MTMC's efforts to improve the existing personal property program have been broadcast on news reports of the Armed Forces Radio & TV Service. Dinah Locklear, Coordinator of Task Force Fix, was interviewed Jan. 26 by Journalist 1st Class Quinn Lyton at the service's headquarters in Alexandria, Va. Locklear's comments were broadcast in a number of different news reports to overseas service members.

EnCirca Inc. (EnCirca), Official Provider for the .name registry, the world's first top-level domain exclusively for individuals, announced today that it would be accepting applications until 6 pm Eastern Standard Time (EST) today for .name domains, email addresses and intellectual property protection products. The first .name domains will resolve on the Internet on January 15th, 2002.

The .name domain space is the first personal space on the Internet solely for individuals. The core products of the .name offering are Domains and Email Forwarding. A .name email and web address consists of a person's name, making it easy for friends, family and colleagues to remember. As individuals change jobs, homes or email addresses, the .name address remains intact and forwards email to whatever address is selected.

Celebrities, athletes, government officials, and owners of fictional characters, are encouraged to request their names in the first Landrush Period , since .name addresses will be granted on a first-come, first-serve basis.

".name is the new "dot" for consumers. .name will place consumers in control of their personal information on the internet,", says Tom Barrett, CEO of EnCirca. "This is the "dot" where consumers will want to conduct all of their ecommerce transactions".

Initial indications suggest there will be great demand for .name registrations, as thousands of individuals have submitted requests to date. Individuals that want a .name have the best chance of receiving the name that they request by registering in the first Landrush Period, closing 6 pm December 17th. The first set of .name addresses will appear on the Internet on January 15th, 2002.

Any applications submitted after 6 pm EST today will be placed into the second land-rush queue. The second Landrush Period will also end January 15th, with the names expected to resolve February 1st. Subsequent Landrush Periods (registration periods) will end every other Tuesday thereafter until real-time registration begins in the second quarter 2002.

The Intellectual Property "Defensive Registrations" enable trademark holders who want to block trademarks from being registered within the .name domain to do so for a period of ten years. Defensive Registration is offered at two levels, Premium and Standard. Premium Registration blocks any registration that contains the specified trademark, regardless of where the trademarked name appears in the .name domain. Standard registration removes only exact names from the .name domain space and is ideal for a two-part company name or a product name.

The deadline for all Defensive Registrations is also today at 6 pm EST. Unlike personal registrations, there are no subsequent queues for trademark owners before the .name registry goes live. The next opportunity for business owners to protect their trademarks will be late in 2002. However, once an individual registers their .name, it is too late for a trademark owner to protect the same name.

Insufficient insurance limits and failure to use available coverage options are ongoing problems involving personal property (Coverage C) as well as dwelling property (Coverage A).

These problems can be minimized by periodically reviewing individual accounts and current exposures. Any deficiencies can be remedied by making coverage adjustments such as increasing insurance limits and, when appropriate, using coverage options. Examples are making the replacement cost option effective under Coverage C and complying with stricter building codes under Coverage A.

Scheduling items of exceptional value rounds out a sound insurance program. Overlooking that option can result in unhappy insureds in the event of a loss. Because many clients are not familiar with the coverage limitations, they should be able to rely on explanation and guidance from their insurance provider. Exposures connected with valuable items are addressed by scheduling specified property for its full value with coverage that also indemnifies for all perils, with a few reasonable exceptions.

The scheduling process begins with the "special limits" enumerated in homeowners forms for specific classes of valuable personal property. The limitations are sub-limits within the personal property insurance amount that appears in the policy declarations, not in addition to it. They apply to the total of like objects involved in a loss, not separately to each object.

Special limits under Coverage C are similar in most homeowners forms, including ISO and AAIS forms. Nevertheless, it is advisable to check the specific form used when discussing the subject with an insured. In general, the classes of valuable property that should not be overlooked and special limits to which they are subject include:

* $200 or $250 sub-limit for: money; bank notes; bullion; gold other than goldware and gold-plated ware; silver other than silverware and silver-plated ware; platinum; and numismatic property, including coins and medals.

* $1,500 sub-limit for: securities; stamps; tickets; letters of credit; notes other than bank notes; personal records; accounts; deeds; evidence of debt; passports; manuscripts; watercraft including trailers and equipment; trailers not used with watercraft; and electronic devices operated from electrical systems of motorized vehicles or watercraft, or used for business purposes away from an insured premises.

