though no claim was made at the time the event occurred.

For example, if your dog bites a neighbor or a guest falls on your property, it should be reported to the insurance company even though you don't know whether any claim is actually going to be made against you. Your failure to notify the company promptly might allow it to deny coverage in the event a claim if filed against you at a later date.

It is also important to protect your property against further damages. For example, if the windows are broken, have them boarded up to protect against further vandalism or burglary. The cost of this type of protection is covered by, and would be reimbursed by your insurance company.

However, no permanent repairs should be made until your company or its representative has inspected the property. The company has the right to inspect the property in its damaged state, and can refuse to pay you for any damage that is repaired before inspection.

An adjuster will be sent from your insurance company to examine the damage and give you an estimate of the cost of repairs or replacement. You should also get an estimate from your own contractor to compare with the insurance company's estimate. Your contractor will probably charge a fee for this service but might credit that fee to your bill if you hire that contractor to repair and/or replace your property.

If you need assistance, your agent, broker or insurance company sales representative should help you fill out the claim form and help gather the materials you need to substantiate your loss.

In the event you are unfortunate enough to experience a major loss such as a fire or severe windstorm which has badly damaged or destroyed your home, and you are not in a position to negotiate a settlement with your company, you may want to consult an attorney or call a licensed public adjuster to act on your behalf with your insurance company.

Public adjusters are licensed by the Insurance Department. They represent you and not the insurance company. They will help you in taking inventory of your loss, securing your home from vandalism, contacting your insurance company, advising you on the extent of your coverage and help you secure the services needed to repair or rebuild you home. They will negotiate on your behalf with the adjuster from the insurance company.

A public adjuster may not charge a fee more than 12.5% of the recovery amount and must get a signed compensation agreement from you in which the amount of compensation is clearly stated. Such agreement may be cancelled up to midnight of the third business day after the date on which you have signed the compensation agreement. In addition, public adjusters may not solicit your business between the hours of 6 p.m. and 8 a.m.

Another alternative to consider when an agreement cannot be reached between you and your insurance company is the appraisal process. Every homeowner, tenant, cooperative apartment and condominium policy issued in New York contains a provision whereby you and your company select a competent and disinterested appraiser. The two appraisers, in turn, select an umpire. Each appraiser must evaluate the loss and determine the value of each item. Any disagreements between the appraisers regarding the value of any items are submitted to, and settled by the umpire. The costs of this process are paid by the policyholder and the insurance company.



Source: NY State Insurance Department

Real Estate Deals & Mold in Homes

If the home you are thinking about purchasing has mold, do not panic!

You can remove unusual mold levels from the home, and bring it back to the original condition.
It is impossible to completely eliminate all mold and mold spores indoors. Mold will always be found floating in the air and in house dust. Indoor mold growth can be prevented by controlling water and moisture indoors.

The following may prevent or reduce indoor mold growth:

-Repair any water leaks.
-Provide good air circulation.
-All HVAC systems should have a good electrostatic filter on the return.
-Use bathroon, laundry and kitchen exhaust fans.
-Insulate and ventilate attic and crawl space areas.
-Clean, dry or remove items that are damaged by water immediately.

An integral part of the mold clean-up process is the clearance testing. This final testing procedure provides confirmation that the project has been satisfactorily remediated and that the contamination has not spread to other areas.

Remember...If there is mold growth in your home, you must clean up the mold and fix the water problem. If you clean up the mold, but do not eliminate the water problem, the mold will grow back! For more information, contact a restoration company that specializes in mold removal.

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Advanced Restoration Corporation is a family-owned and operated full-service property damage restoration company with a combined 75 years experience in dealing with Fire Damage Restoration, Water Damage Restoration, Flood & Storm Damage, Mold Remediation, Smoke Damage Restoration and Reconstruction. We service Long Island (Nassau County, NY; Suffolk County, NY) and the New York Metro area.

LCD Television Recall: Fire Hazard

Best Buy Announces the Recall of Certain Insignia 26-Inch Flat-Panel LCD Televisions Due to Fire Hazard

Source: CPSC
Office of Information and Public Affairs
Washington, DC 20207

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 2, 2009Release #09-183
Firm's Recall Hotline: (800) 233-0462CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

Best Buy Announces the Recall of Certain Insignia 26-Inch Flat-Panel LCD Televisions Due to Fire HazardWASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Insignia 26-inch flat-panel LCD model IS-LCDTV26 televisions

Units: About 13,300

Importer: Best Buy Co. Inc., of Richfield, Minn.

