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INSURANCE MATTERS
A Newsletter for Members of the CCAP Insurance Programs
Owned by Members, Governed by Members, Service to Members
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| January 2010 |
Volume 14, Issue 1 | |
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| Specialty Lines |
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Hello ,
Every e-mail you get from me ends with my contact information and this closing line: Owned By Members - Governed By Members - Service To Members. This is not just a tag line - we really believe in these words.
One example is the governing board process for our insurance programs, with very active boards of directors and committees who guide the direction of each program.
Following this article is a listing of these boards for 2010. There are 94 positions on the 9 boards and committees. We have good size and location diversity with people from 51 different counties and county related entities serving on the boards.
Here's the breakdown of the titles of those participating on the insurance boards:
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Commissioners/ Council Members: |
36 |
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Chief Clerks/ Administrators: |
14 |
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Other Elected Officials: |
6 |
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Personnel Directors: |
10 |
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Finance Directors: |
3 |
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Human Services Directors/ Staff: |
17 |
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Risk Managers: |
1 |
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Other: |
7 |
This diversity helps to ensure that CCAP's programs are responding to the needs of counties, and gives members the comfort of knowing their money is being used to pursue coverages and services that will benefit counties.
Make sure you call us when you need help with something,
John Sallade
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| 2010 CCAP Insurance Boards And Committees |
By John Sallade, Managing Director, Insurance Programs Following is a list of each of the boards for the coming year. We welcome five new board members: Jennifer Biehn (Berks County Personnel Director - BEST Flex), Vicky Lamberton (Wayne County Chief Clerk - PComp), Tammy Moyer (Lancaster County Warden's Executive Assistant - PIMCC), Kevin Barnhardt (Berks County Commissioner - UC Trust) and Meredith Dolan (Bucks County Human Resources Director - UC Trust). Thanks to all these county officials and staff for agreeing to serve!
BEST Flex BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Appointed by CCAP (All terms expire 12-31-11)
June Sorg (Elk County Commissioner), Chairwoman Gail Kipp (Columbia County Chief Clerk) Fred Cechman (C.M.S.U. MH/MR Finance Director) Jennifer Biehn (Berks County Personnel Director) Teresa Jones (Bradford County HR Director)
Elected by members (All terms expire 12-31-10)
Kristy Bixler (York County Director of HR) Erick Coolidge (Tioga County Commissioner) Dale Shelley (Juniata County Commissioner) Connie Hazelton (Venango County HR Director) Karen King (Lawrence County Director of Personnel) COMCARE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Appointed Members
CCAP Members: Donna Gority (Blair County Commissioner), Chairwoman (12/31/11) Darla Bortz (Sullivan County Commissioner) (12/31/10) Jeff Wheeland (Lycoming County Commissioner) (12/31/10)
PACDAA Member:
Rick Kastner (Executive Director Lancaster County Drug and Alcohol Commission),
(12/31/10)
MH/MR PAAP Member:
Phil Keating, Executive Director, CMSU MH/MR (12/31/11)
Elected Members
County Commissioners:
Joe Giles (Erie County Council Member) (12/31/12)
George Hartwick (Dauphin County Commissioner) (12/31/12)
Individual with Managed Care Expertise:
Scott Suhring (CEO, Capital Area Behavioral Health Collaborative) (12/31/12)
At Large Members:
Jim Kuemmerle, (MH/MH Administrator, Armstrong Indiana MH/MR) (12/31/10)
Jonna DiStefano (Executive Director, Delaware County Human Services) (12/31/10)
COMCARE PRO Subscribers' Advisory Committee
Donna Gority (Blair County Commissioner), President (2012)
Dave McAdoo (Executive Director, Southwest Behavioral Health Management, Inc.) (2011)
Rick Kastner (Executive Director Lancaster County Drug and Alcohol Commission) (2011)
Scott Suhring (CEO, Capital Area Behavioral Health Collaborative) (2012),
Vice President
Jonna DiStefano (Executive Director, Delaware County Human Services) (2011)
Allison Frantz, (HealthChoices Administrator, Lehigh County) (2012)
