RV Travel Security By

RV Travel Security Visit our sister site FabulousFoods.com Tuesday January 24, 2006 Email This Page To A Friend! RV Travel Security By Mark J. Polk For one minute, try to think the way a criminal would think. If you were at a rest stop looking for your next target or victim, what would you look for? Let's pretend for a moment that you were going to target a vehicle. Which would be more appealing, a car whose owner stopped for a quick bathroom break or an expensive looking Class A motor home, whose owners are out walking their dogs? I don't have the mind of a criminal but this is an easy choice. That expensive looking RV probably has expensive contents inside like, jewelry, cameras, and a laptop computer. Okay, we have come to the conclusion that we, the RVers, are the prime target for the criminal mind, so what can we do to protect ourselves? That's what this RV security checklist is for. To give you some ideas on how to protect yourself and you're personal belongings when you're traveling in your RV. Don't stay overnight at a rest stop. Rest stops attract criminals. If you stop at a rest stop it should only be for a short break and then back on the road. Lock the RV and take turns using the facilities, always leaving someone in or close to the RV. Always be on the look out for anything or anyone that looks suspicious. Keep your cell phone handy in case you need it and don't open the door for anybody, unless you know who it is. Rest stops aren't the only place you need to be concerned about. Every time you stop to refuel there are certain precautions you need to take. It's easy to be vulnerable to a thief at a gas station or a truck stop. I have a bad habit of leaving my wallet on the console of our Class C motor home. The door isn't locked and your spouse is taking advantage of the time to walk the dogs. This is how quickly it can happen. Get in the habit of locking the doors whenever you or someone else is not physically in the RV. Most robberies occur at night and most travel related robberies occur at rest stops, gas stations, convenience stores and ATM machines. Try to schedule most of your stops during daylight hours, and whenever you stop be aware of your surroundings. If something doesn't look right leave. Wal-Mart or other parking lots where you might stop to get a few hours of sleep can present security problems too. You should always park in a well lit area and the entry door of the RV should be facing where most of the activity is. A thief prefers to work where it is dark and where it is least likely to draw any attention. Close your curtains or blinds so it's not possible for someone to look inside. Don't open the door for anybody unless you know who it is. If it's a security guard ask for identification before you open the door. As much as we would like to believe that campgrounds are 100% safe and secure don't let your guard down. You don't need to be paranoid, just use some common sense. Don't leave expensive equipment lying around unsecured. Vehicle tow bars, hitches, bicycles and other items need to be under lock and key. Keep any valuables inside the RV secured and out of sight. It's a good idea to purchase a small fire proof safe to store valuables and important paperwork in. The safe might protect your valuables from the hazards of a fire but it will still need to be stored in a secure, out of the way place, inside the RV. Always lock the RV when you're not physically at the campsite. Do not store valuable equipment in outside storage compartments. Believe it or not, a vast majority of RV's use the same exact key as yours for outside storage compartments. If you store valuables, like golf clubs, fishing gear or tools in the outside compartments you may want to have the locks changed. Before you leave on a trip make sure your Emergency Roadside Service Plan is current. In the unfortunate event that you breakdown on