Plymouth Rock Assurance and Hurricane Preparedness

  

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Hurricane Awareness

The U.S. dodged the bullet with Debbie being downgraded to a tropical storm, but the southeast was still severly impacted. It really reinforces that fact that now is the perfect time to create a plan and to stock up on essentials like food, water, and batteries.

Not sure how to get started? Neither were we, until we started reading these links by the National Hurricane Survival Institute and the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety.

Here’s the low down on being prepared to file an insurance claim after the storm blows through:

Review your coverage with an independent insurance agent. Talk to your insurance agent to see if you have the right type and amount of homeowners coverage. For example, does your policy include deductibles for windstorms or hurricane damage? Find out before you need it.

What about flood insurance? Flooding—including wind-driven water and storm surges—may not be covered under regular homeowners insurance. Many homeowners along the coast of Massachusetts are required to buy separate flood insurance; your agent can help you determine whether or not you need to buy it if you live close to a flood zone, for example. Flood insurance is purchased as a separate policy available from the National Flood Insurance Program, which covers flooding caused by hurricanes.

Make an itemized list or inventory of your things. Videotape or photograph your belongings, and make a detailed list. Store the list and photos in a fireproof safe or safe deposit box. You may want to purchase extra coverage, or endorsements, for valuable and irreplaceable items such as artwork and jewelry.

[totally optional callout] Hurricanes, Categorized and Explained to the Nth Degree

(courtesy of the National Weather Service’s National Hurricane Center)

What’s in a hurricane? A type of tropical cyclone, a hurricane is a low pressure system that usually forms in the tropics. The cyclone is accompanied by thunderstorms and, here in the Northern Hemisphere, a counterclockwise circulating of winds near the earth's surface. Tropical cyclones are classified as follows:

Headquartered in Boston, Plymouth Rock Assurance Corporation provides auto insurance to personal and commercial auto insurance customers in MA and CT. Plymouth Rock is the flagship carrier of The Plymouth Rock Group of Companies, which together write and manage over $1 billion in auto and homeowner’s insurance throughout the Northeast.

Plymouth Rock and Smartphone Apps that Could Help in an Emergency

  

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When disaster strikes, you want to be ready – the following Smartphone apps could ensure that you are prepared, remain connected and stay safe.

You never know when disaster might strike and the 1st step of ensuring your safety is your disaster-preparedness kit. However, your Smartphone may be an equally important tool in the tool box due to the variety of apps that can help you stay in touch and keep abreast of your family, and what’s going on around you.

In a disaster, you can’t count on power to charge your batteries, so it may make sense to have a solar charger or a back up battery. However, even a partially charged phone can help you out – just remember to limit your usage to save your charge.

Here are some suggested Apps that might help you before, during and after the next disaster.

• StopDisaster - iPhone - $1.99
  
  StopDisaster is an iPhone app that walks you through preparedness checklists for hurricanes, earthquakes, blizzards and other disasters. It'll help you build an emergency kit, get your documents in order, and store your emergency phone numbers.
  
  For Android users, there's a similar app called Disaster Readiness that costs $1.29.
   
• Dropbox - Android and iPhone - Free
  
  You never know where you will be when a disaster strikes, or whether your computer survives unscathed. Make sure you have copies of your most important files stored in a Dropbox account. Dropbox is cloud storage – simply install the program on your PC or Mac, upload files to your folder, and they are instantly available on all your other computers and Smartphones. You can also access your folders through the Dropbox website from any computer with internet access.
   
• Flashlight by Rik for iPhone - Free
  Brightest Flashlight for Android - Free
  
  These apps turn your phones into flashlights. If you are caught in a disaster and the power goes out, a flashlight app can be invaluable. No more rummaging around for a flashlight in those first confusing moments.
   
• Hurricane Tracker - iPhone - $1.99
  
  When a hurricane is approaching, you want the latest official maps, data and projections. This hurricane-tracking app is for people who want the most up-to-date information so they can make the best decision possible.
  
  For Android, try the free Hurricane Software app.
   
