How to Survive a Power Outage During an Ice Storm

Sometimes power outages are expected by the arrival of severe weather events such as severe thunderstorms or ice storms. These are additional steps you can take to prepare your home for weather-related blackouts.

Keep at least ½ of a tank of gas in your car at all times. Many gas stations rely on electricity to power their pumps. While it may seem inconvenient to make more frequent stops at the gas station, if you have a near-empty tank during a power outage, you may lack the fuel to travel in an emergency.

Trim tree branches in your yard. It's a good idea to address any landscaping concerns before the storm season begins in your area. When a storm is approaching your home, take note of the tree limbs on your property. If they hang over power lines, make sure to trim them before the storm hits. Doing so will decrease the chances your power will be cut by a fallen tree limbs.

Turn your refrigerator and freezer to their coldest settings. Lowering the temperature before you lose power will allow the refrigerator to keep acceptable temperatures for food longer. Eat perishable foods first, conserving canned or other non-perishable items for the possibility of a long-term outage.

After determining the cause of a power outage, use these measures to weather the outage safely.

Help prevent pipes from freezing. If your home is without heat, the water in your plumbing can become frozen and create expensive repair problems.


To help combat this, allow a small stream of water to run from faucets. The American Red Cross advises this action and says, "Running water through the pipe - even at a trickle - helps prevent pipes from freezing."

If you own a generator, operate it safely. Never run a generator inside a home or garage, they produce potentially deadly carbon-monoxide fumes. Always keep running generators in an open and ventilated area. Also, do not directly connect the generator to your home's wiring. Plug all necessary appliances directly into the generator. When a generator is connected to a home's wiring, it can create a "back feed" into utility lines which can injure or kill anyone who is working to restore the power.

To maintain the refrigerated and frozen foods, keep fridge and freezer openings to a minimum. By not opening the door, you can keep the temperature lower for a longer period of time. Make a conscious effort before you open the fridge/freezer to plan what you will take out and close the door quickly. To increase the effectiveness of your powerless fridge, you can fill plastic containers with cold water and place inside the appliance. Not only does this increase your emergency water supply, it also helps keep the air cool inside the fridge to slow the spoilage of your food.

Although it may seem sensible to put food outside in the cold air, this is not recommended.  It is not a good idea to put food from the refrigerator and freezer outside. The temperature outside can vary hour by hour, and frozen food can thaw if exposed to the sun's rays, even if it is very cold.

Unplug all appliances and leave only one light switched on. There is an added risk of power surges occurring that can destroy your appliances. Leave one light on in your home so you know when the power has returned.

In case of extreme temperatures, plan on visiting locations and businesses that are likely to have generators. For instance, power outages are common during ice storms. Plan on visiting shopping malls or community centers that have generators to keep warm.

Follow these essential tips to help ensure the safety of you and your family from the unpredictability of power outages.

State of Michigan Suspends Burton Insurance Agent's License

State officials have suspended a Burton insurance agent's license following accusations she failed to submit customer applications and kept payments that left clients without insurance.

The state Department of Insurance and Financial Services on Nov. 12 suspended the license of Angella K. Swain-Jones, owner of Swain Insurance, 4251 Davison Road in Burton, who specializes in property and casualty insurance. 

A hearing in front of an administrative law judge can be requested by Swain-Jones in regard to the suspension no later than 20 days after the order was issued, or later if requested.

The state department said it began an investigation in March 2013 into Swain-Jones after receiving several complaints from customers.

"Although Swain Agency holds itself to the public as engaged in the business of insurance, Swain Agency is not a licensed resident producer agency as required by the (Michigan Insurance) Code, and is not authorized to transact the business of insurance in Michigan," states a summary order to suspend Swain-Jones' license.
The suspension order further states that Swain-Jones made an attempt to conceal "her misappropriation of customer funds" by issuing false proof of insurance certificates.

Several accusations were included in the suspension order of customers issued certificates for no-fault insurance and finding out they had no policy when switching to another agency. In another instance, a customer was in an automobile accident and Swain-Jones allegedly paid for damages, the order said.
The Department of Insurance and Financial Services said it attempted to conduct an examination on Sept. 17, 2013, of the business' finances, but they were refused access to documents.

