Affected by the 2020 Wildfires? Deadlines Quickly Approaching to Opt In to Federal Programs.

If your property was affected by the 2020 wildfires in Northern California, there are two options for addressing debris and ash removal (known as Phase II). You can either ‘opt in’ to the government sponsored program or ‘opt out.’ The deadline to apply for the State of California-Cal Recycle sponsored Consolidated Debris Removal Program is quickly approaching. 

We made a guide to help with that decision here, and we explained in a separate article why you should almost certainly opt in if you live in certain rural areas. Read the article here.  The deadline for the State of California program has been extended to January 15, 2021 for all fires.  By signing a ROE form, you’re signing up to participate in the Cal Recycle program. Each County/City will eventually force property owners to clean up their property and will bill you for the costs at a certain point if you do not respond. 

Learn more here!

Contact us today to discuss fire debris and ash removal for your home or business in the areas of Arcata, McKinleyville, Eureka, Chico, and Redding, California. 

Redding: (888) 351-8189

Arcata/Eureka (North Coast): (707) 388-3008

Federal Fire Clean-up Programs & What It Will Cost

Homeowners interested in opt-out need to determine where their closest landfill is, if that facility will accept fire debris, and how will that location affect your overall clean-up costs. If you’re still unsure of the entire process and what that involves, you can read a quick summary explanation here. Homeowners can also elect to opt-out and conduct the cleanup of their property utilizing their own insurance coverage, however, if the cleanup costs more than their insurance policy dedicates for debris removal then the homeowners would be responsible for the additional costs. 

If you aren’t in a hurry to re-build, have poor or no insurance coverage, or simply don’t want to deal with another headache at this time, then opting-in is almost assuredly your best option.

Review the chart available here for a recommendation by fire from Napa County north.

How Landfills Effect Fire Clean-up

We’ve been surprised to see how different landfills and different municipalities are handling the implementation of the both the private and federal and state clean-up programs.

The sheer distance of some landfills that are accepting fire debris from a given fire is such that we’d recommend opting-in because it’s extremely unlikely that your insurance for debris removal will cover the hauling and disposal costs in full. We’ve had a chance to review and look at each fire, the closest landfill, and what each municipality is requiring under the opt-out program and can make recommendations for each fire, e.g., the decision we’d make if our home had been destroyed. Find the chart here.

Review the chart available here for a recommendation by fire from Napa County north.

The Entire Cleanup & Re-Building Process after Losing a Home in a Wildfire

As a homeowner, you probably want to know – what now? This guide is based upon our firm’s experience with the Carr and Camp Fires. We’re sadly well versed in this process from a personal and professional level. The guide is intentionally brief and to the point with links to other sources of information we’ve previously prepared. It also assumes each area will be declared a federal disaster area.

 Read the full step by step guide on how to cleanup and rebuild after a wildfire here!

How to Clean up & Rebuild After a Wildfire in 4 Steps

 

 As a homeowner, you probably want to know – what now?

 Step 1: CalRecycle and the CA Office of Emergency Services (CalOES) teams will identify and remove household hazardous waste from each property (i.e. chemicals, and propane tanks).

 Step 2: CalRecycle, CalOES, and the respective County Environmental Health Department will collectively prepare a state-sponsored debris removal program which specifies what work must be conducted and lays out what is expected to be submitted in site specific workplans for each property. 

Step 3: Workplans are prepared that explain what and how the debris will be removed.

Step 4: A completion report will be prepared that summarizes the work completed, provides receipts for waste disposal and the County Environmental Health Department will review and approve the report if all conditions are met. 

 Read the full step by step guide on how to cleanup and rebuild after a wildfire here!

How Can Radon Affect Your Health?

 

According to the U.S. Surgeon General, “Indoor radon is the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the United States and breathing it in over a prolonged period of time can present a significant health risk to families”.

If you would like to test your residence, consider hiring a qualified radon measuring professional like Guzi-West Inspections.  Our certified staff will measure your home’s radon levels, provide a written report of findings, and if your home contains elevated levels of Radon (above 4pCi/L as determined by EPA), we will recommend solutions. Re-testing should be conducted after any remodel or renovation.

Learn more here!

Contact us today to discuss radon testing for your home or business in the areas of Arcata, McKinleyville, Eureka, Chico, and Redding, California.

 Redding: (888) 351-8189

Arcata/Eureka (North Coast): (707) 388-3008

What is Radon?

 

Radon is a radioactive gas that has been found in homes all over the United States. The gas is produced during the natural breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and water. Radon typically moves up through the ground and into a home through cracks and/or holes in the foundation. Radon can also enter your home through well water brought in through the plumbing system. Nearly 1 out of every 15 homes in the United States has elevated levels of radon (4pCi/L or more). 

Learn more here!

Contact us today to discuss radon testing for your home or business in the areas of Arcata, McKinleyville, Eureka, Chico, and Redding, California.

Redding: (888) 351-8189

Arcata/Eureka (North Coast): (707) 388-3008