Insurance and safety fire report, 2007 February

Capital Steps

Commissioner John W. Oxendine

February 2007 Vol. 1, Issue 2
In This Issue

Saluting Our Local Heroes (Cover Story)...............................3

Severe Weather Week Tips........................................................4

Telemedicine Update..............................................................5

Newly Licensed Companies......................................................6

OUR MISSION OUR VISION
The mission of the Office of Commissioner of Insurance is to ensure that the public's interests are served through professional oversight of regulated industries, consumer protection, and broadbased educational activities.

Actions Against Agents..........................................................7 Change Your Clock, Change Your Battery...............................8 DOI's Jimmy Crawley Honored...............................................8 Reward Presented in Milledgeville Arson Case............................9 New Dates Added for Child Safety Seat Inspections...................9

Our vision is to have a welltrained workforce using state-ofthe-art technology to facilitate professional regulation, greater coordination and uniformity among state regulators, and greater public access to services and information that result in a more fire-safe environment and a consumer-friendly, competitive marketplace for insurance and small loan products.

John W. Oxendine, Georgia Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner 2 Martin Luther King, Jr. Dr., Atlanta, GA 30334
404-656-2056 www.gainsurance.org inscomm@mail.oci.state.ga.us
Agents Licensing, 404-656-2100 Consumer Services, 404-656-2070, 1-800-656-2298 Industrial Loan Division, 404-656-2078 Regulatory Services, 404-656-2074 Arson Hotline, 1-800-282-5804 Fraud Hotline, 1-800-726-6070 State Fire Marshal 404-656-2064 Public Education 404-657-0831

Jason M. Shepherd, INSURANCE & SAFETY FIRE REPORT Editor

Front page photo by Jason Shepherd

They came from every corner of Georgia, and it did not matter if they were professionals or volunteers, veteran firefighters or the newest recruits, February 6 was a day for the people of Georgia to honor each one of them, and for Georgia's firefighters to honor each other.

Even after 35 years, the annual celebration of Georgia's bravest is one that draws attention from as high up as the Governor to the youngest of school children on field trips to the Gold Dome, who stand with wide eyes at their heroes.

GSFA PRESIDENT WAYNE HADDEN ADDRESSES THE CROWD IN THE CAPITAL.

Figherfighter's Recognition Day, set by state law to be the first Tuesday in February, started off early with a parade of fire apparatus from throughout the State which circled through the capitol complex and the Georgia State University campus.
After a breakfast hosted by Fire Commissioner John Oxendine's office, which included the deputizing of local fire marshals, firefighters assembled in the South Wing of the Gold Dome for the official ceremonies which were sponsored by the Georgia State Firefighters Association (GSFA).
The ceremonies were called to order by GSFA President Wayne Hadden with the presentation of colors by the Cherokee County Fire and Emergency

Services Color Guard and music by the Valdosta Fire Department Bagpipe Band.
During the ceremonies, Governor Perdue applauded contributions made by all fire service personnel in Georgia, and also recognized and presented commendations to GSFA award recipients.
The firefighters recognized included 2006 Firefighter of the Year, James H. Crawley of the Thomson Fire Department; 2006 Rookie Firefighter of the Year James Christopher Ray of the Ft. Oglethorpe Fire Department; 2006 Educator of the Year Walker County Emergency Services Fire Safety Education Bureau; 2006 Lifesaving Valor Award to the Macon-

Bibb County Fire Department and Allen W. "Butch" Eleam of the Summerville Fire Department; and 2006 Fire Chief of the Year Norris Westbrooks of the Cartersville Fire Department.
"It is important for us at the capital to never forget the contributions our state firefighters make each and every day," said Commissioner John Oxendine. "I'm proud that my office is part of this important day each year."
The Firefighter's Recognition Day festivities concluded with a luncheon sponsored by the Georgia Firefighters Burn Foundation, before everyone returned to their apparatuses for the SStETrAVipIERRhWAoALmYFeAIR.BEOJFVIGEH. TERS WATCH FROM THE