• Life360 - Android and iPhone - Free
  
  Keeping in touch with family is key at all times, and becomes more important in a crisis. Life360 is a GPS tracking systems that uses your family’s Smartphone to show you where they are — on a map. The Life360 GPS tracking system can help you stay in touch with your family anywhere, get safety alerts to them, or call for help with the tap of a button.
   
• Facebook for iPhone
  Facebook for Android
  Twitter for iPhone
  Twitter for Android
  
  Social media may not be for you – but in the event of an emergency, it could be invaluable; because whether your friends and family are safe or are facing trouble, they'll likely be posting about it on Facebook and Twitter. In addition many business and social service agencies will be posting and you know what area businesses are open or where you can go for assistance.
  
  Consider following the National Hurricane Center, FEMA and your local transit agency and police department on Twitter – that way you can stay abreast of what’s happening in your community.
   
• 5-0 Radio Police Scanner Lite - iPhone - Free
  
  Want to make sure you have the correct information – not rumor or conjecture - follow police band radio, using a free app on your phone. This isn't talk radio; it's an unfiltered feed of cops, firefighters and other public-safety officers. We wouldn't recommend relying on it as your only news source, but it's worth listening in.
  
  Android users, try the free Scanner Radio app.
   
• MotionX GPS Drive - iPhone - .99 cents
  
  If you have an iPhone, MotionX GPS Drive can help if you need to travel an unfamiliar route. And the software even will work without a cellular signal, if you and download and cache maps.
  
  Android and iPhone users might consider the Waze app, too. This app provides free navigation and connects you to your local driving community.
   
• American Red Cross: Shelter View - iPhone - Free
  
  The American Red Cross has been assists people that have to evacuate and Shelter View helps locate the shelter nearest to you. This app is not available for Android, but you can search for a Red Cross shelter online.

Please note that you should research all apps prior to downloading and that none of these are endorsed by Plymouth Rock Assurance.

Headquartered in Boston, Plymouth Rock Assurance Corporation provides auto insurance to personal and commercial auto insurance customers in MA and CT. Plymouth Rock is the flagship carrier of The Plymouth Rock Group of Companies, which together write and manage over $1 billion in auto and homeowner’s insurance throughout the Northeast.

Fourth of July with Plymouth Rock Assurance

  

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If you live in Boston, or even near Boston, chances are that the Fourth of July is a pretty big deal for you. Whether you’re planning a backyard barbecue or heading over to the Esplanade to take in the fireworks (or trying to win tickets to the Top of the Hub!), below are some interesting “tweetable” facts about every New Englander’s favorite summer holiday.

1. Visit cbslocal.com to win a chance to watch the fireworks from The Top of the Hub this 4th of July from @PlymouthRock #gethomesafe [Tweet this]
2. The Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular will draw nearly half a million visitors into the city #gethomesafe with @PlymouthRock [Tweet this]
3. This year will mark the 236th Fourth of July celebration #gethomesafe with @PlymouthRock [Tweet this]
4. The Fourth of July is ranked the second most dangerous holiday driving after New Year’s Day #gethomesafe with @PlymouthRock [Tweet this]
5. This year @IAMJHUD will be headlining The Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular #gethomesafe with @PlymouthRock [Tweet this]
6. In 2010, the city of Boston spent an estimated $2.5 million on their fireworks display #gethomesafe with @PlymouthRock [Tweet this] 
7. Independence Day was first celebrated in Philadelphia on July 8, 1776 #gethomesafe with @PlymouthRock. [Tweet this]
8. On July 6, 1776, the Pennsylvania Evening Post became the first newspaper to print the Declaration of Independence #gethomesafe with @PlymouthRock. [Tweet this]
9. The Boston Pops fireworks spectacular is known as the premier Independence Day celebration in the nation #gethomesafe with @PlymouthRock. [Tweet this]

Plymouth Rock Assurance and Summer Running Tips

  

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Running Safety

Beach weather has now arrived and many people are adopting fitness routines to attain their “beach bodies”. As a runner, I choose to pound the proverbial pavement as one of the ways I keep fit. There are many factors that play into when & how I can run throughout the summer months.

