How to Communicate With Your Insurance Company

The following is excellent advice from the organization United Policyholders. They are a consumer advocate group. This information is directly from their website www.unitedpolicyholders.com  I have highlighted some things that Champion has been telling customers for years.

Speak Up - How to communicate with your insurance company:

Effectively communicating with your insurance company is an incredibly important part of the claims process. Many insurance companies will try to handle your claim by telephone, with no records. You must make sure that everything in the claim gets documented in writing. How you communicate makes a world of difference in the amount of benefits you collect and how fast you collect them. We recommend that you:

1. Document every communication with your insurance company in a notebook or diary so you can keep track of the status of your claim.

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Hurricane Trivia

   1. Hurricane season runs from ...

A. May through October
B. May through November
C. June through October
D. June through November

The answer is D: Officially, hurricane season runs from June 1 through Nov. 30.

2. On average, what are the peak months of the hurricane season?

A. June/July
B. July/August
C. August/September
D. September/October

The answer is C: Ocean temperatures are highest during late August and into September, helping to fuel storm generation.

3. How long  is the average life of a hurricane?

A. 5 days
B. 7 days
C. 9 days
D. 11 days

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Know Your Water Damage Categories

Water damage is typically classified into one of the following three categories:

Category 1 Water - Refers to a source of water that does not pose substantial threat to humans and classified as "Clean Water". Examples are broken water supply lines, tub or sink overflows or appliance malfunctions that involves water supply lines.

Category 2 Water - Refers to a source of water that contains a significant degree of chemical, biological or physical contaminants and causes discomfort or sickness when exposed or even consumed. Known as "Grey Water".

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Escape That Second Story

I've been in the fire restoration business for 16 years now. I can thankfully say that I have never been part of restoring a home where there was a loss of a life. I can't even begin to imagine the hurt that results when a family member losses their life due to a fire.It's good to keep in mind, especially when it comes to fire, that time is critical. Within 60 seconds a whole house can be engulfed in flames.

When any emergency occurs we have basically three choices: 1) Do nothing 2) Let our emotions get the best of us and act unrationally (that's like "stupid") 3) Remain calm and act with common sense and purpose

I read an article recently that reminded me of an important tool that everyone with a second or third story in their home should have - a fire escape ladder.

You can purchase one very inexpensively (especially compared to the value of a life!) at a website called www.fireescapesystems.com.

They can be purchased in several different styles, and depending on your particular needs, range from under $100 to a little over $300. Please buy one for each 2nd or 3rd story bedroom in your home.2 stp

Of course, I'd never want to suggest that these ladders could be used for any other purpose than escaping a fire. But I'm sure that some of you with some imagination will have some ideas!

Larry Banach - Construction Manager

A Long Hot Summer Can Be a Killer!

Heat is the number one weather related killer in the United States, although most people would guess that tornadoes, hurricanes or flooding would be the major cause of death. In fact, the National Weather Service statistical data shows that heat causes more fatalities that floods, lightning, tornadoes and hurricanes combined. Based on the 10 year average from 1994 to 2003, excessive heat claimed 237 lives each year.

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How Do You Start Your Day?

Did my alarm really go off already?  Man it's hard to get going in the morning sometimes (OK for some of you maybe all of the time).  I really like the following advice from a personal trainer on 3 things to do each day to start your day out successfully:
1) STRETCH - take a few moments to stretch your body, arms, legs - get your blood flowing and your muscles warmed up
2) BREAKFAST - take the time to eat a healthy breakfast - the most important meal of the day
3) PUNCTUALITY - be ON TIME to your first appointment of the day whatever that may be.

What do you think?  Are you willing to give the big 3 a try?  Let us know if they work for you?

Greg Ahlstrom - Accounting Manager

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

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Cell Phones: Will You Put It Down?

When I got my new cell phone from Verizon, the booklet on the NV Touch had some info on cell phone use and warnings.  My curiosity sent me to www.nhtsa.gov.  

I have highlighted some important points from that website.  Here are a few excepts:

“In 2008, nearly 6,000 people died in crashes that involved distracted driving. Distracted driving applies to anything that takes your eyes off the road, your hands off the steering wheel, or interrupts your concentration while driving.  Of special concern is the use of electronic entertainment and communication devices, especially cell phones. The relative risks of the various tasks drivers engage in are still being assessed, but in general the safest course of action is to refrain from using a cell phone while driving, which includes talking, dialing, and texting. 

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Summer Fun! Grillin' & Chillin' !!SAFELY!!

This time of year the backyard grill really gets a workout! Although these tips are of course GREAT for any season you happen to be grilling. Please enjoy the link, it even has pictures, and have a GREAT and SAFE summer!

http://www.homesafetycouncil.org/SafetyGuide/sg_grilling_w001.asp

Peter Kanavas - Contents Department Manager

Travel Deals and Tips

p>Ok well actually I haven't got any amazing deals to tell you about at the moment. The thing about amazing deals is that they don't last long. If I posted one on here, it would likely be gone or sold out by the time you read this and try to reserve it.

You might have noticed a recurring theme in our recent blog posts in that many of us like to travel and we try to do it cheap too! Here are some a few tips that have been useful for our family.

1. You can find great deals each week on Travelzoo's Top 20 List.  We booked a 7 night cruise off of this list last year. Click here to sign up. You will receive a list each week of travel deals, including international deals too!

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