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!

Dude! Don't Steal My Identity!

I wish some people would use their skills for good instead of evil!  It never ceases to amaze me how low some people will stoop to steal from others.  One of the most valuable things you have is your identity – and now there are people stealing even that.

By stealing your identity, a thief can impersonate you and steal money from your bank account.  They can set up phone insurance policies and place fraudulent claims.  Thieves can open credit cards or get bank loans using your name.  Some have even used other people’s identities to get a job or take out a home loan.

Usually your identity can be stolen if your wallet is lost or stolen or the thief gets access to your personal information.  By digging through your trash, they may gain access to account numbers and personal data.  Some online stores create an exposure for you to lose your identity.  Stolen credit card numbers is the most common, but you may also be tricked through a “phishing” website, that looks like a legitimate site, and it requests that you enter personal information.

After your identity is stolen, it can take a great deal of time to sort through the damage and get all of the records corrected.  You could be left with a bad credit score and have problems in the future if you need to take out a loan.

Many good home and renter’s policies now offer identity theft coverage for a very reasonable rate ($12-$40/year).  The coverage can help you with the costs of restoring  your identity.  Costs you will incur could include lost wages, notary and mailing, phone and possible attorneys.

The Insurance Information Institute offers some good advice for avoiding Identity Theft:

+ Minimize the amount of personal information and credit cards that you keep in your purse and wallet

+ Protect your codes and credit card numbers shielded from nosey neighbors.

+ Always take your receipts and don’t throw them in public trashcans.

+ Only make online purchases from websites that start with https:// or check for the “locked padlock” on your browser’s status bar.

+ Don’t click links in emails, even if it looks legitimate, and don’t fill in any personal information.  Access the website directly from your browser so you are not hijacked.

+ Use firewalls and anti-virus software on your computer.  There are many FREE sources available.

+ Monitor your credit reports and your accounts.  There are 3 major credit bureaus – Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian.

+ Use complex passwords with a combination of Upper-lower case and a special character (#, $, etc), and change your password periodically.

+ Shred all documents that have personal information.

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.

8 Important Things to Know About Your Car

You want the peace of mind in knowing you are protected in the event of an auto accident. In today litigious society, you need insurance to protect you from the financial burdens of possible law suits when you are at fault. While we all know accidents happen, we also know the consequences can be rather costly.



1) Collision insurance provides the peace of mind of repairing or replacing your vehicle in the event it is damaged or totaled in an accident. Other valuable auto insurance coverages available are comprehensive insurance, medical payments, towing reimbursement, uninsured motorists and more.



What we wish we could provide, however, is the peace of mind in knowing you won’t experience an accident. Unfortunately, that is not possible. But you can use preventative measures that will increase your chances of avoiding an at-fault accident just by proper vehicle maintenance.



2) Did you know that an improperly inflated tire can cause loss of control while driving? An under or over inflated tire will wear irregularly and become stressed. An under inflated tired may loose up to half it’s air pressure and not appear to be flat. It is important to check your air pressure on a scheduled regimen. Find your regimen by checking your tires weekly until you see a difference and measure the time frame.

3) Pot holes, speed bumps and curbs are all culprits in damaging your vehicles alignment as well as damaging your tires. Should you ever find your vehicle pulling toward one direction, be sure to have both your tires and your alignment checked. Also have your tires checked for “eggs”. “Eggs” on a tire are bubbles formed usually caused by rubbing a curb or a manufacturing issue. “Eggs” will also cause your vehicle to pull in a certain direction. Problems like this that are not tended to in a timely manner put you at risk of an accident while driving this vehicle. Any time your vehicle has this problem, visit your auto service center for a check up.

4) Regularly rotating your vehicle’s tires will help you achieve more uniform wear. Advanced and unusual wear reduces the ability of the tread to grip the road which can quickly result in loss of control. When you find your scheduled regimen for checking your air pressure, also check your tires for uneven wear, unusually smooth areas and damage.

5) Tires must be replaced when the tread is worn down to 2/32 of an inch in order to prevent skidding and hydroplaning. An easy test is to place a penny into a tread groove. If part of Lincoln's head is covered by the tread, you're driving with the proper amount of tread. If you can see all of his head, you should buy a new tire.

6) Always replace burned out or damaged exterior lights on your vehicle as quickly as possible and be sure to use lights and signals whenever necessary to keep other drivers aware of your next action and avoid accidents.

