The Storm is Over ... Know What to Do Next ....

Now that you've read our blog about preparing for a hurricane, you're half way through the battle. But what do you do after the hurricane? Do you have a plan in place for the dangers that still exist?

If you've traveled to be safe during the storm, before you return home, you should find out if local authorities have declared your neighborhood safe. Flooding, downed power lines, damaged roads or other unsafe obstacles could be surrounding your home. In fact, these threats could be along the roads to your neighborhood, even if your neighborhood was declared safe. You should map your journey well, based on as much information as you can find regarding the roads that lead you home. Stay tuned to local radio stations and while traveling keep a window open to be able to hear any emergency sirens or other signals.

Avoid night travels to the best of your ability. Road debris and sinkholes could present hidden danger in the dark of night and remember it will be darker than you expect without street lights. Also, following a storm, wild animals and rodents become more prominent and could even be taking shelter in your home. Authorities will schedule curfews for all cities affected by the hurricane, usually at dusk.

Understandably, you will be eager to get home to secure your possessions and make sure your property is all right. But don't make hasty decisions you may regret such as driving or wading through standing water. Lurking underneath that water could be large debris, sinkholes or even dangerous animals such as poisonous snakes or alligators. Even if you have a sport utility vehicle that should be able to drive through standing water, it could stall which causes damage to the vehicle and forces you to walk through these dangerous waters.

One of the largest threats after a hurricane is fallen power lines. Do not drive over them! If a power line falls on your vehicle while you are driving, continue to drive away from the danger. If your vehicle stalls, do NOT turn off the ignition and do NOT get out of your vehicle. Wait for emergency rescue and warn others to keep their distance from your vehicle due to potential danger.

When you have reached your destination, your home, you must first realize that even if it looks safe from the outside it may not be safe inside. Before entering, try your best to do an outside inspection of the home to see if there is any structural damage that would make it unsafe for entry. But also, please remember, there may be structural damage that is not visible from your point of view and you should still use caution when entering the home. When you enter your home, remember to avoid attempts to use any electricity and also avoid using lighters or matches in case there is a potential gas leak. If you should smell gas, exit immediately and alert authorities. If your home feels like it is shifting or you hear unusual noises, this may be a signal that the home could collapse and you should exit immediately. If it smells as if something is burning but you see no evidence of fire, try to shut off your electrical box or your home's main circuit breaker and exit the home.

Do not hook up a generator to your home's wiring without having it checked by an electrician first. What appears safe or undamaged may not actually be and only a certified electrician can advise on whether or not it is safe. You should always have an electrician check your home following a hurricane, even if your home appears safe.

You will probably be eager to clean up your home, but be sure that you follow the proper procedures before you do so. It will be important that you wear protective clothing including gloves, boots and face masks. Flood waters or high winds may have shifted chemical containers. Avoid inhaling chemical fumes. Be cautious of explosive items. We recommend you carry a fire extinguisher with you to be extra safe. Remember, water supplies and emergency services will be crippled at this time so it's better to be prepared.

Your water supply is likely tainted and should not be used for cleaning, cooking or drinking. Be sure to bring plenty of bottled water with you for your return home.

For more valuable advice about your return home after a hurricane, visit the Center of Disease Control's website at: http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/hurricanes . Also, keep watching our blog for useful information about preparing for the storm and making an insurance claim after the storm. SouthGroup Insurance Services is your local insurance family. We've been through the storms of the past together, and we are invested in the storms of your future.

P.S. Our HURRICANE SUPPLIES AND $20 GIFT CARD CONTEST is underway and will be open for entries through Aug 2 at 4pm. CLICK HERE TO ENTER!!! AND PLEASE LIKE OUR SOUTHGROUP FACEBOOK PAGE!!

For more information, like our facebook page at: www.facebook.com/southgroup.gulfcoast
We will be posting more tips for before, during and after the storm. There you can find our contest to WIN HURRICANE SUPPLIES AND A $20 WALMART GIFT CARD (prize must be picked up at one of the 3 SouthGroup Gulf Coast locations- Bay St Louis, Biloxi or Diamondhead) -- all you need to to is CLICK THE PIC AND LIKE IT to be entered to win --- hurry because the contest ends at 4pm on Aug 2!