Jim Gallagher, (CEO, Northeastern Behavioral Health Care Consortium) (2010)
Jim Girardin (Willis Vermont, Vermont Member) (2011)
2010 DEFERRED COMPENSATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Joe Giles (Erie County Council Member), Chairman Paul Corbin (Jefferson County Commissioner) Connie Hazelton (HR Director, Venango County) Fred Wagner (Crawford County Treasurer) Karen Florentine (HR Director, Chester County) Chuck Noll (County Administrator, York County) Jon Eich (Centre County Commissioner) Betty Reibson (Sullivan County Commissioner) Gary Ebersole (Bedford County Commissioner) Dennis Stuckey (Lancaster County Commissioner) Jim Marker (Somerset County Commissioner)
PComp BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Appointed By CCAP (All terms expire 12/31/11)
Bill Soberick (Columbia County Commissioner), Chairman Vicky Lamberton (Wayne County Chief Clerk) Peggy Aharrah (Elk County Chief Clerk) Dale Shelley (Juniata County Commissioner) Sue Vogler (Tioga County Commissioner) Dan Vogler (Lawrence County Commissioner) Brian Beader (Mercer County Commissioner) Elected By Members (All terms expire 12/31/10)Joe Giles (Erie County Councilmember) (2, 2A, 3rd & 4th Classes) Bob Gress (Monroe County Chief Clerk) (5th Class) Teresa Jones (Bradford County Personnel Director) (6th Class) Dee Robinson (Union County Chief Clerk) (7th and 8th Class) Donna Hartle (Clarion County Commissioner) (At Large) Steve Howsare (Bedford County Commissioner) (At Large)
Appointed by the PComp Board
Pam Humbert (Bedford - Somerset MH/MR HR Director), County-Related Entities Representative Bonnie Meckley (SEDA-COG HR Director) County-Related Entities Representative PCoRP BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Appointed By CCAP (All terms expire 12/31/11)
Rob Cyphert (Beaver County Fiscal Director) Bill Gaylord (Wyoming County Chief Clerk) Gail Kipp (Columbia County Chief Clerk) Frank Staudenmeier (Schuylkill County Commissioner) Jamie Wolgemuth (Lebanon County Chief Clerk) Erick Coolidge (Tioga County Commissioner) Lisa Moreno (Adams County Commissioner)
Elected By Members (All terms expire 12/31/10)
Ken Ammann (Mercer County Commissioner) (4th & 5th Class)
June Sorg (Elk County Commissioner) (6th Class)
Norm Wimer (Forest County Coroner) (7th & 8th Class)
Eloise Ahner (Carbon County Assistant Chief Clerk) (At Large)
Dee Robinson (Union County Chief Clerk) (At Large)
John Sullivan (Bradford County Commissioner) (At Large)
PELICAN Subscribers Advisory Committee
Class A MembersMike Wilt (Executive Director, PACAH), President (2011) Diane Cleary (Vermont Director) (2010) Marvin Granda (Fiscal Officer, Gracedale Nursing Home) (2012) Molly Hess (Administrator, Philadelphia Nursing Home) (2012) Keith Wentz (Risk Manager, York County) (2011) Joe Giles (Council Member, Erie County) (2012), Vice President James Aurand (Administrator, Susque-View Home) (2011) Ronald King (Administrator, Jefferson Manor Health Center) (2010)
Class B Members
Lynne Dillon (Administrator, Saxony Health Center) (2010)
PUBLIC INSTITUTION MEDICAL COST CONTAINMENT GOVERNING BOARD (PIMCC)
Appointed Members (term ends 12/31/10)
Larry Kopko (Warren County Sheriff) Ralph Youmans (Tioga County Warden) Harris Gubernick (Bucks County Director of Corrections) Tammy Moyer (Lancaster County Warden's Executive Assistant) Elected Members (term ends 12/31/09*)
Jeff Hornberger (Clarion County Warden) Dale Shelley (Juniata County Commissioner), Chairman Joanne Palazzolo (Business Manager, Bucks County) Eloise Ahner (Carbon County Assistant Chief Clerk) * Election to be held CCAP UC TRUSTEES
Appointed By CCAPKevin Barnhardt (Berks County Commissioner) (12/31/11) Chuck Dominick (Westmoreland County Human Resources Director) (12/31/10) Robb Green (York County Controller) (12/31/10) Meredith Dolan (Bucks County Human Resources Director) (12/31/11) Derek Williams (Tioga County Chief Clerk) (12/31/10) Elected By MembersJoseph Giles (Erie County Councilmember), 2A and 3rd Classes Representative (12/31/11), Chairman Chuck Witmer (Centre County Controller) 4th and 5th Classes Representative (12/31/11) Gayle Kershner, (Bradford County Chief Clerk), 6th Class Representative, (12/31/10) Betty Reibson (Sullivan County Commissioner), 7th and 8th Class Representative (12/31/11) James Marker (Somerset County Commissioner), At Large Representative (12/31/10) Back to top |
| CCAP UC Trust To Celebrate 30 Years Of Service To Counties |
By John Sallade, Managing Director, Insurance Programs CCAP's unemployment compensation insurance program will be celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2010! The Trust will be producing a special annual report to the members highlighting member services and accomplishments.
