tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19907822707013020422024-03-06T02:17:15.499-06:00Kansas InsuranceBethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01251203874163242752noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1990782270701302042.post-81515478485031696962013-03-17T11:30:00.000-05:002013-03-17T16:53:20.225-05:00Are you covered if there's a flood? Because 98% of Kansas households are NOT.In honor of National Flood Safety Awareness Week, let's consider the following hypothetical situation.<br />
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Say it’s springtime, and you notice a weather warning pop up on your TV – a severe thunderstorm and heavy rainfall is headed your way. It’s a little dreary, but no big deal…a little rain never killed anybody, right? </div>
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Wrong. </div>
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Heavy rainfall is one of the top causes of <b>flash flooding</b>, which is a type of flood that can turn a puddle into a torrential river in a matter of minutes, and <b>they can happen virtually </b><i><b>anywhere</b>.</i> Besides being the <a href="http://www.floodsmart.gov/floodsmart/pages/flooding_flood_risks/flash_floods.jsp" target="_blank"><span style="color: #b45f06;">#1 weather-related killer in the <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">U.S.</st1:place></st1:country-region></span></a><b>,</b> flash floods (or floods of any kind for that matter) can cause an incredible amount of damage. They can rip out trees, roll boulders and destroy structures like buildings and bridges. They can even happen when there is no visible sign of rain – if rain has fallen upstream, gravity is going to pull that water your way. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTq-CRb5oaHG6-fNIYbxap2gpnGQDHqREl61l-Y3vWZiXXBsqVuz_8OxgQC13zbjy6TBj0D3G0s3eAHWJRyEBJRVz9td-nVS4PieszNY4DMXnSgsMYCkJawTEwEWKtAyd7twT2TtnyAtI/s1600/59893_9632.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTq-CRb5oaHG6-fNIYbxap2gpnGQDHqREl61l-Y3vWZiXXBsqVuz_8OxgQC13zbjy6TBj0D3G0s3eAHWJRyEBJRVz9td-nVS4PieszNY4DMXnSgsMYCkJawTEwEWKtAyd7twT2TtnyAtI/s320/59893_9632.jpg" width="240" /></a>It goes without saying that <b>the most important thing during a flood is making sure you and your family are as safe as possible</b>. But once you are out of danger, you might think you can stop worrying. Even if there is damage, you figure that’s what your homeowners insurance is for…but unless you have a separate flood insurance policy, none of that damage is going to be covered. </div>
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A lot of people would probably be surprised to learn that homeowners insurance policies do not cover flooding. Flood insurance is federally regulated, meaning that in order to have coverage for a flood you have to purchase a policy through the <span style="color: #b45f06;"><a href="http://www.fema.gov/national-flood-insurance-program" target="_blank"><span style="color: #b45f06;">National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP</span></a>)</span>. Created in 1968 by Congress to provide property owners with a way to protect themselves, the NFIP is administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Premiums are determined by the flood risk based on <a href="http://www.fema.gov/national-flood-insurance-program-flood-hazard-mapping" target="_blank"><span style="color: #b45f06;">Flood Hazard Mapping</span></a>. </div>
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<o:p>Some homeowners are required by their lender to carry flood insurance if they are in a high risk zone. But most people in low risk areas are not, and even those who are at high risk don't all carry insurance.</o:p><br />
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<o:p>According to the 2010 Census, there are more than <a href="http://bsa.nfipstat.fema.gov/reports/1011.htm" style="color: #b45f06;" target="_blank">1,100,000 households</a> in <st1:state w:st="on">Kansas</st1:state>, but FEMA statistics say that as of January 2013 there were only <a href="http://bsa.nfipstat.fema.gov/reports/1011.htm" target="_blank"><span style="color: #b45f06;">13,132 flood insurance policies</span></a> in force. We’ll let the math point out the poor tidings – that means <b>less than 2% of <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Kansas</st1:place></st1:state> households have flood coverage</b>! </o:p></div>
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For a state that is known for its flat stretches of plains and relatively few large bodies of water, this might not seem so strange. The problem is, as stated before, floods can happen almost anywhere for a variety of reasons…even in the seemingly most unlikely of places. Take this <a href="http://www.weather.com/news/vegas-flooding-20120912" target="_blank"><span style="color: #b45f06;">2012 flood</span></a> in Las Vegas, where they get an average of only <i>4</i> inches of rain a year. Compare that to our <a href="http://www.ci.lawrence.ks.us/about_us" target="_blank"><span style="color: #b45f06;">average</span></a> here in Lawrence of 37 inches and suddenly the prospect of a flood doesn't seem so odd.<br />
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When these unexpected floods happen, a lot of people who thought they didn’t have to worry end up completely out of luck...not to mention out of A LOT of money.</div>
