Hurricane Preparation Checklist

Make sure you have Renter's Insurance!!! Be sure you have your policy numbers and claims dept. phone number handy. Remember…the apartment community's insurance covers our buildings…not your belongings.
Listen to a NOAAWeather Radio for critical information from the National Weather Service (NWS).
Check your disaster supplies and replace or restock as needed.
Bring in anything that can be picked up by the wind (bicycles, lawn furniture on balconies, etc.)
Close windows and doors.
Turn the refrigerator and freezer to the coldest setting and keep them closed as much as possible so that food will last longer if the power goes out.
Turn off propane tanks and unplug small appliances.
Fill your car's gas tank.
Talk with members of your household and create an evacuation plan. Planning and practicing your evacuation plan minimizes confusion and fear during the event.
Learn about your community's hurricane response plan. Plan routes to local shelters, register family members with special medical needs as required and make plans for your pets to be cared for.
Evacuate if advised by authorities. Be careful to avoid flooded roads and washed out bridges.

What supplies do I need?
Water—at east a 3 day supply; one gallon per person per day.
Food—at least a 3 day supply of non-perishable, easy-to-prepare food.
Flashlight.
Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAAWeather Radio, if possible).
Extra batteries.
First aid kit.
Medications (7-day supply) and medical items (hearing aids w/extra batteries, glasses, contact lenses, syringes, cane).
Multi-purpose tool.
Sanitation and personal hygiene items.
Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, proof of address, lease to residence, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies).
Cell phone with chargers.
Family and emergency contract information.
Extra cash.
Emergency blanket.
Map(s) of the area.
Baby supplies (bottles, formula, baby food, diapers).
Pet supplies (collar, lease, ID, food, carrier, and bowl).
Tools/supplies for securing your home.
Extra set of car keys and house keys.
Extra clothing, hat and sturdy shoes.
Rain gear.
Insect repellent and sunscreen.
Camera for photos of damage.

What do I do after a hurricane?
Stay alert for extended rainfall and subsequent flooding even after the hurricane or tropical storm has ended.
If you evacuated, return home only when officials say it is safe.
Drive only if necessary and avoid flooded roads and washed-out bridges.
Keep away from loose or dangling power lines and report them immediately to the power company.
Stay out of any building that has water around it.
Inspect your home for damage. Take pictures of damage, both of the building and its contents, for insurance purposes.
Use flashlights in the dark. Do NOT use candles.
Avoid drinking or preparing food with tap water until you are sure it's not contaminated.
Check refrigerated food for spoilage. If in doubt, throw it out.
Wear protective clothing and be cautious when cleaning up to avoid injury.
Watch animals closely and keep them under your direct control.
Use the telephone only for emergency calls.

Emergency Numbers:
FEMA : 800-621-3362
Red Cross: 866-438-4636

Renter's Insurance Recommendation!!

Dear Valued Residents,

Recently within our apartment portfolio we have experienced two stove grease fires that occurred when a resident was cooking. In both incidents neither renter had “RENTERS INSURANCE”. In one situation the fire itself caused minor damage however, the water from the sprinkler system and Fire Department caused severe damage to the resident’s apartment as well as the neighbors below. The cost for repair, cleaning, and replacement of furnishings exceeded $5,000. In the other incident the staff arrived on the scene and was able to put the fire out in time to keep the sprinkler system from flooding their apartment and the apartments below! The cost for the damage to the apartment stove, cabinets and cleaning up of smoke damage still exceeded $5000.

In the past two months we have experienced forest fires near some of our apartment communities. Fortunately the quick action of the local fire departments kept the fire from spreading into the apartment communities. This could have been catastrophic loss for hundreds of residents. With no renters insurance your personal belongings would not be covered by the apartment community’s property insurance.

To those of you who reside in any of our coastal communities, hurricane season is beginning in June just weeks away. Storm damage is probable in the wake of a hurricane. Damage to your personal items from any type of storm is not covered under the apartment community’s property insurance. Many of you have seen the recent devastation in North Carolina and Georgia from tornado activity. If your building is damaged or destroyed you are not covered for your personal belongings.

What you need to know is that YOU are personally liable for damages to the apartment community as well as damage to units surrounding you even if the Fire Department creates the damage with their equipment and water! This could be financially devastating to you and your family. Below are list of the many reasons you need to be insured.