7) Proper vehicle maintenance can give you the peace of mind in knowing you can prevent an at-fault accident.

8) Your Trusted Choice Insurance Agent will handle the rest. We help you through the maze of auto insurance coverages, carriers, and premiums, and we find the best personal coverage for you at affordable rates. Remember, when it comes to insurance one size does not fit all.



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!!

ARE YOU COMPARING APPLES TO APPLES?

The economy is not well --- taxes are going up --- household expenses are higher --- you need a break!!  Sooooo you want to shop around for insurance to see if you can lower your rate.  This is a GREAT idea --- HOWEVER --- ARE YOU COMPARING APPLES TO APPLES?

SouthGroup Insurance Services is dedicated to building personal relationships with our clients. We strive to recognize your insurance protection needs based on our personal relationship with you. We understand that insurance is a competitive market and the economy has each of us facing unforeseen challenges.

But, did you know that saving money is not the most important factor in protecting yourself, your loved ones and your possessions? Are you comparing apples to oranges?

Before you make an important decision regarding your future and your protection, please call your local agent at 228-466-4498 to discuss what rates are the best for your personal interest. You could be surprised by what SouthGroup Insurance Services of the Gulf Coast has to offer you!

We work with a cornucopia of quality, top rated insurance providers. Some companies may offer a cheaper rate, but how are they rated? How well do they know you and your personal needs? Are you being offered ractual-cash-value coverage or the better coverage known as replacement cost coverage.  Is your policy being rated correctly?  Are your coverages adequate to protect you when you have a loss?  There is nothing worse than spending money, and not having it provide you the protection you thought you were getting.  Even if you save alot of money, and the coverage is not correct, the cost during a loss could be far worse.CALL US TODAY TO SCHEDULE A PERSONAL INSURANCE REVIEW TO SEE IF WE CAN SAVE YOU MONEY WHILE CONTINUING TO GIVE YOU THE PERSONALIZED PROTECTION YOU DESERVE.

To help you through the maze of insurance coverages, carriers, premiums, and find ways to save money on your insurance, 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.

We offer the following Lines of Coverage: Workers Compensation, Auto, Home, Life, Health, Disability, Motorcycle, Boat, Wind, Flood, Commercial Property, General Liability, Directors and Officers Liability, Bonds, Group and Individual Life/Health/Dental/Disability/ Vision/Long Term Care, Business Owners, Builders Risk, Commercial Crime, Errors and Omissions, Dwelling Fire, Commercial Flood, Group Accident, Garage Dealers, Inland Marine, Law Enforcement Liability, Pollution Liability, Professional Liability, Personal Umbrella, Commercial Fire, Commercial Umbrella, Excess Flood, Identity Theft, more…

We serve Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, and many other states. We specialize in coastal exposures.

Thanks for Susan Monti for her words of wisdom!!!

Fog City!

It’s like a scene from a horror movie!  Dense fog, wet air, eerie sounds … but no!  It’s just a normal work day in a community near a large body of water when the air temperature and water temperature collide!

So how do you get to work or school safely in this treacherous environment? Check out the Wiki article  “How to Drive Safely in Fog” and the Weather Channel’s “Driving in Fog”:

1)      Pay attention to the local weather and attempt to avoid driving, if possible, during heavy fog.

2)      Keep extra distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you (allow 5 seconds instead of 2 seconds as you normally should)

3)      Use your wipers and defroster to keep your windshield clear.

4)      Keep your lights on!  Use your fog lights or low beams.

5)      Stay in your lane and reduce your speed! 

6)      Stay alert for animals that are harder to see that may enter your path.  Listen for traffic you may not be able to see.

7)      If you have no visibility, pull off to the side and wait a bit.  Put your hazard lights on only if you are parked.

8)      Be certain you have good auto insurance coverage.  Contact your Trusted Choice agent at SouthGroup Insurance!

To help you through the maze of coverages, carriers, premiums, and find ways to save money on your insurance, 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, Wendy Johnson, Denise Russell, Melissa Moran, Alex Treutel, Susan Monti, Kayleigh Davis, Matthew Langlinais, 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.

