Property Managers: Disaster Preparedness for All Elements Begins Now

Wednesday, July 14th, 2010

Natural disasters occur every day and cause billions of dollars in property damage annually. When destructive elements like rain, wind, lightning and hail strike, the result can be roof and structural damage, water intrusion, mold, electrical failures, plumbing problems…the list goes on.

In the midst of a weather emergency, coordinating restoration for an entire community is a daunting task. More often than not, multifamily developments face two separate losses – both to individual homes and exterior damage to common areas. Thus, it is critical to plan ahead.

Organize and Communicate
It’s difficult to remain calm when faced with impending disaster, and once a threat is identified, it’s easy to panic – rushing to buy supplies and secure buildings. But often, one major precaution is overlooked: forming a plan for remediation in the event damage occurs. Making arrangements beforehand will help get the community back to normal as efficiently as possible. With that in mind, establish an emergency plan to prepare for the following:

• Hurricanes: Though they can be deadly, hurricanes are one of the few threats that provide advance notice. Make sure residents are well-informed – by sending out a list of supplies and/or organizing community informational meetings prior to the storm. Also, find out if there are any elderly or disabled residents who need extra help to prepare.
• Tornados, Thunderstorms and Flooding: Wind and water damage from these storms can result in a litany of problems: fallen trees, broken windows, roof damage and mold. Since there is little time to prepare, make sure you have established an emergency communication plan for residents to follow.
• Fire: A fire in one condominium unit can displace residents in an entire building. Unfortunately, the only fix is to begin remediation immediately. Enlist a reputable general contractor who will be on-call for emergencies.

Create the Plan
When dealing with hundreds of homes, repairs must be completed promptly to both decrease resident displacement and mitigate general hazards.
While the actions of each individual homeowner or tenant can’t be controlled, easy-to-follow instructions can be provided. Ask the following questions before drafting an emergency plan:

• Is there a resident checklist? The list, which should be updated annually, should include important phone numbers (e.g., local police and Red Cross), as well as any pertinent guidelines to follow during a severe weather situation. If applicable, identify a safe room in each home (or ask residents to identify their own) and designate a meeting spot where they can gather after a storm.
• Will insurance cover that? Find out now, before repairs are needed. In most multifamily developments, the individual owner and the community itself will have separate insurance policies, and often both policies are utilized to cover the damaged areas. To ensure the fastest possible rebuild, ask all homeowners to review their policies – and share with them what is covered under the “master policy.” Be familiar with insurance deductibles for all claims.
• Is there anything else I can do? Even with the best preparation, damage can’t be prevented, but its effects can be minimized. Cover torn-off roofs and broken windows with tarps and plywood – and, if water is the issue, use large fans to dry-out homes faster. To ensure the quickest recovery, establish a relationship with a disaster contractor – and encourage residents to do the same.

Choosing a Disaster Contractor
Searching for a reputable contractor after a natural disaster occurs increases the chances for fraud and price gouging – especially if the destruction is widespread. Securing that relationship in advance reduces that risk and alleviates tough decision making during an already chaotic time.

Therefore, one of the most important preemptive measures a property manager can make is contacting a disaster contractor. Damaged roofs and walls, broken windows, flooding and mold require companies with different expertise. Disaster contractors can bundle all these services – even coordinating multiple sub-contractors for their clients, if needed – thereby eliminating extra hassle. Beyond being equipped to handle building repairs and complications from water intrusion, (like mold, for example), these companies are well-versed in working with insurance agencies to settle claims efficiently. In addition, many of them stockpile basic supplies like lumber and tarps. Also, early enrollment allows for a property survey ahead of time to note emergency electricity and water shut-offs for each building, among other preparatory measures.

Keep in mind that restoration can take anywhere from a couple weeks to a few months to finish. Because the hired contractor is going to become part of the property’s daily operations throughout the duration of repairs, make sure it’s a company you’re comfortable working with – and working around. Begin researching now, enroll for appropriate services and ride out any storm season with confidence.

Final Steps to Secure the Community
In addition to forming a relationship with a disaster contractor, follow these precautions:

• Review insurance policies for any new clauses. For example, some companies no longer cover homes that have been vacant for more than 30 days.
• Become familiar with insurance deductibles for all claims.
• Make sure the insurance policy includes Law and Ordinance (Code Upgrade) provisions.
• Encourage renters to purchase renter’s insurance.
• Check vacant units prior to the storm, and shut off their power and water.
• Keep an updated list of disabled residents and their addresses.
• Make sure shrubs and trees are trimmed to reduce potential debris.
• If a swimming pool is on property, place pool furniture in it.

