July 7, 2010 The Nation's Power Grid - Sweating it Out During a Heat Wave

A brief history of a power grid strained beyond it's capacity.

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July 5, 2010 Gulf Oil Spoil Damaging More Than the Environment

Gulf oil spill takes emotional toll on residents - Mental health experts say growing anxiety over the Gulf oil leak is taking a toll on those who make a living on its waters. 

NBC's Kerry Sanders reports from Louisiana. - Prepare4 Media NBC News Clip 

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July 6, 2010 Weather Threatens Gulf of Mexico Region

Cyclone Strength Storm, A tropical wave in the eastern Caribbean south of the Gulf Region.
As the Northeast heats up the heat is on to speed up the oil recovery efforts in the Gulf before the next storm disrupts the area.
Prepare4 Media edited NBC Nightly News Clip

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July 5, 2010 Northeast Braces for Heat Wave-Midwest for Potential Severe Storms and Flooding

Prepare4 Media Edited Clip from July 5, 2010 NBC Nightly News Segment with Kevin Tibbles

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Are You Covered?, Get Informed Before the Next Storm

Your Home

“Am I covered for that?” Many were asking themselves that question last week while the rain and trees were falling on county roads and homes. Some storms cause damage to our property AND our wallets so as you are filling up those sandbags fill out an insurance policy that will cover and protect you from storm damage.

The Calm before the Storm

“Sure, I’m calm I’ve got home owners insurance and that covers everything!” Well, your homeowner’s insurance policy does cover many of the everyday risks a homeowner faces but surface water damage caused by the rain entering through the hole in the roof is not covered, this type of damage along with damage caused by flood waters needs to be addressed by a separate surface water/flood policy.

A word to the wise:

If you live down slope from a recently burned out area you may want to take out a flood insurance policy. Burn areas do not have the vegetation needed to hold the hill together therefore water and other debris will rush down unabated onto property and into your house.

“In the Flooded Plains”

If you know that you live in a flood plain (Tijuana River Basin, Mission Valley-San Diego River Area, etc) you also know that you can get flood insurance.

But what if you don’t know? Please find out.

There are a number of resources you can go to for information, you can ask your insurance agent or broker, the Federal Government sponsors the website, www.floodsmart.gov. This site will give you information about flooding, flood risks, the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), preparation and recovery, maps, etc.

Know before the flood waters flow!

Get Storm Ready

Being storm ready also means that you are “claim ready”.

Most insurance companies suggest that you take pictures or better yet a video of your entire house, inside and out, and it is recommended that you do this every two or three years. If you don’t have pictures or video do you have receipts, serial numbers or other documents proving ownership of the items that you have listed on your claim? If your claim states that your 3 - 42 inch plasma televisions were destroyed by the tree that landed in your living room they will ask you to provide some sort of proof. Being claim ready is also helpful when other “storms” occur such as a house fire, burglary, wildland fire or earthquake.

Now, once you have made your Claim Ready file store a copy of it off-site like in a safety deposit box or somewhere where it will be safe, secure and easily accessible because even if your home is destroyed your documents won’t be.

Your SUV is not a USV (Underwater Submersible Vehicle)

If you decide to drive around DPW barricades warning of flooded roads or through water of an unknown depth get ready to be chest deep into trouble. If you have comprehensive auto insurance you will be covered for the damage and the cost of “fishing” your vehicle out of the water. Depending on your insurance company this “stupidity factor” may or may not raise your premiums but it certainly will put your agent on notice in regards to your driving. You have liability only? well, better invest in a USV.

Garaged Vehicles

Make sure that the '65 Ford Mustang that you are restoring to cherry like condition for rolls down El Cajon Boulevard on a July evening has its own comprehensive insurance policy, running or not! Homeowners insurance will not cover damage to the car if the tree that is in your living room entered by way of the garage.

Before the Next Storm

So now you have been informed

That before the next storm

Take a moment and see

If you are covered by the right insurance policy.

" Two Feet and Rising!"

Flooding & Flash Flood

National Flood Safety Awareness week at FloodSmart.Gov (March 15-22, 2009) has just passed but it looks like we need to be aware for a little while longer.

Turn Around, Don't drown!

Floods & Flash Flooding - On the surface the river of water may look calm but the power lies beneath the surface.
If you are ever swept into the water (may that never happen) look for something to grab on to or float with, look for a way out! Remember it ain't over until the water buffalo sings.

Trapped in a car? Look for away out. Ships float, Cars don't!

Flood Facts that will Move You

Flash floods are the top weather-related killer in the U.S.

6 inches of swift flowing water will knock you off your feet.

18 inches of swift flowing water will effectively move your car...down the road.

View a 30 Second Swift Water Public Service Announcement

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Garbagemen, Our Everyday Heroes!

What? Garbagemen? Absolutely!

Garbagemen keep our cities and towns clean, free of disease and other unwelcome things.

Unable to walk
because your sidewalk is blocked.

Unable to play
because the ground has turned a muddy gray.

What is that water in your cup?

Brown and floating with gunk?

Your garbageman allows you to enjoy the smells of spring,
without the odor enhancement of other things.

So the next time you see the man,
picking up that garbage can.

Give a smile and say thank you
because it's with determination that he deals with the stank and goo.

P.S. They even go the extra mile by attaching a snowplow to their machine
to keep the streets clear and clean.

Thank you guys for your hard work!