Hazard: The television’s power supply can fail, posing a fire and burn hazard to consumers.
Incidents/Injuries: Best Buy has received two reports of fires that included damage to the television and wall. One consumer reported minor burns to the hands.
Description: This recall involves Insignia 26-inch flat-panel LCD televisions, model number IS-LCDTV26. The model number is printed on the back of the television and the word “INSIGNIA” is printed on the bottom front. No other Insignia model televisions are involved in this recall.
Sold exclusively at: Best Buy stores nationwide, at ww.bestbuy.com, and www.bestbuyforbusiness.com from August 2005 through June 2006 for about $800.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled televisions and contact the Best Buy hotline to receive a gift card for the value of a replacement television.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Best Buy at (800) 233-0462 between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. CT daily, or visit the firm’s Web site at

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?id=pcmcat114800050015&type=category

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Advanced Restoration Corporation is a family-owned and operated full-service property damage restoration company with a combined 75 years experience in dealing with Fire Damage Restoration, Water Damage Restoration, Flood & Storm Damage, Mold Remediation, Smoke Damage Restoration and Reconstruction. We service Long Island (Nassau County, NY; Suffolk County, NY) and the New York Metro area.

When disasters strike, Advanced Restoration is ready to respond 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You are guaranteed to speak with one of our knowledgeable, caring team members, day or night. Our immediate response to a claim/property loss helps minimize the damages to the structure, contents, and ease the sometime catastrophic effect that a disaster may have on an owner or occupants.

Fire Extinguisher Recall Alert

The US Consumer Product Safety Commission recently released information related to Kidde Fire Extinguishers. It is imperative to review this recall information and check the fire extinguishers in your home or business.

Source: CPSC

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 12, 2009 Release # 09-151
Firm’s Recall Hotline: (888) 345-4407CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

Kidde Recalls to Replace Fire Extinguishers Due to Failure to Operate

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of product: Kidde XL Fire Extinguishers
Units: About 167,000
Distributor: Walter Kidde Portable Equipment Inc., of Mebane, N.C.
Hazard: The pressurized cylinders in the recalled fire extinguishers could lose pressure and fail to operate. In the event of a fire, this failure could put a consumer and property at risk.
Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: This recall involves the Kidde XL Fire Extinguishers with model numbers FX340SC, FX340H, FX340GW, XL5MR, FX210R, FX340SC-2, FX210W, XL2.5TCZ-4, E-340-3 and with manufacture dates between October 2007 and April 2008. “Kidde” and the model number can be found on the label on the front of the extinguisher. The manufacture year is on the bottom of the extinguisher. If your extinguisher is one of the listed model numbers and is marked with the year 07 or 08, contact Kidde to determine if you have a recalled extinguisher.

Sold at: Department, home, and hardware stores nationwide from October 2007 through April 2008 for about $35.
Manufactured in: Mexico
Remedy: Consumers should immediately inspect the pressure gauge. If it points to the red zone, contact Kidde to receive a free replacement extinguisher. If the gauge is not in the red zone, but you have questions about an extinguisher within the listed model numbers, please contact Kidde for additional information.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Kidde at (888) 345-4407 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firm’s Web site at

www.Kidde.com

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Advanced Restoration Corporation is a family-owned and operated full-service property damage restoration company with a combined 75 years experience in dealing with Fire Damage Restoration, Water Damage Restoration, Flood & Storm Damage, Mold Remediation, Smoke Damage Restoration and Reconstruction. We service Long Island (Nassau County, NY; Suffolk County, NY) and the New York Metro area.

When disasters strike, Advanced Restoration is ready to respond 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You are guaranteed to speak with one of our knowledgeable, caring team members, day or night. Our immediate response to a claim/property loss helps minimize the damages to the structure, contents, and ease the sometime catastrophic effect that a disaster may have on an owner or occupants. Our company is dedicated to serving our clients with courteous and prompt service. We take the utmost pride in the craftsmanship of our work.

As certified specialists in water mitigation and fire/smoke restoration, we have the knowledge, expertise and experience to deal with all types of property damage. Our professional staff is also trained in all aspects of mold remediation and damage appraisals. Service area: Nassau County, Suffolk County and the NY Boroughs. Advanced Restoration is now a member of DKI.

Fire Hazard: Oil-Fired Furnace Recall Alert

The Consumer Product Safety Commission recently published Release #09-104, which focuses on a recall related to oil-fired furnaces that may result in a fire hazard.

Source: CPSC

NEWS from CPSC
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs
Washington, DC 20207
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 22, 2009 Release #09-104
Firm's Recall Hotline: (800) 577-3960CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

Rheem Recalls to Repair Oil-Fired Furnaces Due to Fire Hazard
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Rheem, Ruud and United Refrigeration Oil-Fired Furnaces

Units: About 14,000

Manufacturer: Air Conditioning Division of Rheem Manufacturing Co., of Fort Smith, Ark.

