State Fire Marshal Goodwin: Remember Fire Prevention Week

One of the hats worn by NC Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin is that of State Fire Marshal.

As essentially the state's fire chief, he takes great pride and responsibility in working on projects with his 57,000 partners in the fire and rescue services in North Carolina.

This week is Fire Prevention Month, a regular project of all firefighters as they and Goodwin go about promoting fire and life safety measures.

The theme for this year is "Two Ways Out." It is important that homeowners and residents plan for two exits from every room, just in case one exit is blocked by fire or smoke. Also, Goodwin says, it is imperative that families create a home exit plan so family members know how to exit a house and where to meet up outside safe and away from a burning structure. And while on the subject of developing and practicing that emergency exit plan for your home, go ahead and get in the habit of testing your smoke alarms monthly and changing the batteries twice a year.

Commissioner Goodwin reminds folks that a great many fires begin in the kitchen, so be extra careful when cooking or preparing meals in or on your oven, or in your microwave.

WRAL-TV featured Insurance Commissioner Goodwin on its early morning show this week at this link.
And, countless newspapers and radio stations shared the state fire chief's message, doing their part to educate Tar Heel residents the importance of fire prevention.

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An Inspirational Story: WRAL-TV Highlights the Perseverance of Gloria Williams in her Fight Against Insurance Giant

Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin and the Department of Insurance assist almost one hundred thousand North Carolinians every year with insurance complaints and concerns.

However, occasionally consumers fight the fight themselves. Most often they don't win on their own.

But one inspiring example of a consumer who fought an insurance giant and won is at this link to WRAL-TV's special coverage that aired on August 30th.... Or, you can watch the embedded news link accompanying this blog post.
As he told WRAL-TV,

"North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin deals with thousands of insurance complaints every year. He said he knows it can be daunting to face off with a big insurance company, but says Williams' case should serve as an example.

'It’s actually inspiring, encouraging. I’m glad that we had someone like her who did put her foot down and fought on this,' he said. 'Some folks give up, but I hope this is an example of what they should do. And that’s not give up.'”

God bless you, Gloria Williams!

Clock Ticking: Less Than Two Days For Open Enrollment in Medicare Part D for 2010

Earlier this month I posted the item at this link.

Now less than two days remain for open enrollment for Medicare Part D for the 2010 year.

Go to tonight's WRAL-TV coverage on the same subject at this link here, and be sure to spread the word today among your senior friends, loved ones, and caregivers of loved ones.