Storm Cleanup in Brea: Essential Checklist Before Hiring

Understanding Brea’s Storm Risks

As a city located in Orange County, Brea is located in the direct path of many of Southern California’s worst weather-related disasters. Preparing property owners for possible cleanup needs associated with storm damage and responding to emergencies will depend on their understanding of the risks posed by storms.

Impact of Santa Ana Winds

The greatest risk posed by storms to Brea properties is Santa Ana winds. Gusts from Santa Ana winds frequently reach speeds of 50-70 mph and can sometimes exceed 100 mph in high-elevation areas. Dry, fast-moving winds travel eastward from inland deserts into Southern California, which increases the likelihood of trees failing and structural damage occurring.

Santa Ana winds funnel through mountain passes and become stronger as they enter populated cities such as Brea. Therefore, properties bordering Carbon Canyon Regional Park and hillside developments face greater wind exposures, which result in numerous instances of trees falling onto homes, power lines, and automobiles, necessitating immediate storm-damage cleanup services.

Windstorms are capable of inflicting catastrophic damage, as seen recently, with trees collapsing onto structures, power lines, and vehicles throughout the Southern California area. When combined with extremely dry conditions and hurricane-force winds, this creates ideal conditions for extreme damage to occur to properties that require prompt professional cleanup services.

Patterns of Winter Storms

Unlike winter storms that bring heavy rain, ice, and occasionally snow, the cleanup of Brea properties presents different challenges based on saturated soil conditions combined with strong winds that can force otherwise healthy trees to uproot, especially those with limited root development or compromised structural integrity.

Properties that feature older landscaping adjacent to landmarks such as City Hall Park or developed neighborhoods frequently experience multiple tree failures during single winter storms. Water-saturated branches and compromised root stability contribute to a series of failures that will require comprehensive storm-damage cleanup.

Prioritizing Immediate Safety

When considering any type of storm-damage cleanup service, property owners must first address any immediate safety issues that can jeopardize lives or result in additional property damage.

Identification of Emergency Hazards

Begin your evaluation from a safe distance and begin by identifying any emergency hazards, including downed power lines, unstable trees, and structural damage. Do not approach any fallen trees that may be in contact with electrical systems or may compromise structural integrity.

Look for evidence of hanging branches, partially fallen trees, and signs of impending failure that indicate root uplift. All of these factors constitute a clear danger and should be addressed professionally before commencing any cleanup work.

Document Visible Hazards

Take photographs of any visible hazards from a safe distance to document any hazards and note them with written descriptions. Documentation will serve as a useful tool for coordinating with cleanup crews and support for insurance claims.

Safety Concerns Relating to Utility Lines

Downed power lines pose the highest level of risk during a storm-damage cleanup situation. Treat all downed lines as energized and maintain at least a 35-foot distance from any fallen wires and any trees or debris in contact with electrical systems.

Call Southern California Edison to report any downed power lines or electrical hazards. Never move branches, trees, or debris that may be in contact with power lines, regardless of how much telephone or cable lines may appear to resemble power lines.

Cleanup crews engaged in storm-damage cleanup must receive permission from the utility company before initiating work in an area where there are electrical hazards. Proper communication with utility companies minimizes the chance of accidents and provides the basis for compliance with regulations governing emergency cleanup.

Requirements for Documenting Damages

The documentation of damages during the immediate aftermath of a storm is crucial for insurance claims and serves to protect your interests throughout the cleanup process.

Photography Before Cleanup

Document all damage before starting any cleanup. Take photographs from multiple angles to show the full extent of damage caused to trees, structures, and surrounding areas. Take close-up photos of specific damage and wide-angle photos of the entire scene.

Document damaged structures, vehicles, landscaping, and infrastructure. Take photographs of damage from various angles. Date-stamp each photograph and store digital copies in multiple locations to secure documentation throughout the insurance process.

Reference Points in Photographs

Add reference points in photographs to give scale and context to damage assessments. Property markers, structures, and landmarks familiar to you assist insurance adjusters in determining the scope of damage and aid in processing claims accurately.

Written Inventories of Damage

Write detailed inventories of damage you observe, listing types of trees, approximate diameters, and structure damage. Record any hazardous conditions, accessibility concerns, and potential problems for cleanup crews.

Document the date and time of weather conditions and any immediate actions taken to prevent further damage. Maintaining documentation of when and what occurred helps determine cause-and-effect relationships, which are necessary for validating insurance claims.

Documentation of Communications with Insurance Companies, Utilities, and Emergency Services

Keep a record of all communications with insurance companies, utilities, and emergency services. This documentation is helpful in case disputes arise during the claim-settlement process.

Insurance Coverage of Storm-Damage Cleanup

Understanding what is covered under your homeowner’s insurance policy for storm-damage cleanup enables you to make informed decisions relative to how you react to emergencies and who to hire for storm-damage cleanup services.