Hazard: If the furnace is not properly wired, the oil burner can continue to operate when the blower shuts off, posing a fire hazard to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: Rheem has received one report in which the furnace was incorrectly wired. No injuries or property damage have been reported.

Description: This recall involves oil-fired furnaces sold under the Rheem, Ruud and United Refrigeration brands. Only the models beginning with the model numbers listed in the chart below and with date codes ending in 0106 through 5206, 0107 through 5207, or 0108 through 4808 are included in this recall. The model number and date code (designated by the four digits following an “M” in the middle of the serial number) are printed on the unit’s rating plate, which is on the left wall of the furnace’s interior just above the burner. The rating plate can be found by opening the unit’s burner access door, which has slotted openings.

See Model Number/ Brand & Description

• ROBF
  Rheem Classic/Ruud Achiever High Efficiency Upflow Oil Furnace
  
• ROPF
  Rheem Classic/Ruud Achiever High Efficiency Downflow/Horizontal Oil Furnace
  
• TZOUP
  United Refrigeration “Thermal Zone” Upflow Oil Furnace
  
• TZODH
  United Refrigeration “Thermal Zone” Downflow/ Horizontal Oil Furnace
  

Sold by:

Contractors nationwide to consumers from January 2006 through December 2008 as part of installed systems for between $1,500 and $10,000.

Manufactured in: United States

Remedy: Consumers should immediately contact the contractor who installed the oil furnace to arrange for a free inspection and repair, if necessary.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Rheem at (800) 577-3960 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at

www.rheemac.com.
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About Us

Advanced Restoration Corporation is a family-owned and operated full-service property damage restoration company with a combined 75 years experience in dealing with Fire Damage Restoration, Water Damage Restoration, Flood & Storm Damage, Mold Remediation, Smoke Damage Restoration and Reconstruction. We service Long Island (Nassau County, NY; Suffolk County, NY) and the New York Metro area. Call (800) 693- 6263 for additional information, or visit us on the web at www.AdvancedRestoration.com.

Fire and Carbon Monoxide Alert

The Consumer Product Safety Commission Released Information Related to Fires and Carbon Monoxide Hazards With Home Heating...

Source: CPSC

NEWS from CPSC
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs
Washington, DC 20207


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEJanuary 28, 2009 Release #09-109
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908
CPSC Warns of Deadly Fire and Carbon Monoxide Hazards with Winter Home Heating


WASHINGTON, D.C. - According to the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), there have been more than 150 residential fires that resulted in more than 200 deaths since Thanksgiving. These statistics have led the USFA and fire chiefs to declare the holiday season and start of the new year as one of the deadliest in recent memory.

As families look for ways to save money in these tough economic times, the concern over additional fire deaths and carbon monoxide poisonings from alternative heating sources is heightened. The U. S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is urging consumers to keep safety in mind when it comes to heating their homes this winter.

Home heating equipment is among the top causes of fires and CO poisonings. From 2003 through 2005, there was an annual average of 57,300 fires and 270 fire deaths associated with portable heaters, central heating systems, and fireplaces and chimneys. There were also 68 deaths, on average, from carbon monoxide poisoning each year associated with these products.


CPSC urges consumers to:
Schedule a professional inspection each year of all fuel-burning home heating systems, including furnaces, boilers, fireplaces, wood stoves, water heaters, chimneys, flues and vents.

Take precautions when using space heaters, fireplaces or other heating sources to help stay warm this winter.

Install smoke alarms and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms in the home and check that the batteries are fresh and working.


2009 is just weeks old, yet there have already been dozens of deaths from fires in the home.

Reports of residential fire deaths in January include:
Eight people died including a mother, her boyfriend and her four sons age 6 months to 10 years old, in their Richland, New York home. There were no smoke alarms in the home.

A woman was killed in her Detroit home by a fire believed to have been caused by a space heater that was too close to a chair.

Three people, including 13- and 15-year-old sisters and their older male relative, died in their Oklahoma home. Space heaters and an electric stove were being used for heat.

CPSC urges consumers to follow these home heating safety tips:

Space heaters:
Place space heaters on a level, hard and nonflammable surface (such as a ceramic tile floor), not on rugs or carpets or near bedding or drapes. Keep the heater at least three feet from bedding, drapes, furniture and other flammable materials. Keep children and pets away from space heaters.
To prevent the risk of fire, NEVER leave a space heater on when you go to sleep or place a space heater close to any sleeping person. Turn the heater off if you leave the area.

Never use gasoline in a kerosene space heater. Even small amounts of gasoline mixed with kerosene can increase the risk of a fire.

