Disaster preparation doesn’t need to be expensive. In fact, homeowners have many ways to protect their property that won’t even cost them a dime.
   
California’s prolonged dry winter has prompted the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) to increase staffing, and the Insurance Information Network of California urges homeowners to prepare for what could be a dangerous fire season.

Los Angeles-based mixologists squared off in the Battle of the Bartenders® to decide who could create the very best alcohol-free “mocktails” and promote responsible holiday hospitality. Their creations were judged for taste, presentation, creativity and simplicity.

Sponsored by the Insurance Information Network of California® and co-hosted by L.A. LIVE™, the friendly competition demonstrated how party hosts can serve quality non-alcoholic drinks to help keep their guests safe on the ride home.

Battling bartenders will descend on a downtown Los Angeles hot spot today to promote responsible holiday hospitality by competing to create the best alcohol-free mocktail.
     
Hosted by the Insurance Information Network of California  and L.A. LIVE, the Battle of the Bartenders® will team up the California Highway Patrol , the Los Angeles Police Department and bartenders from L.A. LIVE restaurants and bars to demonstrate how party hosts can serve quality non-alcoholic drinks to help keep their guests safe on the ride home.

As the damage from this week’s windstorms is tallied, a new peril may threaten homeowners -- con artists posing as contractors and public adjusters with offers of cheap labor and a quick damage fix.  
    
But for homeowners seeking repairs or needing help filing insurance claims, enlisting unlicensed help can be an costly mistake.

 
 

With high winds forecast to slam California, homeowners may wonder whether they are financially protected from flying debris and falling trees.
    
The answer is a conditional yes, though there are some exceptions to standard insurance policies that homeowners should be aware of, according to the Insurance Information Network of California.

For a list of insurance company claim phone numbers, follow this link.