Nonprofit to Hold Workshop to Address Fire Survivors' Legal, Insurance Questions

As the anniversary of the Sept. 9 pipeline explosion approaches, nonprofit United Policyholders wants to make sure survivors of the fire get all their legal questions answered.

The organization will be holding a workshop at 6 p.m. Friday at the San Bruno Resource and Recovery Center, 458 San Mateo Ave., to give out tips and provide emotional support for those still struggling to recover from the disaster that left eight people dead, 38 homes destroyed, dozens of homes damaged and even more injured in the Crestmoor neighborhood.

United Policyholders program coordinator Emily Cabral said there are three big deadlines residents need to be aware of now that a year has passed since the explosion:

1. The statue of limitations that cuts off residents' right to file lawsuits against PG&E.
2. The deadline to make sure an insurance company can pay for extra costs related to property repair and replacement.
3. The time limit on benefits for temporary housing for those who were displaced.

Topics that will be discussed at the workshop include:

• Tips and suggestions on coping and moving forward from “Fired Up Sisters” co-founder Renee VanHeel
• Legal and insurance deadlines
• Extending “Additional Living Expense/Loss of Use” insurance benefits past the first 12 months
• How the American Red Cross and San Bruno Resource and Recovery Center can help

A Q&A will follow with experts on recovering from a disaster and dealing with legal and insurance matters. Representative from the city and Red Cross will be available as well.