Use a space heater that has been tested to the latest safety standards and certified by a nationally-recognized testing laboratory. These heaters will have the most up-to-date safety features; older space heaters may not meet the newer safety standards. An unvented gas space heater that meets current safety standards will shut off if oxygen levels fall too low.

Do not use portable propane space heaters indoors or in any confined space unless they are specifically designed for indoor use. Always follow the manufacturer’s directions for proper use.

Fireplaces:
Have flues and chimneys inspected for leakage and blockage by creosote or debris.
Open the fireplace damper before lighting a fire and keep it open until the ashes are cool.

An open damper may help prevent build-up of poisonous gases inside the home.

Store fireplace ashes in a fire resistant container and cover it with a lid. Keep the container outdoors and away from combustibles.

Stoves and Ovens:
Never use electric or gas stoves to heat the home. They are not intended for that purpose and can cause fires and CO poisoning.


Stay Warm and Be Safe!

Advanced Restoration Corporation is a property damage/disaster restoration company that specializes in Fire and Smoke Restoration in the New York Metro/Long Island area. Call us at (800) 693-6263, or visit us on the web at www.AdvancedRestoration.com. We are committed to Making Disaster Temporary and Restoration Permanent.

Flooding/Water Damage Restoration

Do You Have Flooding/Water Damage in Your Home, Office or Business?

When a pipe bursts, the damage to your home or business can be devastating. Knowing who to call for this type of situation is essential to ensure emergency water mitigation efforts are handled timely and properly by trained experts.

If you had recent storm or water damage from frozen pipes, one call to Advanced Restoration will ensure your property structure is mitigated properly. Our professional staff is ready to provide you 24/7 Emergency Service throughout the New York Metro area!

Reduce your claim costs by hundreds, even thousands of $$$. Our equipment allows us to dry wet hardwood floors (or any hardsurface floor) by using our Injectidry Systems. Injectidry's Vac-It Panels are placed directly over the wet area and the system (HP60) pulls the water out of the wood or hardsurface!

Injectidry's High Pressure drying systems are specifically developed to target high risk areas of hidden moisture such as: walls and ceilings, double-sheeted fire walls, party walls, sound barriers, insulation, walls behind cabinets and fixtures and floors.

Benefits of Using Advanced Restoration and Injectidry Technology

• In most cases, the floors will dry beneath refrigerators and stoves without moving appliances.
  Many of the floors do not even need to be refinished.


• Floors do not sit wet and cupped for 3-9 months while nails rust and mold grows underneath.
  Continue to use the premise (home, office, business) during the drying process.


• Reduced claim costs.

Advanced Restoration is available for all your property restoration and reconstruction needs.

Our staff is truly committed to Making Disaster Temporary and Restoration Permanent!

Burn Hazard Recall Alert:

On December 18th, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission sent out a Recall Alert related to Chef's Mark Cookware sets.

Recall Alert
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs
Washington, DC 20207
December 18, 2008Alert #09-714
Article Source: U.S Consumer Product Safety Commission

Fingerhut Recalls Chef’s Mark Cookware Sets Due to Burn Hazard
The following product safety recall was voluntarily conducted by the firm in cooperation with the CPSC. Consumers should stop using the product immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Chef’s Mark® 15 piece cookware sets
Units: About 9,000
Importer: Fingerhut Direct Marketing, of Eden Prairie, Minn.

Hazard: The handles on the cookware can break, posing a burn hazard to consumers.
Incidents/Injuries: Fingerhut has received six reports of handles breaking including three reports of minor burn injuries to consumers.

Description: This recall involves Chef’s Mark® 15 piece cookware sets with model number 515 and Fingerhut product code H6637. The model number and product code are printed on the cookware’s packaging. The non-stick cookware has red, green, black, blue or purple exteriors, black handles, glass lids and came with spoons, spatulas and ladles.
Sold exclusively by: Fingerhut catalogs and Fingerhut.com from January 2008 through October 2008 for about $80.
Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should stop using the cookware immediately and contact Fingerhut to receive a free repair kit. Fingerhut is directly contacting purchasers.
Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Fingerhut toll-free at (866) 931-5417 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at
www.fingerhut.com
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The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of serious injury or death from thousands of types of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction. The CPSC is committed to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical, or mechanical hazard. The CPSC's work to ensure the safety of consumer products - such as toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters, and household chemicals - contributed significantly to the decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 30 years.
To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury, call CPSC's hotline at (800) 638-2772 or CPSC's teletypewriter at (800) 638-8270, or visit CPSC's web site at
www.cpsc.gov/talk.html. To join a CPSC email subscription list, please go to https://www.cpsc.gov/cpsclist.aspx. Consumers can obtain this release and recall information at CPSC's Web site at www.cpsc.gov.

Advanced Restoration Corporation