In addition, the Trust will be sponsoring the Opening General Session speaker at the CCAP Annual Conference, Monday, August 9 in State College. We are pleased to announce the speaker will be Martha Raddatz, Senior Foreign Affairs correspondent for ABC News. She joined ABC News in January 1999 as the network's State Department correspondent. Her coverage at the State Department after the attacks of Sept. 11 was recognized, along with that of other ABC News recipients, with a Peabody Award as well as an Emmy Award.
In addition to the Emmy Award for coverage of Sept. 11, Raddatz has received two other national Emmy Awards for her reporting. She was also the recipient the 2007 International Urbino Press Award, the 2005 Daniel Pearl Award from the Chicago Journalists Association and a 1996 Overseas Press Club Award for her live coverage of the assassination of Yitzhak Rabin. Her reporting was also recognized with the National Headliner Award for team coverage of the 1988 presidential campaign.
Raddatz is the author of "The Long Road Home -- a Story of War and Family." The highly acclaimed book was released in March 2007, making both the New York Times and Washington Post bestseller lists. The Washington Post described the book as "a masterpiece of literary nonfiction that rivals any war-related classic that has preceded it."
Watch for more information about the Trust's 30th anniversary celebration!
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| CCAP UC Trust Board Of Trustees Election Results |
By Julia Jackson, CCAP Employee Benefit Programs Manager
The nominations are in for the 2010 CCAP UC Trust Board of Trustees election. All three incumbents were nominated to serve another two-year term on the Board of Trustees. Since there were no other nominations received, there was no need for an election. We are pleased to announce the reelection of:
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Joe Giles, Erie County Council Member, 2A and 3rd Class Representative
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Chuck Witmer, Centre County Controller, 4th and 5th Class Representative
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Betty Reibson, Sullivan County Commissioner, 7th and 8th Class Representative
A special thanks to all three Trustees for their prior service on the board and for their continued commitment to help Pennsylvania counties with their unemployment compensation risk management. The reelected Trustees will begin their new term on January 1, 2010. All three positions will be up for election/reelection in December 2011.
For more information on the CCAP UC Trust, please contact Julia Jackson, CCAP Employee Benefit Programs Manager, at (800) 895-5039 x 3305. |
5th Annual NACo/Nationwide Scholarship:
High School Seniors Can Win $2,000 For College |
Article provided by Nationwide Retirement Solutions and the National Association of Counties (NACo)
This spring, four high school seniors will earn $2,000 for college from the NACo/Nationwide Scholarship. Winning applicants will have written a short essay describing why it's important for a public sector employee to start saving early for retirement.
This is the fifth consecutive year that Nationwide and NACo have teamed up to encourage high-school seniors to think about retirement.
Why spur students who haven't even started full-time work to think about retirement? Three reasons - by applying for the scholarship the students:
1. Must consider the financial impact of their decisions about college and their career
and realize it is never too soon to start thinking about saving for retirement.
2. Begin to recognize the value perspective in turbulent financial times when often
difficult decisions are required.
3. Identify specific actions that help prepare for a financially successful future.
To be eligible, applicants must be graduating high school seniors who are legal U.S. residents -- their parent or grandparent must be enrolled in and contributing to the NACo 457 Deferred Compensation Plan. In addition, the student must enroll in a full-time undergraduate course of study no later than the Fall term of the 2010-2011 school year at an accredited two- or four-year college.
