Be Safe Insure .com » Emergency Preparedness

USPREPARED Emergency Preparedness Kit

Webmaster — Sat, 08 May 2010 11:53:05 +0000

USPREPARED Emergency Preparedness Kit

Description of contemts and usage of Preparedness-In-a-Box Kit.

Here is the video on Youtube:

Military Emergency Preparedness for Inauguration

Webmaster — Sat, 17 Apr 2010 13:11:02 +0000

Military Emergency Preparedness for Inauguration

The U.S. military task force responsible for emergency preparedness and response during the inauguration held an open house for the media.

Here is the video on Youtube:

Emergency Preparedness : How to Make a Survival First Aid Kit

Webmaster — Sat, 10 Apr 2010 13:06:41 +0000

Emergency Preparedness : How to Make a Survival First Aid Kit

A survival first aid kit should be located in a container that is impact resistant and has the ability to float. Discover which medical supplies should be included in a first aid kit, such as bandages, gauze and scissors in this video.

Here is the video on Youtube:

Expect the Unexpected: Emergency Preparedness

Webmaster — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 11:01:04 +0000

Expect the Unexpected: Emergency Preparedness

This video talks about the potential emergency situations in the workplace. It emphasizes that workers should be trained to handle emergencies and should periodically be tested.

Here is the video on Youtube:

California: San Francisco Bay Area’s Huge Flood Control Cost

Be Safe Insure — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 14:42:55 +0000

The Pacific Institute in Oakland, California, explains in its state-commissioned report that California needs to invest about $14 billion to protect its coastal regions by the end of the century. Furthermore, it will need a further $1.4 billion/year thereafter for maintenance.

California faces either costly or dramatic times ahead in its control of the elements. On the one hand it is experiencing drought, water shortage & fires, on the other hand it is facing floods.

With regards to floods, it is forecast that climate change may increase the ocean levels over the next several years, rising up to five feet by 2100. If such a worst-case scenario will come about, approximately half a million California residents will be at risk of flooding by 2100. This would place roughly $100 billion in commercial and residential property at risk.

About 2/3 of at-risk property is in the San Francisco Bay Area. Damages could be controlled with dunes, dikes, seawalls, and bulkheads, according to experts. However, these structures will cost the state of California approximately $14 billion.

The California Energy Commission explains “Because California has such a diverse topography, producing a variety of drastically different micro-climates, the effect of climate change on California is complex.

Climate variability and change will impact natural ecosystems and water resources. Major alterations to natural ecosystems due to climate change could possibly have negative consequences for our economy, which depends in part on our state’s lands, waters, and native plant and animal communities.”

A tailored approach will need to be devised. For example, a high-value area such as the San Francisco International Airport, which is surrounded on three sides by the bay, may obtain priority protection.

2008 Costly for Hurricane Insurance, Storm Insurance & Other Catastroph Insurance

Be Safe Insure — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 20:45:21 +0000

AMRE / Munich RE reports:

“The very high natural catastrophe losses incurred in 2008 again show the crucial importance of risk research for the insurance industry. In its annual review published today, “Topics Geo – Natural catastrophes 2008″, Munich Re’s geo risks experts take an in-depth look at Hurricane Ike – with losses of US$ 15bn, the industry’s most expensive natural catastrophe in 2008.

Hurricane Ike, which hit several Caribbean States, the USA and even Canada, although by then weaker, claimed 168 lives. Ike bore several distinct features:

* Primarily due to the enormous area it covered, Ike had the greatest destruction potential ever recorded in a tropical North Atlantic hurricane. Known as “integrated kinetic energy”, this factor is calculated from the wind speed and dimensions of a storm. It is also used as a measure for storm surge.

* The vast extent of the storm caused a very large storm surge in the Gulf of Mexico. In all, 50 oil platforms were destroyed, and nearly 100 more reported minor to severe damage. A 500-km stretch of the Gulf Coast between Texas and Louisiana was under several metres of water.

* Ike ultimately merged with a low-pressure system above the land mass, producing gale-force winds and torrential rain in the Midwest (primarily Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana) and even on the East Coast of the USA and in Canada.

