Use this list for everything you'll need during and after a Hurricane!
(and please, feel free to add "your special items" to it)
Think ahead and be ready. If you do, weathering the storm will be easier.
Decide now if you're going to evacuate. Talk it over with your family.
If you're staying home find a "safe room", without windows, near the center of the house.
Remember these critical points:
1 - Get a minimum 3 day, or better still; 2-Week supply of these emergency necessities.
2 - Make your "Hurricane Kit" portable if you live in an evacuation area.
3 - Don't forget special supplies for babies, the elderly and dependent persons.
4 - Store clean up and repair supplies in your safe room.
Prepitory
* Full Fuel Tank in the car
* "Car Kit" inc.; tire patch or "fix-a-flat", blankets, shovel, tow rope, etc. * Full Gas Tank for the Grill
* Bleach (without lemon or additives) 1 drop per 1 pint (8 per Gal.) of water to purify
* Extra Cans of gas & oil (careful!)
* Fire Extinguisher (ABC rated, the bigger the better … or better still; several)
* Turn refrigerator to coldest setting and keep door opening to a minimum
* Water Purification tablets
* Water Jugs, 7 gallons of water per person
* Ice & lots of it! (freeze 1 or 2 liter soda bottles, 3/4 full, to drink later )
* Lower TV and other antennas
* Remove outdoor furniture
Personal
* Change of clothes (at least 1 set for everyone in the family)
* lots of extra socks
* Flashlights (one for everyone in the family)
* Blankets, pillows
* Sleeping bags
* Soap, shampoo & toiletries
Papers
* Personal Identification (drivers license, passport, etc.)
* Important Papers
* Insurance information
* Cash, credit cards
* Other valuable papers
* Stocks, bonds, incorporation or other company papers
* Family Photos / heirlooms
Medical
* Personal Medicines & prescriptions, extra refills. Enough for 2 weeks
* Extra Glasses or contact lenses
* Eyeglass repair kit
* First Aid Kit and Manual
(If you are not buying a commercial First Aid kit, for a good list see: Uncle Dave's First Aid kit.
or contact The Red Cross at: www.redcross.org, Emergency Management, or your doctor.)
Food (must be "non-perishable)
* More Water
* Eat perishable food right after the storm (meats, cold cuts, etc. within 48 hours or until they warm up)
* Canned and dry food (put dried food in zip lock bags)
* Sandwich Makings (peanut butter & jelly, cheese spreads, crackers)
* Snacks (nuts, dried fruit, potato / corn chips … low salt)
* Non-electric can opener
* Pots and Pans
* Portable cooler (the 12v condensing kind are great)
* Cooler, for water and ice
* Eating and cooking utensils
* Sponges & Paper Towels
* Aluminum foil and / or plastic wrap
* Emergency cooking facilities (grill or camp stove)
Special Needs
* Baby food, diapers & formula
* Toys (to occupy the children)
* Extra pet food (don't take your pet to any shelter!!)
Misc.
* Battery-operated radio and / or TV
* Weather band radio
* Alarm clock (wind up or battery operated)
* Batteries spare for all your TV, radios, flashlights, etc.
* Cards or a board game
* Camping lantern (electric or gas)
* Butane lighter and matches
* Pocket knife / scissors * Needle & thread * Toilet paper & towelettes
* Cellular phone (service will be off similar to your reg. phone, but it's an alternative)
Clean Up After the Storm
* Gloves and goggles (for clean up)
* Heavy Shoes
* long sleeved shirt
* Bug spray / insect repellent
Evacuating to a Shelter
If you are evacuating to a public shelter (a very wise idea) there are some thing you should know and bring. Public shelters are usually set up in schools or other large open buildings to house as many people in a space as is comfortable and reasonable. Shelters only provide the basics for life; a roof, four walls, shelter from the storm (literally). When possible they will provide food, water, electricity, heat and emergency medical help. Most shelters also provide communications thou usually this is for official purposes only.
* No weapons or alcohol are allowed in shelters.
* Shelters do not accept pets of any kind. These are Health Dept. regulations.
* Some food is provided … but don't count on this. Bring snacks and sandwich makings.
