Click Here  -  For your copy of The Highway Safety Desk Book from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

This publication was made possible through the generous financial contribution of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The Advisory Committee on Highway Safety of the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) also acknowledges the hard work and creativity of the following people and their staffs who contributed articles or information for this deskbook: 

All it takes is a few inches of water to cause major damage to your home and its contents. This interactive tool shows you what a flood to your home could cost, inch by inch.

Floodsmart Video Library

Watch our collection of videos–from devastating testimonials about flooding to our Home Personified commercials. Watch Now

United Property & Casualty Insurance Company, rated A+ by BBB Accredited Business and A (Exceptional) Demotek, Inc. Insurance Rating enters Cape Cod as a leader in coastal homeowner insurance & flood insurance.  

Call Calfee Insurance for more details.  508-540-2601 Homeport Office - 508-564-5188 North Falmouth Village Office

United Property & Casualty Insurance Company ("UPC") is a Florida domiciled Property & Casualty stock insurance company located in St. Petersburg, Florida. UPC is a wholly owned subsidiary of United Insurance Holdings, L.C. whose parent company is United Insurance Holdings Corp., a publicly traded company. UPC's operations are administered by United Insurance Management, L.C., as Managing General Agent. Read More

As Hurricane Irene approaches our area, we wanted to make sure you and your customers were aware of the steps you can take to stay safe and our claim response plans as the storm approaches.
Staying safe in a hurricane or windstorm »
Understanding wind damage »
 
Safety for individuals

Create a disaster plan. Plan an evacuation route in advance and determine where you would go if you were told to evacuate.

• Prepare a survival kit. Stock up on drinking water, non-perishable goods, a first-aid kit and medicine for everyone including your pet. Include extra clothing, blankets, batteries, flashlights and a portable radio.
• Conduct a home hazard hunt and make your home as safe as possible. Secure all outdoor objects such as garbage cans and lawn furniture. Close storm shutters and board up all windows.
• Review how to shut off utilities in an emergency with all family members.
• Locate important papers and documents and have them ready to take with you should you need to evacuate. Protect documents in plastic storage bags if you're remaining in your home.
• Make sure you have insurance policies with claim contact information, an inventory of your home’s contents and cash.
• Ask an out-of-state friend to be your family contact. After a disaster, it's often easier to call long-distance than to make a local call.
• Finally, leave promptly when ordered to evacuate. Leaving too late or not leaving at all only endangers yourself and others.

Safety for businesses
 
In addition, you and your business insurance customers should consider taking the following precautions to help protect people and property and guard against disruption of operations:
 
Review your business continuity plan and communicate emergency evacuation and business interruption instructions to employees. If you don’t have a written plan, now is the time to create one. Each business should have an emergency plan including a detailed procedure for evacuation, a checklist for shutting down processes and protecting buildings, contents, equipment, and yard storage. Procedures should include salvage instructions to follow post-event.

• Back up critical data and computer records off-site so that operations can continue after a disaster. Consider keeping a backup generator and plenty of batteries on hand so your business can continue to operate after a power loss.
• As a hurricane approaches, quick actions should to be taken to install temporary protection features including:
• Shutter or board up windows to protect them from flying debris
• Clean out floor drains and catch basins to ensure maximum drainage
• Anchor structures, trailers and yard storage so they are more likely to stay put in high winds
• Fill emergency generator and fire pump fuel tanks
• Shut down production processes safely
• Shut off all flammable and combustible liquid and gas lines at their source
• Shut off electrical power at the main building disconnect before the hurricane strikes
• Once the storm has subsided and it is safe to return, a salvage team should be assembled and repair work prioritized, assuring proper supplies are available and safety procedures followed.

These and other tips on how to stay safe during hurricanes and other natural disasters are available through the Claim and Risk Control sections of our web site, travelers.com and riskcontrol.com.
 
Travelers Claim Response
 
Travelers’ National Catastrophe Center is monitoring this event closely, and we have already begun staging response resources near the hurricane’s estimated path.
 
With five call centers prepared to take loss notices 24-7, a fleet of five Mobile Claim Offices prepared to deploy anywhere on the East Coast within hours, a 300-person dedicated CAT team, and a national workforce strategy that enables us to draw on the resources of our 13,000-person claim organization, you can rest assured we will have the right resources in the right place to help you and your customers recover from the storm.
 
Claim Reporting
 
Please encourage your customers to report claims directly to Travelers as soon as possible after the storm. The sooner we learn about losses, the sooner we can help.


Personal Insurance: 1.800.CLAIM33 (1.800.252.4633)

• Business Insurance:1.800.238.6225
• Online: https://secure.travelers.com/claim/Claim-Reporting.aspx
  (This is a consumer reporting site which is also available to agents to report claims on their customers’ behalf.  Customers will receive a confirmation email and can expect to hear from their assigned Claim Professional shortly thereafter).

Suspension of Binding Authority
As a reminder, Travelers suspends agency binding authority when a Tropical Storm or a Hurricane event is expected to impact a geographic area.  Moratoriums are currently in effect for some business units for potentially affected states.  For a current list of counties with suspended binding authority, please log into Agent HQ (www.travelersagents.com) or contact your underwriter.

