Thursday, July 30, 2009

Blue Angels I-90 Closures

It's that time of year again when the Blue Angels take flight. The following is the I-90 Floating Bridge closure schedule:

Thursday - July 30th
First closure: 9:45am - 12:00pm
Second closure: 1:15pm - 2:30pm

Friday - July 31st
12:45pm - 2:40pm
(practice show)

Saturday - August 1st
12:45pm - 2:40pm
(full show)

Sunday - August 2nd
12:45pm - 2:40pm
(full show)

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Insurance Myth: You've Got Insurance To Pay EVERY Claim

Insurance Myth: Insurance is there to pay for every claim or accident...
Truth: Insurance is meant for catastrophic losses.

Small claims and accidents that could have been paid out of pocket will usually come back to haunt you in the form of higher premiums...or worse, non-renewal. This is something that is prevalent with homeowners policies and Preferred auto companies.

Also, a lower deductible may make it possible for you can make more claims-- but you pay the price. Literally. If you can pay for the loss or damage without a financial hardship then pay it.

Something to keep in mind...depending on your policy, you may not have the coverage to pay your claim! For example, you're driving down a rural road and hit a deer; you don't have comprehensive or collision coverage and there's considerable damage to your vehicle. In this case, you're out of luck.

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Unsecured Load Causes Crash on I-90

A bucket in the road caused a car to swerve starting a chain reaction of collisions ultimately leaving 5 vehicles and a semi truck in a big wreck.

The collision blocked 2 westbound lanes of I-90 from about 3:40pm to 6:30pm yesterday.

30 minutes after the collision, medics and rescue crews were were still working to remove drivers and passengers from vehicles. 6 people were transported to Harborview Medical Center, none had serious injuries.

A pickup involved in the accident spilled about 20 gallons of paint on the roadway and a storm drain. The Department of Ecology is looking into the spilled paint.

Driver Hung Upside Down in Vehicle Overnight

A Kirkland driver was found this morning hanging upside down in his vehicle overnight after a high speed chase.

Police say they witnessed the driver run a red light and then fled police reaching speeds over 100 MPH. The driver flipped the car and crashed traveling on I-405.

Police believe alcohol was a factor.


Thank you to KIRO.

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Earthquake Preparedness: What To Do Before an Earthquake

Check for earthquake hazards
  • Fasten shelves securely to walls.
  • Place large or heavy objects on lower shelves and store breakable items such as bottled foods, glass, and china in low, closed cabinets with latches.
  • Hang heavy items such as pictures and mirrors away from beds, couches, and anywhere people sit.
  • Brace overhead light fixtures.
  • Repair defective electrical wiring and leaky gas connections. These are potential fire risks.
  • Secure a water heater by strapping it to the wall studs and bolting it to the floor.
  • Repair any deep cracks in ceilings or foundations. Get expert advice if there are signs of structural defects.
  • Store weed killers, pesticides, and flammable products securely in closed cabinets with latches and on bottom shelves.

    Identify safe places indoors and outdoors
  • Under sturdy furniture such as a heavy desk or table.
  • Against an inside wall.
  • Away from where glass could shatter around windows, mirrors, pictures, or where heavy bookcases or other heavy furniture could fall over.
  • In the open, away from buildings, trees, telephone and electrical lines, overpasses, or elevated expressways.

    Have disaster supplies on hand
  • Flashlight and extra batteries.
  • Portable battery-operated radio and extra batteries.
  • First aid kit and manual.
  • Emergency food and water.
  • Nonelectric can opener.
  • Essential medicines.
  • Cash and credit cards.
  • Sturdy shoes.

    Make sure the whole family knows the plan
  • Make sure children know how to call 911 and how to tune into emergency radio broadcasts
  • Teach family members how and when to turn off water, gas, and electricity
  • Have an earthquake drill
  • Have a plan to reunite after a disaster if family is separated
  • Have an out of state family member or friend as an emergency contact in case local friends and family are not reachable due to the disaster


    Thank you to FEMA
  • Monday, July 6, 2009

    New Laws Protect Tenants Against Forclosed Homes

    Tenants across the country are being forced to leave the homes they rent due to foreclosure.