About the Author
Scott McCurdy is co-owner of Coastal Reconstruction Group and is active in more than 19 trade associations, including NARPM. With his vast experience in insurance mitigation, disaster preparedness and remediation from wind, water, mold, fire and termite damage, Scott is an expert resource on disaster recovery and building restoration.
Coastal Reconstruction’s Rapid Response services provide post-disaster reconstruction to residential and commercial structures throughout the Southeastern U.S. For more information, call (877) 708-5501 or visit www.coastalreconstruction.com.

“Maintenance Mania” Crowns Best Maintenance Technician in the Country!

Wednesday, June 30th, 2010

New Orleans – Are you handy around the house? One group is taking maintenance work to a new level!

3000 maintenance technicians from across the country compete for 20 spots on the “Maintenance Mania” competition at the New Orleans Convention Center. They race against each other in 8 different events, and the person with the quickest time wins. This year’s winner, David from Indianapolis, can change a smoke detector in 9 seconds!

Tony Cintron from New Jersey says it isn’t easy.

“The hardest part for me was the fan,” he said. “I couldn’t get the blades in.”

The finalists want to remind everyone to check the batteries in your smoke detector once a week and if you ever need anything fixed, call a maintenance tech!

Article Source: http://www.abc26.com/news/local/wgno-news-maintenance-mania,0,1716936.story

Hire a Contractor Now, Before Damage Occurs

Monday, June 28th, 2010

By Scott McCurdy, Coastal Reconstruction

Quick remediation after damage occurs is necessary to ensure the livelihood of any community or business. Repairing damaged roofs and walls, broken windows, flooding and mold all require different expertise. Disaster contractors bundle all these services — even coordinating multiple sub-contractors for their clients — thereby remove the extra hassle from an already stressful situation.

Even with a solid emergency plan in place, it’s not possible to avoid all property damage – so you’re likely to need help in making repairs. Whether the damage is caused by wind from a hurricane, fire or water, disaster companies act as “first responders” beginning the restoration process quickly and efficiently.

All disaster contractors offer different types of reconstruction programs. By researching now and enrolling for appropriate services, you can weather the upcoming storm season with confidence.

Tips for Choosing a Disaster Contractor

• Verify the company’s general contractor’s license. Visit a national web site like www.contractors-license.org to validate a general contractor’s license. Through this web site, you will also be able to check for any complaints against the company.
• Check a list of references. Ask for a list of recent references – preferably completed projects similar to yours. Research any complaints against the company on the Better Business Bureau’s web site.
• Ask for proof of insurance. Call to verify coverage. Also, make sure the company employs licensed contractors and technicians.
• If applicable, confirm the company’s certifications. For example, to effectively eradicate water damage, it is imperative to hire a contractor with an Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC). Companies and individuals with this certification are required to complete repairs to the highest of industry standards.
• Check out the company’s web site. Read any testimonials, view past job photos and find out how long the company has been in business.
• Obtain everything in writing – including estimates, contracts and any guarantees. If all repairs are not covered under the insurance policy, make any final payments after the work is completed. Get a local building permit, if necessary.

Scott McCurdy is the co-owner of Coastal Reconstruction Group. Coastal Reconstruction’s Rapid Response services provide post-disaster reconstruction to residential and commercial structures throughout the Southeastern U.S. For more information, visit www.coastalreconstruction.com.

WSI raises 2010 Atlantic hurricane season forecast

Thursday, June 3rd, 2010

NEW YORK, April 20 (Reuters) – Private weather forecaster WSI on Tuesday raised its forecast for the 2010 Atlantic hurricane season, calling for 16 named storms, nine hurricanes and five intense hurricanes of Category 3 or greater.

“The primary drivers for tropical activity have reversed course this year and the stage appears to be set for a very busy season in 2010,” WSI seasonal forecaster Todd Crawford said.

The coastal region from the Outer Banks of North Carolina northward to Maine is twice as likely as normal to experience a hurricane this year, according to WSI.

“Our model suggests that the threat to the Northeast coast this season is on par with that in Florida and the Gulf coastal states,” Crawford said.

Last year was the quietest tropical season since 1997 due to an El Nino event and relatively cool tropical Atlantic waters, but El Nino events tend to be followed by more activity, WSI said.

This year, another factor that increases the likelihood of storms, warmer Atlantic sea surface temperatures, are also in place.

“Eastern and central tropical Atlantic sea surface temperatures are currently at record warm levels for April, even warmer than the freakishly active season of 2005,” Crawford said.

The current forecast numbers are more likely to be adjusted upwards rather than downwards as the season, which runs from June 1 through November 30, approaches, Crawford said.

The 2010 forecast numbers are well above the long-term average for 1950-2009 of 10 named storms, six hurricanes, and three intense hurricanes, but below the average from the more recent 15-year period of 14 names storms, eight hurricanes and four intense hurricanes.

(Reporting by Rebekah Kebede; Editing by David Gregorio)

The Calm Before the Storm

Thursday, May 6th, 2010

Weather forecasters have predicted 15 named storms this hurricane season, eight of which have the potential to develop into strong hurricanes with a chance of impacting Florida.

