“811” number makes it easy to Call Before You Dig.
One Number for All States
811 is the national “Call Before You Dig” phone number designated by the Federal Communications Commission. This number was developed to eliminate the confusion of multiple “Call Before You Dig” numbers because it is easy to use, remember and it is the same for every state.
Why Call 811?
It is important to call 811 before digging so that professional excavators and do-it-yourself homeowners are aware of any underground lines buried in the area. This information can help protect people who dig from injury, expense and penalties. Damages to underground lines can disrupt service to an entire neighborhood, harm diggers and cost diggers fine and repair costs. Hopefully this number will increase awareness and create a positive behavioral change.
What Happens After Calling 811?
Similar to the current “Call Before You Dig” numbers, all 811 calls will be routed to a local One Call Center and the affected utilities. The utility will then send crews to the location to mark any underground lines for free.
Do Most People Call Before They Dig?
Believe it or not, the answer is “no.” According to a recent national survey, roughly half of all Americans are “active diggers,” yet only one-third have called to get their utility lines marked.
How Is 811 Being Promoted?
The Common Ground Alliance (CGA) is an organization created in 2000 to prevent damage to underground infrastructure, reduce service disruptions, save lives and improve safety practices industry-wide. The national 811 number provides a once-in-a lifetime opportunity to focus national attention on the importance of calling before digging. CGA is working with its members, sponsors and national launch partners to increase awareness about calling 811 before digging.
More Information
For more information about the 811 call system, visit http://www.call811.com. To download the most current industry Best Practices in connection with preventing damage to underground facilities, go to http://commongroundalliance.com/.
†Source Common Ground Alliance, 2010 Damage Information Reporting Tool (DIRT) Annual Report(pdf)
The information on this site is general in nature. Any description of coverage is necessarily simplified. Whether a particular loss is covered depends on the specific facts and the provisions, exclusions and limits of the actual policy. Nothing on this site alters the terms or conditions of any of our policies. You should read the policy for a complete description of coverage. Coverage options, limits, discounts and deductibles are subject to availability and to individuals meeting our underwriting criteria. Not all features available in all areas.
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Milder days offer a prime opportunity for spring cleaning and home maintenance. After a long winter, be sure to spend some time on preventive measures that will help maintain your home and property all year long. From cleaning out your gutters and checking for dead trees and branches, to cleaning and inspecting your home mechanical systems such as your heating and air conditioning equipment, we offer ways to help make spring a season of safety.
Inside Your Home
- Check your electrical outlets for potential fire hazards, such as frayed wires or loose-fitting plugs. Make sure outlets, fuse boxes and extension cords are not overloaded.
- Move your multi-purpose fire extinguisher to an accessible place, and make sure it is filled and ready for operation.
- Have your air-conditioning system inspected by a professional as recommended by the manufacturer.
- Check your water heater for leaks and corrosion.
- Clean or replace your furnace filter.
- Clean the clothes dryer exhaust duct and space under the dryer. Remove all lint, dust, and pieces of material.
- Inspect your smoke detectors. Make sure there is one on each floor of your home. Test them monthly, and change the batteries annually or as needed.
- Check the light bulbs in all your fixtures. Be sure they are the correct wattage as recommended by the manufacturer.
- Replace all high-intensity bulbs with fluorescent bulbs. Other types of bulbs, like incandescent, produce more heat than fluorescent bulbs.
Outside Your Home
- Check for damage to your roof.
- Clean gutters and downspouts to keep debris from accumulating.
- Remove dead trees in your yard.
- Keep healthy trees and bushes trimmed and away from utility wires.
- Safely store oil and gas for lawn equipment and tools in a vented, locked area.
- Repair cracked, broken or uneven driveways and walkways to provide a level walking surface.
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We advise boaters to take necessary precautions to be safe during the summer season, the time of year when boat accident claims increase in frequency, according to an analysis of claims incidence at Travelers, a leading provider of boat and yacht insurance.
