HERE IS SOME HELP, for the Winter Storm Damage.

Government of the District of Columbia

Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking

Gennet Purcell

Commissioner

For Immediate Release:                                                                        Contact:

Feb. 9, 2010                                                                                        Michelle Phipps-Evans,

                                                                                                         Supervisory Public Affairs Specialist

(202) 442-7822

michelle.phipps-evans@dc.gov 

WINTER WEATHER:
What to Do If Your Home or Car Is Damaged in a Winter Storm

Washington, DC (Feb. 9, 2010)—After a bruising winter storm left more than two feet of snow in certain parts of the Washington, D.C. area, the region braces for yet another winter storm that promises to dump at least 10 more inches of snow in the next few days. In some areas of the city, the storm has already left a path of damage with fallen trees, and power outages across the region. As most people have realized, snow and ice can prove dangerous, and can cause severe damage to properties and vehicles.

When a storm strikes, it is important to know what to do if your home is damaged or if you are involved in an automobile accident. Following are some guidelines from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), of which the D.C. Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking (DISB) is a member, to help you deal with a property damage claim or automobile accident.  

“We understand that residents may be frustrated by these winter storms,” said DISB Commissioner Gennet Purcell, “but we want to ensure that their frustration does not cloud their judgment when it comes to their home and auto insurance claims. By following these steps, they may be able to make certain that any additional damage may be minimized.”

What to Do if Damage Occurs to Your Home

·    Call your insurance company or agent with your policy number and other relevant information as soon as possible. Cooperate fully with the insurance company, and ask what documents, forms and data you need.

·    Take photographs or video of the damage.

·    Make the repairs necessary to prevent further damage to your property (i.e., cover broken windows, leaking roofs and damaged walls). Do not have permanent repairs made until your insurance company has inspected the property and you have reached an agreement on the cost of repairs.

·    Save all receipts, including those from the temporary repairs covered by your insurance policy.

·    If your home is damaged to the extent that you cannot live there, ask your insurance company if you have coverage for additional living expenses incurred while repairs are being made. Save all receipts to document these costs.

What Damage to Your Home is Covered?

Damage caused by wind, wind-driven rain, trees or other falling objects, and the collapse of a structure due to the weight of ice or snow are all covered under most standard homeowners policies. Frozen pipes as the result of extreme cold might not be covered if the damage is due to negligence, such as failing to maintain an adequate temperature in the house when the ability to do so is there. Check your policy and call your insurance agent or company if you need clarification or have specific questions.

What Damage to Your Home is Not Covered?

The following events are typically not covered by the standard homeowners insurance policy: interior water damage from a storm, when there is no damage to the roof or walls of your home; damage as the result of a flood; removal of fallen trees (if the trees do not land on and damage your home); food spoilage due to a power outage; and water damage from backed-up drains or sewers. Some insurers offer endorsements (i.e., additional protection that may be purchased) for certain coverage not covered under the standard homeowner policy. Check with your agent or company to determine your needs.

What to Do if You Are in An Automobile Accident

• Call the police.
• Obtain the following information: the names, addresses, telephone numbers and driver’s license numbers of all persons involved in the accident and any witnesses.
• Record the time, date, location, road conditions, make and year of vehicles involved, apparent damages and injuries, and your version of what happened.
• Call your insurance agent or company to report the incident as soon as possible. Ask your agent what documents, forms and data you will need.
• Take notes each time you talk with your insurance company, agent, lawyers, police or others involved in the situation. Write down the dates, times, names and subjects you talked about, as well as any decisions or promises made.
• Ask your insurance company if you have coverage for a rental vehicle if your car is not drivable. Save all receipts and bills, including those from renting a car or having your car towed or stowed.

Contact DISB at (202) 727-8000 or www.disb.dc.gov if you have a dispute with your insurer about the amount or terms of the claim settlement, or if you need further information.  

This information was made possible by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), a voluntary organization of the chief insurance regulatory officials of the 50 states, the District of Columbia and five U.S. territories. For more consumer information visit InsureUonline.org.

###

D.C. Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking | Office of Communications | 810 First St., NE, Suite 701, Washington, D.C. 20002 | Office: 202-727-8000 | Fax: 202-535-1196

Remember, DISB protects your financial interests.  Call us to report fraud, to verify a financial institution, a speaker or consumer information at (202) 727-8000. Or visit the Web site at www.disb.dc.gov. Join us on Facebook. Follow DISB's tweets on Twitter

Metro - trying to do better than the last snow storm.

