Archive for the ‘ Agents ’ Category

What Businesses Can Learn From Harvey and Irma Before The Next Hurricane

In the wake of the disaster that Hurricane Harvey left behind, experts estimate up to $23 billion dollars in damage occurred in just two southeast Texas counties.

That number reflects market value, rather than total storm damage, and it doesn’t include the storm’s total reach. Experts are still calculating the total cost of damage across the rest of Texas and Louisiana.

It’ll take many business owners – especially those of small businesses – years to rebuild, if they do at all. Over 40% of small businesses don’t reopen after a disaster because they simply don’t have the resources.

Here are some serious issues to consider before the next hurricane hits:

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Get Your Home Ready for Cold Weather

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Are School’s Ready For Severe Weather?

BACK TO SCHOOL

It is very important that parents, guardians, staff and students are aware of the major hazards a school might face and they should understand the procedures to follow if a severe weather should occur.

The most important part of safety in schools is to develop an effective plan tailored to your building’s design to ensure optimal safety. A lot of schools implement outdated plans, or plans which do not take into account the specifics of their respective building structures. This can be dangerous, considering that every school is built differently.

Ultimately, the school administrators need to evaluate the time, space, traffic flow and coordination needed to direct all the children and staff to safe areas in an organized manner. This will require running several customized drills each tailored to individual buildings.

PORTABLE CLASSROOMS

Portable classrooms, also known as a “demountables”, are portable buildings installed at schools for temporary classroom space. All severe weather safety plans must include getting students out of portable classrooms and into a safe area in the main building of the school as quickly as possible. Once a severe weather alert is issued, students should be evacuated from these portable classrooms immediately.

GYMS/AUDITORIUMS

Large, open-span areas, such as gymnasiums, auditoriums, and lunchrooms, can be very dangerous during severe weather, and should not be used for sheltering people. These open area rooms are vulnerable to inherent structural weaknesses and a lack of adequate roof support, making them prone to collapsing in stronger winds or in severe weather conditions.

SOME ADVANCE STRATEGIES

A carefully developed drill should be conducted several times a year to keep students and staff in good practice, and to eliminate problems.  Also, large and easy to read maps or signs should be posted throughout the hallways directing people to the safe areas.

ADDITIONAL TIPS:

•If a storm watch is issued, administrators should monitor the storm carefully.

•If the school’s alarm system relies on electricity, there should also be a compressed air horn or megaphone to sound the alert in case of a power failure.

•All schools should develop plans for disabled students.

•All schools should designate someone to be trained to turn off electricity and gas promptly and safely should the need arise.

•Assemblies or lunch in large rooms should be postponed or moved if severe weather is approaching.

Information from: Weather Ready Nation and Ready.gov

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Hurricane Preparedness for Insurance Agents

Hurricane Preparedness for Insurance Agents

Now that hurricane season is underway, you’ve probably taken steps within your home to ensure you’re prepared in the event of an emergency. And you may have sent some information out to your clients. But what about your “home away from home” – your business? While forecasters have predicted a quieter than normal hurricane season in 2015, it’s always important to be ready with a plan in case disaster strikes. In regards to your business, it can mean the difference between staying open to service the needs of your customers or shutting down for a few days.

Here are 6 steps you can take to make sure your business needs are covered in the event of a hurricane:

• Ensure there is a plan for your employees and the plan is communicated effectively. An evacuation plan should be in place and each employee should know exactly what he/she needs to do in the event of an emergency. During evacuation, have a central point of contact for all employees and make sure you know where they are located. Also, create an employee list, including contact numbers for home, cell, email address, and emergency contact information, so you can check on their well-being and communicate next steps.
• Create and maintain lists of pertinent information. Lists are a quick way to have all vital information at your disposal. An emergency outside contact list should include name and phone numbers for fire, police, hospitals, internet provider, building and landlord, etc. Information should be updated at least twice a year and stored outside the office in a secure, accessible location
• Make sure client information is quickly attainable. It’s vital to have a list of insureds and their policies at the ready. A list of insurance carriers and claims department numbers is also helpful to provide clients. All vital records and data should be secured and backed up and a disaster recovery plan for computer systems should be in place. Similar to your home, it’s important to assess your office both inside and outside for safety hazards that can cause increased damage to your business. Sprinklers, smoke detectors, security systems, and generators should all be inspected. In addition, an inventory of your business should be taken prior to a hurricane to make your own claims process faster and easier. Assembling supplies for emergency crews, as well as repairs is also helpful
• Take any necessary steps to hurricane-proof your business. Similar to your home, it’s important to assess your office both inside and outside for safety hazards that can cause increased damage to your business. Sprinklers, smoke detectors, security systems, and generators should all be inspected. In addition, an inventory of your business should be taken prior to a hurricane to make your own claims process faster and easier. Assembling supplies for emergency crews, as well as repairs is also helpful.
• Identify an alternative business site after the storm. If necessary, you may need to move your business to another location for a while. Make sure this site is ready with the necessary equipment to continue operation.
• Be proactive with your clients before the hurricane. It’s important to communicate with your clients and make sure they’re ready. This includes providing information about the claims process, such as listing damages, reminders to take photos, and claims numbers. They should also know the best way to reach you. Creating information in a centralized area on your website offers clients a quick and easy reference.

Being prepared at work, as well as at home, will help you address concerns during the aftermath.

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Six Important Questions Homeowners Should Ask Their Insurance Agent

Purchasing a house is one of the biggest financial commitments you will ever make. Homeowners insurance is one important part of the process. It’s imperative that you’re protected from loss, but you may be a little unclear what’s involved and what options are available to you. That’s where an insurance agent can help. Your agent can help you understand how much coverage you need and what type of policy is best for you.

As you get started on your home buying adventure, here are six questions you should consider asking your agent. While not all six questions may pertain to your situation, the answers your agent gives will help determine the best home insurance policy for you:

1. How much would it cost to rebuild my home in its current condition and location if it were a total loss?
2. Are rates affected by the type of construction on my home?
3. How much would I need to replace personal belongings if they were destroyed?
4. What discounts are available? What other ways can I reduce my premium?
5. And for those of you who have dogs. . . I have a dog whose breed is considered ‘vicious’. Am I able to obtain coverage for dog bites? Access Home Insurance provides insurance coverage for breeds classified as ‘vicious’, including Pit Bulls, Dobermans, and Rottweiler’s. Policies exclude animal liability however, allowing policyholders to secure homeowners insurance coverage and keep their pet.
6. And in this very fortunate case . . . I have a home with a pool and a diving board. Can I get coverage? Homes having diving boards are eligible for coverage from Access Home Insurance. However, liability coverage associated with the diving board is excluded.

In addition, buying a home in a coastal state can provide another set of challenges. Depending upon where you home is located, you may need to purchase flood insurance for added peace of mind. Access Home Insurance also offers flood insurance. Your agent can provide you with details on this product as well.

If you don’t already have an agent visit us at www.accesshomeinsurance.com to locate an Access Home Insurance agent near you.

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