* Bring your personal items; medication, toiletries, change of clothes, etc.
* Bring bedding; a camp cot, sleeping bag, pillows and blankets.
* Bring your Identification, especially something with your address to pass check points when returning.
* Bring a flashlight, radio and cards or a board game.
* Bring toys for the kids (to keep them occupied)
* Bring any special needs items; Baby needs, special health items (oxygen tank, walker, wheel chair, etc.)
Other considerations
Temporary Toilet:
It has been suggested that a 5 gallon bucket can be used as a temporary toilet. Have on hand a number of heavy trash bags and a supply of "kitty litter". The kitty litter will absorb liquids and help contain odors. Some sort of seat may be fashioned from an old toilet seat or bought at marine or camping supply stores. Hay, it's better than nothing.
Pets:
Arrange for boarding well in advance. Boarding facilities will fill up fast! It may be better to arrange with a friend out side of your home area (affected area). This can be a reciprocal arrangement. If it looks like a storm is threatening their area they can bring their pets to you. Also, contact your local Human Society, Emergency Management Agency or your veterinarian.
Boats on trailers and camping trailers:
These should be staked to the ground. If time permits, dig a shallow hole and set the boat in it with or without the trailer. Boats should be filled 1/3 to 1/2 with water for extra weight … but if is still on the trailer, watch the weight limits so as not to over load the trailer. You may also set a camping trailer in a shallow hole. This reduces the "wind profile". If you have inside storage, all the better but make sure it is a strong building.
Boats in the water:
These must be moved 48 hours before landfall. Anchor in a secluded / sheltered bay or inland area (hurricane hole). Intercoastal Waterway bridges will be locked down for evacuation of the beach areas. For more information contact your harbor master, marine patrol, U. S. Power Squadron or U. S. Coast Guard.
Mobile Homes, Trailer Homes, and RV's:
Obviously this is no place to be in a hurricane! These places are usually mandatory evacuation areas. See the information on "Evacuating to a Shelter". You may also contact your local government, Emergency Management Agency or FEMA for more information on evacuating or securing these dwellings.
Communications:
After the storm (usually 72 hours) communications should be possible to your loved ones outside of the affected area. The Red Cross, some shelters and other "official outlets" will have access to message passing amateur radio operators. Most often the rule is; All "health and welfare" message (that are not urgent or a true emergency) will be held 72 hours so that the official and emergency messages may be transmitted. Please tell your loved ones about this and that they may not hear from you for a few days.
Other communications systems may be set up as well. Local phone companies have been known to set up (some times for free) "emergency pay phone trailers". These are medium to large trailers with eight or more phones hooked in to a hastily repaired line.
Utilities:
Public Utilities (power, phone, cable TV and gas) will be repaired as quickly as possible. Usually in the hardest hit areas first. When waiting for your phone service (cellular too) and power to be restored please remember; this is a large, wide spread disaster. Many people are affected. Please be patient!
Also, service may "flicker" on and off for a while. Many people will be trying to use the limited resources. Phone lines will be clogged and power will be stretched.
Returning home:
If you have evacuated or have left your home for supplies and you are returning here are some other things to keep in mind.
* Because of looters and "sight seers" you will need to produce identification (with your address) to pass check points and get in to some of the harder hit areas.
* You will not be allowed in to hard hit areas that are still dangerous (broken gas mains, power lines down, dangerous debris, etc.)
* Prepare your self! As long as you and your family is safe … your home and possessions can be replaced! If you are feeling apprehensive about the condition of your home bring a friend for emotional support (and to help clean up). You have survived some of Mother Nature's worst … now it's just time to clean up and get life back "on track".
Sources of Further Information:
(most of these are in the "white pages" or "blue pages" of your phone book)
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (www.fema.gov).
Local city government
Local county government
Local emergency management
The Salvation Army
The American Red Cross
Local TV and radio stations.
Also check and ask questions at;
Book stores for books on weather, hurricane survival, natural disasters, etc.
Local libraries
The National Weather Service
Marinas, RV and camping stores
This information is compiled by: Dave H. Messinger, N4QPM. I am an Amateur Radio Operator, Florida resident, Emergency Medical Technician and volunteer for Palm Beach County Emergency Management. I can be reached through uncledave@uncledave.org.