February 2007 INSURANCE & SAFETY FIRE REPORT Page 3 of 9

Oxendine Offers Tips for Severe Weather Week

Georgians observed Severe Weather Awareness Week in February and Commissioner Oxendine wants to make sure homeowners know some important insurance tips to protect their property from tornadoes, flooding and other weather-related hazards.
Oxendine offers these reminders:
While a standard homeowner's insurance policy covers damage from high winds and tornadoes, it does not cover damage from flooding. A separate policy must be purchased through the National Flood Insurance Program, and can only be purchased if your community participates in the national program. However, a standard mobile home policy can cover damage caused by floods. Check your policy.
Make a list of all valuables, furniture, electronics, etc., and photograph or videotape your possessions. Keep copies of the list, photographs and videotape in a safe place outside your home. If your home is

damaged or destroyed in a natural disaster, it may be difficult without proof for you to tell your insurance agent what you lost.
Keep your insurance policy numbers and your agent's phone number in a safe place as well.
If disaster strikes, contact your agent or insurance company immediately.
Protect your property from further damage. For example, if your roof is damaged, cover it with a tarp to prevent water damage from subsequent rain. Most policies will not cover such damage.
Make sure you understand the difference between actual cash value (ACV) and replacement cost coverage for your contents, and obtain the coverage that best suits your needs. An ACV policy replaces contents at cost minus depreciation. If you have replacement cost coverage, your contents will be replaced at today's prices. P

February 2007 INSURANCE & SAFETY FIRE REPORT Page 4 of 9

Telemedicine Commissioner Oxendine is proud to announce 11 rural hos-
pitals across the state of Georgia have each been awarded $80,000 grants from the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia
Update Foundation for the purchase of a teleradiology system.

Teleradiology allows small rural hospitals to connect with radiologists in larger cities to receive and interpret radiology images. Utilizing state-of-the-art digital technology and specialized computer monitors, remote radiologists in
JSavannah, Atlanta, Macon and other major markets will be able to receive images and provide faster diagnosis and consultations to attending physicians in rural areas.



Dodge County Hospital, Eastman Early Memorial Hospital, Blakely Effingham Hospital, Springfield Jasper Memorial Hospital, Monticello Meriwether County Hospital, Warm Springs Miller County Hospital, Colquitt Taylor-Telfair Regional Hospital, McRae

"There is a demonstrated need for this program," said Commissioner Oxendine. Many hospitals in rural Georgia do not have 24-hour on-site access to radiologists, the medical specialists who interpret diagnostic images such as X-ray, MRI and CT scans.

UPCOMING TELEMEDICINE RIBBON CUTTINGS
Taylor Regional Hospital: March 7, 2007 790 Hwy 341, Hawkinsville, GA 31036

The 11 rural hospitals awarded Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia Grants are:

Jasper Memorial Hospital: March 14, 2007 898 College Street, Monticello, GA 31064



Bacon County Hospital and Health System, Alma Bleckley Memorial Hospital, Cochran Brooks County Hospital, Quitman Burke Medical Center, Waynesboro

For more information on Georgia's Rural Health Initiative, including site locations and a video about the program, visit http://www.gainsurance.org/RURALHEALTHCARE/ Home.aspx. P

February 2007 INSURANCE & SAFETY FIRE REPORT Page 5 of 9

New Domestic P&C Companies Licensed in Georgia

Company Name

Date Licensed

Type

NAIC #

Crown Captive Insurance Company Georgia Transportation Captive Insurance Co.

