While the Gulf Coast rarely sees snow in the winter months, safe driving is crucial as precipitation arrives in the form of rain and sleet. Though these tips are offered by the Iowa Department of Transportation, they still remain absolutely relevant given the ability of cold weather to cause unsafe driving conditions despite a lack of snow or hail.
The Bradenton Herald had an interesting piece that really clarifies how big the next few months are for those involved in Chinese drywall. Whether it’s the escalation of pre-trial matters in the federal litigation involving the toxic wallboard or foreign diplomacy, things are shaping up quickly.
The Herald reports
Within the next few weeks, officials expect to determine how much of a fire hazard, if any, the contaminated product poses. They’ll also have a better idea of how much the drywall contaminates the air inside affected homes. A federal judge is expected to decide which of the several hundred lawsuits that have been filed over the product will be the first to go to trial.
With the disaster that Chinese drywall has become in the Gulf Coast and in other places across the country, homeowners are scrambling to find out if they have been afflicted with the toxic wallboard. With such urgency and panic, many have pursued cheaper manners of testing to avoid being buried underneath further bills. While remedies have been advertised that have since been found to be questionable solutions at best, the industry keeps churning out alternatives to true home detection services by professionals.
The St Petersburg Times reports on one possible scanner that shows promise but remains unregulated
A possible, less expensive testing solution may be on the horizon. New businesses are offering a noninvasive scan of homes throughout Tampa Bay and across the state for $500, using a handheld tool that can help identify the corrosive gases emitted by Chinese drywall.
Hoping to increase the awareness of officials as well as the public in regards to Chinese drywall, Louisiana State Senator Julie Quinn is hosting a panel meeting to discuss the issue of Chinese drywall in Louisiana. The effort, which will be intended by Quinn as well as Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon and representatives of various insurance companies, is being held to allow citizens to explain their plights to those involved in the decision making process.
Details are as follows
LOUISIANA STATE SENATE INSURANCE COMMITTEE MEETING DECEMBER 2, 2009
Very unsettling news emerged early this week that insurers within Louisiana were canceling policies of those homeowners with Chinese drywall. While this had been hinted at in Florida, some insurers eventually backed down. This does not seem to be the case in Louisiana, though. The Times-Picayune reports
In August, Tamara Thomas filed a claim with her homeowners insurance company after discovering that her air conditioning and other appliances had failed because her three-year-old home was filled with defective drywall made in China.
But before the Hanover Insurance Group even denied the claim, as most insurers have been doing with claims for Chinese drywall damage, it canceled her policy, effective Nov. 19.
A Happy Veterans Day and special thank you to those in the Armed Forces from all of us at the Berniard Law Firm. We are grateful for your service and appreciate all you have done for our country.
Hurricane Ida has weakened to a tropical storm as the Gulf Coast braces for the high waves, rain and wind sure to come in the afternoon and evening. Make sure to check with the NOAA’s website for developments as they become available.
Please adjust your plans accordingly and insure the safety of yourselves and your families by not taking any chances.
The Berniard Law Firm would like to congratulate the New Orleans Saints for their franchise record 8-0 start on the season! Well done and good luck in St. Louis!
Hurricane Ida is moving into the Gulf and current tracking has the storm reaching the Gulf Coast late Monday evening. WWL reports Ida is gaining strength over the warm Gulf water while also downgrading into a tropical storm.
For more information on Ida as it becomes available, check out the National Weather Service’s National Hurricane Center site dedicated to the storm, located here, or continue to check into this blog.
In an email to individuals who have signed up for updates from the Consumer Product Safety Commission, Chairman Inez Tenenbaum reveals a flurry of activity the government has carried out in testing and identifying Chinese drywall. While the email largely covers topics that have been posted on this blog, the amount that has been done by the government and efforts undertaken is a positive sign that the issue is being taken seriously and results will emerge eventually.
CPSC actions include the following:
1. To date, we have received nearly 1900 complaints from residents in 30 states about health and corrosion symptoms.
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