We've seen the damage and we've heard people say they have insurance, but will your insurance cover all the damage from the storm?

Here are answers to that, and other questions people are asking in the aftermath of the storm.

Tree Removal

I've been talking to tree experts and they tell me the downed tree problem is so widespread that removal crews could be booked well into January or February.

And this is just the first round. Many trees still standing were weakened at the roots and dangerously susceptible of going down the next time wind kicks up.

So I want to recommend two reliable tree resources: Plant Amnesty in Seattle and the WSU-King County Extension.

They both have a variety of resources including referrals to reputable, certified arborists, and help you with damage assessment for the trees still standing on your property.

Certification is very important. Anyone can start a tree service and call themselves a tree specialist and I'm already getting warnings about con artists.

It's one thing to have someone cut a downed tree and haul away the debris, but for removing a tree from structures or pruning trees to prevent future damage, you want someone who knows what they're doing.

Check references and credentials. Plant Amnesty's Cass Turnbull says look for professionals with ISA certification. The ISA is the International Society of Arboriculture.

Turnbull says arborists typically charge $50 - $60 per man hour, but I'm already getting warnings about con artists who can not only charge inflated rates but create a bigger threat of damage to your home.

For more information:
www.plantamnesty.org
www.king.wsu.edu

Insurance Coverage

As for getting reimbursed for damage from trees and other falling objects, check your insurance policies. Your homeowners' policy should cover wind damage to your home and possessions.

With renters insurance, only your personal possessions are covered. Damage to your car is only covered if you have comprehensive coverage on your auto policy.

As many of you found out in November, flood damage is not covered unless you have flood insurance, so the repair and clean up bills for all those flooded basements we've been hearing about will likely be on the consumer's dime.

For more information -- www.wiconline.org

Disaster Assistance

A lot of you are contacting FEMA for federal assistance, but there's no federal declaration for this storm yet, so right now FEMA is only helping with the flood disaster from November.

For information about disaster assistance, contact your county emergency management office.

More links:
www.metrokc.gov
emd.wa.gov
www.seattleredcross.org

Food Safety After Outages

As for food safety with all the power outages, it depends on the food. As a general rule, if the power is out 2 hours or less there should not be a problem with perishable food in your refrigerator.

After that, a lot of food will have to be discarded. Frozen food in the freezer should be OK for up to 24 hours if the freezer has remained shut.

Incidentally some of the spoiled food that must be discarded because of an extended power outage may be covered by your homeowner's insurance so again, check your policy.

For more information:
www.redcross.org