Hang On --- It's Almost Hurricane Time - Be Prepared!

The names for the 2014 hurricane season have already been chosen. The season will officially start on June 1 and end on November 30; these dates conventionally determine the period of each year when most tropical cyclones form in the Atlantic Basin. However, the formation of tropical cyclones is possible at any time.

In preparation for the upcoming 2014 Hurricane Season, SouthGroup Insurance Gulf Coast is once again hosting our popular Hurricane Preparedness Contest! Visit us on facebook at www.facebook.com/southgroup.gulfcoast  to check out our ice chest full of snacks, first aid, water and other supplies that you could win, plus a $25 Walmart gift card to help you with your own supplies.

 

Fortunately, all factors indicate this will be a mild hurricane season. The Bermuda High is often the biggest factor in where a hurricane hits. When a warm air mass forms over the Atlantic, the closer it is to us, the greater the threat that the eye of the hurricane will make an impact on the Gulf Coast. The further it is, the more likely the hurricane will hit further up the east coast. It’s too early to tell where it’ll form. This factor is one of the most difficult when it comes to forecasting hurricanes. Even when forecasting a mild hurricane season with a below average number of storms, a devastating hurricane can still hit a coastline.

History teaches us that a lack of hurricane awareness and preparation create more problems following a major hurricane disasters. By knowing in advance what actions you should take, you can reduce some of the effects of a hurricane disaster. Hurricanes are among nature’s most powerful and destructive phenomena. If you live in an area prone to tropical storms and hurricanes, you need to be prepared. Even areas well away from the coastline can be threatened by destructive winds, tornadoes and flooding associated with these storms. Even though hurricanes can be a major impact, tropical storms and tropical depressions can also be devastating. Floods from heavy rains and severe weather, such as tornadoes, can cause extensive damage and loss of life.

Storm surge and large waves produced by hurricanes pose the greatest threat to life and property along the coast. Storm surge can reach heights well over 20 feet and can span hundreds of miles of coastline. More intense and larger hurricanes produce higher surge. The strong winds of a tropical cyclone can cause dangerous waves that pose a significant hazard to coastal residents. When the waves break along the coast, they can produce deadly rip currents—even at large distances from the storm.

Flash flooding, defined as a rapid rise in water levels, can occur quickly due to intense rainfall. Longer term flooding on rivers and streams can persist for several days after the storm. Hurricanes and tropical storms can also produce tornadoes. Tornadoes most often occur in thunderstorms embedded in rain bands well away from the center of the hurricane; however, they can also occur near the eyewall.   Hurricane-force winds, 74 mph or more, can destroy buildings and homes. Debris, such as signs, roofing material, siding and small items left outside become flying missiles during hurricanes. Winds can stay above hurricane strength well inland.

The National Weather Service (NWS) continuously broadcasts warnings, watches and forecasts, but you may be wondering what some of the terms mean. Below is a brief explanation of the weather terms you will hear in an emergency situation. For more information, visit www.noaa.gov.

„„HURRICANE WATCH: An announcement that hurricane conditions are possible within the specified area. Because hurricane preparedness activities become difficult once winds reach tropical storm force, the hurricane watch is issued 48 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical-storm-force winds.

„„TROPICAL STORM WATCH: An announcement that tropical storm conditions (sustained winds of 39 to 73mph) are possible within the specified area within 48 hours in association with a tropical, subtropical, or post-tropical cyclone.

„„HURRICANE WARNING: An announcement that hurricane conditions (sustained winds of 74 mph or higher) are expected somewhere within the specified area in association with a tropical, subtropical, or post-tropical cyclone. The hurricane warning is issued 36 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical-storm-force winds.

„„TROPICAL STORM WARNING: An announcement that tropical storm conditions (sustained winds of 39to 73 mph) are expected somewhere within the specified area within 36 hours in association with a tropical, subtropical, or post-tropical cyclone.

„„EXTREME WIND WARNING: Extreme sustained winds of a major hurricane (115 mph or greater), usually associated with the eyewall, are expected to begin within an hour. Take immediate shelter in the interior portion of a well-built structure.

Additional Watches and Warnings are issued to provide detailed information on specific threats such as floods and tornadoes. Local National Weather Service offices issue Flash Flood/Flood Watches and Warnings as well as Tornado Warnings.

There are actions that should be taken before, during and after a hurricane or tropical storm. While some of us are more experienced than we'd like to be, others may not be fully aware how to prepare for a hurricane. Some preparations may seem like common sense, but in the danger of the moment, we sometimes forget the simplest of things as we rush to safety. 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


Determine 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 able to be used if power is out


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.