Of course, nothing can be done to stop a hurricane from coming, but property managers and owners of apartment communities can make advanced preparations to ensure quick repairs and to maximize the safety of their residents.

Property Manager’s Hurricane Checklist:

• Review insurance policies for any new clauses. For example, some companies no longer cover homes that have been vacant for more than 30 days.
• Become familiar with insurance deductibles for all claims.
• Make sure the insurance policy includes Law and Ordinance (Code Upgrade) provisions.
• Establish a relationship with a disaster contractor.
• Encourage renters to purchase renter’s insurance.
• Check vacant units prior to the storm, and shut off their power and water.
• Keep an updated list of disabled residents and their addresses.
• Distribute a list of hurricane preparedness guidelines for residents; include evacuation plans.
• Make sure shrubs and trees are trimmed to reduce potential debris.
• If a swimming pool is on property, place pool furniture in it.

Be Prepared – Weather . . . or Not

Disaster contractors are a valuable resource when severe weather strikes. Damaged roofs and walls, broken windows, flooding and mold all require contractors with different expertise, but disaster contractors can bundle all these services – even coordinating multiple sub-contractors for their clients, if needed – thereby removing extra unnecessary hassle from an already stressful time.

Restoration companies and disaster contractors specialize in catastrophe management, and they are the first to respond if damage is reported. But, it’s critical to establish a relationship with a reputable contractor before severe weather strikes.

For example, Coastal Reconstruction Group – a Florida-based disaster contractor – offers Rapid Response, a program that is cost-free to owners and property managers. As part of this particular service, crews arrive onsite within four hours of reported damage to assess any immediate need (boarding up windows, installing a roof tarp and doing anything necessary to stop water penetration) – regardless of the magnitude of the loss. If mold appears to be an issue, the team mitigates water damage begins installing dehumidifiers and dryers. Coastal Reconstruction Group representatives then will meet with the homeowner and his adjuster on-site to agree on a scope of work and price that will restore the property to its previous condition.

Of course, Rapid Response is just one example. All disaster contractors will provide different types of reconstruction services. So, begin researching now and enroll for appropriate services, so that you can ride out the upcoming storm season with confidence.

Follow these five general steps when working with a contractor:

• Obtain everything in writing – including estimates, contracts and any guarantees.
• Request a list of references.
• Ask for proof of insurance and make certain that the company employs licensed contractors.
• If all repairs are not covered under the insurance policy, make any final payments after the work is completed.
• Obtain a local building permit, if necessary.

Ben Zeigler is an account executive for Coastal Reconstruction Group. Coastal Reconstruction Group’s Rapid Response services provide post-disaster damage repair to residential and commercial structures throughout the Southeastern U.S. For more information, or to sign up for Coastal Reconstruction Group’s Rapid Response service, please call (877) 708-5501 or visit the web site at www.coastalreconstruction.com.

Coastal Reconstruction Group opens New Central Florida Offices

Friday, March 26th, 2010

Despite the turbulent economy, Coastal Reconstruction Group continues to grow. The disaster general contractor has expanded its presence in Central Florida, with a new 13,600-square-foot warehouse in Longwood and a remodeled sales office in Winter Park.

The new Longwood branch will house the Coastal Reconstruction Group Central/South Florida operations and Rapid Response teams, as well as construction equipment used throughout the state. The estimating, sales and marketing teams will work from the Winter Park office, a newly renovated 3,600-square-foot space.

The company also recently hired Keith Freeman as an estimator. Freeman possesses more than 20 years of experience in the construction and restoration industry and will support the Central Florida sales team.

Coastal Reconstruction Group is an on-call emergency contractor specializing in restoration from catastrophes such as wind, water and fire damage. The company, which operates in 19 states, also provides rehab and discovery services.

Coastal Reconstruction Group Launches New Web Site

Friday, February 26th, 2010

To usher in the new year, Coastal Reconstruction Group, an emergency and disaster general contractor, made a resolution: to transform its web site and marketing materials.
“Other than the collateral materials, the company will remain unchanged – continuing to be the ‘calm after the storm’ for its many apartment and property management clients,” said Ben Zeigler, account executive for Coastal Reconstruction Group. “As always, our family-owned business is ready to assist current and new clients at the drop of a hat – and to help them overcome any disaster-related remediation.”

As part of Coastal’s new look, the web site was redesigned to improve customer navigation, new brochures were created and the logo was revised to echo the updated image. The company also altered its name from the previous incarnation, Coastal Reconstruction, Inc. to Coastal Reconstruction Group. Steering away from the dramatic colors used in previous materials, Coastal’s new image uses a more soothing palette that is well-suited to a company that strives to be a calming resource for property owners and managers in times of stress.
“As disaster contractors, we are the go-to resource when a client’s building or facility sustains damage,” said Zeigler. “This redesign better illustrates who we are: ‘the calm after the storm.’”

