Post Sandy Tips and Resource People

I have been getting a lot of calls with questions and requests for resource people.  The number one question that I have gotten is: 

IF A TREE FALLS ON MY PROPERTY AND IT IS MY NEIGHBORS TREE WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR DAMAGE/CLEAN UP?

You are probably not going to like the answer but after speaking with several attorneys and insurance providers, the answer is the homeowner.. not the owner of the tree.  The qualifier here is UNLESS the tree was dead and therefore  a known hazard.  Most of the trees, that I saw, were not dead and were evergreens that came up root ball and all.  Also you should know that unless the tree falls on your house or cars, your insurance will not take care of the removal.  Luckily, I guess, my neighbors tree that fell on my property fell on my garage.  It didn’t cause too much damage but enough so that it will be covered.  If you are in need of tree removal or house repairs you should call.                                                                                                                                   

Jeff Rondini- Southpaw Builders  203417-6943 

Matt Johnson- Aspetuck Tree Service 860 350-2156

In addition, if you are worried about either foundation leaks or chimney issues post storm use my name and call:

Rick Palumbo- Rock & Block Masonry  203 721-5145

If you have catastrophic damage call:

Jim Gustin- STOP of Western CT 203 770-6806

Another tip is when you run out of gas for your generator…fill it,  but before you turn it on UNPLUG it from the house connection until it goes through its start up cycle.  If you don’t do this the initial surge from the power starting up could cause damage to your electrical items like computers and TVs. 

I wish everyone luck with this next storm.  The saddest story (alright maybe not the saddest) was a friend who lost power and also all of their frozen supply of Breast Milk!!  OK maybe that was too much information..but really call me, I could certainly have found someone with power who could have helped.  We are all one family during these episodes and I am sure any of you would help anyone that you could.  I know many of you opened your homes and businesses to friends who needed shelter or just a hot shower or a place to get internet..  This is how we should always live…helping each other survive every day.