If you are on the Gulf Coast, contact your Trusted Choice agent, SouthGroup-Gulf Coast http://www.southgroupgulfcoast.com / , SERVICE TEAM: Angelyn Treutel, Tammy Garfield, Dawn Garza, Tammy Hogue, Brittany Jones, Wendy Johnson, Denise Russell, Melissa Moran, Alex Treutel, Susan Monti, Kayleigh Davis, Anne Gillam, Ashlie Moody, and Whitney Zimmerman at SouthGroup Gulf Coast. You can reach us by snail-mail: 412 Hwy 90, Suite 6, Bay St Louis MS 39520, email: atreutel@southgroup.net , phone:228-466-4498, fax:888-415-8922,

FaceBook www.facebook.com/southgroup.gulfcoast , or Twitter www.twitter.com/atreutel ! We now have 3 locations to serve you - 2505 Pass Road - Biloxi, 5400 Indian Hill-Diamondhead, and 412 Hwy 90 Ste 6-Bay Saint Louis, MS.

Thanks to Susan Monti for her words of wisdom!

　

　

Get Prepared for the Storm - and WIN Hurricane Supplies - Read the Blog to find out how to win ...

While some of us are more experienced than we'd like to be, others may not be fully aware on how to prepare for a hurricane. Some preparations may seem like common sense, but in the moment we sometimes forget the simplest of things as we rush to safety. We thought now that Dorian has formed in the eastern Atlantic it would be a good time to refresh our friends on some of the best tips for hurricane preparedness. If you have some good suggestions, please share them in the comments!

The first thing to do is make yourself a check list so that when you are in a rush you can be sure you haven't forgotten anything important! Below are some suggestions for your checklist:

Have a mapped out evacuation route

Plan your evacuation location and be sure it is pet friendly if bringing your furry family

Learn School Emergency Plans for your children

Pack/carry all of your important and irreplaceable documents (including insurance, medical documents, passports and photos)

Take a quick inventory of your possessions that you are not taking, photograph these if possible

Make sure all windows and doors are locked and protected as best as possible

Make sure all vehicles not taking the journey are safely stored to avoid flood damage or falling objects

Pack a disaster supplies kit including: Water, snacks, batteries, transistor radio, flashlight, first aid, towelettes, can opener, maps, medications, personal needs

Pack a multi-purpose tool

Carry a list of all of your emergency contacts

Carry extra cash, your credit cards are not always reliable

Pack an extra set of keys to your home and vehicles

Pack insect repellant and sun block

Be sure to carry a camera with you, so that when you return you are able to photograph any damage

Some other important things to consider are how to prepare your surroundings. Remember to trim those tree branches which may be a threat to you or your neighbor's property in the event of heavy winds. If you own a boat, make sure it is secured. Any loose lawn furniture or decorations should be placed inside your home to avoid becoming projectiles. Help your neighbors do the same!

When evacuating, be sure to avoid flooded roads. Keep your radio tuned to local stations or carry an NOAA weather radio. Fortunately, in Hancock County we our own local radio station created for emergency situations in our area. As long as you are local, you may tune in to 103.5FM and when you are able you can also listen to this station streaming online.

For more information, like our facebook page at: www.facebook.com/southgroup.gulfcoast
We will be posting more tips for before, during and after the storm.  There you can find our contest to WIN HURRICANE SUPPLIES AND A $20 WALMART GIFT CARD (prize must be picked up at one of the 3 SouthGroup Gulf Coast locations- Bay St Louis, Biloxi or Diamondhead) -- all you need to to is CLICK THE PIC AND LIKE IT to be entered to win --- hurry because the contest ends at 4pm on Aug 2!