We offer the following Lines of Coverage: Workers Compensation, Auto, Home, Life, Health, Disability, Motorcycle, Boat, Wind, Flood, Commercial Property, General Liability, Directors and Officers Liability, Bonds, Group and Individual Life/Health/Dental/Disability/ Vision/Long Term Care, Business Owners, Builders Risk, Commercial Crime, Errors and Omissions, Dwelling Fire, Commercial Flood, Group Accident, Garage Dealers, Inland Marine, Law Enforcement Liability, Pollution Liability, Professional Liability, Personal Umbrella, Commercial Fire, Commercial Umbrella, Excess Flood, Identity Theft, more…

We serve Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, and many other states. We specialize in coastal exposures.

Baby It’s C-C-C-Cold Outside! Protect your home and pipes!

The Insurance Information Institute reports that winter storm are the third highest costing natural disaster.  Thunderstorms and Hurricanes were second and first most costly.

Good prevention will protect your home and your pocketbook from costly repairs:

·         Keep gutters cleared – remove sticks and debris to keep ice from backing up water which will seep into your home.

·         Remove dead branches and trim trees to avoid frozen falling objects.

·         Check steps and handrails for needed repairs to avoid slips and falls.

·         Caulk and add weather stripping around pipes and holes in outside walls or your foundation to keep ice or snow from damaging your home.

·         Add insulation to attics or basements to keep pipes from freezing or allowing snow to build up on the roof.

·         Perform regular maintenance on your heating system to ensure you will not encounter problems staying warm

·         Clean your chimney and furnace to prevent possible fires.  Keep fire extinguishers handy.

·         Know how to shut off the water pipes in the event your pipes break to prevent subsequent water damage.

·         Check your insurance policy to be certain you are adequately protected.  Your Trusted Choice agent is available to assist you.

To help you through the maze of coverages, carriers, premiums, and find ways to save money on your insurance, 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, Tammy Hogue, Wendy Johnson, Denise Russell, Melissa Moran, Alex Treutel, Susan Monti, Kayleigh Davis, Matthew Langlinais, 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.

We offer the following Lines of Coverage: Workers Compensation, Auto, Home, Life, Health, Disability, Motorcycle, Boat, Wind, Flood, Commercial Property, General Liability, Directors and Officers Liability, Bonds, Group and Individual Life/Health/Dental/Disability/ Vision/Long Term Care, Business Owners, Builders Risk, Commercial Crime, Errors and Omissions, Dwelling Fire, Commercial Flood, Group Accident, Garage Dealers, Inland Marine, Law Enforcement Liability, Pollution Liability, Professional Liability, Personal Umbrella, Commercial Fire, Commercial Umbrella, Excess Flood, Identity Theft, more…

We serve Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, and many other states. We specialize in coastal exposures.

Twelve Days of Christmas from a Risk Management Perspective

On the twelfth day of Christmas, my Risk Manager said to me – be sure to do these things so you can have a SAFE Christmas (source of Information is Insurance Networking News – The 12 Risks of Christmas)!!

1)      Be careful on frozen or wet surfaces to prevent slips and falls.

2)      Protect outdoor pipes from below-freezing weather to prevent frozen and broken pipes.

3)      Clear huge snow deposits on the roof of your home or business to prevent roof collapse.

4)      Be sure your business insurance has adequate coverage to avoid a loss due to business interruption.

5)      Use complex passwords and strong anti-virus and firewalls on your computers to avoid data breaches.

6)      Implement strong internal controls to prevent employee theft and fraud.

7)      Practice safe partying to avoid employee harassment claims.

8)      Ensure that any events including alcoholic beverages are covered for liquor liability.

9)      Monitor the news for any toy recalls to prevent possible dangers to children.

10)   Drive very safely to protect yourself and loved ones from auto accidents.

11)   Lock up valuables, especially gifts in your car, to prevent car theft.

12)   Take care of YOU!  Wash your hands often, cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze, avoid exposure to germs as much as possible to prevent flu, heart attacks and other health issues.

To help you through the maze of coverages, carriers, premiums, and find ways to save money on your insurance, 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, Tammy Hogue, Wendy Johnson, Denise Russell, Melissa Moran, Alex Treutel, Susan Monti, Kayleigh Davis, Matthew Langlinais, 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.

We offer the following Lines of Coverage: Workers Compensation, Auto, Home, Life, Health, Disability, Motorcycle, Boat, Wind, Flood, Commercial Property, General Liability, Directors and Officers Liability, Bonds, Group and Individual Life/Health/Dental/Disability/ Vision/Long Term Care, Business Owners, Builders Risk, Commercial Crime, Errors and Omissions, Dwelling Fire, Commercial Flood, Group Accident, Garage Dealers, Inland Marine, Law Enforcement Liability, Pollution Liability, Professional Liability, Personal Umbrella, Commercial Fire, Commercial Umbrella, Excess Flood, Identity Theft, more…

We serve Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, and many other states. We specialize in coastal exposures.

