During 2016’s National Disaster Preparedness Month, Capital Insurance Group® to hold its 4th Annual CIG Insurance Community Safety Saturday™ on September 10, 2016 at the Monterey County Fair & Event Center

This free community event, hosted by Capital Insurance Group (CIG), will provide valuable safety information and activities for the whole family, including important fire prevention tips and how to deal with emergencies! Children, teens and adults alike will learn how to “play it safe”.

Monterey, CA, July 27, 2016 – Let’s get prepared! If an emergency occurred tomorrow, would you be ready? September is National Preparedness Month and Capital Insurance Group® is – hosting its 4th Annual CIG Insurance Community Safety Saturday™ on September 10, 2016 at the Monterey County Fair & Event Center, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

National Preparedness Month, sponsored by FEMA (www.fema.gov), aims to educate and empower Americans to prepare for and respond to all types of emergencies, including natural disasters and potential terrorist attacks. National Preparedness Month is a time to prepare yourself and those in your care for emergencies and disasters, both large scale and smaller local events.

Get Prepared!
Each of us can make a difference in our own community but many of us have not taken the time to learn the latest information about preparedness. Research on personal preparedness indicates that individuals who believe they are prepared for disasters often times are not as prepared as they think. In addition, some admit they do not plan to prepare at all. The challenge is maximizing awareness and encouraging participation in disaster preparedness activities to affect change at the community level.

Dr. Sarah W. Blackstone, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, Community Emergency Response Volunteers (CERV) of the Monterey Peninsula explains, “Disasters occur infrequently but emergencies occur daily –whether it is an accident or fire at home, a medical emergency, a tree falling on your house and so many other types of emergencies that can happen to us and those we care about. It’s important to take the time to learn how to become better prepared to deal with these occurrences!”

Our nation’s emergency managers, firefighters, law enforcement officers, EMT/paramedics, and other emergency responders do an incredible job of keeping us safe, but they cannot do it alone. We must all embrace our personal responsibility to be prepared and help contribute to the safety and security of our communities as well.

Make sure that you and your family are prepared for an emergency. Ensure that you can go for at least three days without electricity, water service, access to a supermarket, or other local services.

A few important steps to take:
• Prepare a disaster supply kit with at least three days of food and water. You can learn how to prepare one from the many emergency & safety organizations at CIG Insurance Community Safety Saturday.
• Create a Family Emergency Plan, so that your family knows how to communicate during an emergency.
• Obtain a NOAA Weather Radio.
Dick Bower, Emergency Planner with the Monterey County Office of Emergency Services provided some local statistics from last year:
- In 2015, Monterey County was impacted by 9 incidents that were severe enough for the Office of Emergency Services to track response and recovery activities.
- In three of those incidents, the County Emergency Operations Center was activated to support the response and recovery.
- The most significant incident of 2015 was the Tassajara Fire which burned approximately 1,100 acres of land and 20 structures in the Tassajara/Cachagua area.
- The Alert Monterey County emergency notification system saw an additional 9,700 people register for service bringing total participation to 13,757 phones.
- In late 2015, OES began forming the Resilient Monterey County Partnership which has now grown to 7 participating organizations with ongoing recruitment.

The Monterey County Office of Emergency Services also has a very helpful online Disaster Plan about preparing for disasters at http://www.co.monterey.ca.us/oes/Preparedness%20-%20Families.asp

CIG Insurance Community Safety Saturday™ At a Glance:

What: 4th Annual CIG Insurance Community Safety Saturday™

CIG Insurance Community Safety Saturday™ is an important and free family-friendly, community safety event. It was developed by CIG in 2010 and has been held throughout California, Nevada, and Washington, features activities, demonstrations, and educational services designed to improve the safety and security of children, teens, families and communities. People of all ages will enjoy free games, prizes, food and a wealth of safety materials and resources from many different booths staffed by local and regional organizations.

When: Saturday, September 10, 2016 – 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Where: Monterey County Fair & Event Center, 2004 Fairground Road, Monterey.

