Where will lightning strike? Electrical wiring spark? What about careless partiers’ luminaries? What should you do first when fire threatens your home or business property? Take steps to be ready.
http://ping.fm/aLeXf

Winter Storms Deceptive Killers

While the danger from winter weather varies across the country, nearly all Americans, regardless of where they live, are likely to face some type of severe winter weather at some point in their lives. That could mean snow or subfreezing temperatures, as well as strong winds or even ice or heavy rain storms. One of the primary concerns is the winter weather's ability to knock out heat, power and communications services to your home or office, sometimes for days at a time. The National Weather Service refers to winter storms as the “Deceptive Killers” because most deaths are indirectly related to the storm. Instead, people die in traffic accidents on icy roads and of hypothermia from prolonged exposure to cold. It is important to be prepared for winter weather before it strikes.
Step 1: Get a Kit

Get an Emergency Supply Kit which includes items like non-perishable food, water, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, extra flashlights and batteries.Thoroughly check and update your family's Emergency Supply Kit before winter approaches and add the following supplies in preparation for winter weather; Rock salt to melt ice on walkways Sand to improve traction; Snow shovels and other snow removal equipment. Also include adequate clothing and blankets to keep you warm.

Step 2: Make a Plan
Prepare your Family

Step 3: Be Informed
Prepare Your Home

So many more details (Read more)

October Crime Prevention Month

October has become the official month for recognizing and celebrating the practice of crime prevention, while promoting awareness of important issues such as victimization, volunteerism, and creating safer, more caring communities. The month-long celebration spotlights successful crime prevention efforts on the local, state, and national levels.

Although children look forward to tricks, treats, and ghoulish garb, Halloween can be fraught with fright for parents, with candy given to their kids by strangers and a legion of masked and costumed trick-or-treaters at the door. However, following a few safety tips can ensure safe fun for kids and candy-givers alike.

The activities below focus on Halloween, which is celebrated in the last week of October. The efforts throughout the month generate enthusiasm for crime prevention so it can grow stronger and become more widespread.
To ensure that trick-or-treaters, you, and your house stay safe, remember the following tips.

• Clear your yard and sidewalk of any obstacles or decorations that may be hard to see in the dark, lest someone go bump in the night.
• Keep your house well lighted, both inside and out; . . .
• Keep in mind the next few tips to make sure your trick-or-treater’s night in the neighborhood will be safe and fun.
• Older kids should trick-or-treat in groups; kids walking around alone are never as safe as those in groups, and especially not at night. Younger kids should be accompanied by a parent or trusted neighbor.
• Review the route for trick-or-treating beforehand and set a time . . . read more

Disaster Preparedness: Making Sure You've Got What It Takes - Supplies you should have on hand in the event of an emergency http://ping.fm/OQn02
Getting Set
• Think about it this way--you and your family need to get together whatever you will need to camp out for three days. Assume you'll be out of reach of electricity and running water.
• You may have many items on hand; you just need to be sure you've assembled them all (or that you can do so quickly) and that you have sufficient quantities of the consumable items.
• If you are storing items, store them in sealed containers--such as plastic tubs taped shut--if at all possible.
• Store items in a cool, dry place indoors.
• Avoid storing items in glass containers unless absolutely necessary.
• If a complete kit is not possible, list items around the house that need to be in the kit and be prepared to pack them as soon as disaster threatens (for example, a battery-operated radio or medicines that must be refrigerated or taken daily).
• Check all stored supplies every six months. Rotate out any perishable items (including such things as batteries) and use them for daily needs. Replace them in the kit with fresh supplies. If you have not set aside stored supplies, check your household inventory of key items at least once every month or two.
For Each Person
• Water--one gallon per day (per person or pet).
• Food--enough for three meals per person per day. Try to keep on hand canned foods or other prepared foods that don't require cooking or a lot of added water. Stock some energy bars and dried fruit for portability.
• Clothing--at least two or three complete sets of clothing. Switch them off seasonally when you recheck stored supplies. Include rain gear (even disposable ponchos can help) for everyone and sweaters or heavy coats if the next six months' weather demands it.
• Medicines
- Medium to large size first-aid kit
- First-aid instruction book
- Extra bandages, gauze compresses, and first-aid tape
- Antiseptic wipes, creams, etc., as needed
- Pain relief medicines, antacids, cough medicines (including infants'/children's if appropriate)
- Three to four days' supply of medications for each person who is on a regular medical regimen (store copies of prescriptions if possible)
- Disposable latex gloves and household bleach (for disinfection as needed).
• Bedding, etc.--one sleeping bag or blanket and pillow per person (more for cold weather); one bath towel per person; and (possibly) inexpensive deflated air mattresses.