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That’s the bad news. </div>
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The good news is, if you are reading this <i>before</i> you experience a flood, you can still take steps to prevent financial disaster. </div>
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Contact your <a href="http://www.kansasins.com/quote/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #b45f06;">insurance agent</span></a> today to find out what steps you need to take to get flood insurance coverage. Most flood policies have a 30-day waiting period after you buy it before coverage takes effect, so be proactive. Protect yourself and your family before it is too late.<br />
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Because, while this little guy might feel at home living in the water, I sort of doubt you will. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLifCjmGiFLMGZw9JKq4qOF2ygcOTW0JDMqQgRyTUlLGWbx_ADfuaJwVLgfcZ9BcSoB1wFLIdwKRcb7kc88qh5hrYqlCkbWfIzzXfl98fTFDbXOP0IgvZWRc7n4Ne9Dzk6NogJLuEjDDg/s1600/839950_83812869.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLifCjmGiFLMGZw9JKq4qOF2ygcOTW0JDMqQgRyTUlLGWbx_ADfuaJwVLgfcZ9BcSoB1wFLIdwKRcb7kc88qh5hrYqlCkbWfIzzXfl98fTFDbXOP0IgvZWRc7n4Ne9Dzk6NogJLuEjDDg/s400/839950_83812869.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Glug.</td></tr>
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Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01251203874163242752noreply@blogger.com03801 West 6th Street, Lawrence, KS 66049, USA38.9712216 -95.2863724999999738.7737076 -95.609095999999965 39.1687356 -94.963648999999975tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1990782270701302042.post-25324290558020287682013-03-05T10:03:00.002-06:002013-03-05T10:03:47.149-06:00National Severe Weather Preparedness Week - Become a Force of Nature!<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Prepare yourself for severe weather - join <a href="http://www.kansasins.com/" target="_blank">Kansas Insurance</a> in becoming a <i>Force of Nature!</i></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyZCWqnT5Qrwi625bTQNtUJlNRi2MqaNDXzHQKYvhU6xhwuYMnCx4xh4PsbfvsuvKBxjPtqrw1TTL931L-16EqtiSOTiJYaEc6zao_rKjVrh3G1Wh3FETXkQqCJ2STqMwA70XjbmZfrfI/s1600/NSWPW_poster_2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyZCWqnT5Qrwi625bTQNtUJlNRi2MqaNDXzHQKYvhU6xhwuYMnCx4xh4PsbfvsuvKBxjPtqrw1TTL931L-16EqtiSOTiJYaEc6zao_rKjVrh3G1Wh3FETXkQqCJ2STqMwA70XjbmZfrfI/s320/NSWPW_poster_2013.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The past few years have been tough for Kansas in terms of storm damage. In 2011 alone, Kansas weather-related losses reached a record breaking $1.095 billion, surpassing the previous storm loss record by close to $400 million! Nationally, just last year there were more than 450 weather-related fatalities and nearly 2,600 injuries. Tornadoes struck approximately 46 states, caused over $1.6 billion in damage and nearly 70 fatalities. There were more than 935 tornadoes in 2012, with 206 in April alone. While April and May are peak months, tornadoes happen all year round.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This week, March 3-9, 2013, has been designated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) as <b>National Severe Weather Preparedness Week</b>, and they have started a campaign to urge all Americans to <i>Be a Force of Nature</i>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Building a <a href="http://www.nws.noaa.gov/com/weatherreadynation/" target="_blank">Weather-Ready Nation</a> requires that every individual and community take action because severe weather knows no boundaries and affects us all.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So how can <i>you</i> participate?</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Know Your Risk</b>: The first step to becoming weather-savvy is to understand which types of</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">hazardous weather risks affect you where you live, and how severe weather could impact</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">you and your family. <a href="http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/oa/climate/severeweather/tornadoes.html" target="_blank">Every state in the United States</a> has experienced tornadoes and other severe weather events, so no matter where you live you are exposed to some degree of risk. The <a href="http://www.ready.gov/natural-disasters" target="_blank">FEMA website</a> has a lot of good information about all kinds of natural disasters and how to prepare to protect your family during emergencies.