the road, try to pull off in as safe a place as possible and call for help immediately. Stay with the RV until help arrives. It's unfortunate that we live in a day and age where we need to take these added measures to protect ourselves. I don't want you to feel like everybody you meet during your travels is a thief or has bad intentions. Just use common sense and be aware of what is going on around you. Plan your trip, travel safe and enjoy your RV experiences. Remember, getting there is half the fun! Happy Camping, Mark Mark Polk is the owner of RV Education 101 . He also hosts the RV Savvy segments on RVTV , which airs on the Outdoor Channel. RV Education 101 is a North Carolina based company that produces professional training videos, DVDs and e-books on how to use and maintain your RV. Our goal is to make all of your RVing experiences safe, fun and stress free. For more information, visit www.rveducation101.com . Sign up today for one of our FREE informative and fun Newsletters . RV / Camping Budget Travel Travel Tips Kitchen Tips Low Carb Low Fat Desserts Holidays/Parties Vegetarian E-Mail address subscribe unsubscribe Home | Budget | Adventures | Globetrotting | Weird Wanderings | RV & Camper's Corner | Galavanting Gourmet On the Water | Travel Books | Community | Tips © Enigma Communications™ 2006 About Us | Advertising Opportunities | Privacy Policy

Luxury Motor Home

Rent a luxury motorhome or RV in Canada - Toronto, Halifax, Calgary, Vancouver, Whitehorse Home | Sitemap | Links Search Select... Home Products -- Motorhomes -- MH Sales -- Rental Cars -- River Cruise Resources Shop Contact Us Site Map Europe • Spain • Italy • France • Germany • Norway • Sweden • Finland • Britain • Ireland North America • United States • Canada *NEW* Africa • South Africa • Namibia • Botswana • Zimbabwe Australasia • Australia • New Zealand Member of the Recreational Vehicle Rental Association Locations Models Prices and Seasons Terms Availability Convert CAN$ to Euro GBP USD Universal Currency Converter Model Preview 8 ft. Truck Camper Comfortable for 2-3 persons License Required - Ordinary More Details - Pricing Information 10 ft. Truck Camper Comfortable for 2-3 persons License Required - Ordinary More Details - Pricing Information 10 ft. Truck Camper with Slide Comfortable for 3 persons License Required - Ordinary More Details - Pricing Information Van Conversion Comfortable for 3 persons License Required - Ordinary More Details - Pricing Information 20 ft Motorhome Comfortable for 4 persons License Required - Ordinary More Details - Pricing Information 22 ft. Motorhome Comfortable for 4 persons License Required - Ordinary More Details - Pricing Information 24 ft. Motorhome Comfortable for 5 persons License Required - Ordinary More Details - Pricing Information 27 ft. Motorhome Comfortable for 5 persons License Required - Ordinary More Details - Pricing Information 29 ft. Motorhome Comfortable for 5 persons License Required - Ordinary More Details - Pricing Information Home | Products | Resources | Shop | Contact Us | Sitemap © 2006 EU Bookings LTD. | Company Reg. No. 334052 | DUNS No. 985325369 | Privacy Policy

Rv Camping Guides -

RV Campgrounds, Guides, Books & Manuals Home | RVs for Sale | Sell Your RV | RV Insurance | RV Parts | About PPL | RV Service | Map | Contact PPL RV Campgrounds, Guides, Books & Manuals Prices valid thru 01/27/06 Click on menu items below for faster lookup: Directories - Corps Of Engineers Rv Camping Guides - Free Campgrounds Directories - Trailer Life Rv Cooking - Recipe Books Directories - Trailer Life - Cd Rom Rv Fulltiming Directories - Woodalls - National Rv Repair & Maintenance Manuals Directories - Woodalls - Regional Rv Repair - Electrical Systems Road Atlas - National Geographic Rv Toys Road Atlas - Rand Mcnally Stick - On - States Road Atlas - United States Kids The Next Exit - Interstate Directory Road Atlas - Us Distance