Cape Cod, Massachusetts 

As Hurricane Irene approaches the east coast Disaster Specialists would like to remind everyone that our staff will be on-call throughout the storm 24/7 for any and all emergencies that may arise. Serving Cape Cod, the Islands, the South Coast and the South Shore.  1-800-675-3622

info@disasterspecialists.com

Emergency Tips:

• Check all emergency equipment such as flashlights, batteries, and 
  
• charge cell phones.                          
• Clear yard of all lawn furniture and debris.    
• Stock up on batteries, food that will keep, first aid supplies, drinking water and medications.
• Make plans for pets.
• Learn the location of official shelters.          
• Have cash on hand in case power goes out and ATMs won't operate.
  

Since 1985 Disaster Specialists has been helping home and business owners with the unexpected. Fire, Flood, Vandalism, Mold, Natural Disasters and even some not-so natural disasters we are here to help. Our crews are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Through all phases from clean up to reconstruction. Disaster Specialists will work with you and your insurance company to have you back on your feet as quickly as possible. At Disaster Specialists we make disasters disappear!

It May Not Be Irene, but Another Hurricane is Inevitable!It's been six years since a hurricane struck the southeastern United States and longer than that for New England - so with the possibility that Hurricane Irene could head to New England, it makes sense to make sure that you have taken steps to ensure your safety and secure your property.  For more information on creating aFamily Emergency Plan and an Emergency Supply Kit check out Plymouth Rock’sHurricane Preparedness page!

In the meantime we have developed a quick “to do” list on the chance that Irene could head north.

Things You Can Do in Preparation for a Hurricane

• Trim trees to reduce potential damage from falling limbs.
• Clean rain gutters and keep them free of debris.
• Pick up things around your yard that you are no longer using, such as empty plant pots, etc.
• Make sure windows and doors are secure – if applicable and feasible cover glass and skylights with plywood

What to Do Before the Storm Hits

• Rearrange Belongings so that your valuables are in interior rooms away from windows
• Move furniture and electronic devices off the floor, particularly in basements and first floor levels; this can be done by placing furniture on blocks, and electronics on shelves or on top of furniture.
• Bring lighter-weight outdoor items indoors, such as trash cans, patio furniture, plants and toys. Secure other objects that could be picked up by the wind.
• If possible put your vehicle in a garage or on higher ground. Avoid parking it under a tree or on a low-lying street where it could be damaged by water.
• Make sure that heavy items such as a boat or motorcycle are stored properly; follow same general guidelines as with your car. If your boat will stay in the water, tie it down securely and remove the motor and any small objects.
• Evacuate if you feel it is necessary to protect yourself and your family. Always comply with mandatory evacuations by civil authority.

What to Do After the Storm

• If you evacuated, listen to the radio or TV news stations and wait until the area is declared safe before returning.
• When you return home, don't turn on the power right away if the area or your home is flooded. Have an electrician inspect your home first. You should have your gas lines inspected — avoid open flames or candles until you do. Also, have the plumbing checked.
• Record or photograph any damage to your home and belongings — before repairs are made or claims are filed. Protect your property from further damage and keep all receipts for these costs.

For additional in-depth information visit the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety!

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The holidays mark the beginning of a joyous season that leads us into a new year, abundant with opportunities, new dreams and a vision for a bright tomorrow.  


The holiday season is also a time to pause and reflect on the past and give thanks for all the positive things that have blessed our lives, our family members' lives and the lives of our friends and partners.


This time of year also provides an opportunity, an opportunity worth taking seriously; to strengthen family ties and build on the many friendships and partnerships we rely upon and cherish.


Please look at this holiday season as a time to say thanks for the many favorable outcomes of 2010 and as an opportunity to recognize the good work of others who have brought you joy & happiness.


The entire team at the Arthur D. Calfee Insurance Agency, Inc. give thanks for the gift of you, our loyal and dedicated clients, friends & family.  We wish you a very joyous, healthy and safe holiday season & prosperous 2011.


Sincerely yours,


Davidson O. Calfee

Tuesday 11/16/10
An After Hour EventFor Builders, Contractors, Tradesmen,Suppliers6:00@Bert's Landing
140 Warren Ave., Plymouth
deb@greaterplymouthbuildersassociation.com

Pembroke Chamber of Commerce
Business After Hours
5:30-7:30@Oliveira's Restaurant
300 Center Street, PembrokeHanover Chamber of CommerceBusiness After Hours5:00-7:00@Uno's Pizzaria at Hanover Mall
Wednesday 11/17/10

Canal Region & Plymouth Chamber of Commerce
Business After Hours
5:30-7:30@Waverly Oaks Golf Club
444 Long Pond Road, Plymouth
$5 Admission
Register Here

Thursday 11/18/10

Falmouth Chamber of Commerce
Business After Hours
$5 members $10 non members
5:00-7:00@The Navigator55 Ashumet Road, Hatchville
www.falmouthchamber.com

aNetworksOpen House5:00-8:00@aNetwork160 Old Derby Street, Suite 112, Hingham
www.anetworks.net/events.asp

Friday 11/19/10