 

If you are on the Gulf Coast, contact your Trusted Choice agent, SouthGroup-Gulf Coast http://www.southgroupgulfcoast.com / , SERVICE TEAM: Angelyn Treutel, Tammy Garfield, Dawn Garza, Tammy Hogue, Brittany Jones, Wendy Johnson, Denise Russell, Melissa Moran, Alex Treutel, Susan Monti, Kayleigh Davis, Anne Gillam, Ashlie Moody, and Whitney Zimmerman at SouthGroup Gulf Coast. You can reach us by snail-mail: 412 Hwy 90, Suite 6, Bay St Louis MS 39520, email: atreutel@southgroup.net , phone:228-466-4498, fax:888-415-8922,

FaceBook www.facebook.com/southgroup.gulfcoast , or Twitter www.twitter.com/atreutel ! We now have 3 locations to serve you - 2505 Pass Road - Biloxi, 5400 Indian Hill-Diamondhead, and 412 Hwy 90 Ste 6-Bay Saint Louis, MS.

Thanks to Susan Monti for her words of wisdom!

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY-BE COOL!

The predicted weather for the MS Gulf Coast during this holiday weekend shows the average temperature around 86. Couple that with the humidity factor, and we're looking at some serious heat! It's the price we pay to live in such a fantastic place, but we need to all practice simple safety measures to avoid heat related illness such as exhaustion or heat stroke.

The number one rule is to stay hydrated. Don't wait to drink until you are thirsty or active, stay hydrated regardless. Avoid alcoholic beverages or sugary drinks as these usually cause you to lose more body fluid. Also avoid very cold drinks because this can cause cramps. If you are active outdoors during peak hours, doctors recommend you drink at least 32 ounces of cool water or sports beverages such as Gatorade every hour that you are outdoors.

When dressing to be in hot conditions keep your attire light weight, light colored and loose fitting. Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a wide brimmed hat, sunglasses and SPF 15 or higher sun block.

Consider the well being of your loved ones and pets by checking regularly on infants and young children outdoors as well as the elderly or handicapped. Prepare outdoor pets with abundant water to drink and shady places to rest. Never leave a person or animal in a closed vehicle. Each year, dozens of children and pets left in parked vehicles die from hyperthermia. Hyperthermia is an acute condition that occurs when the body absorbs more heat than it can handle. Studies have shown that the temperature inside a parked vehicle can rapidly rise to a dangerous level for children, pets and even adults. Leaving the windows slightly open does not significantly decrease the heating rate.

Heat-Related Illness Symptoms and First Aid

HEAT CRAMPS

Symptoms:


Painful muscle cramps and spasms usually in legs and abdomen


Heavy sweating


First Aid:


Apply firm pressure on cramping muscles or gentle massage to relieve spasm.


Give sips of water, if nausea occurs, discontinue water

HEAT EXHAUSTION

Symptoms:


Heavy sweating


Weakness


Cool, pale, clammy skin


Weak pulse


Possible muscle cramps


Dizziness


Nausea and vomiting


Fainting


Normal temperature possible


First Aid:


Move person to a cooler environment


Remove or loosen clothing


Apply cool, wet cloths


Fan or move victim to air conditioned room


Offer sips of water. If nausea occurs, discontinue water. If vomiting continues, seek immediate medical attention.

HEAT STROKE (or sunstroke)

Symptoms:


Altered mental state


Possible throbbing headache, confusion, nausea, dizziness, shallow breathing


High body temperature (106°F or higher)


Skin may be hot and dry, or patient may be sweating


Rapid pulse


Possible unconsciousness


First Aid:


Heat stroke is a severe medical emergency. Summon emergency medical assistance or get the victim to a hospital immediately. Delay can be fatal.


Move the victim to a cooler, preferably air-conditioned, environment


Reduce body temperature with a water mister and fan or sponging


Use fan if heat index temperatures are below the high 90s


Use extreme caution


If temperature rises again, repeat process


Do NOT give fluids

Have a safe and Happy 4th of July and stay healthy all summer long!