L. Arnold Chatterton, President and CEO of Capital Insurance Group, remarks, “We are very excited to again hold our Community Safety Saturday event at the spacious Monterey County Fair & Event Center. We know that the safety information and tools we provide at these events truly empower parents. Each time that we host these events and have the opportunity to work with so many local, safety-oriented public service organizations, we impact hundreds of families so that they can ideally live happier, healthier and safer lives.”

At the conclusion of Community Safety Saturday, a drawing will be held at which many exciting, family-oriented prizes will be given away.

Community Safety Saturday will feature the following attractions:

• California Highway Patrol – Monterey Area will provide information about their Start Smart and Child Car Seat inspection programs.
• KlaasKids Foundation will conduct their Print-A-Thon, a free service providing digital photo ID & fingerprinting for every child.
• Monterey Police Department will bring a squad car and crime prevention information and giveaways.
• American Red Cross will bring disaster preparedness information and giveaways.
• The City of Monterey will provide information about their Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Program funded by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), and will also have a bike helmet drawing, Walk ‘n Roll bingo games and more.
• California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services will demonstrate how to make a portable emergency kit, and provide educational materials about how to prepare for earthquakes and tsunamis.
• Monterey County Office of Emergency Services will bring emergency preparedness information.
• Girl Scouts of California’s Central Coast will provide safety information.
• Funded by First 5 Monterey County, MY Museum will bring Wheelie Mobilee with lots of interactive games.
• Monterey Fire Department will bring a fire engine and safety information.
• U.S. Forest Service will bring informational handouts as well as a wildland fire engine. Smokey Bear will also be on hand if he’s not off fighting a forest fire!
• Monterey County Sheriff’s Office–Coastal Station Monterey will bring crime prevention information.
• California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CALFIRE) will bring a fire engine and fire safety materials. Smokey Bear will be on hand if he’s not off fighting a forest fire.
• Monterey County Boys and Girls Club will have a Wheel of Fortune Safety Game and information about their organization.
• California State Park Lifeguards will bring a personal water craft and lifeguard truck and share information about aquatic safety.
• Teddy Bear with Heart will have a bean bag toss with stuffed animals as prizes and information about their program.
• Independent Transportation Network of Monterey County will provide information about their programs which provide rides to seniors with dignity.
• Community Partnership for Youth will do face painting and offer a lanyard-making activity.
• U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary will bring water and boating safety materials as well as environmental protection information.
• United Way Monterey County will provide information about the 2-1-1 program and other community services.
• Sun Street Centers will provide Information about dangers of drugs, alcohol and tobacco.
• Restorative Justice Partners will bring information about dispute resolution programs that foster empathy, accountability and restoration of fairness to victims and the community.
• Family Service Agency of the Central Coast/Suicide Prevention Service of the Central Coast will have a bean-bag toss and tic-tac-toe game and distribute their brochures and STOP cards.
• Community Emergency Response Volunteers (CERV) of the Monterey Peninsula will give out materials about turning off the gas/electricity and water in emergencies and simple medical responses learned in CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) training.
• The U.S. Coast Guard will bring their 29’ fast boat for tours and the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary will provide water, boating and environmental protection information. Coasty the Talking Safety Tugboat will also be on hand.
• AMR (American Medical Response) will bring an ambulance for tours.
• PRS Restore will provide a kids craft table and information about
• CHOMP’S Kids Eat Right program will provide a nutrition education display with a trivia contest and prize giveaways.

News Channel 5 KION/Central Coast CW/Telemundo 23 will be the event’s television media sponsor.

About Capital Insurance Group
Capital Insurance Group® (CIG) is the leading regional property and casualty insurer serving the Western U.S. since 1898. CIG insures Personal Auto, Homeowners, Farmowners, Condo Owners, Vacation Property, Renters, Apartment Building Owners, and many kinds of Commercial and Agricultural Auto and Property. The more-than-115-year-old company is rated “A” (Excellent) by A.M. Best, the independent financial monitor of the insurance industry. CIG manages personal, business, and agriculture risks underwritten by its affiliate companies: California Capital Insurance Company, Eagle West Insurance Company, Nevada Capital Insurance Company, and Monterey Insurance Company. Types of policies may vary from state to state. For more information, please visit www.CIGinsurance.com