Swain-Jones has been fined in the past by the state agency. She was ordered to pay $3,000 in January 2003 for "fiduciary violations," $300 in March 2006 for failing to pay premiums and maintain reasonable accounting methods, and $500 in December 2009 for the same reasons.   

Swain-Jones could not be immediately reached for comment on the suspension order.

Drivers who made a purchase through Ms. Swain-Jones are urged to contact the insurance company listed on their policy to determine if their coverage is in fact valid. Consumers who wish to file a complaint can contact DIFS toll-free at 877-999-6442.

A copy of the full order of Summary Suspension, Notice of Opportunity for Hearing, and Notice of Intent to Revoke can be viewed at, http://www.michigan.gov/documents/difs/Angela_Swain-Jones_13-11834_439881_7.pdf.

A a DUI arrest can haunt you for life

Whether it's called driving under the influence (DUI), operating while intoxicated (OWI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI), drunk driving is a nationwide problem of seismic magnitude. A majority of states use .08 percent as the legal level of intoxication for adults.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, an estimated 10,228 people died in drunk driving crashes in 2011, accounting for 31 percent of all traffic deaths that year.

Since NHTSA began recording alcohol-related statistics in 1982, drunk driving fatalities have decreased 52 percent, from 21,113 in 1982, in large part because of public awareness campaigns and tough nationwide laws.

And a DUI can haunt every aspect of someone's life, from employment to insurance rates.

A DUI conviction can be a bar to employment.  If an employer has 10 qualified applicants for a position, does a background check and one of them has a DUI conviction, that person will likely be amongst the first cut. That is especially true in as competitive a job market as we have today.

DUI punishment

Ohio's OVI (operating a vehicle under the influence) penalties are particularly harsh. A first offense gets you a possible three-day jail stint, a 72-hour intervention program (usually held in an area hotel), a three- to six-month license suspension and fines of $375 to $1,075. Blow over .17 on a breathalyzer test and your jail time is mandatory -- and you've bought yourself a specialized bright yellow DUI license plate for your suspension period that lets everyone know you got a DUI.


Upon a second offense in Ohio, you get a mandatory ignition interlock, which costs up to $200 for installation and $80 per month maintenance. It uses a breathalyzer system that's connected to the vehicle's engine that's required to start the car and keep it running. If alcohol is detected the car won't start or will disable in motion. Currently 36 states have ignition interlock system laws.


Refusing to blow

So why not refuse the breathalyzer? Here's why: The majority of states have some type of "implied consent" law.


"This means that when you sign up for your driver's license, you also consent to taking a breathalyzer test upon demand from a police officer," says Eric Misterovich, a DUI attorney at Newburg Law in St. Joseph, Mich.

Many times people refuse a breathalyzer because they don't want to provide evidence of their blood alcohol to police out of fear of being arrested. However, the penalty for refusing the breath test can be harsher than the OWI charge, says Misterovich.


"A first-time OWI charge in Michigan is a misdemeanor punishable by 93 days in jail, $2,500 in various fines, six points on your record and a 30-day license suspension with an additional 150 days of a restricted license," he says.

The majority of first-time offenders are not sentenced to jail; rather, they are given probation, fines and license restrictions.

However, if you refuse to take a breathalyzer or refuse to take a chemical rights test in Michigan (but in some states called chemical test rights), you are subject to an automatic license suspension of one year and given six points on your record, among other penalties. "Worse, even if you refuse the chemical rights test, the police will be able to obtain a warrant to draw your blood," says Misterovich.

The one-year license suspension will likely have a greater impact on your life than an OWI charge. Plus, given the police's ability to draw your blood anyway, you could still be charged with OWI.

"In short, at least for first-time offenders where there is no car accident or bodily injury, refusing to take a breathalyzer will likely subject you to greater penalties than the OWI" in Michigan, says Misterovich.

Every DUI case is different and many variables -- from your past driving history, the judge assigned to your case -- and even the courtroom you're in -- play a role, as well as your attorney.


Forty-two states suspend licenses for first-time offenders. An SR-22 form is required to reinstate driving privileges after a DUI in most states. The form, which must be carried for three years, also puts offenders in a high-risk insurance category and raises rates by at least 30 percent.