Limits of Insurance Coverage and Requirements

For the most part, homeowner’s insurance policies provide coverage for storm-damage cleanup when trees fall onto buildings or obstruct access to properties, although coverage limits vary among policies, ranging from $500 to $1,000 per tree. Familiarity with these limits provides a better idea of what is expected of you in terms of services provided, versus your expenses for services.

Insurance companies typically require that damage be caused by a covered peril, such as wind, lightning, or fire, to provide coverage. Claims for damage from flooding, earthquakes, or tree failure due to old age or neglect may not be eligible for coverage; therefore, hiring a professional to evaluate the validity of a claim is important for the success of a claim.

Authority to Take Emergency Actions

In most cases, homeowner’s insurance policies grant the authority to take emergency actions to prevent further damage without receiving prior authorization from the insurance company’s adjuster. This authority includes taking the actions necessary to ensure public safety and stabilize the property; however, you still need to keep a record of all of the work done to justify the expenses incurred in the event the insurance company denies the claim.

Authorization to Perform Emergency Services

You may authorize emergency tree removal, temporary roof covering, and debris cleanup to prevent further damage or to restore safety. While you do not need to get prior approval from the insurance company to perform emergency services, the costs of emergency services must be reasonable and in line with the prevailing rate of service in the area.

Savings of all receipts, contracts, and documentation for emergency services performed will be requested by the insurance company to justify the expenses incurred. In addition to justifying the expenses incurred, maintaining records of the emergency services performed will also aid in the settlement of the claim.

Verification of Contractor Credentials

Qualified contractors will use the opportunity created by an emergency to charge property owners inflated prices for services. Protecting both your safety and finances by verifying the credentials of contractors will help to minimize the likelihood of unnecessary expenses.

Verifying Contractor Licenses and Insurance

Ask to see the licenses and insurance required for the contractor performing tree services and storm-damage cleanup. Contractor performing tree services must hold the proper license to operate in California and provide the license number so you can verify its legitimacy.

Require certificates of insurance showing both general liability coverage and workers’ compensation coverage. The minimum amount of liability coverage for residential tree services in California is $1 million, although higher levels of liability coverage may be desired for more complex cleanup projects.

Ensure that the certificates of insurance list your property as an additional insured and confirm that the insurance coverage is active for the duration of the project. Contractors working without adequate insurance leave property owners open to significant liability.

Certifications of Professionalism

Verify that the contractor has certification from either the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) as a certified arborist or the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA). Certification verifies that the contractor is a professional trained to perform tree services and adhere to industry standards.

Members of our staff at Brea Tree Services & Arbor Care are currently certified as ISA-certified arborists and carry the proper insurance to handle emergency tree services and storm-damage cleanup in Brea and surrounding areas.

Verify that all employees have the proper training and follow the proper safety procedures for removing hazardous trees.

Factors Affecting Costs and Prices

Although emergencies can lead to inflated prices, having an idea of what constitutes normal costs and prices for emergency services will enable property owners to recognize and avoid being overcharged.

Factors Affecting Emergency Prices

Emergency storm-damage cleanup typically costs 25-50% more than standard tree removal due to the greater risks involved with emergencies, the urgent nature of the job, and the hazardous conditions encountered by cleanup crews. However, excessive pricing may indicate opportunistic contractors exploiting emergencies.

Justifiable emergency pricing factors include: After-hours work, hazardous conditions, utility coordination, and priority response availability. Emergency pricing represents an increase in costs and risks associated with providing emergency services and does not reflect arbitrary markups.

Obtain written estimates detailing labor, equipment, waste removal, and any other costs included in the estimate. A transparent estimate will enable you to differentiate legitimate emergency pricing from exploitative pricing practices.

Comparative Pricing Guidelines

While obtaining multiple estimates during an emergency is not always feasible, acquiring multiple estimates when possible will enable you to compare prices from qualified contractors and help you determine reasonable pricing for services.

Emergency tree removal in Brea typically ranges from $500 to $2,500, depending on the complexity of the job, with crane-assisted removal adding $500-$2,500 per day to the base price.

Be wary of quotes that are significantly above or below the typical range for emergency services. Lowball quotes may indicate a lack of adequate insurance and qualifications for the contractor, while excessive pricing may indicate an intent to exploit the emergency.

Definition of Scope of Work

A well-defined scope of work eliminates misunderstandings and ensures a comprehensive cleanup is completed to satisfy both safety and insurance requirements.

Required Cleanup Services

Storm-damage cleanup should include removal of all fallen trees, hazardous branches, and debris posing a threat to safety or damaging property. Clearly specify if any cleanup services include stump grinding, removal of roots, and site cleanup to ensure the cleanup matches the expectations of the insurance policy.