“Substantially more people are on the water during the summer, so that is the time boaters should be extra careful to protect their family, friends and watercraft from a loss,” said Tony Scurich of Scurich Insurance. “It’s also a good time to review your boat and yacht insurance with an independent agent to be sure you have adequate coverage.”
We recommend the following boat safety tips:
- Wear a life jacket: 80 percent of drowning victims were not wearing a PFD (Personal Flotation Device) or life jacket. Most states require that children under a certain age wear a life jacket and that every boat be equipped with one life jacket per passenger.
- Take a boating course: Even if your state does not mandate the completion of a boating course prior to obtaining your boating license, both you and your passengers will benefit from a formalized course. To learn more about boating safety classes, visit http://cgaux.org/boatinged.
- Schedule a vessel safety check: The Coast Guard auxiliary offers free safety checks. For more information, visit www.vesselsafetycheck.org/getvsc or http://www.uscgboating.org/default.aspx.
- Equip your boat with an emergency kit and be familiar with how to use each of the items. Travelers recommends including the following: fire extinguisher, first aid kit, visual distress signal and/or a Coast Guard-approved throwable PFD, such as a life ring or a horseshoe. Organize an emergency plan and make sure that passengers are familiar with it. Remember to test equipment and be knowledgeable of the suggested guidelines for usage and replacement.
- Be prepared for the weather: Check the weather forecast before going on the water and be equipped for changes.
- Know where you are: The Coast Guard recommends having charts, a GPS (Global Positioning System) and a reliable means of communication on board.
- Know how to contact the Coast Guard: Marine radio is the preferred method to communicate on the water because it broadcasts to other boaters in the vicinity. If using a cell phone on the water, test it for a maritime emergency by dialing *CG (*24). There is no charge or penalty for calling to test the signal.
- Do not drink and drive: According to the Coast Guard, a boat operator with a blood alcohol level of .10 percent is 10 times more likely to be killed in a boating accident than a boat operator with a blood alcohol level of zero. Operating a boat while drinking is illegal in several states. Remember that the effects of alcohol are exacerbated when combined with sun exposure and being on the water.
Established in 1924, Scurich Insurance is an independent insurance agency offering a full range of insurance products including Auto, Home, Life, and more…
For information and quotes on insurance coverage, please visit
Scurich Insurance at 320 East Lake Avenue, Watsonville, CA 95077-1170 or call (831)-722-3541.
About Travelers
The Travelers Companies, Inc. (NYSE: TRV) is a leading provider of property casualty insurance for auto, home and business. The company’s diverse business lines offer its global customers a wide range of coverage sold primarily through independent agents and brokers. A component of the Dow Jones Industrial Average, Travelers has operations in the U.S., Canada, U.K. and Ireland. For more information, visit www.travelers.com.
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Ar
e you confident that your loved ones would have financial security if you were to die today? If not, consider purchasing life insurance. It pays a death benefit to your loved ones when you die, and it provides peace of mind and financial security to your survivors. Smoking, however, can limit your ability to afford life insurance.
Life Insurance is Based on Risk
Insurance companies offer a variety of policies, but they reserve the right to adjust rates based on risk factors. If you smoke or engage in other behavior that’s considered high-risk or unhealthy, expect to pay more for coverage.
Why is Smoking a Risk?
Whether you’ve smoked for years or recently picked up the habit, life insurance companies see you as high-risk. They base their perspective on two factors.
- Smoking increases potentially fatal health issues like cancer, heart disease, emphysema, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma.
- Smoking is the leading cause of premature death in the U.S. How Much More do Smokers Pay?
Every policy is different, but on average, smokers can expect to pay around 15 percent more for life insurance. So, if a non-smoker with a similar demographic and health pays $50 per month, a smoker could pay as much as $57.50.
Is There an Affordable Solution?
Before you give up on finding affordable life insurance, shop around. Your insurance agent can assist you in finding the most affordable life insurance premium.