The SR-22 car insurance form: When you have to prove you have auto insurance.

All states require drivers to buy auto insurance (with the exception of New Hampshire), and of course not everyone complies. But if you’re caught, you may find yourself required to have an SR-22, says Alex Hageli, director of personal lines policy with the Property Casualty Insurers Association America, an industry trade group.

The SR-22 form, also called a Certificate of Financial Responsibility (CFR), is a financial responsibility document that car insurance companies file with the state for customers who are required to prove they have insurance.

Rules on SR-22s vary by state, but usually it's legally required for drivers that have been convicted of certain driving-related violations. Examples include DUI convictions, reckless driving and accidents caused by uninsured drivers.

How to get an SR-22 insurance form

If you need an SR-22, the court or your state department of motor vehicles will notify you of the requirement, says Loretta L. Worters, vice president of the Insurance information Institute. "A person should notify the insurer providing his or her insurance that an SR-22 is needed," Worters says. "Once the [insurance] purchase is completed, the insurer will begin the process of filing the certificate on the behalf of the policyholder."

According to Worters, Delaware, Kentucky, Minnesota, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Pennsylvania don't require SR-22s. But if you already have an SR-22 and move to one of those states, you must continue to meet the requirements of the SR-22 state where your offense was committed. Also, your insurance policy in your new state must have the liability limit minimums required in your former state, Worters says.

New York and North Carolina don't require SR-22 filings, and if you have an SR-22 and move there, you don’t have to follow your former state’s requirements because most companies don't offer out-of-state SR-22 filings for policies in those states.You’ll generally need to pay a $25 one-time fee to file an SR-22.  You’ll have to pay the fee again if you allow your policy to lapse and the SR-22 has to be re-filed. In addition, a filing fee is charged for each individual SR-22 filed. For example, if you and your spouse need SR-22s, you’ll pay the fee twice, Worters says.

The long SR-22 insurance road ahead

As long as your auto insurance policy remains in force, the SR-22 remains valid. If your policy is cancelled while you're still required to carry an SR-22, your insurer is required to notify the state. Failure to maintain continuous coverage could cause you to lose your driver’s license.

How long the SR-22 filings are required can vary by state and the severity of the offense, but it’s typically three to five years, Worters says.

If you cancel your policy prior to the termination date, your insurance company must file an SR-26 notifying your state you no longer have insurance.

Some insurers can’t be bothered. Also, many auto insurance companies don't want the hassle of filing SR-22s with states -- and also filing SR-26s when policies lapse, Hageli says. "And there are companies that decide that people who require SR-22s are not the type that fits their profile of someone they will underwrite."

The SR-22 will affect both your choice of insurance companies and the car insurance rates you’ll pay, now and in the future. You’ll likely be moved into a higher risk category and pay more for insurance due to your violation. "Some companies review rates on a case-by-case basis, looking at factors such as age, gender, driving history and vehicle model," Worters says. "It's possible that your insurance company will never find out about your DUI conviction if your state doesn't require you seek an SR-22." If your insurance company misses the conviction at the time it happens, however, it may still have a few years to raise rates if it discovers the DUI later.

For The First Time In American History, The Federal Government Is Regulating State Licensed Insurers As To All Lines Of Insurance

Last Friday, Prudential Financial Inc. dropped its fight against being designated as a "systemically important financial institution" by the Treasury Department's Financial Stability Oversight Council.

When the oversight council in June named Prudential and AIG as " SIFIs, " it marked the first time in American history that federal government would directly regulate the solvency of state-licensed insurers as to all lines of insurance.

AIG willingly accepted its SIFI designation, but Prudential resisted, filing an unsuccessful administrative appeal before finally surrendering last week. The oversight council has also voted to subject MetLife to intensive scrutiny for possible designation.

This unprecedented assertion of power by the U.S. Treasury raises significant questions about federalism and insurance regulation, all of which can be distilled to one overarching concern: Who can best safeguard the solvency of entities insuring million of Americans? The 2010 Dodd-Frank financial reform law provides for designating certain "systemically important" insurers for enhanced supervision by the Federal Reserve Board. It is unclear what will be required of SIFI-designated insurers.

