WARNING!!!! Reading this post may save your life!!!

WARNING!!!! Reading this post may save your life!!!

You are driving down the interstate, all of a sudden you realize you have a flat tire.  You signal, and pull over into the emergency lane. You switch on the emergency flashers.  You exit your vehicle and begin the process of changing out the flat.  Suddenly, without warning you are struck by a car.  How can something so simple and uncomplicated as a flat tire end with a funeral?  I'm sure that is the same question plaguing several families as they try to find a way to cope with their loss.  

Today, I'm reminded of several of these incidents in the news in the past few months as I had my own flat tire this morning. If you find yourself with a flat tire or other mechanical issue that requires you to move your vehicle over to the emergency lane, here are a few things to keep in mind: 

1. IMMEDIATELY ACTIVATE YOUR EMERGENCY FLASHERS
2. GET AS FAR OFF THE ROADWAY AS POSSIBLE Disabled vehicles in the roadway tend to get hit, sometimes due to following drivers speeding, failing to keep a lookout, etc. Even if you are innocent and the driver who hits you is grossly negligent in 100 ways, the outcome for you will not be good if you are hit.
3. NOTE THE LOCATION OF YOUR VEHICLE AND SURROUNDINGS – landmarks, mile markers, etc. – to give to the 911 operator and roadside assistance.
4. Call 911 for police or *THP on your cell FOR ASSISTANCE, and if appropriate call your auto club for roadside assistance.
5. IF YOUR CAR IS DISABLED IN A TRAFFIC LANE, LEAVE THE CAR AND GET YOURSELF COMPLETELY OUT OF THE ROADWAY. If you are on the interstate, it may be safest to wait on the grassy right-of-way completely off the pavement. Getting cold and wet is better than being hit by a tractor trailer at highway speed.
6. IF YOU MUST EXIT THE VEHICLE-DO SO FROM THE PASSENGER'S SIDE, AWAY FROM TRAFFIC. If that is not feasible, at least pull as far off the traffic lanes as possible. If you are blocked in by a concrete wall, just don’t get out. Either drive up the emergency lane to the next exit with you hazard lights flashing or sit still with you hazard lights flashing while waiting for assistance. That may be the “least bad” option.
7. IF YOU WAIT IN YOUR VEHICLE, LEAVE THE FLASHERS ON AND LOCK YOUR DOORS. Exercise discernment about offers of help from strangers. Generally, ask them to call police for assistance. If you are threatened or harassed while waiting in your car, honk the horn repeatedly and flash the lights to attract attention. Don’t leave the engine on for extended periods to heat or cool the vehicle. You could put yourself and any passengers at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
8. If possible, STAY WITH THE VEHICLE UNTIL UNIFORMED LAW ENFORCEMENT ARRIVES, especially at night or during bad weather.
9. IF YOU ARE STUCK IN AN ICE STORM AND SLIDE OFF THE ROAD DUE TO OTHER VEHICLES STOPPING IN FRONT OF YOUR, EXERCISE GREAT CAUTION IN ATTEMPTS TO GET BACK ON THE ROAD. In such situations, calling 911 may be useless as police are already overwhelmed, and staying on the road overnight in the cold carries its own dangers including hypothermia and carbon monoxide poisoning. If you try to push you vehicle back onto the road in the ice, keep a watch for oncoming hazards, such as speeding truckers who ignore their own safety rules.
10. IF YOU NEED TO CHANGE A TIRE, EXERCISE EXTREME CAUTION REGARDING TRAFFIC. Too often we see reports of people struck and killed while trying to change a tire in the emergency lane. It is better to ruin a tire or even a wheel by running on a rim to the next exit than to sacrifice your life for a tire. If you have to change a tire on the roadside, make sure you are way out of the traffic lanes. Don’t just park in the emergency lane of an interstate; park with the right side wheel well onto the grass. Better yet, call for roadside assistance so the flat tire can be addressed by a guy in a tow truck with flashing emergency light who will park behind you and both warn and block oncoming traffic.
11. AVOID STANDING DIRECTLY BEHIND OR IN FRONT OF YOUR VEHICLE.  Other drivers may not be able to see you, with potentially fatal results.
12. IF YOU DECIDE YOU MUST WALK, OR ACCEPT A RIDE-WRITE DOWN : 
• YOUR NAME
• THE DATE & TIME YOU LEFT
• DIRECTION YOU ARE GOING 
• PLATE NUMBER, COLOR, MAKE AND MODEL OF THE VEHICLE YOU ARE RIDING IN
• NAME AND DESCRIPTION OF THE PERSON YOU ARE RIDING WITH
• NOTIFY LAW ENFORCEMENT OF THE LOCATION & CIRCUMSTANCES IN WHICH YOU LEFT YOUR VEHICLE 


13. CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL LIST OF AAA suggestions.

As I'm in traffic daily, I see so many distracted drivers who are texting, talking on the phone, picking up some fallen object in their car, and the list goes on...whatever the reason, other drivers are NOT paying attention.  As a licensed driver it is your responsibility to be alert.  Anticipate the actions of other drivers and be prepared to react.  Our actions cannot be undone.  One distracted moment could, literally, be the difference between life and death.