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Pledge and Take Action:</b> <i>Be Force of Nature</i> by taking the Pledge to Prepare at <a href="http://ready.gov/severe-weather">ready.gov/severe-weather</a>. By taking the pledge, you are committing to taking action to make sure that you and your family are prepared for severe weather. This includes filling out a <a href="http://www.ready.gov/make-a-plan" target="_blank">family communications plan </a>that you can email to yourself, putting an <a href="http://www.ready.gov/basic-disaster-supplies-kit" target="_blank">emergency kit</a> together, keeping important papers and valuables in a safe place, and <a href="http://community.fema.gov/connect.ti/READYNPM" target="_blank">getting involved</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Stay informed:</b> Ensure that you receive updates about severe weather by having multiple sources for weather alerts: obtain a <a href="http://www.nws.noaa.gov/nwr/" target="_blank">NOAA Weather Radio</a>, sign up for weather alerts through a local news organizations (such as these from the <a href="http://www2.ljworld.com/alerts/" target="_blank">Lawrence Journal-World</a>) or other <a href="http://www.weather.gov/subscribe" target="_blank">emergency weather officials</a> and see if your cell phone is compatible with <a href="http://www.fema.gov/commercial-mobile-alert-system" target="_blank">Wireless Emergency Alerts</a>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Be an Example</b>: Once you have taken action and pledged to <i>Be a Force of Nature</i>, share your story with your family and friends. Create a video and post on a video sharing site; post your story on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, comment on a blog, or share through any other social media site. Technology today makes it easier than ever to be a good example and share the steps you took to help achieve the vision of a Weather-Ready Nation.</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.nws.noaa.gov/com/weatherreadynation/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb6nEXzZyEukQCUX9-CENcQxsHZ86O27pULVEbdj0IK48oz0pmaGJFtRAMsBOG1EbJRJsTqj9z-AATt0Z4eUxaJp9tF3uMzt_4eto7cH2_FZEiiNvgU_dYJKA2CSqERYlMa8JOLZtktks/s320/force_of-Nature_icon.jpg" width="320" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Knowing your risk, taking action and being an example by sharing your knowledge and actions </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">through your social network are just a few steps you can take to be better prepared and assist in </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">saving lives.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.kansasins.com/" style="background-color: white;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #073763;"><b>Kansas Insurance</b></span></a> is committed to <i>Being a Force of Nature. </i>Are you?</span><br />
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<span style="color: #999999; font-size: x-small;">*Note: The bulk of this post's content was provided by NOAA.gov. Visit http://www.nws.noaa.gov/com/weatherreadynation/force to find resources you can share with your community. </span>Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01251203874163242752noreply@blogger.com0Kansas Insurance, 3801 W 6th Street, Lawrence, KS, USA38.971145932778057 -95.28668761253356938.968059432778055 -95.291730112533571 38.974232432778059 -95.281645112533567tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1990782270701302042.post-35725445046414724062012-12-30T14:00:00.000-06:002012-12-30T14:00:01.728-06:007 Signs that You Need an Insurance Checkup<div class="MsoNormal">
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The new year is on its way! Have you made your resolutions?</div>
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Since 2013 is coming fast, we thought it would be a good time for an <b>insurance checkup</b>!</div>
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As time goes on and your life changes, your insurance needs will
change too. Periodically updating your insurance can help save you money and
ensure that the policy you started so many years ago is still relevant today. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhncY0iKloGx3ic_Foxyxn0R30WPQm4XrJ7hYyu71NaoBm0ZypM6sM8-39-24x22DzwPVJfU6z074XtG9ijXi6cfdHa4aPiqqLdlm8pr-2qcSsTP4KhcSuS0Bjb556TucgQFAhrF3RCs_A/s1600/6826834728x8byn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhncY0iKloGx3ic_Foxyxn0R30WPQm4XrJ7hYyu71NaoBm0ZypM6sM8-39-24x22DzwPVJfU6z074XtG9ijXi6cfdHa4aPiqqLdlm8pr-2qcSsTP4KhcSuS0Bjb556TucgQFAhrF3RCs_A/s400/6826834728x8byn.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Time for your annual checkup! You need to make sure that your valuables are protected</i>. </span><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br />
(Image courtesy of <a href="http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/view_photog.php?photogid=2023" target="_blank">vichie81</a> at FreeDigitalPhotos.net) </span></td></tr>
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You might have done some things last year that you didn't realize could change your insurance. Here are some flags that you might need to review your policy.</div>
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<b>You've renovated your home.</b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge_2YcknkBxT0-kI23gnm3GGJpZ3oCZD5RNyJSQt4-8UeYwQpqo5OfRK9nXAkQTj2d-tj08ZpKjBNByLoG1nT_P8hOf-B_k0qU_LtnKo-Aw6qXVphw4iLBm9U13K4vEsTxXNvMZxt6G1g/s1600/33577reg7owonai.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge_2YcknkBxT0-kI23gnm3GGJpZ3oCZD5RNyJSQt4-8UeYwQpqo5OfRK9nXAkQTj2d-tj08ZpKjBNByLoG1nT_P8hOf-B_k0qU_LtnKo-Aw6qXVphw4iLBm9U13K4vEsTxXNvMZxt6G1g/s320/33577reg7owonai.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">(Image courtesy of <a href="http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/view_photog.php?photogid=1803" target="_blank">africa/FreeDigitalPhotos.net</a>)</span></td></tr>