Especially for Babies
And so much more . . . so the above website to see full list of supplies and DON'T forget that an inventory before a disaster strikes will save you frustation and money in the recovery process!

Does your homeowner insurance protect you?

Do you own a single dwelling, townhouse or condo homeowner or are you a renter?  

"Different insurers offer varying levels of replacement cost coverage, so you need to check your policy or with your insurer to see what is covered in your area and what the limits are. Some companies add maximums to replacement cost coverage policies to protect themselves from overexposure in the case of loss.

For example, some insurers limit the replacement value on roofs. "The insurance company wants to limit its liability on old roofs," says Griffin. "Some people were waiting to replace old roofs until after winter storms."

Homeowners would file claims for storm damage, and the company would then replace the old, ready-to-be-replaced roof. Now some insurance companies limit the amount payable on replacing a roof, especially when the roof is over a certain age.

Other companies limit or exclude items in other categories such as business property, film, tapes, cassettes, records, art, memorabilia or collectors' items. Check with your insurer to determine if you need special riders to cover your particular items.

Remember, you are insuring your home and your possessions -- not your land. Think about what it would cost to rebuild your house and replace its contents, not what the market value of the house is.

Inventory your valuables

Calculate the value of your personal possessions by creating an inventory. Keep the inventory in a protected place outside your home such as in a safe-deposit box. If you have especially valuable items such as jewelry, artwork or computer systems, you may need additional insurance to cover them.

Written appraisals for jewelry, along with photographs, should be stored with your inventories. The insurance company will need this information if you have to file a claim. Also, if your house is broken into or destroyed, you will be able to identify missing items more readily by using a prepared inventory.

While videotape is great for documenting your large possessions, a written inventory is critical for noting small items. It's best to inventory all of your items with a detailed description, including make, model, price paid, location and date of purchase. Keep photocopies of your receipts or other pertinent information with your inventories. Go through your house room by room and complete a written and visual inventory for each one."  www.bankrate.com

Why do we say - PREPARE!

Easy - because you can get back to your nomal life so much faster and with a lot less stress if you have taken action ahead of time! Just like preparing a first aid kit or an emergency plan of where you will go to connect with family members if there has been a natural disaster or home fire, you will be able to gain control of the recovery process.

National Preparedness Month - September - is a time that we encourage everyone to take those steps to prepare their families in the event of a disaster. You can even help others through a disaster if you are freed from those terrible tasks of finding your loved ones, contacting insurance and service companies and putting together the documentation needed.

The basics include:

1. Get an emergency kit
2. Make a plan
3. Be Informed

Know your local public services contact information and put it in your emergency kit. Also, put bank and medical information, family members contact numbers, and safe meeting places in the kit and your cell phone. Do this now - don't wait for the roar of a tornado heading your way!

Read full readiness tips at www.ready.gov

Renters need property insurance and an inventory

The threat of loss of property from fire, theft or other causes is always present.
An accurate inventory and proof of ownership at the time of a loss can make claim settlement easier and faster.

The inventory will take time to compile, but the time and frustration it may save you later will more than make up for it.

What is Renter’s Insurance:
Renters insurance, sometimes referred to as an HO4 policy, can provide the financial protection you need in case your possessions are destroyed or stolen, as well as liability protection if someone is hurt in your dwelling.
Before you shop for renters insurance, take an inventory of what you own to decide what level of coverage makes you comfortable. Then, get a renters insurance quote and choose the policy that's right for you.
If you rent your home, having insurance protection for yourself and your possessions is still important. Similar to home insurance, renters insurance protects you in situations that everyone can face: fire, theft, water damage and other unforeseen circumstances your landlord’s policy doesn't cover.
Renters insurance typically provides coverage, up to the limits you select, for specified items and situations, including:
• Personal property (furniture, electronics, computer equipment, clothing, etc.)
• Personal liability if someone is hurt, whether in your home or away from it
• Damage to your apartment or home caused by a covered loss
http://homeowners.progressive.com/renters-insurance-quote.aspx