CIG DELIVERS MORE. Continuously. ™

About the KlaasKids Foundation
The KlaasKids Foundation was established by Marc Klaas in 1994 to give meaning to the death of his twelve-year-old daughter, kidnap and murder victim Polly Hannah Klaas, and to create a legacy in her name that would be protective of children for generations to come. The foundation’s mission is to stop crimes against children by providing education and knowledge to the general public and promoting partnerships with concerned citizens, the private sector, organizations, law enforcement and legislators. www.klaaskids.org

For more information about CIG Insurance Community Safety Saturday, please go to www.CIGsafetysaturday.com

Contact:
Wendy Brickman
Brickman Marketing
395 Del Monte Center #250
Monterey, CA 93940
831-633-4444
http://www.CIGinsurance.com

Over 400 People Attended William Ritchey Insurance’s 2nd CIG Insurance Community Safety Saturday™ October 18, 2014, in Delano, California

The community event was part learning, part fun, with lots of safety information for everyone.

Delano, CA, November 11, 2014 – William Ritchey Insurance hosted its 2nd CIG Insurance Community Safety Saturday, October 18th in Delano, California. The free family-friendly event attracted over 400 attendees. Children, teens and adults alike received a wealth of safety-related information and resources from over 20 local, regional and national organizations.

William Ritchey, President of William Ritchey Insurance, remarked, “This was our second CIG Insurance Community Safety Saturday and we are extremely pleased by the turnout from the community and for the number of generous patrons who provided valuable information and demonstrations. We are also very grateful for the important support of our event sponsor, Capital Insurance Group, who helped us bring this event to the people of Delano.”

Capital Insurance Group ® (CIG) established these popular family and community events in 2010 and holds Community Safety Saturday events throughout California and Nevada. During the Opening Ceremony, William Ritchey, Arne Chatterton, President and CEO of Capital Insurance Group, and Marc Klaas, Founder and President of KlaasKids Foundation were honored with Certificates of Recognition from United States Congressman, David Valadao and California State Senator, Andy Vidak. California State Assemblymember Rudy Salas presented Certificates of Recognition and spoke about the importance of community safety, and Delano City Councilmember, Joe Aguirre on behalf of Mayor Vallejo, read the Proclamation from the City of Delano proclaiming October 18, 2014, William Ritchey Insurance CIG Insurance Community Safety Saturday.

Ritchey added, “As a small business owner, we are thrilled to be recognized by some of the leaders of the country, state and city; but more importantly, we want to get the message out about safety. We believe an ounce of prevention is worth ten pounds of cure. Even if we can make a small impact, we consider this our mission, our commitment to our community.”

Children are Safer and Parents Received Vital Safety Information. Highlights Included:

* The complimentary child car seat inspection station, sponsored by Safe Kids Central California. Over 48 child safety seats were inspected by the California Highway Patrol with trained child car seat inspection technicians from CapK of Kern County.

* Over 159 children were served at The KlaasKids Foundation Print-A-Thon which provided digital photo IDs & fingerprinting for every child. Parents received a free DNA collection kit, child-safety tips, and a 9-point plan on what to do if their child disappears.

* Parents and teens learned about the dangers of distracted driving. Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and the Bakersfield Police Department provided “A Life Interrupted” program information and crash car.

* The Kern County Department of Human Services educated families about the dangers of leaving children in hot cars with its “Kids in Hot Cars" demonstration.

* Children and families enjoyed stepping in to the Kern County Fire Department Safety Trailer where they learned how to stay safe in case of a fire.

* Kern County Sheriff’s Department brought several vehicles from its Bakersfield Search and Rescue Division, including its K9 team.

* Delano Police Department provided safety and crime prevention information.

* American Red Cross Central Valley Region offered emergency preparedness information.

* First 5 Kern gave out kits that included preschool-level books, safety-related giveaways and information for parents of children ranging from newborns to five years of age.

* City of Delano Public Works Department Water Division handed out information about “Water Conservation” mandatory activities taken by the City during “Drought Emergency” Fire Prevention.

* Boy Scouts of America–Southern Sierra Council provided emergency survival and safety information and knot tying demonstrations.