In addition to these qualifications, applicants will also be asked to answer a question (in 500 words or fewer) on why it is important for a public sector employee to start early when saving for retirement.
The application and entry must be submitted on line no later than January 31, 2010.
The NACo/Nationwide Scholarship is just one of the services arising out of a 30-year relationship between Nationwide and the National Association of Counties. As provider of the NACo deferred compensation program, Nationwide regularly reports to the NACo Deferred Compensation Advisory Committee on industry trends, updates statistics on the program and provides ongoing education on retirement issues. NACo receives from Nationwide Retirement Solutions payment for NACo's endorsement and license of its name and logo for use by Nationwide in connection with the NACo Deferred Compensation Plan and related products and services. These funds are used by NACo to enhance programs and services for the benefit of its members.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE SCHOLARSHIP
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| Franklin County Wins Governor's Award For Safety Excellence |
By John Sallade, Managing Director, Insurance Programs Franklin County is one of 10 employers honored with the 2009's Governor's Award for Safety Excellence, which was presented in October during the 83rd Governor's Occupational Safety and Health Conference.
"Winners of the Governor's Award for Safety Excellence are dedicated to high standards in workplace safety and employee wellness," said Governor Edward G. Rendell. "These companies have implemented safety strategies that reduce on-the-job injuries, increase productivity and sharpen their competitive edge in a global economy. They serve as inspirations for all Pennsylvania workplaces to match their success."
Applicants for the Governor's Award for Safety Excellence must meet rigorous standards of achievement. The award recognizes successful employer-employee safety programs that produce tangible safety improvements.
Franklin County's 935 employees work in 23 locations that include human service agencies, row offices, a nursing home, senior centers and a county prison. At the award presentation Liz Crum, Deputy Secretary of Labor and Industry, noted that "all the county's employees play a vital role in the safety and prevention program. With a health and safety program structure that includes an Executive Committee, a Workplace Health and Safety Committee, a Workplace Wellness Committee, an Employee Recognition and Team Building Work Group, and an Emergency and Pandemic Preparedness Work Group, broad involvement is key to the county's many safety-related achievements. Nowhere has this involvement been more in evidence than in the nationally known and state-of-the-art county jail which opened in May of 2007. Through all stages -- concept, design, construction, and ongoing administration -- safety personnel were and are heavily involved to insure the safety and well-being of employees, residents, visitors and the community."
"A reduction of more than 25% in workers' compensation costs in a single year and reductions in both loss ratio and incurred losses of 52% and 45% respectively in the last two fiscal years in, clearly attest to the high level of effectiveness of the County of Franklin's prevention programs!"
The following is the complete list of 2009 GASE winners: Amquip Crane Rental, Bucks County; C/G Electrodes, Elk County; Cabot Supermetals, Berks County; Concurrent Technologies Corp., Cambria County; County of Franklin, Franklin County; Covanta Energy, Lancaster County; Keystone Wood Specialties Inc., Lancaster County; Southern Chester County EMS, Chester County; The RiteScreen Company, Lancaster County; and Zippo Manufacturing Co., McKean County.
For more information on making Pennsylvania workplaces safer, visit www.dli.state.pa.us, keyword: Workplace Safety. Note: Information for this article was supplied by the Department of Labor and Industry.
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| 2009 PCoRP Award Winners |
By John Sallade, Managing Director, Insurance Programs
At the November 2009 PCoRP Delegates dinner we honored some members and individuals for their outstanding efforts. Congratulations to these award winners:
Brady Koch PCoRP Award
This award is presented to a county official in recognition of their outstanding contributions to PCoRP and their county's risk management program. The award is named for former Carbon County Commissioner and founding PCoRP Board Member Albert "Brady" Koch.
Winner: Dave Mitchell, Erie County Council Member
Sherm Doebler PCoRP Award
This award is presented to a county employee in recognition of their outstanding contributions to PCoRP and their county's risk management program. (PCoRP Board Members are not eligible for this award.) The award is named for former Union County Commissioner and founding PCoRP Board Member and Vice Chairman Sherman Doebler.
Winner: Marc Rice, Tioga County Risk Manager
Ron Shearer PCoRP Award
This award recognizes a current or former Board Member for their service to PCoRP. It is named for former Juniata County Commissioner and first Chairman of the PCoRP Board Ronald Shearer. The award was first presented in 2002.
