Volume 24 Issue 12

December 2014


www.pacounties.org

INSURANCE MATTERS
An e-newsletter of the County Commissioners
Association of Pennsylvania Insurance Programs

 

Owned by Members   Governed by Members   Service to Members
In This Issue
PCoRP Announcements
PCoRP Elections
Holiday Safety for Your Pets
IM being discontinued in hard copy
Upcoming Events
Quote of the Month
 
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Specialty Lines

 

  

 

As Dr. Seuss says, "time has flewn." December is here and we begin to take inventory of our accomplishments in 2014, as well as those things we are happy just to have survived.

 

And of course we start planning for 2015, because it is going to show up and be in our face before we know it.

 

My wife and I are planners. We've discovered that having events on the calendar, even just a weekend away, helps us to get through the winter months and the weeks where there is not much variety (especially in January and February). I've become adept at planning my vacation throughout the year, so there are breaks here and there.


This also gives me time to think a little, not about the tons of little details, but to consider the larger perspective - how are we providing services, how can our customer service be even better, how do we ascertain the needs of our members, and what really is Schnitz und Knepp (and do I want to know?).

 

Both my kids are getting married in 2015. So I have lots to plan! Actually, it won't surprise you to know that they are taking care of all the planning, I just need to show up and provide some funding. I am also planning to visit both sites and conduct a risk assessment for the events...

 

Have a wonderful Christmas and New Year's, and make sure you contact us when you need help with something,

 

                              John Sallade

PCoRP Announces $3 million Dividend, Expanded Grants Program  

 

PCoRP members will once again reap the benefits of their active safety and risk management programs, sharing in a $3 million dividend this December! This is the largest single dividend ever returned by PCoRP.

 

The 53 members of PCoRP, 49 counties and four county related entities, will receive their share of the dividend based on their contributions paid, and claims costs, for the policy years 2008/2009 through 2012/2013. Four members will not receive a dividend as they are new to PCoRP (Berks, Crawford, Warren and Westmoreland).

 

Dividend payments will range from $780 to $239,650. Ten members will receive dividends of $100,000 or more. Payments will be sent to each member by check in early December.

 

The PCoRP Board of Directors also acted to increase the amount of funding for PCoRP Loss Prevention Grants, allocating $750,000 for the grants starting June 1, 2015 (this is up from $500,000 in prior years). The Board also agreed, starting with the 2015 grants, the requirement for matching funds from the member will be removed from the grant!

 

Since 2011, including the dividend and grants for 2015, PCoRP has returned $10.25 million back to the members, while keeping prices for coverage stable!

PCoRP Members Elect Representatives to the PCoRP Board  

 

The six elected positions on the PCoRP Board of Directors were filled at the November 23 annual meeting of the PCoRP members. The report of the Nominating Committee was unanimously adopted. Congratulations to the following individuals who agreed to serve the membership for the next two years:

  

2A and 3rd Class Counties Representative

Tyler Courtney, Westmoreland County Commissioner

 

4th & 5th Class Counties Representative

Krista Middleton, Centre County Risk Management Coordinator

 

6th Class Counties Representative

June Sorg, Elk County Commissioner

         

7th and 8th Class Counties Representative

Norm Wimer, Forest County Commissioner

 

At Large Representatives (two positions)

Dee Robinson, Union County Chief Clerk

Gary O'Korn, Huntingdon County Commissioner

 

During the annual meeting, two board members who will be leaving the PCoRP Board were thanked by PCoRP Chairman Frank Staudenmeier for their service:

 

Ellie Ahner, Carbon County Chief Clerk, served on the board for seven years. She did not run for reelection due to other demands for her time.

 

Deborah McHugh has retired as risk manager for Centre County and will be leaving the board after three years of service.

 

Holiday Safety - Keeping Your Pets Safe  
By Dennis Cutler, Loss Control Specialist
  
I decided to take a different approach to holiday safety this year and focus on our furry family members. Let's look at some simple steps that will allow your pets to join in the holiday fun this year, while avoiding any trips to the animal emergency room.
 
TREE TIPS
  • Place your tree in a corner, blocked off from your pet's wanting eyes. If this doesn't keep your dog or cat from attempting to jump onto the tree, you can place wrapping paper, a plastic drink bottle filled with knick knacks, or anything else that creates noise on the tree's bottom limbs to warn you of an impending tree disaster.
  • Tinsel can add a nice sparkling touch to the tree, but make sure you hang it up out of your pet's reach. Ingesting the tinsel can potentially block their intestines, which is generally only remedied through surgical means.
  • Do not put lights on the tree's lower branches. Not only can your pet get tangled up in the lights, they are a burning hazard. Additionally, your dog or cat may inadvertently get shocked by biting through the wires.
  • Ornaments need to be kept out of reach, too. In addition to being a choking and intestinal blockage hazard, shards from broken ornaments may injure paws, mouths, or other parts of your pet's body.
  • For those buying a live tree this year, keep the area free and clear of pine needles. While they may not seem dangerous, the needles can puncture your pet's intestines if ingested. 