* $1,500 or $2,500 sub-limit for loss by theft of jewelry, watches, furs, and precious and semi-precious stones.

Insurance limits are minimal for "special limits" categories under unscheduled personal property coverage (C) of homeowners policies, and coverage is confined to named perils. Scheduling provides coverage on specified valuable items for their full value (established by bills of sale and appraisals), and for loss from any cause except for a few reasonable exclusions.

Scheduled personal property endorsements designed for attachment to homeowners policies provide coverage for one or more of the following classes of personal property, subject to underwriting guidelines of individual insurers:

* jewelry, as scheduled

* furs and garments trimmed with fur, or consisting principally of fur, as scheduled

* cameras, projection machines, film and related articles of equipment, as listed

* musical instruments and related articles of equipment, not used professionally

* silverware, silver-plated ware, goldware, gold-plated ware and pewter ware (not including pens, pencils, flasks, smoking implements or jewelry)

* golfer's equipment (meaning golf clubs, golf clothing and related equipment)

* fine arts, as scheduled

* stamps and other philatelic property

* coins and other numismatic property

A separate personal articles floater policy may be used to schedule valuable personal property in lieu of an endorsement attached to a homeowners policy. This procedure is preferred by some insurers and is a viable alternative when the primary insurer will not cover certain items for underwriting reasons.

A major benefit of scheduling is that it provides appropriate limits of insurance for property that is subject to special limits under basic homeowners policy coverage. Another benefit is that it covers valuable items of personal property for any cause of loss except as specifically excluded. It covers property wherever it is taken by the insured, including, for example, on vacation abroad.

Periodically reviewing personal accounts will minimize the likelihood of underinsurance arising from outdated appraisals and inadequate limits of insurance. Such a review also will reveal recent purchases of additional objects that warrant scheduling and to which automatic coverage (in many scheduled property endorsements and forms) would not apply after the renewal date. They must be listed.

Discussing the special limits and the scheduling option contributes greatly to a sound personal insurance program. An insured should not learn, after a major loss, that his or her insurance advisor and provider overlooked important needs!

Salt Lake County's USU Extension Office, in coordination with the Draper Library, will offer "Who Gets Grandma's Yellow Pie Plate," a program that helps participants become aware of issues surrounding the distribution of personal non-titled property.

The class will start at 2 p.m. Sept. 21 in the Draper Library, 1136 E. Pioneer Road (12400 South). Pre-registration is requested by Tuesday by calling 943-4636.

The class is free, and the presenter will be Marilyn Albertson, USU Extension Family & Consumer Science Agent.

Today ME911 announced the launch of its much anticipated disaster preparedness and emergency response solution, on the heels of several disasters and just in time for the wave of floods, tornadoes, fires and the hurricane season.

ME911 provides its Members with a personal crisis assistant and white glove support services during a disaster such as an earthquake, hurricane, fire, flood, terrorist attack as well as for a personal emergency such as a health, auto or travel incident.

The Company uses advanced technology to alert loved ones via sms and e-mail, enables secure storage of vital information such as insurance information, medications and documents, to provide families peace-of-mind and to aid in reuniting them in the unfortunate event of a disaster or personal emergency.

The inception of ME911 and launch are the culmination of many years of research, beta tests and positive feedback from the public safety community regarding fulfilling such a need. On the heels of ever-increasing frequency of disasters around the world, "ME911 provides an invaluable service for families that makes it easy to prepare and enhances response which could ultimately save lives," stated Regina Phelps , an Advisor to the Company and a world renowned expert in the field.

"It is our goal to provide an invaluable service to consumers and businesses with the aim of making it easy for them to prepare and helping to respond quickly and effectively. We are passionate about providing peace-of-mind and, in the unfortunate event of a disaster, helping citizens recover their valuables and reunite with loved ones," said Antoine Brooks and Soob Patel, the Company's Co-Founders.

Key features and benefits of the ME911 Solution include:

-- A 24 X 7 Personal Crisis Assistant accessible via 1.866.94H-LPME.

-- Remote storage of vital information providing backup and secure access.

-- Instant alerts via text message and e-mail to emergency contacts such as loved ones and others imperative to communicate with when many other channels of communication may likely be congested.

