DEBRIS REMOVAL UPDATE - November 17, 2017
Now that you have made a decision about who will handle your debris removal, what happens next?
If You Opted In with the City’s Form
Debris removal will be handled by the City of Santa Rosa
If You Opted Out of the City's Program
You are responsible to hire someone to handle your debris removal. If you have not already found someone, this is a priority; you will not be able to rebuild until the debris removal process is complete.
If you need help navigating through your rights, call our office to set up a free consultation.
DEBRIS REMOVAL UPDATE - November 8, 2017
The deadline to submit a Debris Removal Right of Entry Form is coming up on Monday, November 13. We are encouraging people to explore all options prior to signing this form. Call us to schedule an appointment as soon as possible.
DEBRIS REMOVAL UPDATE - October 31, 2017
We have met with several folks concerning the Debris Removal Right-of-Entry Permit. We have also attended several of the meetings with government officials regarding this form and wanted to share out thoughts here.
While each person must make the best decision for themselves, we are encouraging people to explore all options prior to signing this form. One of the major reasons we are advising this is due to Paragraph 5 of the form entitled "Indemnification - Hold Harmless". An indemnification and hold harmless clause shifts all liability to the homeowner and for a multitude of potential exposures. By signing this, you are in fact indemnifying (aka protecting and being responsible for) the government and anyone they hire or anyone that insures them from any and all claims. Some of the claims that you are protecting them from include personal injuries, death, labor disputes such as failure to pay wages, attorney's fees and much much more. Despite what you are being told by others, including government officials, you will be responsible for the above types of claims if they arise after they enter your premises to begin the removal process.
DEBRIS REMOVAL UPDATE - Oct 23, 2017
State and federal agencies announced today that debris removal will be conducted in two different phases. PHASE ONE will be handled exclusively by the Environmental Protection Agency to remove hazardous materials. PHASE ONE will begin as immediately as possible.
PHASE TWO will consist of the remaining clean up after the completion of PHASE ONE. Sonoma County will head up PHASE TWO if you opt in by signing the Debris Removal and Right of Entry Form. If you have NO INSURANCE, this service will be provided by the County at NO CHARGE. If you do have INSURANCE, the County will be paid from the Debris removal coverage in your insurance policy, which is often 5% or 10% of your dwelling coverage. On October 25, 2017 - the County will be accepting signed Debris Removal and Right of Entry Forms at 625 5th Street.
If you opt out of having the County coordinate your debris removal, you are able to hire a private licensed contractor to perform these services. However, your private licensed contractor will have to abide by County guidelines, which have not yet been set. If you opt out of the County's assistance in PHASE TWO, you will still need to wait until PHASE ONE is completed before privately beginning the debris removal process.
Krankemann | Petersen is assisting those tragically impacted by these fires by reviewing insurance policies and assisting with claim forms FREE OF CHARGE. If you need or want this help or want to understand the debris removal coverage or process please call us to schedule an appointment as soon as possible: 707.524.2200.