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Have you recently made any improvements to your home? If so, you should check with your insurance agent to make sure you are getting the most out of your coverage. You might be paying more than you have to because many companies offer discounts for home improvements. Or worse, you might not have the coverage that you need.</div>
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You should check in with your agent if you have made any of the following changes to your home: </div>
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<li class="MsoNormal">Replaced your roof, heating system, electrical system or plumbing.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Added a security or sprinkler system.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Built an attached or detached structure, such as a new porch, storage building or carport.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Installed a pool or hot tub. </li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Done any significant remodeling that might have raised the replacement cost of your home.</li>
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<b>You've made any large purchases.</b></div>
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If you’ve recently purchased anything valuable, you might want to check and make sure it is covered. While the bulk of your home’s contents are going to be covered under your personal property coverage, most home insurance policies put a limit on how much they will pay for certain categories of property, like jewelry, firearms, furs and collectibles. Certain things may need to be scheduled, or specifically listed. Your agent will be able to help you determine the best way to cover your valuables. </div>
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<b>You've had a child leave for college.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe4iVU-RPJ7zcnle0qeJFsq6O0sxEQppBjv6M5h-KgpDzdO1ELhVeI-VgMY0LfkdAWQwZdbihWzf66GZiZHvAAOkmL5N_XvN33eBUKwhCQ5Njfe9QVSx-pRb3aDUrM004hoxzxUEyAzPU/s1600/49398mr06qrp35j.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe4iVU-RPJ7zcnle0qeJFsq6O0sxEQppBjv6M5h-KgpDzdO1ELhVeI-VgMY0LfkdAWQwZdbihWzf66GZiZHvAAOkmL5N_XvN33eBUKwhCQ5Njfe9QVSx-pRb3aDUrM004hoxzxUEyAzPU/s320/49398mr06qrp35j.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
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Check with your agent to make sure the things that they take with them are still covered. Sometimes your personal property coverage will extend to cover their things while they are away, but it is best to make sure that they don't need to get their own separate renter's policy to cover their belongings instead. It might also save you money on your auto insurance if
they no longer have access to any vehicles on the policy.</div>
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<b>You've changed marital status.</b></div>
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This is an important but often forgotten detail that agents need to know. If you have gotten married, your new spouse needs to be added to your policies so that they are covered as well. Also, a lot of times just changing your status from “single” to “married” on your insurance can make your premium go down a significant amount. </div>
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If you are recently divorced, you’ll want to make sure to let your insurance company know that as well so that your policy can be updated accordingly. Insurance policies should be split up just as assets are split up. If you have refinanced your home in only your name, for example, you wouldn’t want your ex’s name showing up on a claim check, would you?</div>
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<b>You’ve improved your credit.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Having good credit can lower your insurance premium, but not every insurance company that uses credit as a factor gets an updated score at every renewal. If you think your credit has improved since you originally wrote the policy, you might consider asking your insurance company if they have recently checked your credit report. </div>
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If you’ve changed jobs and it affects the amount of time you spend driving, you should let your agent know. It might not change anything, but some companies offer lower rates for those who work close to home and have a shorter commute.<br />
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Also, if you have started a job that requires you to drive on the clock in your personal vehicle, like pizza delivery, you need to let your agent know right away. Your personal insurance policy might not cover you while you are doing commercial activities, and might need to be rewritten as a commercial policy. </div>