Additionally, remember that insurance companies factor in how long you’ve smoked and how much you smoke. While their preferred rates may not go into effect until you’ve been nicotine-free for 12 or more months, you can start maintaining a smoke-free lifestyle now by enrolling in a smoking cessation program.
You may also find affordable premium rates if you bundle your life insurance with other policies like health, home and auto.
Talk to your insurance agent today. Find the most affordable life insurance policy for you, and give your loved ones financial peace of mind.
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Playing outside isn’t just for kids. It has tons of benefits for adults. One of the unexpected ones may be that it can lead to lower life insurance rates. It’s not always easy to make yourself go outside and exercise, but knowing that the effort can keep you healthy and save you money can be enough for you get off the couch. The more fun you have exercising, the better the results will be.
Benefits of Exercise
Exercise burns calories and improves your health. Since life insurance rates are based on your health risk factors, regular physical activity can help lower your life insurance rates. These are some of the benefits of exercise.
* Lower risk for heart disease and stroke.
* Lower blood pressure.
* Lower blood sugar levels and risk for diabetes.
* Stronger bones.
* Better mood.
* Clearer mind.
Make a Commitment to Exercise
Set aside some time to exercise most days of the week. Aim for 30 to 60 minutes, but even 10 minutes is better than nothing. The trick is to find some activities that you love, and any activity that is fun and gets you moving is a good choice. These are some options.
* Walk, jog, bike, swim laps, or hike.
* Join a local sports league. On the days your league doesn’t meet, train for your sport by doing drills, lifting weights, and getting in some cardio.
* Take Zumba, boot camp or kickboxing in the park.
* Go surfing.
Take Advantage of Your Kids!
If you have children, they’re probably a significant reason why you have life insurance in the first place. Why not use them to help you get in shape? They’ll keep you laughing while you exercise.
* Play Tag, Follow the Leader, or Hide-and-Seek with younger children.
* Play catch, shoot hoops, or kick a soccer ball with older children.
* Walk around the field at your children’s sports practices, and run to chase any stray balls.
Everyone can find an activity that they love as long as they keep searching for it. Keeping yourself in shape will give you more energy and can keep your life insurance rates down.
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31st Annual Mother’s Day Run for Shelter
Pajaro Valley Shelter Services Benefit Fundraiser
Where: Ramsay Park, 1301 Main Street, Watsonville
When: Sunday May 10, 2015
First race starts at 7:45 am – see race times below
Online Race Registration: http://tinyurl.com/oepnnoh
Or call: 831 728-5649 x107
Download 2015_Walk-Run_Registration
RACE INFORMATION
Registration: Race day registration and bib pick-up starts at 7:00 AM, Sunday, May 10th 2015. Course closes at 10:15. Bibs are not transferable. Registration fees are non-transferable & non-refundable. For online registration go to Fees: Registration Form required for EACH participant.
- 10K Run & 5K Run/Walk – $35 for individuals (1 T-shirt) Registrations after Thursday, May 7, 2014: $45
- 10K Run & 5K Run/Walk – $115 per family of four, max. 2 adults Registrations after Thursday, May 7, 2015: $125
- 1K Kid’s Fun Run – $10 per child under 12 (no T-shirt) With T-shirt: $20 Registrations after Thursday, May 7, 2015 add $5
Race Start Times:
- 1K Kid’s Fun Run @ 7:45am
- 5K Walk @ 8:00am
- 5K Run @ 8:00am
- 10K Run @ 8:45am
COURSE CLOSES AT 10:00 am
- Course: The course is certified: computerized time results will be announced & on the web site
- All runs and walks start and end at Ramsay Park. Run and walk courses are different this year. Course maps available at www.pvshelter.org
- Features: Event T-shirt included in the fee (except Kid’s Fun Run); T-SHIRTS AVAILABLE FOR FIRST 600 RUNNERS WHO REGISTER; Roses for the moms; Goody bags with goodies; Refreshments and water; music
- Awards: 10K Run & 5K Run/Walk – Medals for 1st, 2nd, 3rd places, male/female per 5-year age division; plus gift certs for the overall male and female place first placers in 10K and 5K.
