Lessons from the Joplin MO Disaster
Brooker Insurance Agency is your
Trusted Insurance Advisor in Times of Crisis
This spring's severe weather was some of the worst in recent memory. The extent of the damage caused by the deadly tornado in May that destroyed much of the town of Joplin, Missouri can be seen by clicking on the following link: Joplin Missouri Tornado Aftermath
After losing their own homes, office buildings and loved ones, agents in Joplin were assisting clients within hours of the storm, some working from temporary shelters set up in parking lots. "Independent agents in Joplin really stepped forward to be the trusted advisors their clients needed", according to Scott Brothers, President of the Missouri Association of Insurance Agents.
Whether you suffer loss as a result of a natural disaster, severe weather or accident, Brooker Insurance Agency is your trusted insurance advisor who will work closely with you to guide you through the process of filing claims and having repairs made. We are here for you and pledge to provide you with personal service and the superior customer care you deserve.
Don't hesitate to call on us if you have questions about your insurance. We'll help you determine if you have the coverage you need to protect your family and your possessions. We're here to help! |
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Be Wary of Storm Chasers!
In the aftermath of damaging storms come the storm chasers - the companies that flood neighborhoods in the weeks and months after a storm, offering to repair homes.
Be wary, especially if these companies offer to take care of homeowners' deductibles, offer to fix your home for substantially less than what other contractors or the insurance company says it will cost, inspect your home for damage without you being present or requesting the inspection, or want you to sign a contract right away or pay up front for repairs.
Don't hesitate to call on the staff at Brooker Insurance Agency with questions about your policy, procedures for filing your claims, or referrals to reputable contractors for repairs made to your home or auto. We are here to help!
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Don't Let The Gadgets
in Your Car Lead You
to Distracted Driving
There are amazing high tech gadgets now available in newer model cars - GPS and navigation systems, hands free cell phone systems, audio systems, and ipod USB connections. But all these new gadgets can dramatically impact driving safety due to the distractions they provide.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the use of electronic entertainment and communication devices, especially cell phones, is of great concern. The NHTSA is urging drivers to resist engaging in any activity that takes their eyes and attention off the road for more than a couple seconds.
In some circumstances, even a second or two can make all the difference in a driver being able to avoid a crash. According to a study conducted by the University of Utah, using a cell phone while driving, whether hand held or hands free, delays a driver's reaction as much as having a blood alcohol concentration at the legal limit of .08 percent.
While you can't eliminate all distractions, you can make a conscious choice to minimize the non-driving activities you engage in while behind the wheel. Make safe driving your priority when you drive! Remind yourself that getting to your destination safely is ultimately more important than multi-tasking while you drive. |
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Health Care Reform Update
With the enactment of the Affordable Health Care Act, significant changes to the health care and health insurance industries will be implemented over the next several years.
Each quarter in The Brooker Bulletin, we'll answer a question relating to health care reform to help you understand the various changes brought on by the new legislation.
* * * * * * *QUESTION: Is it true that restaurants will now be required to disclose the calorie content of the foods they serve? ANSWER: YES, beginning in 2012, in an attempt to help prevent chronic disease and improve public health, all chain restaurants and food establishments with 20 or more locations will be required to list caloric content for food menu items, including soft drinks and other beverages. These food establishments will be required to provide calorie information as well as a statement about suggested daily caloric intake to help you put the calories into perspective. Other nutritional information - such as sodium, fat, protein and fiber content - must also be made available in writing at the customer's request. For more information, log onto www.healthcare.gov, or contact your health care plan administrator. |
The Brooker Bulletin