Torsten Jeworrek, member of Munich Re’s Board of Management: “Hurricane Ike clearly illustrates the importance of thorough risk research in identifying loss potential. It is this which enables us to explore new and continuously evolving risk complexes so as to render them manageable and push back the frontiers of insurability. We will continue to insist on a commensurate price for the risks written, particularly since climate change and settlement dynamics will further increase losses due to weather-related natural catastrophes”.

The 2008 hurricane season, with 16 tropical storms well above the long-term average of 10.3 (1950–2007), confirms Munich Re’s assessment that the current warm phase will probably result in higher loss potential. However, Hurricane Ike also made it abundantly clear to the insurance industry that loss estimates undertaken in the immediate aftermath of complex individual events are particularly fraught with uncertainty.

Aggregate losses caused by Ike exceeded initial estimates by modelling firms and the industry. Since insurance companies’ first estimates were too low, Munich Re’s final claims burden was also higher than originally anticipated. Munich Re now expects a claims burden of approximately US$ 680m (after retrocessions). This claims burden is already taken into account in the preliminary figures published on 4 February 2009 for the financial year 2008.

The new “Topics Geo – Natural catastrophes 2008″ also takes a detailed look at the substantial loss potential from winter damage in China, and analyses the severe earthquake that shook the Chinese province of Sichuan in May 2008. According to Munich Re’s geo risks researchers, the insurance industry should interpret the Sichuan earthquake as a warning signal. This catastrophe shows that the risk of earthquake should on no account be neglected in comparison with that of typhoon and flood.

2008 loss figures

On the basis of figures adjusted for inflation, 2008 was the third most expensive year on record in terms of insured and economic losses. Overall losses came to US$ 200bn, a figure exceeded only in the hurricane year of 2005 and in 1995, the year of the Kobe earthquake in Japan. Last year’s most expensive catastrophe in macroeconomic terms was the earthquake in Sichuan, with direct losses of at least US$ 85bn. Insured natural catastrophe losses totalled US$ 45bn in 2008.

Click here to gain your own copy of “Topics Geo – Natural catastrophes 2008″ “

AIA Opposes State Catastrophe Fund

Be Safe Insure — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 19:18:55 +0000

The American Insurance Association (AIA) provided testimony today in opposition to Connecticut Senate Bill 530, legislation that would establish a state-mandated catastrophe (CAT) fund in Connecticut. The testimony was presented at a hearing before the Insurance and Real Estate Committee.

“Natural catastrophe remains a manageable and insurable risk for private insurers, provided they have the proper underwriting, rating, and risk mitigation tools,” said Laura Kersey, AIA northeast region assistant vice president. “Nonetheless, some state public policymakers have proposed supplanting the role of the private insurance system through the creation of state Cat Funds and other government solutions that would undermine efforts to reduce risk and to encourage personal responsibility.”

According to AIA’s written testimony opposing Senate Bill 530, all states face some natural catastrophe risk, but the type and magnitude of the risk varies greatly by state, by regions within a state, and by type of policyholder. “It is unfair to expect inland residents to subsidize coastal development and beachfront property, or small businesses to subsidize homeowners – yet such subsidies are integral to the design and financing of state CAT Funds,” said Kersey.

AIA pointed out that Florida is the only state that has taken the gamble that a government-imposed mechanism can provide coverage more effectively than the private market. However, in the aftermath of the devastating hurricanes of 2004 and 2005, the Cat Fund ran out of money. “The deficit is now being paid off by a hurricane tax on most policyholders in the state, including many residents and businesses that are located in less risky areas, and may not even have been in the state when the hurricanes struck,” explained Kersey. In some hurricane scenarios, those assessments could last up to 30 years.

“Fortunately, the private property and casualty insurance industry is well-positioned financially and operationally to manage natural catastrophe risk,” concluded Kersey.

AIA member companies write more than 40 percent of Connecticut’s homeowners’ insurance market and almost half of the state’s property insurance market.

# # #

The American Insurance Association represents approximately 350 major insurance companies that provide all lines of property and casualty insurance and write more than $123 billion annually in premiums. The association is headquartered in Washington, D.C. and has representatives in every state. All AIA press releases are available at www.aiadc.org.