8/18/06 11/6/06

Captive Captive

N/A 12811

New Foreign P&C Companies Licensed in Georgia Between 8-06 and 01-07

Company Name

Date

City

Licensed

State Domicile

Accident Insurance Company, Inc. Austin Mutual Insurance Company Brentwood National Insurance Company Employers Compensation Insurance Company Florida Hospitality Mutual Insurance Company Harleysville Preferred Insurance Company HSBC Insurance Company of Delaware Independence American Insurance Company Michigan Millers Mutual Insurance Company Midwest Family Mutual Insurance Company Newmarket Underwriters Insurance Company Producers Agriculture Insurance Company Securian Casualty Company
Seminole Casualty Insurance Company

11/13/06 9/27/06 1/17/07 2/2/07 8/1/06 12/1/06 9/5/06 12/1/06 9/27/06 12/1/06 10/31/06 9/27/06 8/22/06
10/31/06

Columbia Minneapolis Brentwood Glendale Jacksonville Harleysville Bridgewater New York Lansing Minneapolis Boston Amarillo St. Paul
Tamarac

SC SC

MN MN

TN TN

CA CA

FL FL

PA PA

NJ DE

NY DE

MI

MI

MN MN

MA NH

TX

TX

MN MN

FL FL

New Third Party Administrators Licensed in Georgia

THIRD PARTY ADMINISTRATORS

TYPE

DATE LICENSED

Core V Solutions, Inc. American Therapy Administrators, LLC Health Tran, LLC Web-TPA Employer Services, LLC Bridgeworks Commercial Management, LLC The Integrity Benefit Network, Inc. The Frank Gates Service Company Thomas H. Cooper & Company, Inc. Bollinger, Inc. Professional Claims Administrators, Inc. TMG Health, Inc.

Comm. Self, Cas, L & H Comm. Self, Cas, L & H Comm. Self, Cas, L & H Comm. Self, Cas, L & H Comm. Self, Cas, L & H Comm. Self, Cas, L & H Comm. Self, Cas, L & H Comm. Self, Cas, L & H Comm. Self, Cas, L & H Comm. Self, Cas, L & H Comm. Self, Cas, L & H

01/05/07 12/22/06 01/12/07 01/12/07 01/17/07 02/16/07 02/16/07 02/27/07 02/27/07 02/16/07 02/16/07

New Premium Finance Companies Licensed in Georgia

Premium Finance Company

City, State Zip

Licensed

Super Premium Finance, Inc.

Lawrenceville, GA 30043

1/12/2007

Southeastern Premium Finance, LLC Dunwoody, GA 30338

2/27/2007

February 2007 INSURANCE & SAFETY FIRE REPORT Page 6 of 9

Actions Against Agents

Note: The actions listed below reflect cases that have been finalized during the month of January 2007, and are currently closed in the Enforcement Division of the Insurance Commissioner's Office. Each case is determined on a case-by-case basis.

Breaux, Gregory Mansfield, Georgia Mr. Breaux agreed to have his Georgia resident license issued on a probationary status for a period of 18 months.
Flynn, John T. Atlanta, Georgia Mr. Flynn agreed to pay a fine in the amount of $5,000.

Tritle, Brandi Cedar Rapids, IA Ms. Tritle agreed to have her Georgia nonresident license issued on a probationary status for a period of 12 months.
Vroman, Carie Crab Orchard, West Virginia Ms. Vroman agreed to have her Georgia nonresident license issued on a probationary status for a period of 12 months.

Gornto, William Atlanta, Georgia Mr. Gornto agreed to pay a fine in the amount of $1,500.
Lombardi, Roman Tampa, Florida Mr. Lombardi agreed to have his Georgia nonresident license issued on a probationary status for a period of 12 months.

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Meuse, Anne Atlanta, Georgia Ms. Meuse agreed to pay a fine in the amount of $1,000.

Rucker, Jawar Charlotte, NC Mr. Rucker agreed to have his Georgia nonresident license issued on a probationary basis for a period of 12 months.

Stevens, Michelle Atlanta, GA Ms. Stevens agreed to pay a fine in the amount of $300.
Thiessen, Jeremy Acworth, Georgia Mr. Thiessen agreed to have his Georgia resident license issued on a probationary status for a period of 12 months.