Why? Because the Fed hasn't finalized its proposed rules issued last year for exercising enhanced supervision over nonbank SIFI designees. On Sept. 18, Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke said the rules will be "tailored" for SIFI insurers, but he gave no specifics.

 

Ronald Dwyer  an independent insurance agent licensed in Michigan for Home - Auto – Motorcycle - Watercraft - Business Insurance. He is also is a Real Estate Agent working with buyers and sellers.  He can be reached at rondwyer@roninsureme.com or 248-390-6345. His real estate website is http://www.dwyerproperties.com his insurance website is http://www.roninsureme.com or Twitter @ronalddwyerins Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/dwyerinsurance / Linkedin:http://www.linkedin.com/in/ronalddwyer

Michigan Catastrophic Claims Association Rate Increase Spurs Demands To Reform No-Fault Auto Insurance

Michigan motorists are now paying an extra $11 per year to cover the rising costs of the state's unlimited lifetime medical care for auto-related injuries.

The Michigan Catastrophic Claims Association  increased the premium paid for catastrophic coverage by 6 percent to $186 per insured vehicle from July 1, 2013 to June 30, 2014. The current assessment is $175, which represents a $30 increase from the previous year.

Michigan is the only state to offer unlimited lifetime medical care for auto-related injuries under its no-fault auto insurance system. The MCCA is a private, nonprofit association created by the legislature in 1978 that reimburses auto insurers for personal injury protection benefits after they exceed $500,000 per claim.  This past July, that threshold will rise to $530,000 per claim.

The MCCA has been under scrutiny as lawmakers consider changing the state's no-fault auto insurance system to limit personal injury protection coverage and/or implement a medical fee schedule. One Bill would cap coverage at $50,000 and dissolve the MCCA once its liabilities are paid.

House Insurance Committee Chairman Pete Lund, R-Shelby Township, said the MCCA can't remain solvent without constant rate increases, and said the legislature needs to pass reforms.

Those who want to maintain unlimited coverage have questioned whether the MCCA has been properly managing its money. The Coalition Protecting Auto No-Fault (CPAN) and the Brain Injury Association of Michigan filed a lawsuit to get rate calculation information from MCCA, contending that information is necessary for an informed debate on potential changes.

A circuit court judge ruled in favor of CPAN, but the ruling is under appeal.

"Here we are again, hit with a secretive rate increase that consumers can do nothing about," CPAN president John Cornack said in a statement. "This fund is controlled entirely by insurance companies, its meetings are closed to the public and its rate setting information is completely closed off from public scrutiny – and that’s exactly why CPAN brought a FOIA lawsuit against the MCCA."

The MCCA contends much of its information is already available online. Rates are based on recommendations from independent actuarial consultants who evaluate expectations for medical cost inflation, economic conditions, investment returns and the number of claims, according to the association.

MCCA Executive Director Gloria Freeland said the association expects the number of claims to continue increasing along with anticipated medical costs.

Out of the $186 assessment, $156.44 will cover anticipated new claims, $29.19 will go toward an estimated $2 billion deficit, and 37 cents will pay for administrative expenses. If they paid it off now, the estimated $2 billion deficit would cost each motorist about $300 per insured car, according to the MCCA.

The MCCA paid out $947 million on catastrophic injury claims in 2012. More than 29,470 claims have been filed since 1979, and more than $9.9 billion had been paid out as of June 30, 2012.

Most claims involve brain or spinal cord injuries that cause permanent disabilities. About 60 percent of payments are used for residential and attendant care.

The rise in premiums is bound to play a role in discussions on no-fault reform.

“Michigan has already been spotlighted for having the second highest auto insurance costs in the country. Another 6 percent increase demonstrates the need to adopt cost-saving reforms to alleviate the rising medical costs that are driving Michigan motorists out of the market,” Insurance Institute of Michigan Executive Director Pete Kuhnmuench said in a statement.