Winner: Norm Wimer, Forest County Coroner
Claims Reporting Award
This award is given to acknowledge outstanding claims reporting. Starting in 2006 the winner of this award is provided one registration to the PA Governor's Occupational Safety & Health Conference, including hotel arrangements.
Winner: Holly Sumey, Administrative Assistant, Fayette County
Loss Control Award
This award recognizes outstanding loss control efforts by a county or individual. Starting in 2006 the winner of this award is provided one registration to the PA Governor's Occupational Safety & Health Conference, including hotel arrangements.
Winner: Susquehanna County
Loss Prevention Award
This award recognizes outstanding loss prevention efforts by a county.
Winners: Tioga County
PCoRP Willis Pooling Best Experience Award
This award goes to the PCoRP member county with the lowest loss experience rating modification as calculated by the PCoRP actuary. The winning county selects one elected official or staff person to attend the upcoming PRIMA (Public Risk Management Association) Annual Conference, with conference registration, travel costs and hotel room paid for by Willis Pooling.
5th Place - Lebanon County .943
4 - Bedford County .941
3 - Centre County .929
2 - Clarion County .928
Winner: Indiana County .913
Note: This is the second year in row Indiana County has won! |
| Safety First: A Look At PLGIT'S Guiding Objectives Of Security In A Challenging Financial Climate |
By David J. Sallack, Senior Manager, Pennsylvania Local Government Investment Trust In recent articles, we have discussed the ongoing challenges to local governments as they navigate the one-two punch of declining tax revenues and shrinking investment income. It is natural for these challenges to cause some concern for townships, which have a significant responsibility to protect public funds.
Despite the market turmoil, PLGIT enters its 28th year of service to its Participants and is still able to offer a vast array of all-inclusive cash management products and a market rate of return for investments due to its guiding objectives of 1) Safety, 2) Liquidity, and 3) Yield. Here are just some of the Trust's strengths:
INVESTMENT POLICIES AND STRATEGIES BUILT AND GUIDED BY LOCAL GOVERNMENTS
Local government officials solely comprise the 11 members of the PLGIT Board of Trustees, who are elected each year and currently include Charles R. Noll, Administrator and Chief Clerk of York County. The Board of Trustees sets investment goals and spurs the development of new services. In addition to township board members, the Board of Trustees includes representatives from schools and the local governments represented by the associations listed above.
The Board of Trustees developed and now maintains the investment policy of the Trust. The Board regularly reviews the investments to ensure compliance with the investment policy outlined in the PLGIT Information Statement. PLGIT invests solely in investments permitted by the codes governing local governments and schools in PA. Those investments include:
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U.S. Treasury Bills/Notes
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Short-term debt of highly rated federal agencies such as the Federal Home Loan Bank
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FDIC-insured or fully collateralized certificates of deposit and time deposits in banks
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Debt issued by the Commonwealth of PA or a state-level agency
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Short-term repurchase agreements with highly-rated financial brokers fully backed by high quality collateral held in custody in the name of the Trust
PLGIT's investments are also regularly reviewed by Standard and Poor to ensure PLGIT complies with the strict standards set forth by the rating agency to maintain a "AAAm" rating. According to S&P, "The 'AAAm' rating signifies excellent safety of invested principal and a superior capacity to maintain a $1.00 per share net asset value at all times. This is accomplished through conservative investment practices and strict internal controls." However, it should be understood that the "AAAm" rating is not a "market" rating nor a recommendation to buy, hold, or sell securities.
EXPERT ADVICE THROUGH PFMAM
Since the Trust was formed in 1981, PLGIT's investment advisor and administrator has been and continues to be what has become PFM Asset Management (PFMAM), an investment advisor registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. PFMAM specializes in municipal and school investments and is an industry leader in managing local government investment pools like PLGIT. From its Pennsylvania offices in Harrisburg, Pittsburgh, and Philadelphia, PFMAM representatives market the programs of the Trust. As of March 31, 2009, PFMAM had approximately $35.9 billion in discretionary assets under management.