Avoid Holiday Hazards

Ho ho ho.  Everyone is busy busy busy.  Buying gifts, planning celebrations, working out travel details.  Stop and take a breath!!  Reader's Digest shared a great Holiday Hazards Checklist

Ideas:
+ Use a fire resistant tree and place your tree away from flames and other hazards, and watch out for breakable glass ornaments.
+ Be sure your lights are in good shape and that you turn them off before going to bed at night.
+ Don't burn wrapping paper in the fireplace.
+ Be sure that toys are appropriate for the child's age to avoid choking or other problems.
+ Provide supervision for outside play to avoid accidents.
+ Clean up quickly to avoid food spoilage.
+ Wash your hands frequently to avoid spreading germs.
+ Have a list of emergency numbers handy, just in case.

No one wants to have to deal with a medical emergency or an insurance claim during the holidays, so take it easy and be safe.  Merry Christmas!

To help you through the maze of coverages, carriers, premiums, and find ways to save money on your insurance, 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, Tammy Hogue, Wendy Johnson, Denise Russell, Melissa Moran, Alex Treutel, Susan Monti, Kayleigh Davis, Matthew Langlinais, 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.

We offer the following Lines of Coverage: Workers Compensation, Auto, Home, Life, Health, Disability, Motorcycle, Boat, Wind, Flood, Commercial Property, General Liability, Directors and Officers Liability, Bonds, Group and Individual Life/Health/Dental/Disability/ Vision/Long Term Care, Business Owners, Builders Risk, Commercial Crime, Errors and Omissions, Dwelling Fire, Commercial Flood, Group Accident, Garage Dealers, Inland Marine, Law Enforcement Liability, Pollution Liability, Professional Liability, Personal Umbrella, Commercial Fire, Commercial Umbrella, Excess Flood, Identity Theft, more…

We serve Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, and many other states. We specialize in coastal exposures.

A Sad Day in History for the Mississippi Coast

Today marks the 43rd year since the Mississippi Coast was struck by Hurricane Camille.  With winds of over 200 mph and a tidal surge of over 20 ft, many lives were lost and millions of dollars of property, homes and businesses were destroyed.  And the disasters just keep coming - extreme weather, threats of fire and earthquake, and worse --- we need to be prepared at all times!

FEMA has a number of good resources to assist and recommends the following:
+ FAMILY COMMUNICATION PLAN - know how you will contact family members
+ FAMILY EMERGENCY NUMBERS - have a handy list of important phone numbers for evacuation sites, policy and fire, schools and doctors, so you know who to contact
+ CARING FOR ANIMALS - know how you will care for your pets
+ INDIVIDUALS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS - have a plan to taking care of loved ones with special needs
+ PLAN FOR LOCATIONS - know where you will go if you need to evacuate
+ BASIC DISASTER SUPPLY KIT - have critical supplies on hand
+ NATURAL DISASTERS - stay informed on appropriate preparation and response for severe weather and wildfires

AND BE SURE YOU HAVE GOOD INSURANCE COVERAGE!

To help you through the maze of coverages, carriers, premiums, and find ways to save money on your insurance, 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, Tammy Hogue, Wendy Johnson, Denise Russell, Melissa Moran, Alex Treutel, Susan Monti, Kayleigh Davis, Matthew Langlinais, 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.

We offer the following Lines of Coverage: Workers Compensation, Auto, Home, Life, Health, Disability, Motorcycle, Boat, Wind, Flood, Commercial Property, General Liability, Directors and Officers Liability, Bonds, Group and Individual Life/Health/Dental/Disability/ Vision/Long Term Care, Business Owners, Builders Risk, Commercial Crime, Errors and Omissions, Dwelling Fire, Commercial Flood, Group Accident, Garage Dealers, Inland Marine, Law Enforcement Liability, Pollution Liability, Professional Liability, Personal Umbrella, Commercial Fire, Commercial Umbrella, Excess Flood, Identity Theft, more…

We serve Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, and many other states. We specialize in coastal exposures.

Whew It's HOT! Time for Safe Summer Pool Fun!