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<b>You’ve sold or purchased a vehicle.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifu562wd4CM3IPbbzxQPXmYDSDZZIRGBRQDyPiWSgL6bLRXDkXuw-mm2OsYl1tiQG_wVhQZjZ2GpbSnTAI2SnP77ezBTGQZxgiArUKHNXa81fDlw6hT6oeDMyneEJ-rS43-B8eLDAY9UU/s1600/293n3yxx2d7o2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifu562wd4CM3IPbbzxQPXmYDSDZZIRGBRQDyPiWSgL6bLRXDkXuw-mm2OsYl1tiQG_wVhQZjZ2GpbSnTAI2SnP77ezBTGQZxgiArUKHNXa81fDlw6hT6oeDMyneEJ-rS43-B8eLDAY9UU/s320/293n3yxx2d7o2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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This seems like an obvious one, but with all of the hassle of selling a car you might not have remembered to call up your insurance agent to have it removed from your policy…which might mean you are still paying for coverage on a vehicle that you don’t have. If you have a bill of sale showing the date that it was sold, your agent might be able to backdate the removal. If you bought a car, you’ll want to make sure that it was added to your policy so you don’t find out the hard way that you’ve been driving around in an uninsured vehicle. </div>
Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01251203874163242752noreply@blogger.com0Kansas Insurance, Lawrence, KS, USA38.9713023314327 -95.28640329837804838.9711093314327 -95.286718298378048 38.971495331432706 -95.286088298378047tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1990782270701302042.post-80120448336780152822012-03-19T09:39:00.004-05:002012-07-06T10:38:39.079-05:00Keeping Safe During A Tornado<div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here in the Midwest, it is easy for us to become complacent about tornadoes because, for most of us, nothing terrible has ever come out of a tornado warning. But no matter how common hearing about them becomes, there will never be anything routine about tornadoes. They are unpredictable and dangerous. Tornadoes can cause a shocking amount of destruction in a matter of seconds, and it is important that we take them seriously.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Last year was one of the most deadly tornado years ever recorded in the United States. According to forecasters at AccuWeather.com, we should expect this year to be the same, if not worse, than last year...and the storm systems that have been ripping through the Midwest this spring aren't doing anything to disprove them. They have already resulted in widespread damage and multiple fatalities. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To help you make sure you aren't caught unprepared, we have put together a quick list of some things that you can do to help keep yourself safe in tornadic weather. </span></div>
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<span style="border-collapse: separate; border-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Before a tornado</b></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrjFL9WcQC6K8KRa5EiqqjGWUzKxVt09KVKmq5fKU5WCq-hG45QjAiEs22m5pQpSwxPlUKzHoZtEGfhtXrOIStaIwll4C_27A1-UnMUxAUCweooSgN774MgkUxOjBAWlPUSTvgY25Zou0/s1600/795630_11406438.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrjFL9WcQC6K8KRa5EiqqjGWUzKxVt09KVKmq5fKU5WCq-hG45QjAiEs22m5pQpSwxPlUKzHoZtEGfhtXrOIStaIwll4C_27A1-UnMUxAUCweooSgN774MgkUxOjBAWlPUSTvgY25Zou0/s320/795630_11406438.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span style="border-collapse: separate; border-spacing: 0px;"><b>Learn about your community's weather warning system.</b></span><span style="border-collapse: separate; border-spacing: 0px;"> </span></i></span></div>
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<span style="border-collapse: separate; border-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Many areas have outdoor warning systems, or sirens that go off when there is a severe weather threat, but some do not. If there are no warning sirens near you (and maybe even if there are, because sirens aren't always 100% reliable), you will want to make sure you have another way to find out if there is a dangerous weather threat in your area. Which leads to the next point...</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span style="border-collapse: separate; border-spacing: 0px;"><b>I</b></span><span style="border-collapse: separate; border-spacing: 0px;"><b>nvest in a weather radio.</b></span><span style="border-collapse: separate; border-spacing: 0px;"> </span></i></span></div>
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<span style="border-collapse: separate; border-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Televisions are not always reliable during a storm. The power might go out, or the broadcast signal could be suddenly lost. Weather radios receive broadcasts from the National Weather Service. Weather radios can be set to come on automatically whenever a watch or warning is broadcast from the National Weather Service. They run on batteries, so it is no problem if the power goes out...just make sure you keep extra batteries on hand as well. The Federal Communication Commission's Emergency Alert System also broadcasts information to weather radios for other types of hazards as well, such as chemical spills and AMBER alerts, so they are handy to have around on pleasant sunny days too. Find out where to buy a weather radio <a href="http://www.nws.noaa.gov/nwr/nwrrcvr.htm#buy" target="_blank">here</a>. </span></span></div>