    According to the Seattle Times, "The number of foreclosures on all types of houses in the state is up nearly 50 percent from a year ago and rising, driven by unemployment and a weak housing market." A national group estimates that a whopping 40% of these foreclosed homes are rented.

    But new state and federal laws are to be enacted to protect tenants who find themselves in this situation.

    Prior to the new law, tenants who were told they had to move due to foreclosure had just 20 days after the sale to move out-- however many moved in just a few days in fear of losing their possessions. And what's more is that the owner was not required to provide notice before they filed an eviction lawsuit.

    The new federal law which went into effect May 20th requires tenants to continue to pay rent until 90 days after the sale of the foreclosed home or until the end of their existing lease, whichever is longer.

    The new state law which goes into effect July 26th doesn't require tenants to pay rent to the new owner, does not require the owner to honor the existing lease, and tenants must move out within 60 days of being notified of the sale.

    Although generally, federal law trumps state law. But experts say in cases where the laws conflict, the provision that provides tenants the greatest protection should apply.

    A total of 23,705 homes foreclosed in Washington State in 2007, up 27.95% from 2006.

    June: Graduate Results

    We moved 40 people from high risk rates to low-cost Preferred rates this last month through our Exclusive Graduate Department. That brings us to a total of 259 for the year!

    Our top savers this last month... (These savings are per 6 month terms!)
  • Ben O - Enumclaw - $937
  • Maria A - Seattle - $773
  • Richard S - SeaTac - $734
  • Robert T - Seattle - $698
  • David D - Kent - $697
  • Robert L - of Orting - $578
  • Patricia K - Tacoma - $544
  • Jaime D - Kent - $510
  • Kathleen C - Edmonds - $499
  • Anatoliy V - Tacoma - $424
  • Kathleen C - Edmonds - $499
  • Thursday, July 2, 2009

    Kid's Club Carnival CANCELED

    Unfortunately, the Kid's Club Carnival has been canceled. But we plan to have this next year.

    Donations to Northwest Harvest are still encouraged at any of our office locations. This last quarter we raised a monetary donation of $282.

    Wednesday, July 1, 2009

    Celebrating the 4th: Local Firework Shows

    Like last year, many cities are banning fireworks within city limits. But this doesn't mean you can't enjoy the displays! See the full list of local fireworks shows and displays.


    City: Bellevue - www.bellevuedowntown.org/events
    Event: Symetra Family Fourth
    Place: Bellevue Downtown Park
    Date: July 4th
    Time: 6:00 p.m. to late evening Radio simulcast on 94.1 KMPS & 106.1 Kiss FM
    City: Burien - www.swkcc.org
    Event: 4th of July Family Days (No Fireworks)
    Place: Downtown Burien S.W. 153rd Street
    Date: July 4th
    Time: 3:00 p.m. to 6 p.m.

    City: Des Moines - www.desmoineswa.gov/index.html
    Event: Fireworks Over Des Moines
    Place: Des Moines Marina, 22307 Dock Ave S.
    Date: July 4th
    Time: 10:00 p.m.

    City: Kent - www.kentarts.com
    Event: 4th of July Splash, Fireworks Display
    Place: Lake Meridian Park
    Date: July 4th
    Time: noon - late evening fireworks at dusk

    City: Kirkland - www.celebratekirkland.org
    Event: 4th of July Celebration
    Place: Marina Park
    Date: July 4th
    Time: 10 p.m.

    City: Lacey - www.capdevco.com
    Event: 43rd Annual 3rd of July Fireworks Spectacular
    Place: South Sound Center
    Date: July 3rd
    Time: 5:30 - 10:00 p.m. fireworks at 10:15p.m.

    City: Lynnwood - www.ci.lynnwood.wa.us/parks
    Event: Star Spangled Celebration
    Place: Lynnwood High School Athletic Complex
    Date: July 4th Time: 6 - 10:15 p.m.

    City: Renton - www.ci.renton.wa.us
    Event: Fabulous Fourth of July
    Place: Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park
    Date: July 4th
    Time: Events mid morning to 9:30 p.m. fireworks 10:00 p.m.

    City: Seattle - www.familyfourth.org
    Event: Family 4th at Lake Union
    Place: Gas Works Park
    Date: July 4th
    Time: Noon through late evening (televised KING 5, simulcast on, JACK 96.5 FM, or KZOK 102.5 FM)