Tornado Safety and Planning

As weather forecasters are predicting an active few weeks for tornado activity, the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America (PCI) encourages homeowners and renters  to take appropriate steps to be prepared, which includes a review of their insurance policies and discussion of coverage options with their insurance agent or company.

“With wind speeds that can reach nearly 300 miles per hour, tornadoes can be deadly and cause severe property damage,” said Donald Griffin, vice president personal lines for PCI. “Because tornadoes can occur rapidly and with little warning, advanced preparation is very important. We encourage consumers to know the warning signals used in their community and be prepared to take cover when alerted. Maintaining an emergency storm kit with a radio, flashlight, batteries and first-aid items is the first step in preparation. Other steps include conducting tornado drills with your family and ensuring that your property is adequately insured.”

The peak of tornado season in the U.S. varies by geographic region beginning in southern states during the months of March and April. Peak tornado season for the southern plains occurs during May and June and typically takes place during June and July in the Midwest and northern plains. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Climatic Data Center there were over 1,400 tornadoes in 2010. The highest concentrations of tornado reports were clustered in the Front Range of the Rockies, the Southeast, the Central and Northern Plains, and the Great Lakes. The largest outbreak of tornadoes for 2010 occurred on June 17th, there were at least 74 confirmed tornadoes reported across the Upper Midwest and Northern Plains.

Most tornado, windstorm, hail and similar severe weather-related losses are covered by either homeowners or renters insurance policies. Tornado losses to a home are covered by the “windstorm” peril under the homeowners insurance policy. Renters insurance also provides coverage to policyholder possessions under this peril.  Protection from windstorm or hail damage for cars is covered under the “comprehensive” portion of the automobile insurance policy.

PCI pre-storm tips:
– Conduct a detailed inventory of your possessions including receipts, descriptions and photos of your home’s contents.
– Keep your insurance policy and CalCas Claims information along with other important information with you or in a secure place.
– Keep a cell phone charged and with you for emergencies.
– If you have one, keep a laptop computer close by. Most insurance companies allow claims reports to be submitted via the Internet.

If you experienced a loss from the storms:
– Immediately contact your insurance agent or company representative
– Inspect property and cars for damage
– Inventory losses and photograph damage, and save related receipts to assist with claims handling
– Secure property from further damage or theft
– Check the background and legitimacy of repair contractors. Ask your insurance company for assistance in locating a reputable contractor.

As always, we hope you never have to call to report a tornado related claim, but it pays to be prepared!

NCAA Bracket Challenge Winners!

Thanks to everyone who entered this year’s bracket challenge. If you’re anything like me, your brackets were busted early on, but we had a few folks who knew a little more than the rest of us!

Congrats to the following winners!
1st Place – Carole Anne B. – iPad 2
2nd Place – Scott H. – $200 Visa Gift Card
3rd Place – Suzanne C. – $100 Visa Gift Card

Keep your eyes open for the challenge next year, and more fun contests on our Facebook Page!

Spring Spinach Salad

Spring is in the air – and it’s time to start talking about some healthy springtime food options. This spinach salad is a quick and easy way to get some healthy greens on your plate just in time for swimsuit season!

Ingredients

  • 1 (6 ounce) package fresh baby spinach
  • 1 cup chopped cucumber
  • 1 cup fresh broccoli florets
  • 1/2 cup golden raisins
  • 1/2 cup real bacon bits
  • 1/4 cup slivered almonds
  • 1/4 cup sliced fresh mushrooms
  • 1/4 cup chopped red onion
  • DRESSING:
  • 1/3 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

Directions

  1. In a large salad bowl, combine the spinach, cucumber, broccoli, raisins, bacon, almonds, mushrooms and onion. In a small bowl, whisk the dressing ingredients until smooth. Drizzle over salad and toss to coat.

Today is Gastroenterology Nurses Day!

The Society of Gastroenterology Nurses and Associates, Inc. has some great ideas to celebrate all the GI and Endoscopy nurses out there today. These folks work hard every day to help patients who are undergoing diagnosis and treatment for all sorts of disorders – from acid reflux to certain cancers. I agree – they deserve a nod of appreciation today!

I have to say, one of the coolest ideas I’ve seen has been a cake template that you can print off and take to a bakery. I would imagine it’s a big hit around the break room! Click here to learn more and download the template!

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