The Insurance Information Institute just completed their Pool Safety Campaign and offer an educational video on Pool & Spa Safety.  Many areas of the nation are reaching 100 degrees or higher!  It's so hot that everyone wants to relax in a pool.

You may not realize it, but pools are very dangerous for young children, so there are several things you should do to ensure safe fun:
+ Keep the pool behind a fence
+ Empty portable pools when not in use or cover a larger pool
+ Always supervise children in a pool
+ Teach your children to swim and float, and basic water safety
+ Don't leave toys in the pool, because that attracts children
+ Limit alcohol use around pools and excessive heat

There are many pool safety videos and ideas at PoolSafety.gov and https://poolonomics.com/pool-safety/.

You are liable if someone drowns or is injured in your pool even if you did not give them permission to use the pool.  Make sure your Trusted Choice agent knows you have a pool so that the liability coverage may be added to your home policy.  Some insurance carriers exclude pool liablity coverage, so your agent may have to assist you in obtaining separate coverage.  A good practice is to carry at least $300,000 liability and umbrella coverage, if you own a pool.
To help you through the maze of coverages, carriers, premiums, and find ways to save money on your insurance, 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, Tammy Hogue, Denise Russell, Melissa Moran, Alex Treutel,  Anne Gillam, Ashlie Moody, and Whitney Zimmerman Webb 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 or text:228-466-4498 or 228-385-1177, fax:888-415-8922, FaceBook www.facebook.com/southgroup.gulfcoast , or Twitter www.twitter.com/atreutel ! We now have 2 locations to serve you - 2505 Pass Road - Biloxi and 412 Hwy 90 Ste 6-Bay Saint Louis, MS.

We offer the following Lines of Coverage: Workers Compensation, Auto, Home, Life, Health, Disability, Motorcycle, Boat, Wind, Flood, Commercial Property, General Liability, Directors and Officers Liability, Bonds, Group and Individual Life/Health/Dental/Disability/ Vision/Long Term Care, Business Owners, Builders Risk, Commercial Crime, Errors and Omissions, Dwelling Fire, Commercial Flood, Group Accident, Garage Dealers, Inland Marine, Law Enforcement Liability, Pollution Liability, Professional Liability, Personal Umbrella, Commercial Fire, Commercial Umbrella, Excess Flood, Identity Theft, more…

We serve Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, and many other states. We specialize in coastal exposures.
Insurance is stressful, but we make saving easy.  We help you save money on insurance!
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#southgroup   @stateauto  @libertymutual @TRV_insurance @safecoinsurance @progressive #savemoney @atreutel

Fires and Floods - Never Ask What is Next

In the past week, we have experienced terrible flooding in Florida from Tropical Storm Debby and horrible wildfires in Colorado.  The Insurance Information Institute shared information from the National Interagency Fire Service highlighting the worst fires, and FEMA shared information on US flooding.  So far in 2012, almost 26,000 wildfires have destroyed 1.3 million acres of property and there have already been 15 major flood disaster declarations.  How devastating!  Homes have been destroyed, businesses are now unable to operate, families have been displaced.

And even worse, many of the affected homes and businesses do not have proper insurance coverage, which will make it almost impossible for people to recover their lives and rebuild what they have lost.  Acts of God may be unavoidable, but proper insurance coverage can be obtained through your Trusted Choice agent.

A good practice is to review your home, fire and flood coverages to ensure that you are insured to the correct value and that your mortgage holder(s) are listed correctly. Check with your Trusted Choice Advisor to conduct a coverage review.


To help you through the maze of coverages, carriers, premiums, and find ways to save money on your insurance, 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, Tammy Hogue, Wendy Johnson, Denise Russell, Melissa Moran, Alex Treutel, Susan Monti, Kayleigh Davis, Matthew Langlinais, 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.

We offer the following Lines of Coverage: Workers Compensation, Auto, Home, Life, Health, Disability, Motorcycle, Boat, Wind, Flood, Commercial Property, General Liability, Directors and Officers Liability, Bonds, Group and Individual Life/Health/Dental/Disability/ Vision/Long Term Care, Business Owners, Builders Risk, Commercial Crime, Errors and Omissions, Dwelling Fire, Commercial Flood, Group Accident, Garage Dealers, Inland Marine, Law Enforcement Liability, Pollution Liability, Professional Liability, Personal Umbrella, Commercial Fire, Commercial Umbrella, Excess Flood, Identity Theft, more…

We serve Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, and many other states. We specialize in coastal exposures.


