Insurance Insights ~ October 2000

National Fire Prevention Week

Reminder: Fire Prevention Week is October 8th through the 14th, 2000.

Do you know why Fire Prevention Week is held during the week when the date of October 9th falls?

The great Chicago Fire, which occurred on October 9, 1871, is the reason we observe Fire Prevention Week. This historical and tragic fire killed some 300 people, left 100,000 homeless and destroyed more than 17,000 structures. The huge fire rapidly burned more than 2000 acres in 27 hours. Chicago quickly rebuilt, however, and within a couple of years residents began celebrating their successful rebuilding to memorialize the anniversary of the fire with festivities.

When Calvin Coolidge proclaimed the first National Fire Prevention Week, October 4-10 1925, he noted that in the previous year some 15,000 lives were lost to fire in the United States. President Coolidge stated in a proclamation, "This waste results from the conditions which justify a sense of shame and horror; for the greater part of it could and ought to be prevented...It is highly desirable that every effort be made to reform the conditions which have made possible so vast a destruction of the national wealth."

The National Fire Protective Association strives today to make National Fire Prevention Week a priority, and counts on the participation and efforts of tens of thousands of fire and safety professionals, emergency volunteers, and other individuals working to reduce the risk of fire and the toll it takes on our society.

When Disaster Strikes Part 1: Preparing for a Flood

Floods can happen anywhere and they can happen to you. The images seen on television of towns being literally devastated from floodwaters are all too familiar. Yet still most people believe this couldn't possibly happen to them and if it does happen they are shocked to hear the damage is not covered under their homeowner policies.

Let's take a look at the facts --

• Federal disaster assistance is in the form of a loan and must be paid back.
• Flood insurance pays whether or not there is a Presidentially-declared disaster.
• If your mortgage company required you to buy flood insurance, it probably only covers the building -- not your possessions!
• Affordable flood insurance is available for homes, apartments, condos, and businesses, and their contents.
• 90% of all disasters in the US are flood-related.
• 33% of all flood losses are outside flood hazard areas.

Even if you've never experienced a flood, you ought to know what to do if floodwaters threaten you, your family, and your community. We will take a look over the next few issues at what steps you can take today before a disaster happens, when the flood comes, and after the flood what you can do.

What can I do today to prepare for a flood?

Make an itemized list of personal property. Be sure to include furnishings, clothing, and valuables. Photographs and/or videotape of your home -- both inside and out -- are extremely helpful. Your adjuster will be able to handle your claim efficiently if you are able to produce this information. Also, uninsured losses, which are tax deductible, can be handled promptly as well.

Learn the safest route from your home or place of business. If you should have to evacuate in a hurry it is best to know the quickest and safest way to high ground.

Keep a portable radio. Make sure a portable radio is in working order and you have replacement batteries on hand. Important information with instructions may need to get to you. It is also good to have emergency cooking equipment and flashlights in working order.

Buy flood insurance. Contact your local agent about securing this important coverage. Keep in mind there is a 30-day waiting period (check with your agent for exceptions), so you don't wait until a flood is coming to apply.

Keep your insurance policies in a safe place. This document and a list of personal property should be kept in a safe place, such as a safe deposit box. Know the name, phone number, and location of the agent who issued your policy.

Persons who live in frequently flooded areas need to keep on hand materials to protect property. Such items as sandbags, plywood, plastic sheeting, and lumber should be on hand for those properties that have experienced flooding before. Be careful not to stack the sandbags directly against the outer walls, as this will cause additional pressure.

Make it your policy to protect your family against devastating flood losses.

Next month: Part 2 -- When The Flood Comes

One of the Best

Our agency was recently recognized as "One of the Best" insurance agencies in the region in two separate reader polls. The Reporter and The Intelligencer newspapers conducted these polls. Readers were asked to vote for the best business in several different categories. One of these categories was insurance agent or insurance agency. In both polls, our agency received mention as one of the top three in the entire region, covering Bucks and Montgomery counties.

Thank you to all of our clients who took the time to mention our agency as one of the best. We count it a tremendous privilege to receive this honor. One of our agency goals is to "provide the best service humanly possible." Be assured we will continue to do everything possible to deliver service beyond your expectations. For more about our service standards, please visit the "Standards" page on our site.

If you have any suggestions at any time as to how we might be able to improve what we do, we'd love to hear from you. Please drop us a note at info@gcwinsure.com.

INSURANCE INSIGHTS is an electronic newsletter published monthly (except for January and August) by G. C. Weimer Associates, Inc. Information contained herein is accurate to the best of our knowledge and belief as of 10/1/2000. If you have a topic of interest for a future issue, e-mail us at info@gcwinsure.com.