* Girl Scouts of Central California South provided first aid kits, lunch bags, pens and safety information.

* 211 Kern County staff handed out Rip cards that provide information about 211.

* Mexican American Opportunity Foundation brought information on child care and pre-school services.

* United Way of Kern County offered information about their emergency programs.

* Kern County Animal Services shared information about emergency preparedness for pets.

* Delano Chamber of Commerce shared information about their organization and programs.

* Kern County Head Start/State Child Development Program provided information about medical and dental community resources.

* FBI talked to families and handed out safety information.

* Delano Ambulance brought an ambulance for tours.

* Pepe Reyes of La Preciosa Bakersfield Radio 105.3, entertained people and provided music and prizes.

In addition to educational activities and demonstrations, and fun games during “Community Safety Saturday,” there was a drawing at the end of the event for prizes including a Solar Safety Flashlight, a Bluetooth® headset, StoveTop FireStop devices, an emergency radio and an emergency roadside kit. The grand prize was a 32” flat screen TV.

Jeff Batozech, Northern California Regional Field Executive, remarks, "We are very proud to partner with community safety-oriented public services and William Ritchey Insurance. CIG’s ‘Community Safety Saturday’ was born from our concern and commitment to keep children and families safe.”

For more information about the event, please go to www.CIGsafetysaturday.com or call (661) 725-2063.

About Capital Insurance Group:
Capital Insurance Group® (CIG) is the leading regional property and casualty insurer serving the Western U.S. since 1898. CIG insures Personal Auto, Homeowners, Farmowners, Condo Owners, Vacation Property, Renters, Apartment Building Owners, and many kinds of Commercial and Agricultural Auto and Property. The more than 115 year-old company is rated “A” (Excellent) by A.M. Best, the independent financial monitor of the insurance industry. CIG manages personal, business, and agriculture risks underwritten by its affiliate companies: California Capital Insurance Company, Eagle West Insurance Company, Nevada Capital Insurance Company, and Monterey Insurance Company. Types of policies may vary from state to state. For more information, please visit www.CIGinsurance.com

CIG DELIVERS MORE. Continuously.™

About the KlaasKids Foundation:
The KlaasKids Foundation was established by Marc Klaas in 1994 to give meaning to the death of his twelve-year-old daughter, Polly Hannah Klaas, and to create a legacy in her name that would be protective of children for generations to come. The foundation’s mission is to stop crimes against children by providing education and knowledge to the general public and promoting partnerships with concerned citizens, the private sector, organizations, law enforcement and legislators. www.klaaskids.org

Contact:
Wendy Brickman
Brickman Marketing
395 Del Monte Center #250
Monterey, CA 93940
831-633-4444
http://www.CIGsafetysaturday.com

MADD “Crash Car” Exhibit and CHP Start Smart Program to Come to CIG Insurance’s 2nd Annual Community Safety Saturday™ September 6, 2014, in Monterey, California

Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) hopes its dramatic exhibit will influence behavior to stop drunk driving. CHP Public Information Officer, Jaime Rios will talk to teens and parents about the Start Smart Teen Driving Program.

Monterey, CA, August 14, 2014 – The MADD Central Valley Chapter will bring the dramatic "Crash Car" Exhibit to CIG Insurance’s 2nd Annual CIG Community Safety Saturday™. Parents and teens will have the opportunity to learn about the CHP’s Start Smart program, a driver safety education class which targets new and future licensed teenage drivers between the age of 15 - 19 and their parents/guardians. CIG Community Safety Saturday will take place at Capital Insurance Group, 2300 Garden Road, on Saturday, September 6, 2014, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

MADD can see a future without drunk driving
The “MADD Crash Cars” are visual educational tools presented with the intention to change behaviors and attitudes concerning the dangers of drinking and driving and riding with an impaired driver. The “Crash Car” Exhibit also addresses the excessive use of speed and the failure to use seat belts, and explains the roles that each of these factors play in the injury or death of loved ones.