A STABLE NET ASSET VALUE
Public funds on deposit with banks in amounts exceeding limits of FDIC insurance - currently $250,000 through December 31, 2013 --- must be collateralized under Pennsylvania Act 72. Collateral is usually kept in a pool for all public entities that make deposits at the institution. Act 72 provides a minimum standard for banks to follow and does not provide guidance on the length of investments to be held in a pool, or even if the investment qualifies as a permitted investment of the township in the event that the township would assume ownership of the collateral.
As a local government investment pool, the PLGIT portfolios seek to maintain a stable net asset value of $1.00 per share for each dollar invested by Participants. As shares are purchased and redeemed by Participants and as the market fluctuates, the PFMAM portfolio managers monitor the market and buy and sell permitted investments to keep PLGIT's assets in line with the Participants' investments.
CONTINUED GROWTH
Even with uncertainty in the market in the past two years, the PLGIT programs continued to grow. In 2008, sixty-four new Participants joined the Trust for the first time, bringing our total number of participating governmental entities to 2,790. PLGIT continues to stand as a remarkable example of intergovernmental cooperation in the Commonwealth. At PLGIT, our primary commitment is to strive to preserve the safety and liquidity of our members' funds. That commitment is especially important during the types of uncertain conditions that we are experiencing now in the Commonwealth and across the country. David Sallack is senior manager of the PLGIT programs and has over 30 years of experience in local government and education finance and budgeting. In his current role, Mr. Sallack oversees the daily operations of the Trust, including the administration, marketing and customer service. He can be contacted at sallackd@pfm.com.
Standard & Poor's fund ratings are based on analysis of credit quality, market price exposure, and management. According to Standard & Poor's rating criteria, the AAAm rating signifies excellent safety of invested principal and a superior capacity to maintain a $1.00 per share net asset value. However, it should be understood that the rating is not a "market" rating nor a recommendation to buy, hold or sell the securities.
This information does not represent an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell any fund or other security. Investors should consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses before investing in any of the Trust's portfolios. This and other information about the Trust's portfolios is available in each portfolio's current Information Statement, which should be read carefully before investing. Copies of these Information Statements may be obtained by calling (800) 572-1472 or are available on the Trust's website at www.plgit.com. While the PLGIT and PLGIT/ARM portfolios seek to maintain a stable net asset value of $1.00 per share and the PLGIT/TERM portfolio seeks to achieve a net asset value of $1.00 per share at its stated maturity, it is possible to lose money investing in the Trust. An investment in the Trust is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. Shares of the Trust's portfolios are distributed by PFM Fund Distributors, Inc., member Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) (www.finra.org). PFM Fund Distributors, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of PFM Asset Management LLC. Member SIPC.
PLGIT, PLGIT-Class Shares, PLGIT/PLUS-Class Shares, PLGIT/I-Class Shares, PLGIT/TERM, PLGIT-CD, PLGIT/ARM, PLGIT/SAM and PLGIT/CAP are service marks of the Pennsylvania Local Government Investment Trust.
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| NEW ADDITIONS FOR YOUR SAFETY & HEALTH TRAINING NEEDS! |
By Greg Cunningham, ARM, GSP, Loss Control Specialist We have just increased our video lending library by two! The two new videos are in DVD format and are titled: - Dog Bite Safety, reference #192 The video combines human with live animal footage to teach employees positive ways to avoid dog bites while on the job. Most dog bites can be avoided by simply reading the situation and understanding dog behavior. - Winter Walking: Avoiding Slips and Falls, reference #193 If you have a job that requires walking outdoors in the worst of conditions this video program could help keep you from becoming an accident victim. For that matter, even if all you have to do is walk from the house to the car and from the car to the office these tips can help you stay safe as well. Please contact CCAP Loss Control Specialist Greg Cunningham if you'd like to borrow these videos. Thank You. |
| BE PREPARED FOR WINTER DRIVING |
By Bruce Mitchell, Loss Control Services Manager As a vehicle driver for work or for personal use, winter is potentially the most hazardous time of the year. Ice and snow requires the use of special skills known to all defensive drivers. The following fact sheet is provided by the National Safety Council.
WINTER, YOUR CAR, AND YOU
By National Safety Council
Driving in the winter means snow, sleet, and ice that can lead to slower traffic, hazardous road conditions, hot tempers and unforeseen dangers. To help you make it safely through winter, here are some suggestions from the National Safety Council to make sure that you and your vehicle are prepared.
