Winter Fire Safety Quiz

1. Where do most fires start in the home?

A. The bedroom
B. The living room
C. The kitchen
D. The bathroom

The answer is C: 30% of house fires start in the kitchen.

2. In the United States, a home fire claims a life every _________.

A. 2 hours
B. 3 hours
C. 6 hours
D. 8 hours

The answer is B: In the United States, a home fire claims a life every 3 hours.

3. TRUE OR FALSE: Use a fire extinguisher if you have a grease fire on your stove.

The answer is FALSE: Never pour water or use a fire extinguisher on a grease fire.

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BE PREPARED FOR THE PEAK OF HURRICANE SEASON

Hurricanes in Georgia?  Yes! According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Georgia is at particular risk of being affected by hurricanes because it is a coastal state.  The hurricanes that affect Georgia are severe tropical storms that form in the southern Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico. Hurricane season lasts from June 1st until November 30th, but the majority of activity is from August until October.  Therefore, every state resident should plan what to do in the event of an evacuation.

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What's Your Emergency Response Plan?

During these distressing economic times, many of us have found ourselves going back to the basics. Some have done this as a precaution while it has been downright necessary for others. We find ourselves asking, is this a necessary expense? And, what changes can I make today, to make my business stronger tomorrow? The result is that we cut back and are left with the core basics that really matter.

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Photography: You can do it, but here are a few tips to remember....

I was recently contacted by an online travel guide company.  They had found a photo that I had taken that I posted online and they wanted to use it in there newest travel guide. Of course I did not get paid for it but I was honored that they chose it and gave me credit for it. I by no means consider myself a "professional" photographer. I have never owned a fancy camera with all the accessories or taken any course on photography. I try to the best with what hardware I have  but I let my passion for the art do the rest.  I have learned many things about photography on my own and sadly there are many thing that I have learned the hard way. I would like to share them and some other tips with you that may help you wether you are take it up as a hobby or to use in your business. (Again, I am not a professional)

1. Take advantage of opportunities -Photography is 24/7, it really is all about timing. I can't count the times that I have said or my wife has said " I/You should have had the camera" No matter what field of work you are in or what recreational activities you enjoy when a opportunity for a good photos presents itself have a camera and start shooting. Look for opportunities that might repeat themselves the next day or at a certain time of the year if you missed it the first time , like a sunset or a winter shot. Keep it in your mind or write it down and catch it the next go round.

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Updates on H1N1 Influenza

The Department of Homeland Security held a press conference July 9th and Secretary Napolitano made comments on the H1N1 Flu. The thoughts on preparation are especially relevant. Here is an excerpt.

 "One point I'd like to emphasize for all of us is that the work we do now on H1N1 is not wasted because it has applications and other scenarios as well. So even though we cannot—and science cannot predict what kind of flu or flu epidemic we are going to experience, and how serious its lethality will be—whether we're in a 1918 situation or a 1968 situation—that remains to be seen. But, what we do know, however, is that the preparations we do now would apply to many other scenarios as well—so the time, the efforts and the monies are put to good use."

Secretary Napolitano closed by saying that preparation is key. And it certainly is.

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Icela Reets - Emergency Response Program Coordinator

Spotlight on Mollie

This is the second edition of our Champion Spotlight and Mollie Reets is our next victim.

Mollie is our Receptionist.  She has been with Champion since 2008.  She is the one with the unmistakable South Georgia accent you will usually hear when you call our office.  Now, let’s get to know Mollie…

What is your favorite snack? Cheetos

What is your favorite piece of clothing? Jeans

 

What is your favorite word? Whatever

If you had a million dollars how would you spend it?

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A Proactive Solution to Disaster

There are so many things to think about when you have a disaster.  You've barely had time to process the fact that you've had a loss and now you're being asked to try and remember everything  you own in detail in order to be compensated.  Naturally your stress levels increase and your patience decreases as you long for everything to just be over with.

Fortunately, there is something you can do right now in order to save your sanity later should you have a fire, water or storm loss.  Take a disposable, digital or video camera as well as  a notebook and create a detailed record of your belongings.    Be as specific as possible by jotting down model numbers, serial numbers, sizes, quantities, dates and other descriptive or important details.  When you are finished, place the developed photos, memory card or videotape and the notebook in a fire-proof, air tight container.  Safes usually provide the best protection.

Now, if you become the unfortunate victim of fire, water or storm loss, you have everything you need to fill out the necessary paperwork.  No, it won't make all of your stress levels disappear but it will help you overcome feelings of helplessness and will expedite the restoration process.  With a little time and effort you will have peace of mind.

Chloe L. Hudson - Senior Contents Technician

I've never had a claim...how does my insurance claim get paid?

The whole insurance claim process can be confusing.  Its true that your insurance company approves the scope of the repairs and provides the claim funds.  But your contractor (not the insurance company) is responsible for performing satisfactory repairs, and you the homeowner (not the insurance company) are ultimately responsible to make sure that your contractor gets paid.

A common question people have is 'what do I do with my deductible?'  Your insurance company will 'deduct' your insurance deductible from the total claim funds that they pay.  If you have a total claim of $10,000.00 and your deductible is $1,000.00, your insurance company will pay $9,000.00 and your $1,000.00 deductible is to be paid by you directly to your contractor. 

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What a disaster!!!

What a disaster!  Water can be a mighty and destructive force.  And now your plasma television is dripping and your shoes are ruined.  But those aren’t the things that have your heart breaking.  It’s the antique photo of your grandparents on their wedding day setting right beside your own wedding photo and both are wrinkling and peeling as a photo album floats past you on the floor.  Everything else is replaceable, but those moments captured in an image on paper can never be duplicated. They are your memories, your trips, your precious loved ones and your family history. 

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One Thousand Firsts

The anniversary of my 8th year with Champion is fast approaching. There are many stories to relate in this bittersweet industry. Cries of devastation from homeowners at the beginning of a loss turn into sighs of relief and reflective appreciation at the job’s completion. I’d like to think I’ve seen it all yet every so often I am surprised. But when you see me at your home ready to do my part to put your life back together, this one fact remains constant: whether it is my 100th or 1000th job, I am ever-conscious that it is your first loss. So, in essence, it also becomes mine again. I treat every job as if it is the first because every person is different and every situation is unique. I care about what has happened to you and how it is affecting you. So go ahead and cry if you need to. You’ve been devastated and no person, even if they have been through something similar, can possibly understand exactly how you feel. I’ll hand you a tissue and give you a moment. When you’re ready we’ll walk through your house and anything that is important to you is important to me and when I tell you to call me if you have questions or forgot to tell me something, I mean it. We’re all in this together and all want the best possible outcome. One day it will all be a distant memory but when you think of it I hope the process leaves you with a warm feeling.

Chloe L. Hudson - Senior Contents Technician