One of the most obvious factors controlling my regular exercise routine in the summer months is the temperature. Today is June 21th, summer is in full swing and it is going to be 95+ degrees. It is only going to get hotter as the summer rages on. Mid-day running in such high temperatures is not a good idea. I run at 5:00 am when the temperature is cool and the traffic is light or I head out nearer to dusk for the same reasons. If you are restricted to running during the day for whatever the reason, here are some safety tips to follow:

• Make sure you are well hydrated BEFORE heading out. Trying to quench your thirst during a mid-day run is too late. At this point you are already dehydrating and sweating out everything you are putting into your body. Be aware of the signs of dehydration which include:
• Increased thirst o Nausea
• Dry mouth
• Headache
• Reduced urine output
• Dark urine
• Lightheadedness
• Cramps
• Chills
• Disorientation
• Wear sunscreen. The sun is not kind and you can’t prevent sunburn or skin cancer after the fact.
• Don’t run alone. Even if you feel that you are in the best shape of your life, you never know when you might feel faint, pass out, run into a dog with a bad disposition or a driver who may be otherwise distracted while driving. If you are alone, you may not get the help you need. Always carry a cell phone with your ICE (in case of emergency) numbers with you just in case.
• Wear appropriate running clothes. Wicking material takes the sweat off your body and wicks it away from you helping you to stay cool and dry. Cotton material holds moisture and becomes heavy and labor intensive to wear.
• Do not make major changes in your running routines. Your body needs time to acclimate to a new or more difficult route and running when the temperatures are high is NOT the time to become ambitious or aggressive.
• Stop if you need to. It’s ok, no one will fault you for paying attention to the signs your body is giving you. By following some or all of these safety tips you will decrease the chance that you will run into problems during your regular fitness routines throughout the summer months. For more information on summer running safety you may visit any of the links below.

Plymouth Rock Assurance, summer driving tips

  

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6 Smoking-Hot Summer Driving Tips

If this post’s title doesn’t get your attention, nothing will.

Summer is prime time for Americans to hit the road en masse. According to stats from the American Automobile Association, more than 35 million of us drove to our vacation destinations over July 4th weekend last year. Stay safe, and keep cool by following these summer driving tips:

• Before you pack up for that big road trip…make sure your car is ready to go: have it serviced and inspected for safety, don’t stuff it until you blow past your vehicle’s recommended weight capacity, and make sure your tires are inflated properly. Each 10-degree Fahrenheit jump in temperature increases tire pressure by about one pound. Who knew? Now you do.
• Your car needs fluids, too. Keep your vehicle “hydrated”: check your oil, coolant, brake fluid, power-steering, windshield wiper, and any other fluids frequently during the hot summer months. Make sure you have enough to keep your car cool and running smoothly when the thermometer spikes.
• Don’t even think about leaving kids or pets in your car alone. Sounds obvious, right? Yet every year we all read horrible stories of people who—intentionally or not—do this, so it’s worth repeating here. It doesn’t have to be a heat wave outside to raise the temperature inside your vehicle to a deadly level in just a few short minutes. If you wouldn’t be comfortable stuck in a stifling hot car, why would anyone else?
• Use a sun shield. Using a sun shield when you park your car helps lower the inside temperature and protects interior surfaces.
• Slow down for road work. Summer + vacation drivers = road construction + traffic tie ups. It’s a classic equation. Watch for signs, and obey the laws in construction zones. Yield for pedestrians and road work vehicles. And take a chill pill: it’s summertime. You’ll get there eventually.
• The end of summer means school’s back in session. Summer weather in New England is so fleeting, the season will be over before we realize it’s gone. Be familiar with the school crossing and other safety zones wherever you drive, so when school’s back in session, you’ll be ready for it—at least when you’re behind the wheel.

Sources:

http://www.forbes.com/2011/06/07/summer-driving-tips_print.html http://www.aarp.org/home-garden/transportation/info-05-2010/Summer_Driving_Tips.html

Plymouth Rock Assurance - Thoughts on Information Security

  

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Hack Attack: New Report Shows Half of Massachusetts Has Been Hacked Since 2007

Are you a Massachusetts resident?

Hold on to your wallet: there’s a more than 50% chance you’ve been hacked.

According to a recent report by the state’s Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation, more than half of Massachusetts residents—that’s about 3.2 million of us—have had their personal data stolen at some point during the past five years. From medical records to fraudulent charges racked up on credit and debit cards, identity theft is on a meteoric rise with no signs of stopping.