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Don't Get Stuck By Lighnting!

Summertime thunderstorms are barreling through your area!  The damage can be devastating - fire, power surges, explosions, destruction of expensive electronic equipment.  What a bummer!  BUT, if you have a good home and business insurance policy, you have protection (after the amount of the deductible you have chosen).  The cost to replace or repair can be huge, so make sure you are protected.
There are many precautions you can take to help mitigate your possible losses, and they are highlighted in an informative article from the Insurance Information Institute - "Lightning Coverage and Safety". 

To protect your home and business from a power surge and/or lightning strike, consider the following:

A) Install a lighning protection system to direct a lighning strike to the ground instead of to your valuables.  Check out the Institite for Business & Home Safety to determine the best lightning rod or air terminal to have your licensed electrician add to your building.

B) Install surge protection to prevent damage to electronics.  Make sure you use UL-listed surge arrestors for the main electric panel.  Use UL-listed transient voltage surge suppressors to protect specific pieces of electronic equipment.  Power strips are NOT enough.

C) Keep expensive electronics UNPLUGGED as an added precaution if you know a storm is approaching.

When a storm is approaching, for your safety - STAY INDOORS and avoid any place where you will be the highest object.  Avoid being in an open field, or on the golf course, or on open water.  Never hide under a tree!  You can choose a shrub and crouch down.  And stay away from any electrical conductors like an electrical pole or power line.  It is also best to NOT be on the telephone.

Most of the advice is common sense, but storms do come up suddenly, and it is best to keep yourself and loved ones as safe as possible.

Another good practice is to review your home, wind, and flood coverages to ensure that you are insured to the correct value and that your mortgage holder(s) are listed correctly. Check with your Trusted Choice Advisor to conduct a coverage review.

To help you through the maze of coverages, carriers, premiums, and ways to save money on your insurance, 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, Tammy Hogue, Wendy Johnson, Denise Russell, Melissa Moran, Alex Treutel, Susan Monti, Kayleigh Davis, Matthew Langlinais, 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, 4500 Indian Hill-Diamondhead, and 412 Hwy 90 Ste 6-Bay Saint Louis, MS.

We offer the following Lines of Coverage: Workers Compensation, Auto, Home, Life, Health, Disability, Motorcycle, Boat, Wind, Flood, Commercial Property, General Liability, Directors and Officers Liability, Bonds, Group and Individual Life/Health/Dental/Disability/ Vision/Long Term Care, Business Owners, Builders Risk, Commercial Crime, Errors and Omissions, Dwelling Fire, Commercial Flood, Group Accident, Garage Dealers, Inland Marine, Law Enforcement Liability, Pollution Liability, Professional Liability, Personal Umbrella, Commercial Fire, Commercial Umbrella, Excess Flood, Identity Theft, more…

We serve Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, and many other states. We specialize in coastal exposures.

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Hurricane Season is HERE! Check your insurance coverages

Officially, hurricane season starts on June 1, but we have already seen two storms in May.  Rather foreboding for the active season expected.  Two major storms are expected during the season.  Tis the season for extreme weather.

The Insurance Information Institute has published a helpful video to assist with Hurricane Preparedness.

Another good practice is to review your home, wind, and flood coverages to ensure that you are insured to the correct value and that your mortgage holder(s) are listed correctly.  Check with your Trusted Choice Advisor to conduct a coverage review.

To help you through the maze of coverages, carriers, premiums, and ways to save money on your insurance, 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, Tammy Hogue, Wendy Johnson, Denise Russell, Melissa Moran, Alex Treutel, Susan Monti, Kayleigh Davis, Matthew Langlinais, 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, 4500 Indian Hill-Diamondhead, and 412 Hwy 90 Ste 6-Bay Saint Louis, MS.

We offer the following Lines of Coverage: Workers Compensation, Auto, Home, Life, Health, Disability, Motorcycle, Boat, Wind, Flood, Commercial Property, General Liability, Directors and Officers Liability, Bonds, Group and Individual Life/Health/Dental/Disability/ Vision/Long Term Care, Business Owners, Builders Risk, Commercial Crime, Errors and Omissions, Dwelling Fire, Commercial Flood, Group Accident, Garage Dealers, Inland Marine, Law Enforcement Liability, Pollution Liability, Professional Liability, Personal Umbrella, Commercial Fire, Commercial Umbrella, Excess Flood, Identity Theft, more…

We serve Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, and many other states. We specialize in coastal exposures.