In preparation for the upcoming 2014 Hurricane Season, SouthGroup Insurance Gulf Coast is once again hosting our popular Hurricane Preparedness Contest! Visit us on facebook at facebook.com/southgroup.gulfcoast to check out our ice chest full of snacks, first aid, water and other supplies that you could win, plus a $25 Walmart gift card to help you with your own supplies.

Now is a good time to review your insurance coverages and be sure to let your Trusted Choice Agent know if there have been any changes in your home, marital status, or mortgage holders.


Most importantly, as your Trusted Choice Insurance Agent, SouthGroup Insurance Gulf Coast wants you to know you can call on us with your questions or concerns seeking more helpful advice or answers to your pressing insurance questions. A full insurance review is always your best bet to make sure you have all of the adequate coverage for your personal insurance needs. Remember, we offer a personalized insurance review to anyone who is interested at no charge – just visit any one of our 3 convenient coastal locations!

We are your LOCAL Trusted Choice Advisors, SouthGroup-Gulf Coast http://www.southgroupgulfcoast.com ,  SALES AND SERVICE AGENTS: Angelyn Treutel Zeringue, Tammy Garfield, Tammy Hogue, Brittany Jones, Denise Russell, Melissa Moran, Alex Treutel, Susan Monti, Anne Gillam, Ashlie Moody, Michael Reso, Mark Strickland, and Whitney Zimmerman at SouthGroup Gulf Coast. You can reach us by snail-mail or in person: 412 Hwy 90, Suite 6, Bay St Louis MS 39520, email: atreutel@southgroup.net , phone: 228-466-4498 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 228-466-4498 FREE  end_of_the_skype_highlighting  fax:888-415-8922,  FaceBook www.facebook.com/southgroup.gulfcoast, or Twitter www.twitter.com/atreutel !

We have 3 Gulf Coast locations to serve you - 2505 Pass Road - Biloxi, 5400 Indian Hill-Diamondhead, and 412 Hwy 90 Ste 6-Bay Saint Louis, MS. We write coverage in 40 different states and can assist you with Mississippi insurance, Louisiana insurance, and Alabama insurance and many other states. Insurance is stressful, but we make saving easy.  We help you save money on insurance!

Spring has Sprung! Time for Spring Cleaning!

Beautiful weather - everything is coming to life - the trees and the flowers. Happiness fills the air and everyone is filled with extra energy --- to CLEAN ... time to clean the yard, and the put all the winter gear away!


The National Safety Council reminds us to be certain you update your safety plan and make sure all of your safety equipment is functioning.  Some suggestions:


+ Verify that your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are working and have new batteries
+ Change any outside lights that have burned out
+ Put away winter items properly and well labeled
+ Look around for anything broken -- and fix it or get rid of it!
+ Review all medications and discard anything that is out of date
+ Verify that your fire extinguisher is up to date and working; replace if necessary
+ Review your Family Escape Plan with all family members --- might be a good idea to practice it too.  Include at least 2 ways to escape from each room and define a specific meeting place outside
+ Update your first aid kit with any missing items.  Be sure to have bandages, gloves, scissors, tweezers, antibiotic treatment, a cold pack, disposable bags, and a first aid manual


Now is a good time to review your insurance coverages and be sure to let your Trusted Choice Agent know if there have been any changes in your home, marital status, or mortgage holders.


Most importantly, as your Trusted Choice Insurance Agent, SouthGroup Insurance Gulf Coast wants you to know you can call on us with your questions or concerns seeking more helpful advice or answers to your pressing insurance questions. A full insurance review is always your best bet to make sure you have all of the adequate coverage for your personal insurance needs. Remember, we offer a personalized insurance review to anyone who is interested at no charge – just visit any one of our 3 convenient coastal locations!

We are your LOCAL Trusted Choice Advisors, SouthGroup-Gulf Coast http://www.southgroupgulfcoast.com ,  SALES AND SERVICE AGENTS: Angelyn Treutel Zeringue, Tammy Garfield, Tammy Hogue, Brittany Jones, Denise Russell, Melissa Moran, Alex Treutel, Susan Monti, Anne Gillam, Ashlie Moody, Michael Reso, Mark Strickland, and Whitney Zimmerman at SouthGroup Gulf Coast. You can reach us by snail-mail or in person: 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 have 3 Gulf Coast locations to serve you - 2505 Pass Road - Biloxi, 5400 Indian Hill-Diamondhead, and 412 Hwy 90 Ste 6-Bay Saint Louis, MS. We write coverage in 40 different states and can assist you with Mississippi insurance, Louisiana insurance, and Alabama insurance and many other states. Insurance is stressful, but we make saving easy.  We help you save money on insurance!