WEATHER
At any temperature - 20 degrees Fahrenheit below zero or 90 degrees Fahrenheit above-weather affects road and driving conditions and can pose serious problems. It is important to listen to forecasts on radio, TV, cable weather channel, or forecasts in the daily papers.
Prepare your car for winter. Start with a checkup that includes:
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Checking the ignition, brakes, wiring, hoses and fan belts
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Changing and adjusting the spark plugs
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Checking the air, fuel and emission filters, and the PCV valve
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Inspecting the distributor
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Checking the battery
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Checking the tires for air, sidewall wear and tread depth
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Checking antifreeze level and the freeze line
Your car should have a tune-up (check the owner's manual for the recommended interval) to ensure better gas mileage, quicker starts and faster response on pick-up and passing power.
An emergency situation on the road can arise at any time and you must be prepared. Following the tuneup, a full tank of gas, and fresh anti-freeze, your trunk should carry:
ESSENTIAL SUPPLIES
Be prepared with a "survival kit" that should always remain in the car. Replenish after use. Essential supplies include:
- Working flashlight and extra batteries
- Reflective triangles and brightly-colored cloth
- Compass
- First aid kit
- Exterior windshield cleaner
- Ice scraper and snow brush
- Wooden stick matches in a waterproof container
- Scissors and string/cord
- Non-perishable, high energy foods like unsalted canned nuts, dried fruits, and hard candy
In addition, if you are driving long distances under cold, snowy, and icy conditions, you should also carry supplies to keep you warm, such as heavy woolen mittens, socks, a cap, and blankets.
IF YOU BECOME STRANDED
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Do not leave your car unless you know exactly where you are, how far it is to possible help, and are certain you will improve your situation
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To attract attention, light two flares and place one at each end of the car a safe distance away. Hang a brightly colored cloth from your antenna
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If you are sure the car's exhaust pipe is not blocked, run the engine and heater for about 10 minutes every hour or so depending upon the amount of gas in the tank
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To protect yourself from frostbite and hypothermia use the woolen items and blankets to keep warm
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Keep at least one window open slightly. Heavy snow and ice can seal a car shut
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Eat a hard candy to keep your mouth moist
Information and recommendations are compiled from sources believed to be reliable. The National Safety Council makes no guarantee as to and assumes no responsibility for the correctness, sufficiency or completeness of such information or recommendations. Other or additional safety measures may be required under particular circumstances. For additional resources you may see the National Safety Council website. For more information email Bruce Mitchell, Loss Control Services Manager, or call 800-895-9039. Back to top |
| Quote Of The Month |
"Everything old is new again."
- Peter Allen and Carole Bayer Sager
(from the movie "All That Jazz")
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CCAP Insurance Programs
PO Box 60769, Harrisburg, PA 17106-0769
Phone (800) 895-9039 - FAX (717) 526-1020
Claims Fax (888) 692-2368
Click here to go the Insurance Section of the CCAP Website.
e-mail:jsallade@pacounties.org
Insurance Matters is published monthly by CCAP Insurance Programs for the use of members of CCAP's UC Trust, PCoRP, PComp, PIMCC, COMCARE, COMCARE PRO, BEST Flex, PELICAN and other insurance programs, and insurance producers of these members.
Advice contained in this publication is not legal advice and members are encouraged to seek the opinion of their solicitor.
The information provided in this publication is not intended to take the place of professional advice. Readers are encouraged to consult with competent legal, financial, or other appropriate professionals. Statements of facts and opinions expressed in this publication, by authors other than Association staff and officers, are the sole responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent an opinion or philosophy of the officers, members and staff of the County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania (CCAP). No endorsement of advertised products or services is implied by CCAP unless those products or services are expressly endorsed, or are owned or managed by the Association programs, or our affiliates. This publication may not be reproduced, modified, distributed, or displayed in part or in whole, by any means, without advance written permission of CCAP. Please direct your requests to John Sallade, Managing Director, CCAP Insurance Programs, jsallade@pacounties.org.
Note: As part of its copyright agreement the CCAP grants the author the right to place the final version of his/her manuscript on the author's homepage, subject to CCAP's standards, or in a public digital repository, provided there is a link to the CCAP website.
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