Return to Palm Beac Co. ARES's Home Page.
Return to Uncle Dave's Home Page
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Gov. Scott to Florida Insurance Agents: There’s More Work Ahead
Fla. Gov. Rick Scott
Florida has made a good start on addressing some of the state’s most pressing insurance issues such as pursuing ways to depopulate the state-backed homeowners insurer and reforming the no-fault auto insurance law, but more remains to be done, says Governor Rick Scott.
Speaking at the Florida Association of Insurance Agents Annual Convention and Education Symposium, Scott laid out his perspective on the state of the state’s insurance environment.
At the top of his agenda is his ongoing to push to depopulate Citizens Property Insurance Corp. that now has 1.45 million policyholders.
“It has $500 billion in risk; why you would ever do this makes zero sense,” said Scott. “We have to fix it. We have to fix it. There is no way this can continue.”
Scott said that one issue that is largely overlooked when it comes to Citizens is that though it is backed by policyholder assessments, no one knows if policyholders around the state have the ability to pay that bill if it becomes due.
“The average Citizens premium is $2,300 and potential assessment is $1,200,” Scott said. “How many families have that in the bank? We have no idea. How many would have it after a hurricane? We have no idea.”
Scott told the agents it is up to them to talk to policyholders and raise their awareness of the financial burden they could face. Citing the example of personal injury protection (PIP) fraud, he said it is essential if lawmakers are to ever seriously tackle the issue.
“At the capital things only get done when people aggressively demand it,” he said
Scott praised Rep. Jim Boyd, R-Bradenton, who was the primary architect of the bill that eventually became the basis for the PIP reforms.
After decades of effort, lawmakers finally rewrote the law, narrowing the list of eligible providers, tackling medical utilization and imposing fee schedules. The new law also includes some tort changes and gives law enforcement officials, regulators and insurers more ways to attack fraud.
“I don’t know how we would have accomplished it without him,” said Scott.
Scott warned, however, that already people are looking to scam the system and it will take vigilance on the part of all concern to ensure the new law’s success.
Boyd said that while he agreed with the governor that PIP will be an ongoing concern, he has no plans to introduce another bill on the issue in the near future.
“I think we need to take a break for a little while,” said Boyd, who is also CEO of Boyd Insurance & Investment Services. “We need a year to see the effects on fraud and the results of premium reductions.”
While property issues were Scott’s primary focus, he did restate his longstanding opposition to the federal Affordable Health Care Act, dubbed “Obamacare,” which is currently being weighed by the Supreme Court.
Scott was among the first state governors to come out against the bill and has turned away millions in funds to start implementing its provisions.
“The government should not become a special interest group and dictate to the insurance industry how to run its business,” he said.
Scott’s comments were favorably received by the some 500 agents in attendance at the FAIA’s annual Saturday morning breakfast meeting.
FAIA President Jeff Grady said Scott’s goals closely align with the association, which didn’t support Scott in his initial bid for governor.
However, the association has since largely supported Scott in his campaign for changes to Citizens and after he made PIP reform his top legislative agenda.
Grady said that agents support Scott’s view that the industry needs less regulation as part of an overall change in how private companies view the state.
“We can’t agree more strongly with the governor’s desire to fix Citizens and reduce regulation,” said Grady. “There is a lot of capital out there and we just need to find it a way to come to Florida.”
Sunday, May 6, 2012
Citizens Insurance Spends Billion$ on Reinsurance
Florida’s Citizens Issues Largest Catastrophe Reinsurance Bond on Record
Florida’s Citizens Property Insurance Corp. has entered the catastrophic bond market in a big way by issuing $750 million in bonds, making it the largest insurance-linked security deal of its kind.
Citizens Property Insurance Board Chair Carlos Lacasa declared it to be “a historical day for the state of Florida in reducing the potential for assessments on all Florida policyholders after a catastrophic event.”
According to the Artemis Catastrophic Bond and Insurance-linked Securities Deal Directory, the bonds are being issued through Everglades Re Ltd., a Bermuda domiciled special purpose insurers set-up for the sole goal of issuing Citizens-backed securities.