The Value of a Mother ---

A mother laughs our laughter and sheds our tears
A mother fears our fears and lives our joys
All of our cares, hopes and dreams
our mother shares
-author unknown

This Mother’s Day marks the 100^th anniversary of mother’s day. For centuries, however, it’s mothers who have been the care givers working hard to support the family in immeasurable ways. As we search for the best gifts and best ways to express gratitude to our mothers, can we truly place a value a mother holds in a household?

There are some things we don’t want to consider when we think about our loved ones, such as what we would do without them. Until we are without them, these things don’t come to mind. Considering what could be in the event of such as loss is something many of us avoid discussing even though we should be.

The value of a mother is priceless, and hard to place a financial figure with. She is a chauffeur, a chef, a housekeeper, a tutor, and so much more. In 2013, MSN compiled a chart based on the expenses required if one were to pay for the tasks of a mother. The value of $62,000 per year was based on occupational wages from the Bureau of Wage Statistics, and this does not include any income the mother may be providing in addition to her motherly duties. If you are in a dual income household, the mother of the household could extend above a $100,000 per year value. Most families cannot afford to replace that financial loss on a yearly basis. Unfortunately, most families are also either under insured or not insured at all in the event of such a terrible loss. To calculate an amount of life insurance needed to prepare for such an event, consider all that a parent does for a family and how much it would cost to replace what that parent provides. The solution is to invest in life insurance to protect your family!

Mothers tend to be underinsured. Married couples are less likely to buy individual coverages, and most single mothers have not even considered life insurance. Calculating how much life insurance to purchase depends on a family’s circumstances. Aside from the painful expenses of medical bills and funeral costs, we must also consider her household duties, the income she brings to the household, household bills including mortgages, childrens’ education and so much more.

Recently, SouthGroup Gulf Coast welcomed Mike Reso to our team. Mike has 10 years experience in financial planning, life and health insurance. Mike has opened our eyes to a lot of important situations to consider, just like this. SouthGroup is focused on personalized insurance to fit individual’s unique needs, and Mike’s professional experience in financial planning allows us to better serve your family’s life insurance needs. Insurance and financial reviews are always free with SouthGroup, and our professional team of trusted choice agents are eager to assist you.

If this blog has you thinking, then be sure to thank your wife and your mother for the great service she has provided you, and be sure to give us a call to discuss your life insurance needs.

Most importantly, as your Trusted Choice Insurance Agent, SouthGroup Insurance Gulf Coast wants you to know you can call on us with your questions or concerns seeking more helpful advice or answers to your pressing insurance questions. A full insurance review is always your best bet to make sure you have all of the adequate coverage for your personal insurance needs. Remember, we offer a personalized insurance review to anyone who is interested at no charge – just visit any one of our 3 convenient coastal locations!

We are your LOCAL Trusted Choice Advisors, SouthGroup-Gulf Coast http://www.southgroupgulfcoast.com ,  SALES AND SERVICE AGENTS: Angelyn Treutel Zeringue, Tammy Garfield, Tammy Hogue, Brittany Jones, Denise Russell, Melissa Moran, Alex Treutel, Susan Monti, Anne Gillam, Ashlie Moody, Michael Reso, Mark Strickland, and Whitney Zimmerman at SouthGroup Gulf Coast. You can reach us by snail-mail or in person: 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 have 3 Gulf Coast locations to serve you - 2505 Pass Road - Biloxi, 5400 Indian Hill-Diamondhead, and 412 Hwy 90 Ste 6-Bay Saint Louis, MS. We write coverage in 40 different states and can assist you with Mississippi insurance, Louisiana insurance, and Alabama insurance and many other states. Insurance is stressful, but we make saving easy.  We help you save money on insurance!

Thanks to Susan Monti for her words of wisdom!

Explaining Windstorm Insurance and Wind Mitigation for Inquiring Minds

Sometimes different types of windstorms, such as hurricanes and tornadoes, are not covered in standard homeowners' insurance policies. Those who live in areas susceptible to this type of peril must purchase separate coverage in order to protect themselves or be exposed to much higher deductible options. Residents of coastal states (and some midwestern states where tornadoes are common) fall into this category.

