Evacuation

Someone knocks on your door and tells you that you have 15 minutes to evacuate – what would you take?

Besides your wallet/pocketbook, jewelry, pets, etc., your important papers should be organized and ready to take with you in an emergency.

What important papers? Insurance policies, passports, wills, medications, health insurance cards, banking information, birth certificates, property records, legal records, credit card information, vehicle titles. If documents are kept in your bank deposit box, keep a list of policy numbers, medications, and photo copies of all pertinent documents.

Documents should be kept in a home fireproof safe or box. Information can be stored on a computer disc/flash drive.

Grab and Go Bags can be kept in a closet by the door to include flash drive with important documentation, flash light/batteries and plastic bags to protect what belongings you are able to gather. Emergency kits are available for purchase at the Red Cross or create your own.

A recent photograph of each family is very important for identification purposes.
Gathering and organizing your information may be time consuming but will make it easier to cope with an emergency situation. Organizing now will protect you, your family and your future.

Before an emergency happens, take the time to review your auto, home and life insurance policies with your agent.

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Driving Distractions

Driving Distractions

50% of all vehicle accidents are caused by driving distractions such as:
• Eating
• Drinking
• Reading maps or other printed material
• Fumbling w/ CD’s
• Changing radio
• Fumbling w/ on-board computers
• Lighting/smoking tobacco products
• Taking medication while driving
• GPS devices
• Conversations w/ passengers
• Reaching for fallen objects
• Combing hair
• Shaving
• Applying Make-up
• Cell phones

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Identity Theft

Identity theft is on the rise, in 2008 the cases of identity theft increased by 22%. Victims will spend anywhere from 3 to 6,000 hours trying to get their identity repaired. There are many forms of Identity Theft. Credit Card Fraud is using someone using your credit card to make purchases. Utility Fraud is starting a utility under someone else’s name, even their own child’s name. Bank Fraud includes stolen checks, changing amount on checks and ATM Passcode theft. Employment Fraud happens when someone uses your social security number when filling out paperwork for an employer. Loan Fraud is when someone takes out a loan in your name.
How do you prevent it? Don’t carry more than you need to in your purse or wallet. Review your credit score on a regular basis. Always look over your credit card statements. Shred credit card offers and anything that has sensitive information. Keep an account of all of your credit card numbers and bank account numbers in a safe protected place. Don’t give out more information than you need to give out. Purchase Identity Theft Protection from your insurance company, bank or credit card. The money you spend can be well worth it to help you restore your good name and have experts help you in a time of need.

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Google Announces Google Biking Directions at the League of American Bicyclists' 2010 National Bike Summit

PRESS RELEASE
March 10, 2010
For Immediate Release
Contact: Meghan Cahill
League of American Bicyclists
202.822.1333




Google Announces Google Biking Directions at the
League of American Bicyclists'
2010 National Bike Summit

Washington, D.C. - March 10, 2010 - The League of American Bicyclists is proud to be the forum for Google to announce what all bike riders have been waiting for - Grab Your Bike and Go with Google Maps. Google is announcing at the Opening Plenary Session at the National Bike Summit that they are adding biking directions in the U.S. to Google Maps."This new tool will open people's eyes to the possibility and practicality of hopping on a bike and riding," said Andy Clarke, President of the League of American Bicyclists. "We know people want to ride more, and we know it's good for people and communities when they do ride more - this makes it possible. It is a game-changer, especially for those short trips that are the most polluting,"

Users can now choose biking when deciding how to get to their destination, starting today, March 10, 2010. If you're one of the 57 million Americans who ride a bike, mapping your daily commute, and planning recreational or trail rides just became easier. According to Google this has been the most requested addition to Google Maps, and the League is delighted that they have chosen the National Bike Summit to unveil this new feature. Google's announcement further proves the importance of the Summit and the bicycle movement in helping our nation become a more Bicycle Friendly America. The Google biking directions will make it that much easier for bicyclists to get to work, school or play.

This new feature includes: step-by-step bicycling directions; bike trails outlined directly on the map; and a new "Bicycling" layer that indicates bike trails, bike lanes, and bike-friendly roads. The directions feature provides step-by-step, bike-specific routing suggestions - similar to the directions provided by our driving, walking, or public transit modes. Simply enter a start point and destination and select "Bicycling" from the drop-down menu. You will receive a route that is optimized for cycling, taking advantage of bike trails, bike lanes, and bike-friendly streets and avoiding hilly terrain whenever possible.

Visit http://maps.google.com/biking to try out this new feature. Biking directions for Google Maps is currently in Beta. Follow the League's news feed on the new Google feature on the League's Blog, Facebook and Twitter. If you have any further questions, contact Meghan Cahill at 202.822.1333 or meghan@bikeleague.org.

The League of American Bicyclists promotes bicycling for fun, fitness and transportation, and works through advocacy and education for a bicycle-friendly America. The League represents the interests of America's 57 million bicyclists, including its 300,000 members and affiliates. For more information or to support the League, visit www.bikeleague.org.

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Spring Home Maintenance Tips

Check your deck for weaknesses- If you have a deck, look for water stains, mold, moss, warped boards, loose nails, or any other signs of weakness. Left alone, small problems like these can significantly impact the structural integrity of your deck, even leading to potential collapse. Pressure washing and staining your deck are excellent preventative measures.

Clean your air conditioner – If you have a window air conditioner, disconnect the power and carefully clean the exterior of leaves and other debris. You can use a blower, garden hose, brush, or vacuum.

Examine your foundation – Look for any cracks or fissures that are new or have enlarged from an earlier check. If they are stable, you can fill the cracks with epoxy; otherwise contact a structural engineer.

Clean the gutters - Beyond cleaning out the leaves and debris, check all fasteners and joints for corrosion or separation. Flush out your downspouts and unclog any leader pipers, which should extend at least five feet away from your foundation.

Spot any weakened trees or branches – If there are any trees near or over your home, take a good look for any rotten or broken trunks or branches that could damage your home. Call an arborist if necessary.

Get rid of the clutter – Clean up, organize, or get rid of clutter in your basement, attic, and garage.
Clean your chimney(s) – Call a professional chimney sweep to examine and clean your chimney(s) of soot and creosote buildup.

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