Initially, officials projected offering $200 million in securities. However, due to interest from investors, the deal reached $750 million making it the largest single peril cat bond in the history of the insurance linked securities market. Until then, the largest single natural catastrophe bond deal was the $600 million offering by Residential Reinsurance 2007 Ltd.
Citizens officials said that 32 investors participated in the deal, many of whom are new to the cat bond market. The investors, who have yet to be identified, likely are sophisticated institutional investors, insurance-linked investors and pension fund managers.
While the proceeds from the deal would cover both Citizens’ personal lines and its coastal lines accounts, most of it would be earmarked for wind-only coverage on properties located along the state’s coastline. The notes would cover losses above an attachment point of $6.35 billion up to $7.35 billion
The rating agency Standard & Poor’s rated the bonds at B+.
Everglades Re projected that the bonds would pay rates of return between 16.5 percent and 18 percent higher than those offered by the Treasury Money Market Fund.
Citizens Chief Financial Officer Sharon Binnun said the insurer was “pleasantly surprised,” by the size of the deal. The insurer has been working for several years to shift its financing so that it is not so dependent of policyholder assessments.
“We can’t stop the wind from blowing,” said Binnun. “But we can reduce the possibility of assessments.”
More Private Deals to Come
As significant as the $750 million industry-linked securities deal is to Citizens’ overall financial picture, officials say they are not done when it comes to seeking out more private investors’ money.
In December 2011, the Citizens board set out a goal of transferring at least $1 billion of its financial exposure to the private market. With the Everglades Re Lt., deal done, the insurer can now focus on the more traditional reinsurance market. And since many of them didn’t participate in the Everglades Re deal, they still have plenty of capital to work with.
Binnun said the Everglades Re deal opened a whole new door when it comes the capital markets, which benefits Citizens and private insurers alike.
“This brings to Citizens a significant increase in the diversification and capacity of risk transfer resources, while not adversely affecting the availability of risk transfer for the Florida private market,” Binnun said.
The Citizens board of governors is slated to meet later this month to discuss its investment strategy.
After having met three-quarters of its private risk-transfer goal, and given investors interest in the investing in Citizens, officials are likely to up the ante when it comes to executing private market deals.
“Our direction to management is to continue to secure a significant amount of additional risk transfer through the traditional reinsurance markets,” said Lacasa. “I look forward to a total risk transfer program in excess of the $1 billion budgeted for 2012.”
Florida Governor Sign Anti Fraud Bill
Florida Governor Signs Long-Awaited Auto Insurance Anti-Fraud Bill
Florida’s decade long attempt to reform the state’s automobile no-fault insurance law has finally paid off.
Gov. Rick Scott, flanked by rows of law enforcement officials and state officials, signed into law HB119, a measure that was a centerpiece of his successful 2010 run for governor. Sponsored by Rep. Jim Boyd (R-Manatee), the new law is a comprehensive re-write of the state’s automobile personal injury protection insurance law.
Among other things it requires accident victims to report an auto-related injury and seek treatment within 14 days. The policyholders could receive up to $10,000 in benefits for emergency medical care and $2,500 for other less serious injuries. The law also specifies that massage therapists and acupuncturists are no longer eligible to receive medical payments.
The new law has a host of anti-fraud provisions and attempts to control litigation costs by prohibiting the use of contingency risk multiplier when calculating attorney fees. It changes medical payments and includes a detailed list of approved medical providers who are eligible to receive PIP payments.
Scott thanked law enforcement officials, saying that “when they get involved, things get done.”
He also singled out the state’s Consumer Advocate Robin Westcott for leading a six-month study group on the issue that for the first time focused on PIP’s cost to consumers.
He also highlighted Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty’s role in putting the numbers together to show just how much insurance rates are being affected by PIP rates. “You were very helpful in the last week getting this thing done,” he said to McCarty.
Scott wryly noted that those affected adversely by the law are already looking for ways around the law. He cited an email from an unnamed medical provider that promised to fill out the paperwork showing an alleged accident victim had a serious injury thus being eligible for the higher benefit amount.
“They are already out there trying to game the system,” said Scott.
Since the bill was passed by the legislature, two issues have emerged as concerns.