Finder Travel Games Order online, call PPL's RV Parts Superstore at 1-800-755-4775, or visit our Houston, TX location to take advantage of these sale prices. Nationwide shipping available. For additional items not listed below visit our Full RV Parts and Accessories Catalog . Please Note that Sale Prices are most likely to be lower than Catalog Prices RV Parts Home About PPL's RV Parts Superstore Return Policy STOCK # DESCRIPTION PRICE QTY ORDER Return to Menu Directories - Corps Of Engineers 11-8030 ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS CAMPGROUNDS - COMPLETE DIRECTORY ...Regularly $21.04 On Sale for Only $13.89 $13.89 Return to Menu Directories - Trailer Life 46981 TRAILER LIFE CAMPGROUND, RV PARKS & SERVICES DIRECTORY ...Regularly $24.99 On Sale for Only $17.99 $17.99 Return to Menu Directories - Trailer Life - Cd Rom 11-8000 TRAILER LIFE CAMPGROUND FINDER ON CD-ROM ...Regularly $59.95 On Sale for Only $39.95 $39.95 Return to Menu Directories - Woodalls - National 11-1001 WOODALLS CAMPGROUND DIRECTORY - COMPLETE NORTH AMERICAN ...Regularly $24.49 On Sale for Only $19.75 $19.75 11-1003 WOODALLS GUIDE - RV CAMPGROUND DIRECTORY - EASTERN EDITION ...Regularly $18.29 On Sale for Only $14.98 $14.98 Return to Menu Directories - Woodalls - Regional 11-8001 CALIFORNIA,ARIZONA,NEVADA-FAR WEST-RV CAMPGROUNDS DIRECTORY ...Regularly $12.38 On Sale for Only $10.97 $10.97 11-8009 COLORADO,MONTANA-FRONTIER WEST-RV CAMPGROUNDS DIRECTORY ...Regularly $12.38 On Sale for Only $10.97 $10.97 11-8010 FLORIDA,GEORGIA,TENNESSEE-SOUTH-RV CAMPGROUNDS DIRECTORY ...Regularly $12.38 On Sale for Only $10.97 $10.97 11-8004 MICHIGAN,WISCONSIN-GREAT LAKES-RV CAMPGROUNDS DIRECTORY ...Regularly $12.38 On Sale for Only $10.97 $10.97 11-8008 PENNSLYVANIA,VIRGINIA-MID-ATLANTIC-RV CAMPGROUNDS DIRECTORY ...Regularly $12.38 On Sale for Only $10.97 $10.97 11-1002 RV CAMPGROUNDS - WOODALLS CAMPGROUND DIRECTORY - WEST ...Regularly $18.29 On Sale for Only $11.99 $11.99 Return to Menu Road Atlas - National Geographic 11-1031 NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC ROAD ATLAS - RV AND CAMPING EDITION ...Regularly $24.99 On Sale for Only $22.96 $22.96 Return to Menu Road Atlas - Rand Mcnally 11-1018 RAND MCNALLY ROAD ATLAS - AMERICA 2005 ...Regularly $11.99 On Sale for Only $10.95 $10.95 Return to Menu Road Atlas - United States Kids 11-8025 ROAD ATLAS OF THE UNITED STATES - FOR KIDS $3.95 Return to Menu Road Atlas - Us Distance Finder 11-1021 US ROAD ATLAS - DIST-O-MAP MILEAGE FINDER $7.99 Return to Menu Rv Camping Guides - Free Campgrounds 11-8015 GUIDE TO FREE CAMPING - CAMPGROUNDS WEST OF THE MISSISSIPPI ...Regularly $21.04 On Sale for Only $16.75 $16.75 11-8019 RV CAMPING - GUIDE TO FREE CAMPGROUNDS - EASTERN EDITION ...Regularly $18.85 On Sale for Only $16.75 $16.75 Return to Menu Rv Cooking - Recipe Books 11-8011 RV COOKING RECIPES-FAVORITES FROM AMERICA'S CAMPGROUNDS ...Regularly $13.99 On Sale for Only $11.87 $11.87 40940 WOODALL'S CAMPSITE COOKBOOK $8.75 Return to Menu Rv Fulltiming 11-8046 LIVING IN AN RV FULL TIME - LIVING ABOARD YOUR RV ...Regularly $16.89 On Sale for Only $14.99 $14.99 111014 PREPARATION FOR FULLTIMING - ADVICE FOR FULL TIME RVERS $12.95 48540 RV FULLTIMING -TRAILER LIFE'S GUIDE TO FULL-TIME RVING ...Regularly $29.95 On Sale for Only $16.98 $16.98 Return to Menu Rv Repair & Maintenance Manuals 11-8047 RV LIFE BASICS FROM MC GRAW HILL $15.19 97998 RV REPAIR MANUALS - LAYMANS REPAIR & MAINTENANCE MANUAL ...Regularly $34.95 On Sale for Only $15.37 $15.37 111012 RV TRAVEL TIPS FROM TRAILER LIFE $19.99 45850 WOODALL'S RV OWNERS HANDBOOK - RV & MOTOR HOME REPAIR MANUAL ...Regularly $27.15 On Sale for Only $21.95 $21.95 Return to Menu Rv Repair - Electrical Systems 11-8048 RV ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS-HELPS SOLVE RV ELECETRICAL PROBLEMS ...Regularly $25.89 On Sale for Only $22.25 $22.25 Return to Menu Rv Toys 14-1661 RV