Windstorm insurance is a specific type of property-casualty insurance that protects policyholders from property damage caused by windstorms (and sometimes specifically named storms or hurricanes).  Some homeowner insurance policies provide limited coverage for wind and hail damage, or require that a higher deductible be specifically identified for these named perils. Most states with risk of loss from these perils have government mandated insurance plans that make the necessary coverage available to property owners who are unable to obtain insurance through the voluntary market. There may also be excess and surplus lines carriers in your area who will cover the wind-only peril.

While tornadoes may not be specifically mentioned as a covered form of loss, tornado losses are one event covered typically covered under the broader term windstorm. Windstorm includes tornadoes, straight-line winds and hurricanes.

Windstorms are damaging to a home for several reasons. The incredibly strong winds assault your home using a number of forces. Strong winds create uplifting, shearing and lateral forces that can cause massive destruction to a home. Often times they will also destroy windows and doors, allowing water to enter the structure which could cause severe damage to the interior of a home. The high winds can also blow debris onto and into the home, further destroying the property. Worst of all, in the event of a breach of the home's outer shell, the high powered winds can cause the roof to lift up as the combination of forces at play wreak havoc on an unprotected structure.

If you live in an area that requires separate windstorm insurance, you are well aware of the rising insurance premiums we all pay to insure our homes from wind damage. In order to mitigate this expense, an effective tactic for reducing your premium is to consider wind mitigation enhancements to your home. With wind mitigation, your premiums may be reduced by almost half!  

There may be grants available in your area to retrofit your home to quality for the wind mitigation credits.  To determine if you qualify, a certified inspector will come to your property and look for key features of your home that show that it will be less likely to be damaged during a strong wind storm or a hurricane. Features such as concrete block construction, the presence of gable end bracing, a hip roof, the presence of a single or double roof straps, the presence of a secondary water resistance barrier, or shutter and opening protection will all qualify a home for wind mitigation certification. This allows the inspector to give your home a certificate stating that it is better equipped to endure such an event and because these types of structures suffer less wind damage, the insurers are willing to lower their fees. You could even qualify for a refund check from your insurer once you have had your home inspected.  There is typically a non-refundable fee for the inspection.

 

You may recall our previous blog regarding your dwelling coverage options of "Actual Cash Value" v/s "Replacement Cost Value". When purchasing separate policies to cover the same dwelling (ie; dwelling insurance, flood insurance and windstorm insurance), it is recommended (and sometimes required) that you carry the same amount of coverage on each policy. Some consumers feel that they can cover their home for less on certain policies under the notion that one peril can cause more damage than another. Remember that a loss will be settled based on either a replacement cost or actual cash value basis, and you should ensure that your coverage levels are adequate to avoid a penalty on a claim settlement.  You will want to discuss this with your Trusted Choice Agent.

Replacement cost is not the market value of your home, nor is it the tax-assessed value. It is the cost to replace the damaged property, with no reduction for depreciation of the damaged property. Actual cash value is the cost to replace the damaged property reduced by an allowance for depreciation. In order to qualify for replacement cost coverage you will be required to insure your property to at least 80% of the replacement cost. As long as this requirement is met, and if you have a total loss, your insurance policy will cover the cost of replacing your home up to the coverage limits included on your policy. Further, if the property is not insured to at least the 80% value, then the payment for partial losses may be reduced.

Most importantly, as your Trusted Choice Insurance Agent, SouthGroup Insurance Gulf Coast wants you to know you can call on us with your questions or concerns seeking more helpful advice or answers to your pressing insurance questions. A full insurance review is always your best bet to make sure you have all of the adequate coverage for your personal insurance needs. Remember, we offer a personalized insurance review to anyone who is interested at no charge – just visit any one of our 3 convenient coastal locations!

We are your LOCAL Trusted Choice Advisors, SouthGroup-Gulf Coast http://www.southgroupgulfcoast.com ,  SALES AND SERVICE AGENTS: Angelyn Treutel Zeringue, Tammy Garfield, Tammy Hogue, Brittany Jones, Denise Russell, Melissa Moran, Alex Treutel, Susan Monti, Anne Gillam, Ashlie Moody, Michael Reso, Mark Strickland, and Whitney Zimmerman at SouthGroup Gulf Coast. You can reach us by snail-mail or in person: 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 have 3 Gulf Coast locations to serve you - 2505 Pass Road - Biloxi, 5400 Indian Hill-Diamondhead, and 412 Hwy 90 Ste 6-Bay Saint Louis, MS. We write coverage in 40 different states and can assist you with Mississippi insurance, Louisiana insurance, and Alabama insurance and many other states. Insurance is stressful, but we make saving easy.  We help you save money on insurance!

Thanks to Susan Monti for her words of wisdom!