The first is a loophole that could affect medical provider payments.
For example, medical providers and entities may charge insurers and injured parties a reasonable amount for services, which could include the use of the federal Medicare payment rates. That portion of the bill is effective July 1.
However, as of January 1, 2013, the new list of approved medical providers limits payments to groups such as physicians, hospitals, and chiropractors, and no longer includes massage therapist and acupuncturist..
Provider groups are worried that insurers will ignore the July 1 deadline and not make medical payments until the January 1 provider list becomes law. That could result in some medical providers now covered under the PIP law not receiving payments and with little recourse to do something about it.
The state, however, is already taking steps to head off any problems.
Florida Office of Insurance Regulation Jack McDermott said regulators plan to deal with the issue through rules and executive orders.
One solution already moving forward is a draft rule by the Agency for Health Care Administration, which would clarify which medical provider gets paid and during what time period.
“The purpose of the bill was not to create a six month gap,” McDermott told reporters. “AHCA has publically said that are going to issue rules to clear this up and we’ve encouraged insurers privately that PIP providers should be paid.”
Insurers are also wary of any rate cuts that are called for before the expected savings from the law are realized.
As of October 1, all insurers must submit a rate filing with the OIR that reflects a 10 percent reduction in the PIP portion of their rates and provide a detailed reason why it is unable to do so. A similar provision kicks in on January 1, which contemplates a 25 percent reduction in PIP rates.
The law calls for an actuarial study to be conducted by an independent firm that will project the law’s expected impact on PIP losses.
OIR spokesperson Amy Bogner said that regulators would still have the authority to ensure that insurers comply with state law. She pointed to that portion of the state’s rating law that requires rate changes to be actuarially justified and not “excessive, inadequate, or unfairly discriminatory.”
The legislation “would not change our current duties and our responsibilities,” Bogner said.
Following the law’s passage, Florida Insurance Council Vice President Sam Miller said that insurers are already contemplating how the new PIP law will affect their rates. He said that while the rate language concerns insurers, the fact that it is not a mandate creates the expectation that the rate decreases will be based on numbers and not just arbitrary political decisions.
“Companies are concern that rates will be rolled back before there our corresponding losses,” said Miller. “But we expect the law to operate on actuarial data and that the OIR will administer it fairly.”
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Chinese Drywall-Buyer Beware
Disclosing and inspecting for defective Chinese drywall
The Florida Realtors website recently reported on a Miami family that was awarded $2.4 million because of having defective Chinese drywall installed in their home. Defective Chinese drywall can smell like sulfur and corrodes appliances, wiring and other metal. Research is ongoing to determine health hazards and risks of exposure to the drywall.
A potential home buyer concerned with buying a home which may have drywall problems should take the precautionary steps needed to reduce the possibility of discovering the bad drywall after closing. Selling homes in the Orlando-Kissimmee area require that the owner disclose the existence of Chinese drywall and a strong recommendation that the buyer obtain a full and complete home inspection that includes inspecting for defective Chinese drywall.
Seller disclosure
Buyer should ask the owner of the house that they are thinking of buying for a written property disclosure. The seller can alert the buyer of any mechanical, structural or related issues with the home including the existence of Chinese drywall.
In addition to a detailed seller property disclosure, both buyer and seller can complete the Chinese/Defective Drywall Addendum to Contract. This addendum asks the seller to indicate in writing any knowledge they have pertaining to Chinese Drywall in the home. Equally as important, the addendum makes it clear to the buyer that they have the right to conduct an inspection or risk assessment of the property for Chinese drywall prior to closing of the contract.
Disclosing and inspecting for defective Chinese drywall benefits all parties in the transaction. Contact a Realtor if you are looking for a home!
A potential home buyer concerned with buying a home which may have drywall problems should take the precautionary steps needed to reduce the possibility of discovering the bad drywall after closing. Selling homes in the Orlando-Kissimmee area require that the owner disclose the existence of Chinese drywall and a strong recommendation that the buyer obtain a full and complete home inspection that includes inspecting for defective Chinese drywall.
