METH LABS CAN BE SET UP IN A VARIETY OF LOCATIONS, BUT THERE ARE TIPOFFS

Tools of the trade for a meth lab cleanup are nothing fancy.

Methamphetamine labs can be located in homes, apartments, mobile homes or
recreational vehicles, presenting substantial health, fire and
environmental risks.

Dave Morris, who specializes in cleaning up meth labs, said the following
conditions may be tipoffs to their presence:

The strong odor of solvents, such as those used with paint.

Blacked out windows.

Late night activity or excessive visitors.

An overabundance of chemical, solvent or acid bottles or, in particular,
commercial drain cleaner containers in the trash.

An RV that comes and goes without reason and doesn't fit into the neighborhood.

Motel guests who refuse room service or towel service for several days.

According to police, it's not uncommon for a drug manufacturer to rent a
motel room for a week, or in some cases, even an apartment -- going so far
as to pay the first and last month's rent for just a one-month stay.
"They're cooking up $10,000 worth of meth a week," Morris said. "It's
nothing for them to rent an apartment."

If possible, apartment owners or managers should screen tenants using a
credit service, Morris recommended.

Property owners who suspect tenants of drug-making activity should call
police rather than confront them directly.

As owners, they're responsible for cleaning up former drug labs, but some
or all of those costs may be covered by insurance. Possible payment depends
on the company and the type of policy, said Randy McDonald, owner of
McDonald Insurance in Everett.

McDonald, a Safeco Insurance representative, said that in general,
apartment owners with fire policies are covered against vandalism,
malicious mischief or drug manufacture if the rental unit has not been
vacant for more than 30 days. Obviously, an owner who is involved with, or
aware of, such activities may not be covered.

Conversely, if a parent, for example, doesn't know his son is manufacturing
drugs, it's unlikely the parent would be denied coverage for cleanup costs,
McDonald said.

Those are general guidelines, he added, and anyone with questions about
coverage, should contact their insurance company or agent.

You can contact Janice Podsada by telephone at 425-339-3427 or you can send
e-mail to her at podsada@heraldnet.com .