Ronald Dwyer  an independent insurance agent licensed in Michigan for Home - Auto – Motorcycle - Watercraft - Business Insurance. He is also is a Real Estate Agent working with buyers and sellers.  He can be reached at rondwyer@roninsureme.com or 248-390-6345. His real estate website is http://www.dwyerproperties.com his insurance website is http://www.roninsureme.com or Twitter @ronalddwyerin sFacebook: http://www.facebook.com/dwyerinsurance / Linkedin:http://www.linkedin.com/in/ronalddwyer

Independence Day Safety Tips: Grilling & Fireworks

Summer is for BBQs

As Independence Day approaches, barbecues all over the country are being prepared for use, but firing up the grill also requires firing up some common sense.

Grills have been the cause of more than 8,000 fires per year, according to a 2012 study released by the National Fire Protection Association, damaging porches, patios, balconies and more. July is the peak month for grill-related fires, so this is a great time for people to review the steps that can keep barbecuing safe.

Titled "Home Fires Involving Cooking Equipment," the NFPA report released in November looked at fire data from 2006 to 2010. Fire departments responded to an average of 8,600 home fires started by grills in each of those years, with an average of 10 deaths, 140 injuries, and $75 million in property damage. The NFPA report also said that 16,600 people went to hospital emergency rooms for injuries involving grills in 2011, with 7,800 of those injuries involving burns.

• Make sure your barbecue grill is on a level surface far enough away from homes, furniture, children and pets
• Check to see grill legs are sturdy and avoid grilling on a combustible surface such as a wooden deck.
• Position your grill so sparks and smoke won't fly towards people, furniture or buildings
• Avoid grilling in a confined space and if possible, don't grill on balconies and decks of apartments and condominiums
• Protect your hands and body by using long-handled grilling tools, potholder-type gloves and a heavy apron when over the grill
• Keep lighted cigarettes, matches and open flames away from your grill
• Clean your grill after every use to avoid grease buildup at the bottom

For Charcoal Grills:

• Never allow burned coals to smolder in any container on a wooden deck and make sure to douse coals with water before they're disposed
• Do not discard used briquettes in a cardboard carton or any other combustible container
• Avoid using gasoline, kerosene, alcohol or a cigarette lighter to ignite a fire
• Do not add more starter fluid to an existing fire
• Only use enough charcoal to last for the amount of time it's needed
• Make sure the ash catcher is properly attached when using a kettle grill
• In the event of bad weather while grilling, do not move a grill indoors; hot charcoal can build up lethal levels of carbon monoxide.

For Gas Grills:

• Always store gas tanks in an upright position outside and away from your home or garage and out of the reach of children and pets
• Check to see tank valves are turned off when not in use
• To see if there may be a leak in a tube or connection, pour soapy water over it with the valve turned open – bubbles will appear if there is a leak. Should there be a leak, shut off the gas immediately and do not use the grill until it is repaired

And for all types of grilling, never leave your grill unattended when in use.  Taking time to check for safety will have everyone remembering your outdoor party for the right reasons.


Fireworks Can Be Pretty But Also Dangerous

Family, friends, food, and fun are a major part of Independence Day celebrations. But for many, a Fourth of July celebration is not complete without an exciting display of fireworks. Far too often, though, what is supposed to be a fun celebration turns into an emergency situation simply because of the improper assessment of potential hazards that lead to accidents

The National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) shares that more fires are reported on the Fourth of July than any other day of the year in the United States. The number of fires on July Fourth is more than twice that of an average day. According to NFPA data, “Fireworks account for two out of five of those fires, more than any other cause of fire.” Last year’s Fireworks Report from the NFPA revealed that fireworks caused about 15,500 fires with 1,100 reported structure fires, 300 vehicle fires, and approximately 14,100 fires outside or in other locations.  Approximately 7,000 people are treated in hospital emergency rooms every year for fireworks-related injuries and most of those incidents involve children.

Here are a few safety tips to remember:

Always read and follow label directions

Only use fireworks outdoors

Never experiment or attempt to make your own fireworks

Only light one firework at a time

Never re-ignite malfunctioning fireworks

Fireworks should only be used with close adult supervision

Never give fireworks to small children

Be sure to have water handy

Never throw fireworks at another person

Remember to call your local 911 for emergencies

Keep the pets at home.  Loud noises are can scare your pet.