Be Hurricane Ready This Spring

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 and business owner should plan what to do in the event of a hurricane or tropical storm. The following tips can help you keep you and your family safe this hurricane season.

Preparing for a Hurricane

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HOW TO PREVENT A CLOTHES DRYER FIRE

Doing laundry is most likely part of your every day routine. But did you know how important taking care of your clothes dryer is to the safety of your home? With a few simple safety tips you can help prevent a clothes dryer fire.

• Have your dryer installed and serviced by a professional.


• Do not use the dryer without a lint filter.



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Should I buy Earthquake Insurance?

This following information is from United Policyholders:

The horrific images and aftermath of the Japanese earthquake and tsunami should be a call to action for property owners and public officials, and not just in California. There are known (and unknown) faults in the mid west and throughout the United States Use UP's Earthquake Insurance Shopping Guide to compare policies by what they cover and cost "apples to apples." Read our earthquake insurance buying tips for homeowners, and tips for renters to get a clearer understanding of how the policies work. Yes, typical earthquake coverage is expensive for what you get. Most policies don't pay until the loss is more than 15% of your total coverage.Even so, a 15% deductible is a lot less painful than the 100% you'll have to shoulder if you have no insurance at all. (See recent L.A. Times article, "Are you insured for the Big One?")The decision whether or not to buy earthquake insurance is an individual, financial decision. Key factors to research and consider are:

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Wintertime Trivia

1. What is the snowiest city in the United States? A. Blue Canyon, California B. Lander, Wyoming C. Syracuse, New York D. Marquette, Michigan The answer is A: Blue Canyon, California with 240.8 inches a year. 2. What state holds the record for the lowest recorded temperature in the United States? A. Maine B. Michigan C. Montana D. Alaska

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What To Do If Your Home Is Vandalized

The Do’s and Don’ts if you have a vandalism at your home or business:

DO:

• Report the damage to the police as soon as possible. They will need to collect evidence and take photographs.



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What To Do If You Have A Water Damage

The Do’s and Don’ts if you have a water damage at your home or business:

DO:

• Have a professional plumbing contractor eliminate the water source.



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Holiday Fire Prevention

Trees

• When buying a live tree, check for freshness - green needles, trunk sticky with resin, and few lost needles when tapped on the ground.


• Never place a fresh Christmas tree next to a heat source. Heat dries out trees and makes them easier to catch on fire.


• Keep your tree stand filled with water at all times.


• When the tree gets dry, get rid of it. Look for a recycling center near you.


• Never burn a Christmas tree or its branches in a fireplace or wood stove.

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Cooking and Kitchen Safety - Fire Prevention

We have had numerous kitchen fires to respond to. One in particular was extinguished rapidly by a fast thinking and fast acting young lady. She knew in advance what to do so when she had to she jumped into action saving the home from any major structural damage and herself from any harm.

I know that just reading the above may not help you so please read the below and visit the linked site so you too will be properly prepared:

Cooking Safety

Families spend a lot of time in the kitchen. It is often the favorite place to be together. But many injuries can happen there. To stay safe when you are cooking and eating, here are some tips. http://www.homesafetycouncil.org/SafetyGuide/sg_cooking_w001.asp

Thanks, and stay safe!

Peter Kanavas - Contents Department Manager

Georgia Winter Weather Awareness Week: December 6-10, 2010

Winter storms are considered “deceptive killers” because most deaths are indirectly related to the storm. Seventy percent of fatalities related to ice and snow occur in automobiles, and approximately twenty-five percent of all winter-related fatalities are people caught off-guard in the storm. Prolonged exposure to extreme cold can cause frostbite or hypothermia. Powerful winter storms can also have thunderstorms associated with them. These storms can dump as much as three inches of snow or one inch of ice in an hour.  So how can you prepare for winter weather? Here are a few tips.

• Monitor radio/TV or NOAA Weather Radio.


• Stay inside. Long exposure to cold increases the risk of frostbite or hypothermia.


• If you must go out, dress in layers.


• Avoid overexertion. The strain from the cold may cause a heart attack and sweating could lead to a chill and hypothermia.


• Keep your gas tank at least half full.


• Drive with caution and carry a disaster supplies kit in your trunk.


• Have an alternative emergency heating source, such as a fireplace or wood stove. Use appropriate safeguards and have proper ventilation.


• Make sure your home is properly insulated.


• To keep pipes from freezing, wrap pipes in insulation or layers of old newspapers, cover the newspapers with plastic to keep out moisture, let faucets drip a little to avoid freezing, and know how to shut off water valves.

How to Make a Basic Disaster Supplies Kit

In support of National Preparedness Month 2010, Champion is encouraging all employees to make a basic disaster supplies kit for their homes. We would like to encourage you to do the same.  It is very simple to do and could very well save your life.

Basic Disaster Supplies Kit

Three-day supply of non-perishable food

One gallon of water per person, per day

Portable, battery-powered radio and extra batteries

Flashlight and extra batteries

First aid kit and manual

Sanitation and hygiene items (moist towelettes and toilet paper)

Matches and waterproof container

Whistle

Extra clothing

Kitchen accessories and cooking utensils, including a can opener

Photocopies of credit and identification cards

Cash and coins

Special needs items, such as prescription medications, eye glasses, contact lens solutions, and hearing aid batteries

Items for infants, such as formula, diapers, bottles, and pacifiers

Other items to meet your unique family needs