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<span style="border-collapse: separate; border-spacing: 0px;"><b><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Make sure you know the difference between a 'watch' and a 'warning'.</i></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="border-collapse: separate; border-spacing: 0px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="border-collapse: separate; border-spacing: 0px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>weather watch</i></span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="border-collapse: separate; border-spacing: 0px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">means that there is a potential for dangerous weather. The conditions will be just right for creating a scary storm. </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A watch is the most important during weather events that come and go quickly, like severe thunderstorms, tornadoes and flash floods, since these events often happen so fast that there is no time to issue a warning. For events that last longer, like extreme temperatures, hurricanes and winter storms, a watch will mean that there is no IMMEDIATE threat yet, but that you should still pay attention as it could turn dangerous. In any case, a weather watch should still be taken seriously and you should prepare yourself to take action if things take a turn for the worst. In the case of a tornado, a watch means that tornadoes are <i>likely</i> to develop in the watch area, so stick close to shelter. Keep your eyes open for some of the early indicators of tornadic weather - dark greenish clouds, hail, heavy rain followed by eery calm or sudden intense winds, rotating clouds, flashes of light at ground level (they indicate power lines being snapped by wind), and a loud "freight train" sound that doesn't go away in a few seconds like thunder does. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="border-collapse: separate; border-spacing: 0px;">A</span> <span style="border-collapse: separate; border-spacing: 0px;"><i>weather warning</i></span> <span style="border-collapse: separate; border-spacing: 0px;">means that you need to take safety actions <i>immediately</i>. The threat has changed from conditions just having the potential for creating dangerous weather to the weather being a confirmed hazard for the warning area. For short-term events, the event is occurring somewhere in the warning area. For longer-term events, it means that it is no longer safe in the area and you need to either stay in or move to a safe shelter. </span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Is this safe enough?"</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span style="border-collapse: separate; border-spacing: 0px;"><b>Designate a safe place where you and your family can go during a tornado.</b></span><span style="border-collapse: separate; border-spacing: 0px;"> </span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ideally this should be a basement, crawlspace or storm cellar. If you don't have any of those, pick an interior room on the lowest floor of the home with the fewest number of windows (no windows would be best!). For mobile home or apartment dwellers, check and see if there is already a tornado plan in place and if there is a community area designated as a storm shelter that you can get to quickly. Have frequent tornado drills to make sure everyone knows where to go and the fastest way to get there. </span></div>
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<span style="border-collapse: separate; border-spacing: 0px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>Make the exterior of your home as safe as possible.</i></b></span><span style="border-collapse: separate; border-spacing: 0px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i> </i></span></div>
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<span style="border-collapse: separate; border-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Remove broken or excess limbs from trees and secure any lawn furniture, trash cans, potted plants, outdoor toys and anything else that could be thrown and cause damage during high winds. Flying debris causes the majority of tornado-related injuries. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span style="border-collapse: separate; border-spacing: 0px;"><b>Stock an emergency kit full of supplies and keep it handy.</b></span><span style="border-collapse: separate; border-spacing: 0px;"> </span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="border-collapse: separate; border-spacing: 0px;">Some items to put in there include a first aid kit, any necessary medications - especially for conditions like asthma and diabetes that are commonly affected by stress (The movie Panic Room with Jodie Foster and Kristen Stewart, where the diabetic daughter is stuck without her medication, comes to mind here.), non-perishable food (enough to feed each person for at least three days if you get trapped), three gallons of water per person, extra clothing and blankets, your weather radio, a regular radio, a</span></span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> map of the surrounding counties so that you can quickly identify where the storm is, </span><span style="border-collapse: separate; border-spacing: 0px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">flashlights and plenty of spare batteries. If you have pets, you might want to make sure you have supplies for them as well and a safe place to wait out the storm with you. If you have designated a safe area in your home it would be a good idea to make sure that you have a way of communicating with the outside world while you are there. Remember that cell phone service is not always reliable during a storm so you might want to make sure you have landline access. Keep a whistle or some other way you could signal to show where you are if you get trapped and make sure you have</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> protective coverings nearby to protect yourself from flying debris.