Metro prepares for major winter storm Friday and Saturday

For immediate release: February 4, 2010

Metrobus, Metrorail and MetroAccess customers should expect major service disruptions throughout the weekend as snow accumulates

As the region prepares for the biggest snowstorm since 1996, Metro expects that heavy accumulations of snow and ice will hamper its ability to provide safe rail, bus and paratransit service late Friday, Feb. 5, through Saturday, Feb. 6 and likely into Sunday, Feb 7, as the recovery begins. Today, the National Weather Service advised the public to “plan for substantial disruptions to travel Friday afternoon through the weekend.” See guide to using Metro in a snowstorm.
Metrorail Service

Metrorail anticipates opening at 5 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 5. and closing above ground portions of the Metrorail system when snow accumulations reach eight inches or higher. Customers riding Metrorail are encouraged to use care and caution on Friday afternoon while entering and exiting Metrorail stations as station platforms may be wet and slippery due to weather conditions.

Metro expects to have up to 20 trains equipped with de-icing equipment to combat snow and ice on the electrified third rail, which must be clear to allow electricity to flow to move the trains. Up to 12 trains will be available to operate in regular passenger service on all rail lines with the remaining eight trains in rail yards.
Impact to Metrorail during a significant snow storm

Metrorail operates very close to a normal schedule in snowfall of up to six inches. However once snow reaches a depth of eight inches, it is difficult to operate trains above ground because snow starts to cover the electrified third rail, which is necessary to provide electricity to power the trains. As a result, Metro may suspend above-ground rail service and serve underground stations only when snow accumulation reaches eight inches or more.

In the event above-ground rail service is suspended, the modified underground service will operate every 30 minutes as follows:

Yellow Line – Pentagon to Crystal City only
Red Line – Medical Center to Union Station only
Orange Line – Ballston to Stadium-Armory only
Green Line – Fort Totten to Congress Heights only
Blue Line – Ballston (extended to Blue Line) and Stadium-Armory only

Running trains only through underground stations when snow reaches eight or more inches will lessen the damage to the electrical components of trains which allows Metro to resume quicker because more trains will be available for use.

Underground-only operations allow for continued connections to key activity centers in the downtown D.C. and Pentagon areas, and support Metro underground rail car storage needs and a rapid return to normal service once the snow stops falling and is cleared from the track.
Metrobus service

Metrobus will operate on its regular Friday schedule but will be modified throughout the day and throughout the weekend as road conditions deteriorate. As local road conditions change, Metrobus will first reduce service, then limit service to snow emergency routes. However, if snow accumulates in the manner that has been predicted, Metro will likely stop all bus service until road conditions improve. Customers are encouraged to call the Next Bus number at 202-637-7000 or check Metro’s Next Bus Web site at http://www.wmata.com/rider_tools/nextbus/arrivals.cfm to determine when the next bus will arrive.
MetroAccess service

MetroAccess will operate on its regular Friday schedule but will be modified throughout the day and throughout the weekend as road conditions deteriorate. However, if snow accumulates in the manner that has been predicted, MetroAccess will likely stop all service until road conditions improve. Customers with scheduled rides should call 301-562-5360 for a status update of their ride.
Parking Facilities

Customers who use Metrorail parking facilities on Monday, Feb. 8, can expect to see surface parking facilities piled with snow, consuming approximately 15 percent of the spaces where vehicles usually park. The top level of parking decks also are expected to have large snow piles on them as more of those surfaces are cleared. Parking lot clearing will continue throughout the weekend and into early next week.

Customers are advised to be on the lookout for “black ice” on paved surfaces, which is often difficult to spot.

Metro personnel will work throughout the day Friday and all weekend to clear train station platforms, station entrances, walkways, access to remote street elevators, access roadways, parking lots, bus lanes and Kiss & Ride areas.
Metro Snow Facts

Metro has 2,200 tons of bulk rock salt to treat Metro roadways and parking lots. The salt is stored in seven salt domes and one storage building around the system. Each dome holds approximately 300 tons of rock salt.

Metro has 18,000, 50-pound bags of de-icer (calcium chloride) for treating sidewalks and platforms.

Metro has 71 tractors, 70 pick up trucks, 18 larger trucks, five dump trucks with plows, 96 snow brooms, and 122 snow blowers to remove snow from Metro-owned facilities.

Metro has two contractors on call to support efforts if snow accumulation reaches four inches or more. They are primarily used to clear parking lots.