Seller disclosure
Buyer should ask the owner of the house that they are thinking of buying for a written property disclosure. The seller can alert the buyer of any mechanical, structural or related issues with the home including the existence of Chinese drywall.
In addition to a detailed seller property disclosure, both buyer and seller can complete the Chinese/Defective Drywall Addendum to Contract. This addendum asks the seller to indicate in writing any knowledge they have pertaining to Chinese Drywall in the home. Equally as important, the addendum makes it clear to the buyer that they have the right to conduct an inspection or risk assessment of the property for Chinese drywall prior to closing of the contract.
Disclosing and inspecting for defective Chinese drywall benefits all parties in the transaction. Contact a Realtor if you are looking for a home!
Reprinted from Florida Real Estate Review
Chinese Drywall affects homes built between 2004 and 2007.
Don't trust a seller will voluntarily disclose a home has or has had chinese drywall. Not only should you consult with your LicensedRealtor, but also a Licensed Home Inspector. I recommend Rob Whalen of Second Opinion Home Inspection.
http://www.secondopinionhomeinspection.com/
The old saying "Buyer Beware" Do your homework before you make a expen$ive mistake.
The old saying "Buyer Beware" Do your homework before you make a expen$ive mistake.
Matt Lehn
Lehn Insurance4478 N Access Rd
Englewood, FL 34224
941 698 8876
PIP Fraud Cost us ALL $$$$
Florida Arrests 15 in Alleged Food Truck Insurance Scam
Florida officials said they have busted an alleged $800,000 insurance claims scam in which food trucks were used to stage accidents.
Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater announced the outcome of a two-year insurance fraud investigation resulting in the arrests of 15 defendants for their roles in a Miami ring that used lunch trucks to stage more than a dozen accidents and file more than $800,000 in fraudulent property damage and personal injury protection (PIP) claims.
The owners of the lunch trucks allegedly recruited participants to pose as the owners and stage auto accidents. Between 2008 and 2010, the ring staged more than a dozen accidents, according to officials.
Atwater’s office said those arrested last week were Armando Alonso, Yordan Martin Mata, Yanet Soriano, Dunaikis Roche, April Caridad Sequinot, Alberto Paz Hernandez, Yoandris Benitez, Eduardo Alonso Castellanos, Lucia Amigot, Alicia Iris Laurenco Cuesta, Ivan Silva, Robert Jabani Hinklein, Abraham Alliegro, Evelyn Yero Noy and Jesus Iluminado Guerrero. Yoandris Benitez surrendered today.
Atwater said additional arrests are anticipated.
This case is part of a crackdown by the CFO’s Division of Insurance Fraud and the National Insurance Crime Bureau against auto insurance fraud in Florida. The division has arrested 392 individuals for PIP fraud in 2011, a 44 percent increase from 2010, and 166 so far in 2012.
The Florida Legislature this past session passed reforms of the PIP system in an effort to further reduce fraud.
“I am confident that reforms passed this session will help stop fraud at the source while giving us more tools to go after scam artists,” Atwater said.
Reprinted from Insurance Journal
PIP insurance fraud cost Florida auto insurance policy holders $300 a year on average, If you suspect insurance fraud contact the local authorities or your state dept of insurance.
Matt Lehn
Lehn Insurance
4478 N Access Rd
Englewood, FL 34224
941 698 8876
www.lehninsurance.com
Sunday, March 25, 2012
How to save on HOME INSURANCE
Another way is to get a wind mitigation inspection. A wind mitigation inspection checks for a verifies certain building features of your home. Roof type and construction, construction of your home, roof attachment and shutters. Most insurance companies only give the basic deduction for year built. If you want the credits you deserve it is up to you to get the inspection. The average wind mitigation inspection cost between $75 and $125 depending on the company. That nominal investment can save you between $200-$800 on average per year. Check out the following links for more information on wind mitigation.
http://www.secondopinionhomeinspection.com/
http://www.nachi.org/wind-mitigation.htm
For a competetive home visit our website atwww.lehninsurance.com or eamil us atmatt@floridaci.com
Matt Lehn
Lehn Insurance
4478 N Access Rd
Englewood, FL 34224
941-698-8876
AUTO-HOME-FLOOD-BUSINESS-LIFE
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