The MADD booth will feature graphic displays of auto accidents. Volunteers will distribute informational material related to the dangers and prevention of drunk driving. Victoria Flores, MADD Chapter Leader and Victim Advocate, explains, “Over 10,000 people in the United States are killed by drunk drivers every year. On average, someone is killed in a drunk driving crash every 51 minutes. In 2011, 226 children were killed in drunk driving crashes. These tragedies are 100% preventable."

CHP believes education is a key to teen driving safety
Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for teens in the United States and CIG Insurance is committed to helping to keep teen drivers safe.

Parents and teens will have the opportunity to learn about and sign up for the CHP Start Smart teen driving program at CIG Community Safety Saturday. Jaime Rios, Public Information Officer, California Highway Patrol remarks, “One of the things that teens need to realize is that a vehicle becomes a deadly weapon when in the hands of someone who is not being responsible. Both Teens and their parent or guardian attend the class together. We want them coming out of the class realizing that their actions don’t just affect them --they affect passengers, other drivers, families and friends.”

Kathy and Fred Forgnone lost their daughter, Vanessa, in a car crash in 2002. Since then, they have been volunteering and speaking to teens and parents at classes and at CIG Community Safety Saturday events. Kathy Forgnone remarks, “I think the classes elicit conversation between teens and parents, probably on the way home from the class and at the dinner table with the whole family - there are real ‘heart to heart’ discussions.”

Arne Chatterton, CIG Vice President of Field Operations & Business Relations explains, “We are committed to spreading the message about driver safety classes for teens and making sure there is communication with parents. Programs like the CHP Start Smart Class make quite an impact in every community they touch.”

CIG Community Safety Saturday was developed by a CIG Insurance employee in 2010 and has been held throughout California and Nevada ever since. The event features activities, demonstrations, and educational services designed to improve the safety and security of children, teens, families, and communities. People of all ages will enjoy free games, prizes, and a wealth of materials and information from many different booths staffed by local and regional organizations.

CIG Community Safety Saturday will feature the following attractions:

Special Presentations for:

* Jaws of Life Demonstration at 11:30 am provided by the Monterey Fire Department

* Whiskie the Whale Spotter™, the famous rescue dog from Marine Life Studies, will perform whale tricks at 11:00 am and 1:00 pm

* California Highway Patrol will coordinate the child car-seat inspection station. They will also bring safety handouts and present information about their CHP Start Smart Driver Education classes available statewide for teens and their parents. Start Smart classes increase traffic-safety knowledge and better prepare teens for the road ahead.  Fred and Kathy Forgnone will be on hand to talk with attendees about the Start Smart program.

* Monterey Police Department will bring a squad car as well as crime prevention information.

* Monterey County Sheriff’s Office–Coastal Station Monterey will bring crime prevention handouts as well as their K-9, SWAT Team, and Search and Rescue vehicles. They will also do “meet and greets” with their K-9 team.

* Monterey County Crime Prevention Officers Association will provide safety brochures.
* Monterey Fire Department will bring a 55' ladder fire engine and safety information. They will also conduct a Jaws of Life demonstration showing how they cut open a car when necessary to free a driver trapped inside.

* American Red Cross–Monterey Bay Area Chapter will give out Family Disaster Plans.  Test your knowledge of Disaster Readiness and win prizes when you spin the “Wheel of Preparedness”.

* California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CALFIRE) will bring a fire engine and fire safety materials.

* California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services will provide educational materials about how to prepare for earthquakes and tsunamis.

* Monterey County Office of Emergency Services will bring emergency preparedness information.

* U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary will bring water and boating safety materials as well as environmental protection information.

* Boy Scouts of America–Silicon Valley Monterey Bay Council will provide emergency survival and safety tips.

* Girl Scouts of California’s Central Coast will provide safety information.

* Young artists from Youth Arts Collective will be on hand to sketch portraits and share information about YAC, the local after school art studio and mentoring program for artists, ages 14-22.

* Independent Transportation Network of Monterey County will bring information about its organization that offers rides to seniors and the visually impaired in Monterey County, California.

* United Way Monterey County will have an information booth including handouts about the 2-1-1 program.

* U.S. Forest Service will bring informational handouts as well as a wildland fire engine. Smokey Bear will also be on hand if he’s not busy fighting a forest fire!