Metro has several hundred personnel to aid in support of the snow removal effort.
Updates on Winter Weather Conditions

There are a variety of ways for customers to stay informed during a major storm. Metro constantly updates local news media of Metro service changes. Information is also available at www.metroopensdoors.com on the left side of the home page or by calling Metro at 202-637-7000. Customers can also subscribe to e-Alerts and receive up-to-date service disruption information on Metrorail and MetroAccess.

###

Media contact for this news release: Steven Taubenkibel or Cathy Asato at 202-962-1051.
For all other inquiries, please call customer service at 202-637-7000.

News release issued at 4:11 pm, February 4, 2010.

UPDATE ON DC Public Schools.

February 2010 DCPS Community Events DC Families Have Choice In DCPS Out-of-Boundary Lottery application Now through February 28  at 11:59 pm This year, the lottery application will be completely online – no paper forms, no drop-offs, and no hassle – and applications can be made via our site at dcps.dc.gov.  Through the lottery, you can: Apply to send your child to a different school than his/her assigned school(s). Apply to send your 3- or 4-year-old to preschool, pre-K and Head Start. The Chancellor Is Listening Chancellor’s Office Hours  February 11, 6-8pm Noyes EC (2725 10th St. NE) During office hours, community members sit down with the Chancellor for five minutes each and share their most important questions and concerns. What Does Good Teaching and Learning Look Like? This Teaching and Learning Meeting Series for Parents provides a venue for to learn more about the new framework and see examples of excellent classroom teaching. Key DCPS staff will be on hand to answer questions.  There are two meetings in this series this month: Teaching and Learning Community Meeting February 16, 6:30-8pm McKinley HS (151 T St. NE) Teaching and Learning Community Meeting February 23, 6:30-8pm Oyster-Adams (2801 Calvert St. NW) Learn About Hot Topics Affecting Your Student Chancellor’s Community Forum February 24, 6:30-8pm Luke C. Moore Academy (1001 Monroe St. NE)   Pass the word! Forward this email.

Mark your Calendars

February 25 – 26, 2010
4th Annual Blacks in Wax Program - "Lift Every Voice and Stand"
Southeast Tennis & Learning Center, 701 Mississippi Avenue, SE
Time: 1pm; 2pm; 6pm; 8pm
All Ages
During Black History month, the SETLC will present the Fourth Annual Blacks in Wax Program. Our vignette entitled “Lift Every Voice and Stand” is a tribute to African Americans in the arts that have used their gifts/celebrity to further justice and humanitarian causes. Students from SETLC will portray characters from Harriet Tubman to President Obama, from Arthur Ashe to Venus and Serena Williams and artists ranging from Cicely Tyson to Alicia Keys. For more information, call Donna M. Stewart at (202) 645-6242 or (202) 386-4723.

February ANC Meeting Canceled

ANC 8C Feburary Meeting Canceled - DUE TO WEATHER CONDITIONS.

We will meeting Next WEDNESDAY - weather premitting

Come out, Be a Voice, You must see for your self!

ANC 8C - From Congress Heights, to Barry Farms, Follow the ANC where everything happens!
 
 
 
 
 

ANC 8C OFFICE - COMMISSIONER ELLIS CLEAN UP

Hey Residents,

I spent much of my Saturday morning, cleaning out the ANC 8C Office, by the way which hasn't been used properly in 5 years.  I know most of you was hoping this would be moving out day, but until I can get two other Commissioners to vote with me, we are kinda stuck.  Even though every speculates (Attorney General and the DC Auditor) that their is some under handed deals being made between who ever the owner is and a the Chair of ANC 8C.  We hauled away over 500 pounds of trash, broken office equipments, old furniture, just anything that I thought we could get ride of that would not be used going forward.

I think this is the first step, in finding 8C another office, the only items that were left at the office were supplies, and minimal furniture including desks.

Below are some pictures of the clean up.

   

          

If you would like to see pictures of the office before the clean up, please see CongressHeightsOnTheRise blog site, where you can check out the office in detail.

Below are pictures after the clean the clean up.

     

   

    






Let me know what you guys think, I'm still working with the Salvation Army as we speak trying to get them to let us (ANC 8C ) lease office space from them.  Hopefully tomorrow I can take some pictures of the Salvation army office.

Please excuse some of the pictures, they were taken with my IPhone.

Also did you know, ANC 8B - have office space from William C. Smith, and doesn't pay anything.  They were suppose to pay 200.00 a month, but I guess William C. Smith, let it slide.