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span style="border-collapse: separate; border-spacing: 0px;"><b>Make sure you are covered.</b></span> </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="border-collapse: separate; border-spacing: 0px;">Sorry to go all insurance agent on you, but it really is important to make sure your belongings are properly covered before disaster strikes. If you own a home, you'll want to make sure you have enough coverage for your dwelling, your personal property and any other structures on your property. Pay attention to whether your property is covered at actual cash value or replacement cost. In the event of a claim, actual cash value coverage will only pay out the depreciated value, while replacement cost coverage will pay to replace the item. If you don't own your home, you can still get coverage for your personal property on a renter's policy. And remember that if your car/truck/motorcycle is destroyed in the storm and you just have liability only auto insurance, there is no coverage for that vehicle. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span style="border-collapse: separate; border-spacing: 0px;"><b>Don't panic!</b></span><span style="border-collapse: separate; border-spacing: 0px;"> </span></i></span></div>
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<span style="border-collapse: separate; border-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Think calmly about what the safest course of action would be based on your situation.</span></span></div>
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<span style="border-collapse: separate; border-spacing: 0px;"><b><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Pay attention to updates.</i></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="border-collapse: separate; border-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Listen to your local news station or a weather radio to make sure you stay informed about changing watches and warnings.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span style="border-collapse: separate; border-spacing: 0px;"><b>Keep the windows closed.</b></span><span style="border-collapse: separate; border-spacing: 0px;"> </span></i></span></div>
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<span style="border-collapse: separate; border-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The idea that opening windows will equalize pressure is a myth.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span style="border-collapse: separate; border-spacing: 0px;"><b>Get to the closest safe area and stay there.</b></span><span style="border-collapse: separate; border-spacing: 0px;"> </span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="border-collapse: separate; border-spacing: 0px;">If possible, cover yourself with some kind of protection from debris, like a sleeping bag or a mattress. Make sure there is nothing heavy nearby that could fall or be pushed into you - this includes being aware of what is above you on upper floors because they could fall through due to storm damage (in other words, try to make sure you aren't directly underneath the grand piano in the living room). </span>Stay as far away from glass/windows as possible.</span></div>
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<span style="border-collapse: separate; border-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you are outside or in a vehicle and absolutely can't get to a shelter, you can lie face-down on the ground in the lowest altitude area you can find. Stay away from things like cars and trees that could be thrown on you. No matter how much your instincts scream at you to find something to cover you, experts say you shouldn't hide under bridges or overpasses; you'll be safer in an open area. </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">No matter where you are, stay as close to the ground as possible.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXVm_EbXbHnOXaFcmv2-4X_lGC3DLtfiYO4s7pURM7VhBl6jpxQMqeqiiLRXTzK0Xk4s8pznIBDdTMb7SBoSoODjWBAw4LhphGOZoLsswsm4vVr-QsafB1MtzZblZiuyMr3NIZbX0rC-w/s1600/911384_85987068.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXVm_EbXbHnOXaFcmv2-4X_lGC3DLtfiYO4s7pURM7VhBl6jpxQMqeqiiLRXTzK0Xk4s8pznIBDdTMb7SBoSoODjWBAw4LhphGOZoLsswsm4vVr-QsafB1MtzZblZiuyMr3NIZbX0rC-w/s320/911384_85987068.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="border-collapse: separate; border-spacing: 0px;">If the tornado hit the area you were in, c</span>heck yourself and the people around you for any injuries. Take care of what minor injuries you can with first aid and try to contact emergency services for any major injuries. Keep everyone together and wait for a sign that it is safe to move. If the building you were in was damaged and you are able to get out safely, do so in case it collapses. There might be hazards that you cannot see, like natural gas or broken power lines, so don't wander around too much or use matches or lighters. Emergency crews should be on their way shortly to help out, so the best thing is to wait from instructions from them. </span></div>