North Pacific Cyclone Activity Expected Close to Normal

Be Safe Insure — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 18:06:41 +0000

The region will experience 30 tropical cyclones and 19 typhoons, which is considered average or slightly above average, The latest updated prediction of seasonal tropical cyclone activity for the North Pacific this year by Reinsurance broker Guy Carpenter & Co llc predicts.

The report indicates La Nina, which was strong in 2007, is weaker this year and the El Nino-Southern Oscillation phenomenon is becoming neutral in terms of storm influence.

This is the second report produced by the Guy Carpenter Asia-Pacific Climate Centre at City University of Hong Kong (GCACIC), launched in June this year.

“Thus, the number of tropical cyclones is expected to be at slightly above or near normal levels, ” says James Nash, Guy Carpenter CEO of the Asia Pacific Region.

By National Underwriter (Property & Casualty – Risk & Benefits Management Edition) (07/24/08)

Travel Insurance for Hurricane Season – What You Need To Know

Be Safe Insure — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 17:43:01 +0000

Tropical Storm Bertha is currently blowing in the Atlantic, and the August peak of hurricane season is coming soon. With experts forecasting higher than usual hurricane activity this June through November, Squaremouth, America’s fastest growing travel insurance comparison web site, today announces some essential tips and terms to help customers sort through options for hurricane coverage.

Tropical Storm Bertha is currently blowing in the Atlantic, and the August peak of hurricane season is coming soon. With experts forecasting higher than usual hurricane activity this June through November, Squaremouth, America’s fastest growing travel insurance comparison web site, today announces some essential tips and terms to help customers sort through options for hurricane coverage.

Hurricane insurance tips

1 – No insurance covers absolutely everything that could happen when a hurricane hits or you need to be evacuated. New “Hurricane Warning” coverage from Travelsafe and Global Alert Administrators, for example, works only if the warning that a hurricane is about to hit comes within 24 hours of your departure date, and only if you’ve held the policy for more than 15 days.

2 – Buy the policy before a storm is named … Or you won’t be covered for losses relating to that storm. This is because insurance is based on unforeseen circumstances; once a storm has a name it’s deemed to be foreseen. (The same is true for things like airline strikes: if the impending strike becomes public knowledge before you buy insurance, you can’t make a claim.)

3 – The wording of a policy may be vague. Some policies don’t refer to hurricanes at all; coverage may fall under the catch-all category of a “natural disaster” instead. And often they’re interpreted case-by-case at claim time.

4 – Some benefits that don’t specifically mention hurricanes can help. An example is “cancel for any reason” cover, though most policies pay out less than 100% and stop within two days of departure (you’ll be covered for canceling travel plans ahead of time if a hurricane threatens; not for an emergency evacuation once the storm rolls in).

5 – If bad weather is predicted, but no warning is given … No travel insurance carrier will pay claims in this situation. The only option is to buy “cancel for any reason” coverage.

6 – Consider options offered by the airline, cruise or tour operator. If you’re offered an alternate trip with the same travel dates, you can’t make a claim if you refuse their offer. If the dates are different, most insurance companies will pay the claim, however, you must surrender the tickets.

7 – There’s plenty of variation in hurricane benefits from one company to the next, so it pays to shop around. But keep in mind that policies offered by the same company tend to offer similar protection against hurricanes, although the carrier’s higher-end product might afford slightly better coverage.

Hurricane insurance terms

1 – “Accommodation at destination made uninhabitable”
In the past, even if your hurricane soaked hotel were flattened and the pool awash in filth, you’d be on the hook for a vacation as long as the airline could still fly you there. With this benefit, you may cancel if you can no longer reach the resort, it has become unsafe, or has lost electricity and running water. Only AIG defines the term “Accommodation at destination made uninhabitable” although every carrier offers versions of the same cover.

2 – Mandatory evacuation “Conditionally covered” or “Not covered”
If you’re thinking of cutting short your trip because of a hurricane, check your policy. “Conditionally covered” means you’re covered for going home early if you have a certain amount of your trip left; this varies by carrier and is usually 50 percent, or four days or less remaining at the end of an evacuation order. If you’re “Not covered,” you can’t make a claim if the hurricane missed your destination despite the order to evacuate. (If the hurricane does hit, you can make a claim under the “Accommodation at destination made uninhabitable” portion of the policy.)