Thanks

More info on Job from the St. Elizabeths Campus

Focus on: Design & Construction

D.C. officials hope locals will get St. Elizabeths construction jobs

Washington Business Journal - by Jonathan O'Connell Staff Reporter

Joanne S. Lawton

Building futures: Kathleen McKirchy, right, offers pre-apprenticeship training for residents interested in construction jobs.

View Larger

D.C. will need more people like Bernard Johnson if the District is to take full advantage of the jobs being created by the largest construction project in the country.

Johnson hails from Ward 7 in Southeast D.C., one of the city’s poorer areas, and is in his third year as a construction apprentice. On Dec. 18, he was brought to a podium on the site of the former St. Elizabeths Hospital by D.C. congressional Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton to show reporters, U.S. General Services Administration officials and executives from Clark Construction Design Build LLC the kind of worker that training programs must produce if the District is to lower its unemployment rate, which was 11.8 percent in November.
The GSA and Clark will be embarking shortly on the first phase of a new $435 million headquarters for the Coast Guard, the initial project in the construction of a massive headquarters complex for the Department of Homeland Security.
“This is not just the biggest project the GSA has ever done, or the biggest project the federal government will ever have done,” Norton said in December. “This is the biggest construction project in the United States today as I speak. Right here in Ward 8.”

Hard work

Norton unveiled Clark’s “opportunities trailer,” which on Feb. 1 will become the construction site’s intake center for residents looking for work.
For the eager job seekers in the crowd, she offered Johnson as a sober lesson.
“He gets up at 4:30 in the morning because he’s got to be there at 6 a.m.,” Norton explained. “You know a lot of our kids drop out of school because they got to be there at 9 a.m. Think about it. Because they’ll pass right on to the next guy. Nobody stops a construction job to have your note from your mamma. The job starts at 6 a.m. You must be there at 6 a.m.”
By the time he completes his apprentice work, Norton pointed out, “Bernard Johnson shall have gone more years to be a journeyman than Eleanor Holmes Norton went to graduate from Yale law school. Understand that here. That’s the kind of time and effort that he has put in.”
The gap between the skills of D.C. residents and the skills required for construction jobs has prevented many residents from working on the city’s major construction projects in recent years, even when the city established hiring quotas for residents.
The hiring goals promised at groundbreaking ceremonies for construction of the Walter E. Washington Convention Center and the Nationals ballpark — both also built by Clark ­­­— were not met.
The District’s deal with Clark on Nationals Park had a bevy of hiring goals: 25 percent of the work should be done by apprentices; 50 percent of the apprentices should be D.C. residents; 35 percent of contracts should go to city-certified small, local and disadvantaged businesses; and union members living in D.C. should have priority for every job.
Clark and the city found D.C. residents to fill many of the apprenticeship jobs but few of the higher paying journeyman positions.
Clark cited a lack of qualified candidates, and the AFL-CIO cited a lack of training opportunities and a tendency for workers who reach journeymen status — suddenly upwardly mobile — to move out of the District for less expensive housing.
The St. Elizabeths project offers a chance for major improvement or disappointment. The $3.4 billion plan calls for 4.5 million square feet of office space and 1.5 million square feet of parking. It is expected to create 38,000 jobs over the next decade and house 14,000 federal employees when completed.

Reaching out

The federal government, unlike D.C., cannot funnel jobs to one jurisdiction or another, but it is required to make an effort to engage the surrounding community.
“St. Elizabeths is really, for us, an historic project not only from a historic preservation perspective but in terms of size and complexity,” said Tony Costa, deputy commissioner of GSA’s Public Buildings Service.
The agency has been “tripling and quadrupling our efforts to make sure that we are in direct connection with the community,” he said.
Using funds from last year’s economic stimulus legislation, the GSA has provided a $1.3 million grant to the Community Services Agency of the Metro Washington Council AFL-CIO for pre-apprenticeship training, a curriculum that includes a construction math review, blueprint reading, the fundamentals of federal safety rules, first aid and information on various career paths and training programs available.
“The pre-apprenticeship, it’s more of a base set of job skills so that people are ready to go into the work force,” Costa said. “We found that it’s not enough to teach someone a specific skill — how to become an electrician, how to become a plumber.”
The program, called “Building Futures,” lasts six weeks, with classes for 18- to 24-year-olds at the nonprofit Covenant House Washington in Congress Heights and classes for people 25 and older at a union office on Kenilworth Avenue NE. Further training is offered by the AFL-CIO through the nonprofit Wider Opportunities for Women.