TOYS - TOY MINI MOTOR HOME ...Regularly $8.39 On Sale for Only $7.49 $7.49 14-1660 TOY MODEL MOTOR HOME ...Regularly $10.59 On Sale for Only $7.98 $7.98 14-1662 TOY TRAVEL TRAILER WITH TOY JEEP TOWING IT ...Regularly $8.39 On Sale for Only $7.49 $7.49 Return to Menu Stick - On - States 14-8882 STATE STICKERS - USA MAP WITH A STICKER FOR EACH STATE ...Regularly $23.69 On Sale for Only $19.99 $19.99 43687 STICK-ON-STATES MAP KIT-KEEP TRACK OF WHERE YOU HAVE VISITED ...Regularly $22.49 On Sale for Only $18.97 $18.97 Return to Menu The Next Exit - Interstate Directory 118044 THE NEXT EXIT - FIND GAS STATIONS, RESTAURANTS & MOTELS ...Regularly $15.14 On Sale for Only $11.95 $11.95 Return to Menu Travel Games 11-8057 TRAVEL GAMES - ENTERTAINING TRAVEL MATCH-UP MEMORY GAME ...Regularly $4.25 On Sale for Only $3.95 $3.95 11-8026 TRAVEL GAMES FOR KIDS - BEST TRAVEL ACTIVITY BOOK ...Regularly $4.09 On Sale for Only $3.27 $3.27 No representations or warranties, either expressed or implied are made as to the accuracy of the information herein. Sale Prices limited to in-stock quantities for some items. Prices valid thru 01/27/06. Telephone Order Lines are open until 5:30pm Mon-Fri Central See Below for Hours of All other Services PPL's RV Parts Superstore 10777 Southwest Freeway (Highway 59 South) Houston, Texas 77074-9829 713-988-5555 1-800-755-4775 Hours: 8-5:30pm Mon-Fri 9-4 Central Saturday PPL Home | RV Parts Superstore Home | About PPL | Parts Return Policy Request Parts Catalog | Photo Tour | RVs for Sale | Sell Your RV | Contact PPL PPL Motor Homes Houston, Texas All Rights Reserved, 1997-2006

Winnebago Green Party Launches

Lake Winnebago Green Party Home About Us News Join / Volunteer 4 Pillars Contact Links Elections LWGP Constitution 10 Key Values Bring the Troops Home: Lake Winnebago Green Party Launches Effort for Referendum on Troop Withdrawal Oshkosh Green Ben "Longhair" Farrell sworn at on Winnebago County Board! Ben Farrell, a leader in the UW Oshkosh Campus Greens, has been appointed to fill the County Board seat vacated by another campus green, Dave Machotka, who had moved to Madison. County District 16, which Ben Farrell now represents, sits largely on the campus of the UW Oshkosh. “I have always felt unrepresented by the narrow paradigm of this two-party system,” Farrell said. “I believe that a democracy is based on the consideration of myriad perspectives, so I choose to raise awareness of the largely unrecognized.” Farrell intends to run for the District 16 seat that he now holds in April 2006. Congratulations, Ben! See Advance Titan story here. April Municipal Elections Filing Deadline Approaches Are you interested in running for local office as a Green Candidate? The Lake Winnebago Green Party represents the Counties of Outagamie, Winnebago, Green Lake, Waushara, and parts of Fond du Lac. If you have green values and an interest in local politics, contact us at lwgp@wisconsingreenparty.org to find out how the Green Party can help you with your campaign and help to get you elected to office. LWGP NEWS BRIEFS 11/17/05 MEDIA IGNORE MOUNTING EVIDENCE OF WIDESPREAD VOTER FRAUD AND ELECTION MANIPULATION, CHARGE GREENS 11/14/05 Green Officeholders across Wisconsin to Offer Budget Amendments to Cover Capital Costs of Concealed Carry Bill 11/10/05 Greens Mourn New Zealand Green MP Who Led Democratic Reforms (GPUS) 11/9/05 Greens Celebrate Election Victories (GPUS)- "We congratulate all our candidates for running, for carrying the Green Party's message, and for moving us closer to ultimate wins all around the U.S.," said Rebecca Rotzler, co-chair of the national party and elected Deputy Mayor of New Paltz, New York. "We look forward to many more great races and new victories in the 2006 midterm election." 