- 1K Kid’s Fun Run – all youth receive accomplishment medals, 3-year age divisions. Kids’ Awards 8:30-8:45.
Want to contribute to PVSS- BECOME A SPONSOR!
THE EVENT
Entering its the 31ST consecutive year, the Mother’s Day Run for Shelter will bring nearly 600 participants and 100 businesses, plus crowds of spectators together to raise a goal of $100,000 in support of services to homeless families in our community. Sponsors have the ability to market to almost 800 enthusiastic runners and supporters.
“The Mother’s Day Run is one of the most prominent events in Watsonville!”
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES AND BENEFITS
Download sponsorship packet
- Sponsoring the race provides your business with the wonderful opportunity to reach new customers and build a brand that promotes healthy living, outdoor fun and care for the community.
- Increase visibility and brand awareness through Mother’s Day Run for Shelter promotions.
- Employees will feel good about your company.
- Your business will further connect with community.
- It’s tax deductible!
LAST YEAR’S RACE NUMBERS
- 540 registered runners plus a huge crowd of supporters cheering them on!
- 84 sponsors had their information shared with our community.
- Sponsors included Graniterock, Bay Federal Credit Union, S. Martinelli & Company and Union Bank
- Some racers travelled from 11 countries and 6 states
- The race raised $64,700 to support Pajaro Valley Shelter Services’ mission to end homelessness in our community.
Pajaro Valley Shelter Services presents the 31st Annual Mother’s Day Run/Walk for Shelter on Sunday, May 10th at Ramsay Park in Watsonville and will include a 10K Run, 5K Run/Walk and a 1K Kids’ Fun Run. Goodies include t-shirts, roses for mothers, medals for winners, continental breakfast and a live DJ. This year, families with strollers will be allowed in the event. For 31 years, the community of Watsonville has supported PV Shelter’s Mother’s Day Run to ensure the continuation of services for homeless families. The first race was held in 1984 and raised $8,000. with a small crowd in attendance. This year we expect over 600 people to help raise $100,000!
This well-loved event can be enjoyed by attendees of all ages and skill levelS, from the competitive runners to the weekend joggers to families who want to walk together. Starting and ending in Ramsay Park, the race route is a beautiful trek around Watsonville’s slough trails. Start your Mother’s Day off by joining the community in supporting the end of homelessness for mothers, their children and families in South County. The first race starts at 7:45 and the entire event ends at 10:00 am just in time to enjoy the rest of Mother’s Day.
“The Mother’s Day Run has become a tradition. For many, there are three generations who do the run/walk together, and then go to brunch afterwards. It’s a great family tradition –to help end homelessness on Mother’s Day.” PVSS Executive Director, Kimberly Ferm
Community Support
PV Shelter has the recipe for successfully changing the lives of families experiencing homelessness, by giving them the tools to help themselves. The Mother’s Day Run for Shelter is PV Shelter’s biggest fundraising event. The Race/Walk is an opportunity for the community to partner with PV Shelter to raise funds, so we can continue our mission of promoting self-sufficiency and changing the lives of families experiencing homelessness.
About Pajaro Valley Shelter Services: About Pajaro Valley Shelter Services:
Since 1983, Pajaro Valley Shelter Services has helped women, children, and families end the causes and cycles of homelessness. PVSS currently serves and helps house 80 families annually, while they complete a program to overcome financial barriers, and develop goals, skills and attitudes necessary to move on to stable housing and improved personal and economic self-sufficiency. Serving Santa Cruz County and focusing on Watsonville and Pajaro Valley, PVSS owns and operates an Emergency Shelter (for women and children), a Shelter Annex (for families with males over the age of twelve), thirteen units of Transitional Housing, and four units of Long-Term Supportive Housing. Participants learn how to manage money, obtain employment, housing, care for themselves and their children, and more.
Source: http://pvshelter.org/
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