About Coastal Reconstruction
Coastal was founded by Don Brewer and O.W. McCurdy in 1986. Since then, the Jacksonville-based general contractor has grown significantly. What began with the rebuilding of an apartment complex – devastated by a 1986 Christmas Eve fire – has transformed into a family-owned and operated business with an exceptional industry reputation. Now, more than 20 years later, the third-generation company has four offices throughout Florida and provides disaster repair services to clients in nearly 20 states.
Licensed as a general contractor in Florida, Coastal offers remodeling and disaster reconstruction services for both residential and commercial projects. In addition to Florida, the company also operates as a disaster contractor in 19 states. Discovery and disaster planning resources are available as well.

About Rapid Response
Disaster can strike at any time – creating wind, water and fire damage that can lead to mold and other costly repairs. For those situations, Coastal Reconstruction Group offers Rapid Response, a cost-free program that assists property owners and managers of apartment communities in pre-disaster planning. Rapid Response provides 24-hour “priority status, guaranteeing that Coastal will arrive within four hours of an emergency call. As one of the company’s most popular programs, Rapid Response is cost-free because Coastal is reimbursed under the client’s insurance policy.
When crews arrive onsite, they take immediate measures (such as boarding up windows, removing debris and helping to restore utility service) to mitigate unnecessary property damage – regardless of the magnitude of the loss. For example, if mold appears to be an issue, the team begins eradicating water damage using dehumidifiers and dryers. Within five days of the initial walk-through, plans are drafted for structural repair, if needed, and the owner is given a detailed scope of work. From there, Coastal Reconstruction Group representatives meet with the insurance adjuster to help settle the claim and restore the property to its previous or better condition.

“During high stress situations, like fires and flooding, it is our job to ease the recovery process,” Zeigler adds. “Everything we do is geared to getting our clients ‘back to business’ as soon as possible.”
More information about Rapid Response – including program details and contact information – is available on Coastal’s new web site at www.coastalreconstruction.com.

Ben Zeigler is an Account Executive for Coastal Reconstruction Group. Coastal Reconstruction Group’s Rapid Response service provides post-disaster damage repair to residential and commercial structures throughout the Southeastern U.S. For more information, or to sign up for Coastal Reconstruction Group’s Rapid Response service, please call 877.708.5501 or visit the web site at www.coastalreconstruction.com.

Disaster Seminar – When Disaster Strikes! Are you Prepared?

Friday, December 4th, 2009

CRI’s Scott McCurdy will be giving Disaster Seminars on “When Disaster Strikes! Are you Prepared?” These Seminars are for “on site property managers” preparing them for disaster response. If you are a property manager and you don’t have a disaster response plan in place, let Coastal Reconstruction help.

CRI Trade Show Announcement

Wednesday, December 2nd, 2009

CRI will be attending several trade shows in Florida this year. Please stop by and say hello. We would love to speak with you and find out how we can meet your needs.

Coastal Reconstruction Expands Rapid Response to Serve Midwest

Tuesday, April 28th, 2009

WINTER PARK, Fla. — In its largest transaction to date, Florida-based Coastal Reconstruction — a general contractor specializing in wind, water and fire restoration — has been selected as the preferred vendor for 1,600 schools in districts throughout Michigan and Ohio. These schools are now covered under the company’s Rapid Response initiative, an on-call property emergency and natural disaster recovery program. With this addition, the company now operates in 18 states throughout the Southeast and Midwest.

“Coastal Reconstruction operates differently from other general contractors by giving property owners the opportunity to enroll for the Rapid Response program before any damage occurs,” says Scott McCurdy, executive vice president of Coastal Reconstruction. “That way, our team can get to work immediately following a storm, fire or other emergency. It not only saves time, but also helps our clients resume their normal lives as soon as possible.”

For more information, or to enroll your property in Coastal Reconstruction’s Rapid Response service, please call (407) 644-1800 or visit the Web site at www.coastalgc.net.

About Coastal Reconstruction
Founded in 1986, Coastal Reconstruction has offices in Winter Park, Winter Springs, Melbourne and Jacksonville, Fla. Coastal Reconstruction serves the entire Southeastern United States under its Rapid Response service and practices as a general contractor in Florida.

About Rapid Response
Rapid Response is available for both residential and commercial properties and is free because the company is paid directly through the owner’s insurance company (the insured is responsible for their deductible). Under this program, a crew arrives onsite within four hours after damage is reported and begins boarding up windows, tarping roofs and eradicating water damage to prevent more structural deterioration. From there, Coastal Reconstruction representatives meet with the insurance adjuster to help settle the claim and restore the property to its previous condition.