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Top 5 Things to Know about Flood Insurance

1)      The cost of a flood is STAGGERING!  Use the interactive tool at floodsmart.gov  to calculate your potential loss based on the size of your home --- a 6” flood in a 2,000 sq ft home will cost over $39,000 in repairs!  Ouch!

2)      Everyone is in a flood zone.  Everywhere it rains, it can flood … not to mention hurricanes, thunderstorms, flash floods, mudflows, snow melt, and other extreme weather.

3)      Floods are the #1 natural disaster in the United States  L

4)      Check with your agent on “grandfathering” if you are in an area where the flood maps have been updated.  You may be eligible for a “PRP Extension” which will lower your rate, but be aware, because the Extension is only for 2 years, then the cost of your coverage will increase again.

5)      Use the interactive tool at floodsmart.gov to understand more about the risk where you live.

AND don't forget that there is a 30 day waiting period for a new flood policy to become effective (unless your coverage is associated with a loan closing).

To help you through the maze of coverages, carriers, premiums, and ways to save money on your insurance, 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, Tammy Hogue, Wendy Johnson, Denise Russell, Melissa Moran, Alex Treutel, Susan Monti, Kayleigh Davis, Matthew Langlinais, 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 offer the following Lines of Coverage: Workers Compensation, Auto, Home, Life, Health, Disability, Motorcycle, Boat, Wind, Flood, Commercial Property, General Liability, Directors and Officers Liability, Bonds, Group and Individual Life/Health/Dental/Disability/ Vision/Long Term Care, Business Owners, Builders Risk, Commercial Crime, Errors and Omissions, Dwelling Fire, Commercial Flood, Group Accident, Garage Dealers, Inland Marine, Law Enforcement Liability, Pollution Liability, Professional Liability, Personal Umbrella, Commercial Fire, Commercial Umbrella, Excess Flood, Identity Theft, more…

We serve Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, and many other states. We specialize in coastal exposures.

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How to Save Money on your Auto Insurance

The Insurance Information Institute has developed a short Video to assist consumers in saving money, which is really needed in today's economy!  

1) Shop around.  There are many insurers who offer auto coverage, so even if you THINK you have a good deal, it is a good idea to look around every once in awhile to be sure you still have a great rate.  Your Trusted Choice agent has access to multiple carriers and can check your pricing and give you options.

2) Select higher deductibles.  This is a way to "self-insure" for a small part of your overall risk.  If you are willing to pay a bit more when or IF you have an accident, your ongoing insurance rate will be much lower.  It is a calculated risk based on your compfort level.  If you put some money aside for a "rainy-day", you can be more comfortable using higher deductibles.

3)  Reduce coverage on older vehicles.  As your vehicle ages, the "fair market value" is reduced, which means that you will get fewer dollars in the event of a total loss; therefore, you may prefer to save money by dropping collision coverage.

4) Most insurers give credits if you drive fewer miles and if you have good credit, because this makes you a safer risk.  Check with your Trusted Choice agent to find out about other available discounts.

5) And last, but not least, be sure that your Trusted Choice agent and your insurer provide EXCELLENT service.  If you are paying money to an 800 number, then you will lose in the long run, because they will not be there for you when you need them, but your local Trusted Choice agent will.

Your Trusted Choice agent can analyze your personal and business operations and recommend coverages from a variety of insurance providers for you to consider. They can also help you find cost effective ways to manage your risk exposures, implement safety and security plans, and understand different deductible levels. All of these will help you to manage your overall cost and help you to understand the complexities of the coverage you need.


To help you through the maze of coverages, carriers, premiums, and ways to save money on your insurance, 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, Tammy Hogue, Wendy Johnson, Denise Russell, Melissa Moran, Alex Treutel, Kayleigh Davis, Matthew Langlinais, 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 offer the following Lines of Coverage: Workers Compensation, Auto, Home, Life, Health, Disability, Motorcycle, Boat, Wind, Flood, Commercial Property, General Liability, Directors and Officers Liability, Bonds, Group and Individual Life/Health/Dental/Disability/Vision/Long Term Care, Business Owners, Builders Risk, Commercial Crime, Errors and Omissions, Dwelling Fire, Commercial Flood, Group Accident, Garage Dealers, Inland Marine, Law Enforcement Liability, Pollution Liability, Professional Liability, Personal Umbrella, Commercial Fire, Commercial Umbrella, Excess Flood, Identity Theft, more…

We serve Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, and many other states. We specialize in coastal exposures.

