Residents impacted by the ongoing threat of a hazardous chemical in Orange County, California, may be able to recoup the money they’ve spent due to evacuation orders, experts say. However, other questions will be worth posing to your insurance company as the incident unfolds.
Tens of thousands of people were in limbo for days as authorities braced for a major chemical spill or explosion in Garden Grove, an incident that spurred a state of emergency declaration from Gov. Gavin Newsom and a lawsuit. The far-reaching evacuation orders came after authorities said they responded to a vapor release from a large tank containing an industrial chemical at GKN Aerospace’s site in Garden Grove on May 21.
Although progress was made in preventing a major blast, officials still have to mitigate a fire and a “very small explosion concern,” and the possibility of a spill, Orange County Fire Authority Interim Fire Chief TJ McGovern said on May 25. Some 16,000 people remain under evacuation.
Had to evacuate? Your insurer may cover your costs
Many policies have additional living expenses coverage, known as ALE or loss of use coverage, which can help pay for costs like hotel stays and temporary housing; increased food expenses; relocation and storage costs; and laundry, transportation, and other necessary living expenses, said Gabriel Sanchez, a spokesperson for the California Department of Insurance…