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February 2007 INSURANCE & SAFETY FIRE REPORT Page 7 of 9

Change Your Clock - and Your Battery - Early this Year

FIRE SAFETY HOUSE

Commissioner Oxendine wants to remind Georgians that they must change their clocks to daylight saving time earlier this year and they should also change the batteries in their smoke alarms at the same time.
Oxendine said the annual change from standard time to daylight saving time, whenever it occurs, is a good time to make sure your smoke alarm is working as it should.
"Every year in Georgia there are fire fatalities in homes that didn't have smoke alarms, or where the alarms didn't function because of dead bat-

teries," Oxendine said. "If you have a smoke alarm, make sure it's in work-
ing order. Changing the battery at least once every year and cleaning dust from the devices are easy ways to ensure continued protection of your family and your property. Having a working smoke alarm doubles the chances you will survive a fire in your home."
The change in daylight saving time is part of the Energy Policy Act of 2005. This year for the first time, in Canada as well as the U.S., daylight saving time begins Sunday, March 11 at 2 a.m., when clocks are set ahead one hour. P

DOI's Jimmy Crawley Honored as Firefighter of the Year

James H. "Jimmy" Crawley, a 20 year Fire Safety Compliance Officer with the Safety Fire Division, was honored as "Firefighter of the Year" during the Firefighter Recognition Day ceremonies. Crawley has also volunteered with City of Thomson Fire Department since 1977.

"We are extremely proud to have Jimmy serving with our office," said Commissioner Oxendine. "His leadership and dedication to service make him an invaluable part of our team." P

With spring festivals around the corner, don't forget to put in your request to have the Fire Safety House visit your community to teach the importance of fire safety.
Contact Greg Norton or Penny Tanner at 404-657-0831 for more information.
ON THE WEB
Georgia Department of Insurance www.gainsurance.org
GA Public Safety Training Center www.gpstc.georgia.gov
GA Firefighters Burn Foundation www.gfbf.org
GA State Firefighters Association www.gsffa.org
Federal Alliance for Safe Homes www.flash.org
GA Public Safety Ed. Assoc. www.geocities.com/gpsea2001
2007 GEORGIA FIRE FATALITIES
As of February 28, 2007
13 Fire fatalities
12 Adults (17 years +)
1 Children (under age 17)
Arson Hotline
1-800-282-5804

February 2007 INSURANCE & SAFETY FIRE REPORT Page 8 of 9

Reward Presented in

Milledgeville Arson Case

Commissioner Oxendine, Milledgeville Police Chief Woodrow W. Blue, Jr. and Bud Ausborn of the Georgia Arson Control Board, Inc., presented on February 8 a $5,000 reward check to a Baldwin County citizen who provided information that led to the conviction of an arsonist.

the recipient, who wishes to remain anonymous, Commissioner Oxendine said.
The reward was given for information that led to the arrest of a suspect for a November 2004 residential arson fire in Milledgeville. The individual was later convicted on arson charges.

The check was presented to Chief Blue in a brief ceremony at the Police Department's Main Headquarters. Chief Blue will forward the reward to

Commissioner Oxendine and the Georgia Arson Control Board, Inc., sponsor the Georgia Arson Control Reward Program and the Georgia Arson Hotline. P

New Dates Added for Child Safety Seat Inspections; More Volunteers Needed
Commissioner Oxendine's Education Department and 21st Erik Estrada, star of the hit television series CHiPs and Century are looking for volunteer technicians for Child Safety celebrity spokesman for the safety seat checks, will be Seat Inspection/Replacement Fairs in four Georgia cities. present at all events and available for pictures. P
At least 20 certified technicians will be needed for each event. Any certified technicians interested in volunteering can contact Greg Norton at 404-657-0831 or by email at greg.norton @mail.oci.state.ga.us.
In addition to the technicians, scribers are also needed to take down notes and specifications for the technicians.
The Child Safety Seat Inspection/Replacement Fairs will be held on Saturday, September 15th in Dalton, October 13th in Columbus, November 3rd in Augusta and November 10th in Macon.
The events will be open from 10:00 a.m. to noon and should end around 1:30 p.m.
February 2007 INSURANCE & SAFETY FIRE REPORT Page 9 of 9