Clearly define the requirements for disposal of debris, including chipping, hauling, and restoring the site to its original condition. Many property owners desire to save firewood or mulch, while others want the debris removed and cleaned up completely.

Define if any structural repairs to damaged fencing, structures, or landscaping are included in the cleanup. Some storm-damage cleanup providers offer full-service cleaning options, while others provide only tree removal and debris-cleanup services.

Timeline and Scheduling

Establish a reasonable timeline for completion of emergency cleanup work, realizing that severe weather events create high demand for skilled contractors. Priority should be placed on addressing hazards to safety and preventing further damage rather than completing aesthetic cleanups.

Cleanup priorities for properties near schools, commercial developments, or major highways, like those near Brea Mall,l may require accelerated cleanup to address public safety concerns. Coordinate with local authorities if cleanup is required to restore public areas or roads.

Plan for delays due to weather, utility coordination, or permitting requirements. Large-scale storm-damage cleanup projects may require several days to complete.

Coordination and Communication

Effective communication between contractors, insurance companies, and local authorities ensures that emergency cleanup operations are conducted smoothly and that insurance claims are processed properly.

Coordination with Insurance Companies

Notify your insurance company immediately following a storm that causes damage, but do not delay in addressing any hazards to safety that exist. Homeowners have both the right and obligation to act immediately to mitigate any potential harm to themselves or others.

Provide the insurance company with all documentation, estimates, and progress reports relating to the cleanup process. Providing the insurance company with the necessary information promptly will facilitate the processing of claims and prompt approval of payments.

Working Directly with Insurance Companies

Select contractors who agree to communicate directly with the insurance company and provide documentation that supports claims. Contractors experienced in providing storm-damage cleanup services will be aware of the requirements of the insurance company and facilitate the claims process.

Requirements for Local Authorities

Check with the Building Department of Brea regarding any permits that may be required for large-scale tree removal and cleanup services. Depending upon the type of work, some jobs may require permits, particularly when the cleanup involves public areas or protected trees.

Coordinate with utility companiesbefore commencingg cleanup in areas with overhead or underground utilities. Coordination with utility companies will prevent accidents and ensure compliance with utility-safety regulations.

Notify neighboring property owners of any planned cleanup activities that may affect their properties or create temporary access issues. Open communication will facilitate cleanup and eliminate conflicts.

Restoration Post-Cleanup

Storm-damage cleanup extends beyond removing trees damaged by a storm to include restoration of the site, preventative measures, and preparing for future storms.

Planning for Site Restoration

Create a plan for restoring landscaping, including repairing soil, replanting, and implementing erosion control. Storm damage often presents opportunities to redesign and plant trees and landscaping that are resilient to future storms.

Consider any repairs to irrigation systems, any improvements to drainage, and structural changes to enhance the property’s ability to withstand future storms. Properties located near landmarks like Arovista Park or Birch Hills Golf Course may benefit from consulting with a professional landscape architect.

Replanting for Future Storm Resilience

When replanting, select storm-resistant species that thrive in Brea’s climate and wind patterns. Planting native California species and fire-resistant plants will provide long-term storm resistance while preserving local ecosystems.

Assessing Vulnerability to Future Storms

Utilize the storm-damage cleanup to assess vulnerabilities to future storms and to develop proactive maintenance strategies. Regular inspections of trees, pruning, and removal of hazards will prevent damage from future storms and reduce cleanup costs.

Implementing Proactive Measures

Consider installing support systems for trees, enhancing drainage, and modifying landscapes to decrease wind exposure and failure risks. Implementing proactive measures now will be significantly cheaper than emergency cleanup and repairs.

Building Relationships with Qualified Contractors

Having a relationship with a qualified contractor prior to an emergency will provide you with a reliable and affordable source of assistance during a future storm event.

Why Hire a Storm-Damage Cleanup Professional?

Storm-damage cleanup is an urgent need in addition to being a critical process that must be completed safely and documented professionally, along with selecting a qualified contractor to complete the work. Property owners who are aware of the importance of these aspects of the cleanup process will have their best interests protected during the cleanup and recovery processes.

Brea Tree Services & Arbor Care has a 24/7 emergency-response capability to provide storm-damage cleanup services to all areas of Brea and the surrounding communities. Our ISA-certified arborists understand local weather conditions, insurance policies, and safety guidelines associated with providing emergency-response service.

We provide comprehensive storm-damage cleanup services to all residents of Brea, from the hillside properties adjacent to Carbon Canyon to the older neighborhoods within the city of Brea. We understand the importance of completing a storm-damage cleanup safely, documenting all aspects of the cleanup, and providing high-quality services. When you experience storm damage, contact our emergency-response team today, and we will send our experienced and equipped staff to begin the cleanup process as quickly as possible.