-- The ability to populate a secure "envelope" with the vitals they desire including even documents, photos and other information they might require during a disaster or emergency.

-- Ability to backup key contacts from a mobile phone, which are less frequently memorized, yet ever precious in the event of loss or dead battery.

-- Auditing and authentication processes and mechanisms to ensure security and privacy.

Consumers can chose between two levels of Membership for $24 to $48, annually.

To become a ME911 Member securing peace of mind for your family or business please visit www.me911.com or call 1.866.94H-LPME.

KENNER, La., Aug. 28 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- With Tropical Storm Gustav expected to enter the Gulf of Mexico on Saturday or Sunday as a hurricane, The Hanover Insurance Group offers tips that can help keep you, your family and your property safe.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20051031/NEM023LOGO )

"Our business is to understand the nature of a risk and help our agents and their customers protect themselves against it," said Robin Nicks, president of The Hanover's Central Region. "With Gustav approaching, we want to remind residents that the right preparations can help reduce the risk of potential harm to you, your family, your business and your property."

Some tips to keep in mind any time a hurricane approaches, include:

During the Hurricane Watch
-- Listen for advisories on the radio or TV. Follow advice from local
officials on how to best protect yourself for the upcoming storm and
evacuate when advised.
-- Get prepared. Double check that your emergency supplies are in order.
-- Charge your cell phone battery or batteries.
-- Fill the gas tank of your car. You'll need it if you have to evacuate.
-- Bring items inside your home that could become dangerous as flying
objects, including toys, and lawn furniture.
-- Make sure that sheds, cabanas and similar detached structures are
securely anchored.
-- Protect glass windows with boards, shutters or tape. Otherwise they
could be broken from wind pressure.
-- If you expect flooding, move important papers and valuables to the
second floor.
-- Turn your refrigerator to the coldest setting; if the power goes off
the food will last longer.
-- Fill your clean bathtub with extra water.


During an Evacuation
-- Turn off utilities, including gas, water and electricity.
-- Evacuate.
-- If you are going to a shelter that does not allow pets, leave animals
in a secure place with food and water to last for several days. Never
tie them up, as they won't be able to escape in the face of danger.
-- Lock doors and windows.
-- Leave a message for authorities notifying them where you will be.
-- Take important documents, including your insurance policies and
emergency supplies, such as battery-powered radio, flashlights, extra
batteries, prescriptions, first aid handbook and kit, non-perishable
food and water, tools, blankets and/or sleeping bags, cooking and
eating utensils, paper plates and cups, boards, plastic sheeting, tape,
baby food, clothes, cash and toiletries (toilet paper, soap, bleach
(for disinfecting), diapers, etc).
-- When advised to leave, go as soon as possible. Follow recommended
routes only.
-- Keep your radio on for current storm information.


During the Storm
-- Stay calm - don't panic.
-- Get inside immediately.
-- Evacuate motor homes and take shelter in a grounded building.
-- Open a window or door on the side of your home opposite the prevailing
wind, in order to reduce dangerous inside pressure.
-- Stay away from windows.
-- Stay in the center of the room, or in an inside room.
-- Turn off electricity if flooding begins.
-- Listen to the radio for advisories.


After the Storm
-- Check to be sure all family members are safe.
-- Check utilities. Turn them off if you suspect damage and don't turn
them on again yourself.
-- Locate your emergency supplies.
-- Listen to the radio for advisories and instructions.
-- Stay home, unless ordered to evacuate.
-- Let your car dry out before starting it.
-- Wait for official notice that it is safe to re-enter your home.
-- When returning to your home, be cautious when entering a damaged
structure.
-- Stay away from damaged or weakened walls.
-- Wear shoes around debris to avoid injuries.
-- Keep your family away from fallen power lines.
-- When beginning the cleanup process, use protective gear such as eyewear
or gloves.
-- Dispose of any digestible items touched by floodwater (food, drinks,
and medicine).
-- Notify your insurance agent as soon as possible if you have experienced
damage.
-- Create a list of damaged property that includes photographs and/or
video tape when available.
-- Do not dispose of damaged items without prior approval from your
insurance claims adjuster.
-- Keep an accurate record of any temporary repairs or expenses so that
they may be considered in your claim.