Don't wait until disaster strikes

Did you or someone you know live in the Rutherford County, TN area in April of 2009? 

If so, then you remember the terrible series of tornados that ripped Murfreesboro apart leaving more than 250 home damaged or completely destroyed.  A mother and daughter lost their lives, and many many others suffered injuries.  The time following such a natural disaster can be stressful and confusing about how to proceed and what to do next.  I hope the following collections of tips will be a useful and valuable literary resource.

Surviving a Tornado

Tornadoes have been recorded in every state and have been known to occur in every month of the year. Typically tornadoes, occur from early spring through late summer in the United States. The average number of tornadoes that occur every year in the United States is 1,000. The most recorded in one year was in 2004, where 1,884 were recorded. Out of the average 1,000 that occur every year, 2% of those are in the EF4/ EF5 (Enhanced Fujita Scale) range. Most tornadoes occur between four and 9 PM. The highest wind speed ever recorded from a tornado is 318 MPH recorded on May 3 1999 near Bridge Creek/Moore, Oklahoma. Wind speeds vary during a tornado and an F1 tornado can produce wind speeds up to 112 while an F5 can produce winds in excess of 300 MPH (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration ).

Preparations

Tornadoes cannot necessarily be predicted. Conditions that set the stage for a tornado can be however. Certain weather conditions indicate the possibility of a tornado occurring. Through experience, meteorologists can say with some certainty a tornado is likely to occur if the weather conditions are right. Never gamble, always assume one will occur and take immediate steps.

You should know where any community storm shelters are located. If possible, drive the route as often as possible to the shelter, so there is no hesitation when evacuating to the shelter in the minutes leading up a possible tornado. Seconds count and any hesitation on which direction to travel can be dangerous. If shelters are not available in your community, you must have a so-called safe room in your home. The safe room can be the basement, closet or bathroom that does not have an outside wall. Getting in the bathtub and pulling mattresses over you can save your life. If you must endure the storm without the benefit of a safe room never gather next to an outside wall. Cover yourself with a mattress, heavy blanket or anything that will provide you protection. Avoid fireplaces, windows and do not huddle under any skylights.

Note: It is safer in some cases, to be outside in a drainage ditch or in a shallow depression, than to be inside of a structure during a tornado.

If your basement is your safe room, make sure your emergency supplies are located there. Surviving the tornado itself is one thing, you must also sustain life after the storm has passed. You will not have electricity, water or gas. If possible, shut the main gas supply off before escaping to the safe room. Cell phones and Internet service may be interrupted, as well.

Emergency Essentials Needed to Survive in the days After

·         First Aid Kit Include A Suture Kit For Stitching Up Wounds-If You Feel Confident In Doing So, Include Betadine As A Topical Antiseptic

·         Solar Heat Blankets

·         Ax For Evacuation

·         10 Pound Sledge Hammer-For Evacuation

·         3 To 5 Day Supply Of Non-Perishable Foods Meals Ready To Eat (MREs) Each MRE Is Nutritionally Adequate

·         3 To 5 Day Supply Of Drinking Water-Each Person Needs One Gallon Daily

·         Rain Ponchos-One For Each Person Can Be Used As Emergency Shelter

·         Waterproof Tarps-Can Be Used As Temporary Shelters

·         Matches And Alternative Fire Starting Tools Such As A Magnesium Stick

·         Multi-Tool Knife

·         Heavy Fixed Bladed Knife

·         Nylon Rope 50 Feet

·         Sturdy Shoes

·         Work Gloves

·         Battery Operated Lights

·         Candles For Illumination

·         Canned Cooking Gel (Sterno)

·         One-Quart Canteens-One For Each Person

·         Two Vials Of 2% Liquid Iodine For Water Purification

·         One Gallon Of Common Household Bleach Unscented For Water Purification

·         Medicine Dropper For Measuring Bleach

·         Coffee Filters For Water Filtration

·         Assorted Cooking Utensils Include A Pot And Pan

·         Battery Operated Radio

Water from your faucets after the storm has passed may very well be contaminated. If possible, draw as much as you can into containers rated safe for drinking water. Fill up any bathtubs, as well, for flushing toilets, toilets will self flush if you pour water directly into the bowl. Typically, most toilets today require up to 1.6 gallons for flushing. Do not mix any tap water in with any emergency supplies. Your tap water must first be purified by boiling for three minutes, or chemical treatment using bleach or 2% liquid iodine.

Purify Water Using 2% Liquid Iodine

Collect the tap water in one container and filter into a clean one for purification. The ratio is based on quarts. Simple math will convert the number of drops needed for one and five gallon containers. The container used to collect the water may very well have contaminates around the drink line. Once in a clean one-quart container you will add five (5) drops of iodine. Seal and shake the container well and allow 30 minutes before drinking. Never drink from the container used to collect tap water until that container has been submerged in boiling water for at least one minute.