Did you know that if lightning were to strike your apartment building causing damage to your electronics (TV, computer, etc.) you would be responsible for the replacement/repair costs of these items? The Landlord’s insurance is not.

Did you know that if lightening were to strike your apartment building causing a fire you are responsible for all of the personal contents inside your apartment home? The Landlord’s insurance is not.

Did you know that if a neighbor leaves a candle unattended causing a fire, and/or smoke or water damages your personal belongings, Courtney Trace would not be responsible for the loss? And, if your neighbor does not have their own personal property insurance, again, you would be responsible for the replacement cost of these items.

Did you know that if a hurricane or tropical storm causes your apartment’s roof to leak or windows to break causing water damage to your personal belongings, the replacement cost of your items would not be covered by the landlord’s insurance?

And finally, Did you know that if a visitor is injured in your apartment or at the community while visiting you, you could be held liable for their medical expenses and more? Your current and future earnings could be at risk.

Many people are under the impression that an apartment communities’ insurance will cover such losses but this is inaccurate. The landlord’s policy does not include liability for something that happens in your rented residence or to your personal belongings.

how can you protect yourself and all of your personal property? Please obtain renter’s insurance. It is fairly inexpensive and your car insurance company may offer discounts for multiply policies. Most insurance carriers can help you select just the coverage you need based on exactly what you own so the renter’s insurance policy will suite your specific needs. The average annual cost for renter’s insurance today is approximately $120 per year a small price to pay to be able to replace your entire household. Often times you can add renter’s insurance through your current automobile insurance policy for a better rate!

Section 8 of your lease agreement clearly expresses your need for insurance and your responsibility for protecting your personal property. Please protect yourself and your property by contacting your insurance company and begin a renter’s insurance policy today!

Protect yourself! Don’t be a victim.

Support Our Troops

International Picture of the Year.

Here are two very touching photos honored this year.

First Place :




Todd Heisler The Rocky Mountain News

When 2nd Lt. James Cathey's body arrived at the Reno Airport , Marines climbed into the cargo hold of the plane and draped the flag over his casket as passengers watched the family gather on the tarmac.

During the arrival of another Marine's casket last year at Denver International Airport , Major Steve Beck described the scene as so powerful: 'See the people in the windows? They sat right there in the plane, watching those Marines. You gotta wonder what's going through their minds, knowing that they're on the plane that brought him home,' he said 'They will remember being on that plane for the rest of their lives. They're going to remember bringing that Marine home. And they should.'

 

Second Place




Todd Heisler The Rocky Mountain News
The night before the burial of her husband's body, Katherine Cathey refused to leave the casket, asking to sleep next to his body for the last time The Marines made a bed for her, tucking in the sheets below the flag. Before she fell asleep, she opened her laptop computer and played songs that reminded her of 'Cat,' and one of the Marines asked if she wanted them to continue standing watch as she slept. 'I think it would be kind of nice if you kept doing it,' she said. 'I think that's what he would have wanted'.



 
And the one that really tightens MY throat




Blue Fridays.
Very soon, you will see a great many people wearing blue every Friday. The reason? Americans who support our troops used to be called the 'silent majority' We are no longer silent, and are voicing our love for God, country and home in record breaking numbers We are not organized, boisterous or overbearing.

Many Americans, like you, me and all our friends, simply want to recognize that the vast majority of America supports our troops. Our idea of showing solidarity and support for our troops with dignity and respect starts this Friday -- and continues each and every Friday until the troops all come home, sending a deafening message that every red-blooded American who supports our men and women afar, will wear something blue. By word of mouth, press, TV -- let's make the United States on every Friday a sea of blue much like a homecoming football game in the bleachers. If every one of us who loves this country will share this with acquaintances, coworkers, friends, and family, it will not be long before the USA is covered in BLUE and it will let our troops know the once 'silent' majority is on their side more than ever, certainly more than the media lets on. The first thing a soldier says when asked 'What can we do to make things better for you?' is .'We need your support and your prayers.' Let's get the word out and lead with class and dignity, by example, and wear something blue every Friday.

Remider: POOL PARTY!!!

This is a reminder that the POOL PARTY is this Friday August 19th from 5-8:00pm!

Manager's Quote for the Day!

You're willing to make mistakes, learn from failure, and turn negatives into positives.
You ask: With enough effort, what can't be accomplished?