June 2022

Be Prepared with a Home Evacuation Checklist

The idea of evacuating your home because of a fire or a natural disaster sounds like the stuff of nightmares, but they are much more common than you might think. Although we would rather not think about the possibility of evacuation, it is better to be prepared. To make things easier, here is a checklist we've compiled to have handy in case it ever happens to you.

A grab-and-go kit
Gather a bag of essential supplies, water, snacks, blankets, warm clothes and practical survival tools such as a flashlight and a first aid kit.

Copies of important papers
Keep these copies in a waterproof folder with the go bag: your driver's license, the deed to your house, proof of insurance, medical records, passports, Social Security cards and a list of personal contacts.

Safeguard your pets
Make sure they have IDs and microchips so that if you happen to become separated from them, you have many opportunities to be reunited.

Know how to shut down your utilities
Make sure you know how to shut off all your utilities in your home for the time you have to leave it. FEMA has tips for shutting off your water, electricity and gas.

Protect your windows
It may be worth putting cardboard aside and/or getting plywood barriers made for the windows in your home if evacuations are likely. Even just a small amount of cardboard and some duct tape would be good things to save.

Clear your yard
Something that sounds simple but could end up saving your house permanent damage is clearing your yard of debris or weak branches on trees. You may be gone for a while, and making sure your yard is maintained means that stray branches or piled leaves won't cause more damage.
If you do have to evacuate, you want to have peace of mind that your property and belongings have the proper coverage. Call or email us today, and we'll review your policies.

Quick Quiz
Each month I'll give you a new question.

Just click the button below and submit your answer.

First 10 responders will be entered into drawing for 3 Starbuck's gift cards.

What were the earliest radios used for?

Last month's winners were:
Kyle Bean
Mayra Mendoza
Michael Cardoza
Good Words for Our Staff
"The individual care when needed is amazing. I can send an email with any request and feel confident I will not be lost in the loop. The quality of customer service is fantastic! Thank you!"

Jeannie W.

"I absolutely love how Barbara is always looking out for my best interest. She searches for the best deals and answers all of my questions promptly. Amazing!!!"

Christina S.

"Central Sequoia Insurance has always served me well by providing needed information and even in handling a fire claim. They are always there for me!"

Larry P.
How to Make New Friends as an Adult
Let's face it: children are much better than adults at making new friends. As we age, we develop insecurities, routines, commitments and a heightened self-awareness, all things that make it naturally more difficult to throw ourselves into forming new friendships with strangers. We have to therefore make a conscious effort if we want to find new friends. Here are four tips on how to develop new friendships as an adult.

Find interest-based meetups. Whatever your hobbies or interests, if you live in a city, you can bet that there'll be a public meetup group where like-minded folk can mingle. Whether it's birdwatching, fantasy movies or train spotting, it's almost guaranteed that you'll find others following the same pursuits.

Volunteer for causes you're passionate about. If you believe strongly in a cause, volunteering in that field will bring you into contact with others who share your passion. Working as a team to evoke change in any environment will bring you into contact with people you share common ground with.

Use your current friend network. If you already get on well with someone, it's pretty likely that you'll get along with other people in their circle. Ask a friend for recommendations for new people you can hang out with. Be specific: for example, ask if they know anyone you could play tennis with.

Join classes. If dancing is your thing, find a local dance class. If you're a fitness fanatic, join a spin class. If you feel your culinary skills are rusty, find a cookery class. Think about things you've always wanted to try but never had the chance to; most adult classes will usually have some kind of social element.
Blueberry Summer Salad
This fresh, healthy salad will sweeten up your kitchen this summertime.

Yields 4

Ingredients
Balsamic Maple Dressing:
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons maple syrup
1/4 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup olive oil
Salad:
1 large peach, sliced
1/2 cup blueberries
4 cup mixed greens
1 large avocado, sliced
4 oz. goat cheese, crumbled
1/4 cup pickled red onions
2 tablespoons chopped pistachios
1-2 large basil leaves, julienned

In a small bowl, combine balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, garlic powder, and salt and pepper. Mix until well combined. Add in olive oil and mix again until all ingredients are well incorporated and the dressing is emulsified. In a large bowl, add mixed greens. Top with remaining salad ingredients. Add the desired amount of dressing and toss salad.

Serve.

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