* Sponsored by First 5 of Monterey County, MY Museum will bring the Wheelie Mobilee, a playground for the mind and so much more.

* Restorative Justice Partners will bring information about dispute resolution programs that foster empathy, accountability and restoration of fairness to victims and the community.

* Family Service Agency of the Central Coast/Suicide Prevention Service of the Central Coast will have a bean-bag toss and tic-tac-toe game and distribute their brochures and STOP cards.

* KlaasKids Foundation will conduct a Print-A-Thon that provides digital photo IDs & fingerprinting for every child.

* Community Emergency Response Volunteers (CERV) of the Monterey Peninsula will give out materials about turning off the gas/electricity and water in emergencies and simple medical responses learned in CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) training.

* Recovers.org will provide information about community resilience and their project in Seaside and Monterey.

* Central Coast CERT Association will provide emergency preparation information.

* MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) will bring their “crash car” and provide handouts about the dangers of drinking and driving.

* The U.S. Coast Guard will bring their boat and the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary will provide water, boating and environmental protection information. Auxtter the Sea Otter mascot will also be on hand.

* Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District will provide information about trail hiking and wildlife safety.

* YWCA Monterey County will present information about domestic violence and the services it offers at both its Seaside and Salinas locations.

* YMCA will provide “Healthy Family Home” handouts and youth development information.

* Marine Life Studies will share information about protecting whales, dolphins and other marine wildlife and observing them safely in the wild. Whiskie the Whale Spotter™, a rescue dog, will perform her whale tricks and attendees will learn how Whiskie spots whales from Marine Life Studies' research boat in the Monterey Bay National Sanctuary.

* Monterey County Boys and Girls Club will have a Wheel of Fortune Safety Game and information about their organization.

* Community Partnership for Youth will bring face painters and offer a lanyard-making activity.

* KION/Telemundo is the media sponsor.

* Radio station 101.7 The Beach will provide music and prize giveaways.

At the conclusion of CIG Community Safety Saturday, a drawing will be held for exciting, family- oriented prizes, such as an annual family membership to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Family Plus annual memberships to MY Museum, four season passes to the 2015 Monterey County Fair, four passes for whale watching at Randy’s Whale Watching & Fishing, four passes to a performance at the Pacific Repertory Theatre, four passes for kayaking from Adventures By The Sea, a family pass to Elkhorn Slough Safari Nature Tours, and a family pass to the Monterey Zoo.

For more information about the event, please go to www.CIGsafetysaturday.com or call
(831) 233-5500.

Publicity Contacts: Wendy Brickman
Office: (831) 633-4444/Cell: (831) 594-1500
Email: Brickman@BrickmanMarketing.com

Barbara Howard
Office: (831) 920-2759 /Cell: (831) 521-8608
Email: writermarketer@gmail.com

About Capital Insurance Group:
Capital Insurance Group® (CIG) is the leading regional property and casualty insurer serving the Western U.S. since 1898. CIG insures Personal Auto, Homeowners, Farmowners, Condo Owners, Vacation Property, Renters, Apartment Building Owners, and many kinds of Commercial and Agricultural Auto and Property. The more than 115 year-old company is rated “A” (Excellent) by A.M. Best, the independent financial monitor of the insurance industry. CIG manages personal, business, and agriculture risks underwritten by its affiliate companies: California Capital Insurance Company, Eagle West Insurance Company, Nevada Capital Insurance Company, and Monterey Insurance Company. Types of policies may vary from state to state. For more information, please visit www.CIGinsurance.com

CIG DELIVERS MORE. Continuously. ™

About the KlaasKids Foundation
The KlaasKids Foundation was established by Marc Klaas in 1994 to give meaning to the death of his twelve-year-old daughter, kidnap and murder victim Polly Hannah Klaas, and to create a legacy in her name that would be protective of children for generations to come. The foundation’s mission is to stop crimes against children by providing education and knowledge to the general public and promoting partnerships with concerned citizens, the private sector, organizations, law enforcement and legislators. www.klaaskids.org

Contact:
Wendy Brickman
Brickman Marketing
395 Del Monte Center #250
Monterey, CA 93940
831-633-4444
http://www.BrickmanMarketing.com