11/9/05 Wisconsin Green Party to Hold Press Conference on Referendum and Vogeler Campaign (WiGP)- “As my children grow older, I'm deeply concerned for their future. Greed has twisted the priorities of our government. Ongoing war threatens the opportunities and very lives of our children,” [Rae Vogeler] said. “I’m running to bring a progressive voice to the Senate. My opponent voted for the Iraq War, the Patriot Act, tax cuts for the rich and made it easier for corporations to declare bankruptcy but harder for working families. Herb Kohl is out of touch with the people of Wisconsin.” 11/7/05 Elaine Brown wins Federal Court Decision (GA Greens) 11/4/05 Greens Denounce Court Ruling Barring Elaine Brown From Ballot in Brunswick, GA (GPUS) - "Republicans and their friends on court benches have proven that they will stop at nothing to remove competition and to fix elections," said Gwen Wages, co-chair of the Green Party of the United States. "We saw it in the presidential elections in Florida in 2000 and Ohio in 2004, and we see it now in a local race in Brunswick." 10/30/05 Vogeler Decries Big Oil Companies' Price Gouging - Blames high prices on politicians drafting laws written by lobbyists 10/29/05 LWGP Monthly News Update #8 10/27/05 Vogeler Welcomes Indictments of Rove and Libby - Points to a “culture of corruption” in Washington LWGP Monthly News Update #8 - 10/29/05 Please submit any news or ideas to lwgreens@yahoo.com to be included in these updates. 1. Next LWGP Meeting 2. Iraq Troop Withdrawal Referendum in Oshkosh, Winnebago Cty 3. Campus Greens member Ben Farrell newest member of Winnebago Cty Board 4. Rae Voguler: Green Party Candidate for US Senate 5. New Look for LWGP website: http://lwgp.wisconsingreenparty.org/ 6. Corruption within the Dems down in Madison 7. Wisconsin Green Party Fall Gathering in Milwaukee 8. US Rep McGovern To Introduce Bill Ending Funding for Iraq War 9. Green Party Candidate in Brooklyn Sets Milestone 1. The Next LWGP Meeting The next LWGP Monthly meeting is scheduled for Thursday, November 17, 6:30pm at the Winnebago Peace & Justice Center, 321 Market Street, Oshkosh. The WPJC is located directly across from Opera House Square (Peace Park) between Algoma Blvd and High St. Call (920) 410 8980 if you have additional questions The LWGP Monthly meetings are held the 3rd Thursday of the month. The location is different each month, as we attempt to be accomodating to the different communities we represent. 2. Iraq Troop Withdrawal Referendum The LWGP is partnering with the Winnebago Peace & Justice Center and concerned citizens to bring a referendum question to the April 06 ballot that states "Should the US begin immediate withdrawal of its troops from Iraq, beginning with the National Guard and Reserves." We are almost 2/3rds of the way to our goal of 3000 signitures. Please take a moment to download a petition here and help us reach our goal. You can check out Tony Palmeri's opinion piece on the Referendum in the UWO Advance Titan here. To see what Greens across the state are doing to get the referrendum on the ballot in their cities, check out this . 3. Campus Greens member Ben Farrell joins Winnebago County Board The LWGP would like to congratulate Ben Farrell for his recent appointment to the Winnebago Cty Board of Supervisors. A Senior at UW Oshkosh studying English and Philosophy, Ben has been an activie member of the UWO Campus Greens and the Student Environmental Action Coalition. Farrell will start his term with the County in November, and will be up for election in April 06. 4. Rae Vogeler: Green Party Candidate for US Senate Check out www.voterae.org . Rae Vogeler's Platform is about everything the Herb Kohl is not, including: Bring the Troops Home Now, tax the wealthy not the working, protect civil rights and liberties, support universal health care, support renewable clean energy, and more. She is articulate, active and energized. 