While no one type of business or institution seems immune from the threat, the juiciest targets for cyber hackers so far have been in health care, financial services, and retail—three areas that pretty much cover the spectrum of most people’s daily lives.

While laws to protect consumers are now in place (as of March 2010) to force businesses that store or transmit Massachusetts residents’ personal information to have a written security plan detailing how they intend to protect your personal data from theft or loss, it’s best to take precautions for yourself and your family—including your minor children, especially if they have a Social Security number.

Did you know? Bunker Hill Insurance Company provides their customers and household family members with unlimited, one-on-one access to Identity Theft 911®, a leader in identity management and fraud education all at no additional charge for this service.

The big breach: top security breaches by business sector in Massachusetts since 2005

The financial services industry reported the greatest number of security breaches in the state, with 955 incidents impacting the data and the lives of 901,156 people.

Labeled by IT professionals as “The TJX Effect,” Framingham retail giant TJX Corporation (parent company of TJ Maxx and Marshalls stores) reported a whooping 130+ million credit and debit card numbers stolen, forcing the entire retail industry to wake up and take action to protect their customers.

The health care industry experienced far fewer security breaches, with 214 incidents since 2007, but exposed far more people (more than 980,000 individuals), including around 800,000 patient records lost at South Shore Hospital alone in just one incident.

Plymouth Rock Assurance - Smaller is getting safer.

  

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Smaller is safer: this year’s surprising top auto safety picks from the IIHS

It’s no surprise that smaller cars are more fuel efficient than SUVs, pickups, station wagons or sedans. But driving a smaller car is also much safer now than ever before, according to the new 2012 ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

This is a big change from a few years ago, when smaller cars seldom earned the organization’s top marks for safety. Cars that earn the IIHS’ top rating of “good” do well on front, side, rollover, and rear impact tests, and have electronic stability control (ESC) qualify for the IIHS’s “Top Safety Pick.”

This year’s winners include 2012’s Ford Focus and Honda Civic, as well as the 2011 Hyundai Elantra, Lexus CT 200h hybrid, Nissan Juke, and Toyota Prius hybrid. David Zuby, the Institute’s chief research officer, was quoted in a recent IIHS press release, saying: “The list of cars with the best fuel economy now includes those with the highest test ratings in their class, too. At a time of high gasoline prices, consumers have never had a bigger selection of small cars that earn “Top Safety Pick.”

Altogether, 10 small and minicars with government fuel economy ratings of at least 40 mpg made the list. Toyota’s Prius is one of the most fuel efficient cars on the market, with an estimated 51 miles per gallon for city driving and 48 mpg on the highway. It’s now one of the safest cars on the market for its class, too. Zuby was quick to mention that smaller, lighter cars “don’t protect their occupants as well as bigger, heavier ones. Even though fuel prices defy gravity, the laws of physics always are in effect for cars. That’s why it’s important that the crashworthiness designs of smaller cars be as good as possible. The new ratings demonstrate that small cars are much safer than they used to be.”

Still, this is good news for people who want to drive smaller cars for a myriad of reasons, including: aesthetics, practicality, price, and fuel efficiency. Ever tried to parallel park an unwieldy Escalade or Suburban in downtown Boston? It's a challenge. So is filling them up at the gas station.

Surprise, surprise: new ratings are in, and small is beautiful. Check out all the makes and models that made the IIHS list this year.

Minicars

• Fiat 500 (built after July 2011)
• Ford Fiesta
• Honda Fit
• Nissan Versa sedan
• Toyota Yaris hatchback (only 4-door models)

Small cars

Here are the top 5, but 26 models made the list:

• Chevrolet Cruze
• Chevrolet Sonic
• Chevrolet Volt
• Ford Focus (4-door)
• Honda Civic (4-door)

Small SUVs

• Honda CR-V
• Hyundai Tucson
• Jeep Patriot (with optional side torso airbags)

Midsize moderately priced cars

• Audi A3
• Buick Verano
• Chevrolet Malibu
• Chevrolet Malibu Eco (2013 models)
• Chrysler 200