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</span></div>Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01251203874163242752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1990782270701302042.post-11078525068491345142012-01-04T09:00:00.084-06:002012-03-19T09:32:19.754-05:00Welcome to Kansas Insurance!<span style="text-align: left;">Welcome to our blog!</span><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">We are a locally owned and operated insurance agency group based out of Lawrence, Kansas, here to help you with all insurance-related aspects of your life.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Here's some quick background info so you can get a better idea of who we are. </div></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Kansas Insurance</b> is the new name of a long-established group of independent insurance agencies. </div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUyFBM2w3deVSxWjxeWyUF4T5bbvxrfMN-_oobL-7PR2WNRAXyme-RZL4uR6KgtH311jhNxh_7VJ2rCm9nrzCyQT-RlhOIJLEWfpvDwTXt46ihJjsEixDAY-SaNICsIY__Gmi5C40I5tc/s1600/logo-tci%255B1%255D.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="123" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUyFBM2w3deVSxWjxeWyUF4T5bbvxrfMN-_oobL-7PR2WNRAXyme-RZL4uR6KgtH311jhNxh_7VJ2rCm9nrzCyQT-RlhOIJLEWfpvDwTXt46ihJjsEixDAY-SaNICsIY__Gmi5C40I5tc/s200/logo-tci%255B1%255D.gif" width="200" /></a></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span class="highlighted" style="text-align: right;"></span></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="highlighted" style="text-align: right;"><span class="highlighted" style="text-align: right;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="highlighted" style="text-align: right;"><span class="highlighted">It began in 19</span><span class="highlighted">98, when Travis Oliver, president of<b> Thomas County </b></span><span class="highlighted"><b>Insurance Agency</b> in Colby, Kansas, created </span><b>Douglas County <span class="highlighted">Insurance</span> and Financial Services, Inc.</b> in Lawrence, <span class="highlighted">Kansas</span>.</span></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVlEFoQxYvUeUD3TceXWC3eW4KFaD4OxS67bUTpS1VXFg6zEfZwzI6EtYZIBvuSeQdY1IrvSoE9qa-KdK2Kg9rCOF34fFOab4ygfnU4hBQpIIB9JWe2rHNoXzgclPLGgeMlLjHzc0VHvQ/s1600/DCI+LOGO.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="103" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVlEFoQxYvUeUD3TceXWC3eW4KFaD4OxS67bUTpS1VXFg6zEfZwzI6EtYZIBvuSeQdY1IrvSoE9qa-KdK2Kg9rCOF34fFOab4ygfnU4hBQpIIB9JWe2rHNoXzgclPLGgeMlLjHzc0VHvQ/s200/DCI+LOGO.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br />
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<div style="text-align: left;"><b>Jefferson County <span class="highlighted">Insurance</span> and Financial Services, Inc</b>. in Oskaloosa, <span class="highlighted">Kansas</span> was added to the agency group in 2005.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIhzDFv0xAZoYZeX7EY7FQBbRgiWBCTzqaJXvLVtMl_oIOxDlPZnqy86drxHBxKBj8tdoXswLjt-QR46lOu8u0iL2g3EnJAPn-l7Gge5dajn5M1kM1wGzFV4K_mb94nSfGm61PFNbeBRw/s1600/JCI+Logo+clear.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" height="102" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIhzDFv0xAZoYZeX7EY7FQBbRgiWBCTzqaJXvLVtMl_oIOxDlPZnqy86drxHBxKBj8tdoXswLjt-QR46lOu8u0iL2g3EnJAPn-l7Gge5dajn5M1kM1wGzFV4K_mb94nSfGm61PFNbeBRw/s200/JCI+Logo+clear.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">In 2006, the Mader Gilmore Agency in Ottawa, KS was purchased and renamed <b>Franklin County <span class="highlighted">Insurance</span></b>.</div><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">The entire agency group was renamed <b><span class="highlighted">Kansas</span> <span class="highlighted">Insurance</span></b> in 2011 to unite the different offices together under a common name. There are currently <span class="highlighted">Kansas</span> <span class="highlighted">Insurance</span> offices in Lawrence, Oskaloosa, and Colby, Kansas.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUJqiuwN3EF9s88g7A0ij-QQzOUrr2UF8s3QBZs-8SMOssstTqnzy2lhVe7jjNPp-ZbZmKYVdn85EoNiohUhmAwReue_x-gih4YwiyWZjtPPr4R5GYXMGowFlgOr0Oy_tvGG9w0PkIbqc/s1600/Kansas+Insurance+Logo+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="164" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUJqiuwN3EF9s88g7A0ij-QQzOUrr2UF8s3QBZs-8SMOssstTqnzy2lhVe7jjNPp-ZbZmKYVdn85EoNiohUhmAwReue_x-gih4YwiyWZjtPPr4R5GYXMGowFlgOr0Oy_tvGG9w0PkIbqc/s320/Kansas+Insurance+Logo+(2).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">We look forward to getting to know you as time goes on! If you want more information about our agents or the services that we offer, please visit our <a href="http://www.kansasins.com/">website</a> (And don't forget to follow us on <a href="http://bit.ly/AlTQPt" target="_blank">Twitter </a>and <a href="http://www.facebook.com/kansasinsurance" target="_blank">Facebook</a>!).</div>Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01251203874163242752noreply@blogger.com0Lawrence, KS, USA38.9716689 -95.2352501000000338.911556399999995 -95.319617100000031 39.0317814 -95.15088310000003