Personal Emergency Preparedness Plan

Do you pay attention to the headlines after natural disasters or large accidents occur? More specifically, are you aware of what is typically reported in the aftermath? Typically there are reports of persons stumbling around, seeking aid and at a loss for what to do.

Often there is little an individual can do to control a situation. But it is always better to make what plans one may. That is the simple philosophy behind the personal emergency preparedness plan (PEP) aka Family Disaster Plan

PEPs give individuals and families a plan of action when a natural disaster (such as flooding, earthquake, serious windstorms, tornadoes, etc.) is eminent or should a severe accident (home fire, structural collapse, utility line or pipe breakage, etc.) occur.

Generally a PEP should have the following objectives:

• Identify safe areas during an emergency – what are safe areas of the home during storm or earthquake? – What safety rules should be followed in event of a fire or flood?
• Escaping from area that is endangering family members – identify escape routes from every room (at least two)
• Establishing means for all family members to re-unite – Determine a safe meeting place immediately outside the home, or a neighborhood location – make sure to have access to working radio to access emergency information
• Ascertaining everyone’s safety – Check everyone for possible injury – apply first aid or contact emergency personnel as appropriate. Check residence for any dangers created by the emergency event, such as leaking utility lines, structural dangers, fire, etc
• Establish means to contact other family members and loved ones – have access to working phones, post emergency nos., training children on how and when to make emergency calls – make contact list of family members and emergency contacts (work and/or school numbers and e-mails)

Families should also consider issues that support a PEP, such as maintaining proper insurance, having an adequate first aid kit available and acquiring first aid training. Being aware of an area’s emergency plans and procedures as well as information on nearest emergency facilities are also helpful.

The above suggestions are merely a guide to considerations of an actual plan. Please seek out competent sources (such as city, state, hospital and similar websites) for information on creating a detailed PEP for you and your loved ones.

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Can I Afford My New Driver?

Young drivers are expensive to insure. Such drivers, particularly teenagers, frequently cause traffic accidents because of their lack of experience and the fact that, due to their youth, they tend to be distracted, risky drivers. If your household is about to add a new driver, make sure that he or she understands that, besides endangering themselves and others, poor driving habits can result in higher premiums or a canceled policy. Here are some methods to help minimize the cost of a new driver:

• Have your child complete a driver training class. The class’ cost is easily offset by lower insurance premiums. You also gain a more competent young driver.
• Ask your insurer if it gives discounts to students with good grades.
• Urge….URGE against texting and driving

• Find a company that charges a rate according to the car your new driver usually drives instead of assigning him or her to the most expensive vehicle.
• Try to discourage or delay your child’s driving to school. Insurers charge a lower premium for less frequent driving.
• Build a long-term relationship with your insurer. Some companies reward longevity by forgiving a driver's first accident or minor traffic violation.
• Increase your physical damage deductibles or, for older vehicles, eliminate this coverage.
• If your child owns a vehicle, he or she should have a separate policy. However, if you share the cost of the car and its insurance, it may make sense to also own or co-own the vehicle. Your ownership interest lets you take advantage of a multiple-car discount.
• Think carefully about giving a young driver his or her own car. Coverage for young drivers who have full-time access to a vehicle is very expensive. Make sure you balance the considerations of convenience, cost and safety.

Don’t pursue lower premiums blindly. It's important that your young driver is protected from the financial consequences of causing a serious accident. Further, you may need to protect yourself since you could also be sued for an accident caused by your son or daughter. You might consider getting higher limits of liability by purchasing an umbrella policy. Talk to an insurance professional about more strategies to keep your new driver affordable.

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COPYRIGHT: Insurance Publishing Plus, Inc. 1996, 1998, 1999, 2001, 2006, 2011
All rights reserved. Production or distribution, whether in whole or in part, in any form of media or language; and no matter what country, state or territory, is expressly forbidden without written consent of Insurance Publishing Plus, Inc.