ATD Insurance

Preparing for hurricanes or other catastrophic storms, is much like planning for any emergency situation. Here are some supplies you should have on hand and items to consider in that preparation.

• Drinking water (at least 7 gallons per person)
• Battery-operated television or radio
• Battery-operated clock
• Spare batteries
• Flashlights
• Waterproof matches
• Toilet paper
• Cash (ATMs man not work after the storm)
• Bleach or water purification tablets
• Soap and detergent
• Valuable papers in a waterproof bag or container
• Extra supply of necessary medicine and nonperishable food (including pet food)

As the weather warms up, many of us are anxious to take the cycling paths. There are many risks to cycling, especially in urban areas, however. Contributing factors to bicycling accidents include streetcar and railway tracks, weather hazards and dangerous road surfaces.

Consider the following safety tips:

• Go over loose or slippery surfaces slowly. Turn corners carefully, keeping your bicycle as upright as possible
• Watch for cars approaching from the opposite direction that may turn left in front of you. Motorists often do no look out for cyclists.
• Avoid putting yourself in a position where cards can cut you off. Stay on the right edge of the traffic flow, but keep safely away from the curb.
• Establish eye contact with motorists at intersections. Be especially careful with drivers on the right, who may pull out in front of you.
• Your clothing should not flap in the wind as you ride. Secure your pant legs by using bicycle clips or tucking them into your socks so they do not catch in the chain.
• Bright, reflective clothing is best for riding both at night and during the day. A white or yellow helmet with reflective material on it is also highly visible.

You've heard of the proverbial "cloud with a silver lining?" Well, one silver lining after experiencing a flood in your home or business is being able to actually upgrade your property during damage repairs. According to the Insurance Institute of Property Loss Reduction (IIPLR), as the rebuilding process begins, homeowners should talk to their contractors about ways they can effectively upgrade or "retrofit' their homes or other property against flooding.

Here are a few general steps to consider:

• Install check valves and sewer traps to prevent backups;
• Install main breaker/fuse box and utility meters above the flood protection level;
• Raise machinery, equipment and other contents from basement level, or elevate above floor level;
• Landscape with native plants and vegetation which resist soil erosion
• Maintain or have access to a supply of sand and sand bags and materials for building dikes, such as plywood, lumber and plastic sheathing