3 – “Hurricane warning” coverage
Timing is everything when it comes to buying peace of mind this hurricane season. New “Hurricane warning” coverage from Travelsafe and Global Alert Administrators works only if the warning that a hurricane is about to hit comes within 24 hours of your departure date, and only if you’ve held the policy for more than 15 days.

4 – “Complete cessation of common carrier services”
If your airline has stopped flying due to the weather and you can’t get to your island, you’ve missed a cruise departure or connecting flight, or you’re stuck in an airport, most carriers will let you make a claim. The difference between policies is in the number of hours the airline is down: at least 24 hours of downtime is usually required, though some policies allow claims for any period of downtime.

5 – “Covered for inclement weather”
This benefit is a more liberal version of “Complete cessation of common carrier services” and will let you claim without the required number of hours’ downtime. This means that if a flight cancellation impacts you in some way, you can claim the loss.

If your trip includes a cruise:
If a hurricane makes you miss your departure, insurance will pay for you to catch up at the next port of call. If the cruise is canceled, any losses not reimbursed will be covered. If the itinerary is changed and you refuse an offer of an alternate route with the same travel dates, you won’t be allowed to make a claim. If the dates offered are different, most insurance carriers will pay the claim (you’ll have to surrender the tickets).

If your trip includes flights:
If your flight is canceled, depending on the policy and your trip itinerary, you could claim for an alternative flight, cancel and go home, or wait for the flight to be rescheduled and claim for expenses.

If it’s a car trip:
A small number of policies all from the insurer AIG will cover a delay if you’re traveling by car, including any expenses incurred during the delay. Or you could cancel the trip and go home.

Post – Earthquake: how to keep your home safe

Be Safe Insure — Mon, 26 May 2008 05:02:05 +0000

By Vera Lang, BeSafeInsure.com
Sometimes earthquakes can barely be felt and live goes on as normal afterwards. However, even small earthquakes may cause devastating damage to your home over time. Often the damage to your home occurs after the earthquake, rather than during the earthquake.

Here are several self-inspections you can undertake after an earthquake to protect both your family plus your house.

Post Earthquake Safety Routine

1. As a minimum, check if there is a gas leak after an earthquake. However, it’s best to turn off the gas line altogether. If you can not turn off the gas and there is a gas leak, open the doors and everyone should leave the house immediately, and wait at a neighbor’s house. Call the fire department and wait for their arrival. Get an approximate timing for their arrival. If the gas pipeline is damaged or there is a smell of gas, do not use any gas or electric devices.

2. Another routine post-earthquake check is to look for broken or cracked water pipes in your home. If necessary, turn off the water. (Note: Even if your water pipes look ok, call the water company or check other authorities to determine if it’s safe to drink the water from the tab.)

3. Next, inspect the foundation of your home. Ensure it is not cracked nor sinking. If you find either kind of damage to your foundation, ensure everyone leaves the house till a professional examines and evaluates the problem and determines your home’s safety. While your house may still ‘feel’ secure, a sinking or cracked foundation may cause the home to collapse. Even small earth quake can cause foundation damage to your home, that sooner or later will lead to a collapse. If beams or columns are damaged leave the house as soon as possible and ask a civil agency to inspect and restore.

These are three important post-earthquake home safety self-inspections, that both ensure the safety of your family and avoid additional future damage to your home.

Post-Earthquake Community Care & Safety
For the overall safety of your community, after the earthquake, it is recommended that you:

1. Help each other for the disaster rescue. Have a look at the other buildings nearby. Their occupants may need your help.
2. Listen to the radio or watch TV any time, so you’re informed and not going with rumors.
3. If electric power is recovered after the power shutdown, do not use any electric devices right away but check first whether there is a leak of gas to keep away from any explosion or fire.
4. Do not use the telephone unless somebody has been injured or a building is damaged or burning. The emergency services may need all lines for the rescue.

About earthquake insurance

Earth quake insurance only covers damage caused by an actual event. And only after an earth quake actually occurred. Usually, earth quake insurance has a high “deductible”. In most states of the US, earth quake insurance is not a part of standard policies, but available at extra cost.