If you are on the Gulf Coast, contact your Trusted Choice agent, SouthGroup-Gulf Coast http://www.southgroupgulfcoast.com / , SERVICE TEAM: Angelyn Treutel, Tammy Garfield, Dawn Garza, Tammy Hogue, Brittany Jones, Wendy Johnson, Denise Russell, Melissa Moran, Alex Treutel, Susan Monti, Kayleigh Davis, Anne Gillam, Ashlie Moody, and Whitney Zimmerman at SouthGroup Gulf Coast. You can reach us by snail-mail: 412 Hwy 90, Suite 6, Bay St Louis MS 39520, email: atreutel@southgroup.net , phone:228-466-4498, fax:888-415-8922,

FaceBook www.facebook.com/southgroup.gulfcoast , or Twitter www.twitter.com/atreutel ! We now have 3 locations to serve you - 2505 Pass Road - Biloxi, 5400 Indian Hill-Diamondhead, and 412 Hwy 90 Ste 6-Bay Saint Louis, MS.

Thanks to Susan Monti for her words of wisdom!

It's Fireworks Time - Don't Get Burned!

 

 

Fireworks are a fun and a great addition to any celebration, but particularly the 4th of July. According to fireworksafety.com, however, fireworks result in nearly 10,000 injuries every year! The most common fireworks that cause injury are firecrackers, bottle rockets, roman candles, fountains and other items not actually legal in many states. 

Did you know on Independence Day in a typical year, more fires are reported in the United States than on any other day, and fireworks account for statistically 2 out of 5 of those fires?

Celebrations often include alcoholic beverages. The Fire Safety Council recommends drinking alcohol should wait until after fireworks activities. Nearly 50% of incidents involving fireworks are coupled with alcohol.

Here are some useful tips that can be overlooked when people are using fireworks.

• Be sure to read the instructions on the package before using them. The design and/ or instructions for fireworks you may have used in the past could have changed.




• Have a designated, experienced person or team to organize and shoot fireworks.


Parents and caretakers should always closely supervise children if they are using fireworks and should not allow small children to handle fireworks




• Fireworks should only be used outdoors.


Always have water ready if you are shooting fireworks.


Obey local laws. If fireworks are not legal where you live, do not use them.




Wear safety glasses whenever using fireworks.




• Never relight a "dud" firework.　 Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.




• Soak spent fireworks with water before placing them in an outdoor garbage can.




• Never attempt to alter or modify consumer fireworks and use them only in the manner in which they were intended.


Report illegal explosives, like M-80s and quarter sticks, to the fire or police department.


Be aware of your surroundings when shooting fireworks by avoiding dry brush areas and keeping the spectators at a safe distance


Never point or shot fireworks in the direction of a person, animal or home


Light one firework at a time

In 2011, fireworks caused an estimated 17,800 reported fires including 1,200 total structural fires, 400 vehicle fires and 16,300 other fires. These fires resulted in an estimated 8 reported deaths, 40 reported injuries and an estimated $32 million in direct property damage.

Remember to make smart decisions when using fireworks and take proper precautions. If someone is injured by fireworks or a fire is started, contact 911 immediately for assistance.

Southgroup Insurance Services wishes all of you a safe and happy 4th of July holiday!

 

If you are on the Gulf Coast, contact your Trusted Choice agent, SouthGroup-Gulf Coast http://www.southgroupgulfcoast.com / , SERVICE TEAM: Angelyn Treutel, Tammy Garfield, Dawn Garza, Tammy Hogue, Brittany Jones, Wendy Johnson, Denise Russell, Melissa Moran, Alex Treutel, Susan Monti, Kayleigh Davis, Anne Gillam, Ashlie Moody, and Whitney Zimmerman at SouthGroup Gulf Coast. You can reach us by snail-mail: 412 Hwy 90, Suite 6, Bay St Louis MS 39520, email: atreutel@southgroup.net , phone:228-466-4498, fax:888-415-8922,

FaceBook www.facebook.com/southgroup.gulfcoast , or Twitter www.twitter.com/atreutel ! We now have 3 locations to serve you - 2505 Pass Road - Biloxi, 5400 Indian Hill-Diamondhead, and 412 Hwy 90 Ste 6-Bay Saint Louis, MS.

Thanks to Susan Monti for her words of wisdom!