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HURRICANE SEASON - What happens when oil is in flood water???

Thankfully, BEFORE the actual event, FEMA has issued guidance on on the looming issue of oil and water claims which could result from a hurricane surge in the Gulf. FEMA has issued Bulletin W-10065 to clarify coverage under these circumstances (attached).

Coverage for Commercial buildings and contents damaged by pollutants is limited to $10,000. Coverage for Residential buildings and contents is only limited by the selected policy limits and is limited to direct physical damage.

Coverage is only provided for structures. There is no coverage for grounds or soil damage. There is no coverage for special removal methods used to comply with local ordinances.

Flooding (and anything carried in with the water, such as oil) is typically EXCLUDED from home and propoerty policies, so be certain you have flood insurance to protect your assets.  And remember that in most cases, there is a 30 day waiting period for flood coverage to begin, and you must purchase DWELLING and CONTENTS coverage separately.  Your Trusted Choice agent (http://www.treutel.com/) can assist you in placing flood coverage.
If you are in Mississippi, Lousiana, or Alabama contact your Trusted Choice agent, Treutel Insurance - http://www.treutel.com/ , Angelyn at Treutel Insurance. You can reach us by email: info@treutel.com  , phone:228-467-5662, fax:228-466-4314, FaceBook, Twitter, or LiveChat:chat.livechime.com./treutel/blog or through our 24/7 Client Service Portal.

Which would you choose – chocolate, vanilla, or strawberry ice cream?

Which would you choose – chocolate, vanilla, or strawberry ice cream? A 2-bedroom condo only 10 minutes from the office or a 3-bedroom home 30 minutes from work?


In a book titled “How We Decide” by Jonah Lehrer, the author delves into the neuroscience behind our decision making. Our decisions are based on emotion and our connection to the topic. Decision-making has actually evolved over time, and we make decisions, in most cases, BEFORE we have assimilated all of the available data.

We typically will make up our minds using “loss aversion”, in other words, we will choose the option that keeps us from feeling bad, and we prefer the choice that will make us feel good. Decision making is part of our biological make-up. However, knowing your “reflex response” may help you recognize it and keep you from being misled by choices provided to you by marketers who would attempt to manipulate your emotions.

I attended a great presentation by David Goldsmith (www.davidgoldsmith.com) where he shared techniques one could use to make better decisions. The trick is to ensure that you fully and precisely identify your challenge and express it in the way that it “should” happen. Then look at it from a “future oriented” perspective. Example: Challenge= What would it take to increase my sales by 12%? Using this approach will yield more effective results. Especially since, according to a University study, we all make over 200 decisions per day related to food!

Another value used in decision making is time savings. Many in today’s fast paced work would choose to pay a higher price for convenience. We prefer “added-value” as we review our options.

Your Trusted Choice agent at Treutel Insurance can save you time and money on your complex decisions regarding insurance coverages. Contact Treutel Insurance via CHAT or EMAIL: info@treutel.com or PHONE: 228-467-5662, or FAX: 228-466-4314 or FACEBOOK or MERCHANTCIRCLE or at our WEBSITE: http://www.treutel.com/.

Reduce Your insurance Costs

USA Today-Weekender featured a column on how to "Trim Your Insurance Costs" for personal insurance.  Suggestions include increasing your deductibles, bundling your auto and home policies with the same carrier, asking about other discounts such as alarm credits or driver education course credits, and using an Independent Trusted Choice insurance agent.

The III (Insurance Information Institute) also offers suggestions for business owners to save money on commercial insurance coverage.  Suggestions include: Shopping around, Requesting Group Rates, Choose a higher deductible, Consider packaging coverage together, Set up a Risk Management program, Move to a suburb, and Work with your Insurance Professional Agent to ensure that you have the right amount and right type of coverage.

Treutel Insurance is happy to assist you in a review of your coverage to ensure that you are adequately protected, that you are aware of available discounts, and that you are provided choice.  Your Trusted Choice agent can assist you in your selection by providing objective information and assist you with understanding the complexities of insurance coverage.  Your Trusted Choice Agent has up-to-date information on what is happening in the marketplace and can help ensure that everything flows together smoothly.  Contact us on Facebook, Twitter, or at our website.  We also offer chat service!  We are here for YOU!!