OTHER HOLIDAY HAZARDS

  • Holly, mistletoe, lilies and poinsettia plants are poisonous to dogs or cats. If you normally use these plants to decorate your home, they should be kept in an area your pet cannot reach.
  • Edible tree decorations, whether they be ornaments, or cranberry or popcorn strings, are time bombs waiting to happen. These goodies are just too enticing and your pet will surely tug at them, potentially knocking down your wonderfully decorated spruce.
  • Burning candles should be placed on high shelves or mantels, out of your pet's way, there's no telling where a wagging tail may end up. Homes with fireplaces should use screens to avoid accidental burns.
  • To prevent any accidental electrocutions, any exposed wires should be taped to the wall. 

FOODS TO AVOID FOR THE HOLIDAY SEASON

  • Avoid items that you know will upset your pet's stomach. Not every pet's gastrointestinal system is capable of taking on all foods and digesting or absorbing them properly. If you know your pet has had digestive sensitivities in the past, you should avoid new foods, especially in large portions, or combined with other new foods. Your holiday can be easily ruined by a carpet full of the resulting "reaction."
  • Don't overwhelm your pet with a bunch of new things all at once. If your pet isn't already used to eating a variety of foods, anything that digresses from its current diet may prove disastrous. Small, low-fat, non-spicy portions of food are the key.
  • Nothing with onions or other alliums (i.e., garlic, leeks, scallions). Though small, well-cooked portions of this plant group can be okay when pets are accustomed to them, larger quantities can lead to toxic anemia - especially in dogs. Also, be careful with turkey stuffing. Many stuffing recipes include onions.
  • No chocolate. Everyone knows that chocolate causes abnormally high heart rhythms in dogs, among other problems. But not everyone is aware that the kind of chocolate we bake with over the holidays is especially toxic. While an M&M or two may not hurt, a dog that snatches a large chunk of baking chocolate from the counter may end up in the ER.
  • No grapes or raisins. These fruits have been found to cause kidney failure in dogs, and studies have shown that these products tend to cause problems when given in large quantities over a period of time, so there's no need to risk it.
  • No xylitol. Most people don't cook with this sugar substitute, but diabetics often do. Anything with xylitol in it is toxic and absolutely deadly to dogs. Do not keep it in your house (or if you must, keep it safe and secure away from your animal). Sugar-free cupcakes, gums, and mints may also contain this product, so be careful all year round.
  • No alcohol. This is obvious. Though not toxic in the amounts most humans tend to imbibe, pets are even more susceptible to its effects due to their relatively small size. 

THE "OK" LIST

  • Turkey. Any excess fat and skin should be removed from the leftover turkey. In addition, make sure the turkey does not have any bones, as they tend to splinter.
  • Mashed Potatoes. Not harmful in and of itself, but be careful if you have added any extra ingredients to the mash (e.g., cheese, sour cream, onions, or gravy).
  • Cranberry Sauce. This holiday favorite is safe for most pets, but it can also be too high in sugar, so make sure you give only small amounts and observe reactions.
  • Macaroni and Cheese. Though it might not taste as good, it might be better to feed your pet just the macaroni. Your pet will love the plain pasta all the same.
  • Green Beans. Again, not harmful alone, but be careful when mixing it with other ingredients (such as in a green bean casserole).

Have a safe and happy Holidays and your pet will appreciate your efforts!

 

For more information, contact the CCAP Loss Control Department at (800)-895-9039; or email us at:

  

Gary Nicholson, Loss Control Services Manager

Maureen McMahon, Loss Control Specialist

Andrew Smith, Loss Control Specialist

Dennis Cutler, Loss Control Specialist

Insurance Matters Discontinuing Hard Copy  
By Christie Ward, Insurance Programs member Services Manager
  

As of January 2015, we will discontinue our hard copy distribution. For years now we've been sending 70+ copies by mail each month. Most were added to the hard copy list because we didn't have an email address, but over time that information was added. Beginning with the January issue, all those who were getting the hard copy, and for whom we have an email address, will be switched to email delivery.

 

Archived issues of Insurance Matters can also be found on our website, all the way back to 2009.

 

If you have any questions on Insurance Matters, please contact Christie Ward, [email protected] or Susan Horne, [email protected].

Upcoming Events

 

COMCARE PRO SAC Meeting

January 28, 2015, 10:00 a.m.

CCAP Office, Harrisburg

Quote of the Month

 

"How did it get so late so soon?

It's night before it's afternoon.
December is here before it's June.
My goodness how the time has flewn.
How did it get so late so soon?"
  
- Dr. Seuss
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Contact Us: John Sallade, Managing Director, CCAP Insurance Programs