Declare a State of Emergency Because Of Chinese Drywall. The Cape Coral, Florida City Council is considering asking Gov. Charlie Crist to declare a state of emergency because of Chinese drywall. According to News-Press.com, the request for the resolution was made to the Cape Coral City Council by an organization of about 350 homeowners. […]
Declare a State of Emergency Because Of Chinese Drywall. The Cape Coral, Florida City Council is considering asking Gov. Charlie Crist to declare a state of emergency because of Chinese drywall. According to News-Press.com, the request for the resolution was made to the Cape Coral City Council by an organization of about 350 homeowners.
The drywall problems have forced many people out of their homes, and some families are dealing with the heavy financial burden of paying both rent and mortgage payments. Those unable to afford additional rent have no choice but to stay in their potentially hazardous homes. Homeowners insurance does not cover damage from ‘Chinese drywall’, and builders have estimated that remediating a home with Chinese drywall could cost as much as $100,000.
Gases emitted from Chinese drywall are being blamed for significant property damage, including damage to HVAC systems, smoke detectors, electrical wiring, metal plumbing components, and other household appliances. These gases also produce a sulfurous odor that permeates homes, and cause metals, including air conditioning coils and even jewelry, to corrode. People living with ‘Chinese drywall’ have also suffered eye, respiratory and sinus problems that may be linked to the gases.
An emergency declaration would make state and federal assistance, including help from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), available to ‘Chinese drywall’ victims. As we’ve reported previously, Florida’s City of Parkland and Broward county passed such resolutions earlier this month.
Of the more than 2,800 complaints regarding ‘Chinese drywall’ made to the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC), most – 1,656– have come from Florida.
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