Purify Water Using Common Household Bleach

Filter from one container into another as described above. The ratio is two (2) drops of bleach per one-quart of water. Seal and shake the container well and allow 30 minutes before drinking. You should detect a slight chlorine smell after 30 minutes. Heavily contaminated water will reduce the chlorine's effectiveness, therefore; if you do not detect a chlorine smell, add two (2) additional drops per quart and wait 60 minutes before drinking. Never exceed four (4) drops per quart.

During an average day, most people do not think about dehydration. During a crisis, dehydration is a very real threat, and it is deadly. Three days without proper hydration and you will be incapacitated, and if not treated immediately...dehydration leads to organ and heart failure. Water is crucial, and it must be safe to drink. You can survive up to three weeks without food, but in the hot days of summer, you cannot survive longer than three days without water.

Note: The purification and filtration methods described can be used to purify any water  source that has not been contaminated by poisons or toxins. Water sources that can be used for drinking water once purified include swimming pools, hot tubs, backyard ponds, rivers, lakes, ponds and streams. Always filter the water using the two-container method.

The average number of deaths every year caused by tornadoes is 60 on average. Deaths occur from flying debris, homes and structure collapse and downed power lines. Based on the number of people affected and the number of tornadoes that occur every year, your chances of survival are extremely high. Do not panic, work through any problem with a level head and prepare now. The days after can be the hardest, because of power disruptions, lack of water and destroyed possessions and homes. Know what to do and have the emergency essentials on hand at all times. People panic because they simply do not know what to do next. Practice, knowledge and training will quell panic and allow you to carry on during any disaster.

Hope for the best, prepare for the worst and begin right now.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration . (n.d.). Retrieved July 24, 2012, from http://www.noaa.gov/

Amy L. Prince
Owner/Agent
Insurance Brokers of America, Inc.
www.wecovertn.com
weloveinsurance@gmail.com
615-410-2281

We're proud to be Americans

On July 2, 1776, the Second Continental Congress voted for independence from Great Britain.  Two days later the birth of our great nation came when the signors of the Declaration of Independence put their intent in ink. In the days leading up to this moment in history, John Quincy Adams sent a letter to his wife, Abigail.  

The letter contained the following contents:  The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more.

With true American spirit, at The Insurance Brokers of America, not only do we believe we should celebrate the history of our great nation, we believe that we should stand with our hands over our hearts to give heartfelt "THANKS" to all who proudly serve, have served or have made the ultimate sacrifice since that historic day to keep our America the land of the FREE.

4th of July Safety Tips

Fellow Americans,

No matter how you and your family or friends choose to celebrate, please keep these safety tips in mind:

1. Be a safe swimmer:  Never swim alone, and always have adequate supervision for small children around water.  Statistics show that most young children who drown had been out of sight for more than 5 minutes.

2. Keep fireworks away from children:  If you live in an area NOT affected by the fireworks ban this year, keep children away from the fireworks at ALL times and keep spectators at a safe distance.  However, it is always safer to attend a community event rather than host your own show. 

3. Use Alcohol responsibly:  Please ride with a designated driver.  Also remember that alcohol and swimming can be as dangerous as drinking and driving.

4.  Review safe boating practices:  Don't drink and drive and make sure to have adequate number of life preservers on hand for guests.

5.  Cover food and beverages outdoors:  Discourage bees and wasps from attending your picnic. If someone is allergic to insect stings, you should have an emergency  anaphylaxis kit on hand.  Avoiding fragranced body products, bright colors and sugary drinks can also help prevent bee stings.

6.  Apply sunscreen: Both before and during an outdoor party to avoid sunburn.

7.  Check prescription medications: To make sure you will not have a sun-sensitizing drug reaction to the medication.

8.  Protect yourself from tick-borne disease: If you will be in an area where ticks are abundant, wear long sleeved, light colored shirts and long pants tucked into boots or socks.  You may also apply a tick repellent.  Check yourself (and pets) for ticks at the end of the day.

9.  Drink plenty of fluids:  The risk of heat illness is increased when participating in strenuous activity or sports, and those with chronic medical conditions and the elderly are also at an increased risk of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. 

10.  Keep children away from campfires and grills.

11. Don't leave the picnic spread out all day:  Leaving food to sit in warm outdoor temperatures can invite food-borne illnesses.  The FDA reports that bacteria will begin to multiply rapidly in refrigerated foods left for 1 hour in 90 degree heat.  Foods that need to be kept cold should be placed in a cooler with plenty of ice.  Adequate hand washing and proper food prep can also help in preventing food poisoning.

12.  Avoid Homeowner's insurance claims:  If you do plan to host your own fireworks show, please have a water hose handy to put out potential fires.

Please enjoy a safe & happy 4th!!