5. New Look for LWGP website: http://lwgp.wisconsingreenparty.org/ LWGP Co-Chair Ronald Kane Hardy has been spending all of his family time working on the creation of a new LWGP website, with hopes that eventually this site can be the premier online news source in the LWGP region. While there is much work needed, check it out and come back often. 6. Corruption within the Dems down in Madison Doyle and the Travelgate Saga: Governor Jim Doyle is under investigation following public disclosure of campaign donations from executives of a travel agency around the time the company got a state contract. Check out the following articles: Appleton Post , Milwaukee Journal Sent ., Capital Times , The Chuck Chvala Scandal : Former Democratic Senate Majority Leader Chuck Chvala was found guilty on Tuesday in Dane County Court in Madison of two felonies in accordance with a plea agreement entered before Dane County Judge David Flanagan. Chvala pleaded guilty to misconduct in office by instructing state workers to raise campaign money on state time and to making a campaign contribution of more than $1,000 in violation of state campaign laws. The state's sentencing recommendation is for a six-month jail sentence, two years probation and a fine not to exceed $5,500. Sentencing is set for early December. Check out the whole story at "Another Day Another Convicted Felon." 7. Wisconsin Green Party Fall Gathering - Nov 11-13 This year's fall gathering will take place in Milwaukee at the Urban Ecology Center, 1500 East Park Place. Check out http://www.urbanecologycenter.org /. For directions and more info, go to http://wisconsingreenparty.org/index.shtml 8. US Rep McGovern To Introduce Bill Ending Funding for Iraq War As the number of U.S. military deaths in Iraq exceeds 2,000, U.S. Rep. Jim McGovern (D-MA) this week will introduce legislation to prohibit the use of taxpayer funds to deploy United States Armed Forces to Iraq. The bill will allow funds to be used for the safe and orderly withdrawal of our troops; for transitional security provided by other countries – including international organizations like NATO and the United Nations; and for continued support for Iraqi security forces and international forces in Iraq – as well as funding for reconstruction efforts. READ THE ENTIRE ARTICLE HERE . 9. Green Party Candidate in Brooklyn Sets Milestone Green Party Candidate for Brooklyn Borough President Gloria Mattera successfully raised over $50,000 to qualify for public funding. Check out her great website at http://www.electgloria.org/ ________________________________________________ Go to these websites for a slightly Green perspective on things locally, state-wide, and nationally: www.babblemur.com www.tonypalmeri.com www.geocities.com/abvtimes If you wish to not receive these updates, please let us know and we will remove you. **Also, please send any news or stories relevant to the LWGP. We are looking at expanded diversity in our updates and would like to include your information. Send news to lwgreens@yahoo.com Thanks, ~ Jut Lake Winnebago Green Party lwgp.wisconsingreenparty.org The Lake Winnebago Green Party is a group of citizen-activists who believe in Grassroots Democracy, Social Justice, Peace and Nonviolence, and Environmental Wisdom. We believe that the people should govern, not corporations. We want an accountable government, a clean environment, and end to the war, and justice for all. Next Meeting of the LWGP: November 17, 2005 6:30 Public Meeting 7:30 Business Meeting Winnebago Peace and Justice Center - 321 Market, Oshkosh, WI public welcome! Links Wisconsin Green Party Green Party (US) Green Parties World Wide Calendar of Events November 11-13, 2005 Wisconsin Green Party Fall Gathering - Urban Ecology Center Milwaukee, WI November 15, 2005 Action Wisconsin Speakers Training Oshkosh, WI - First Congregational Church on Algoma co-sponsored by the Lake Winnebago Green Party, Rainbow Alliance for H.O.P.E. and others 6:30 P.M. Free and open to all. November 16, 2005 "Wal-Mart - the high cost of low prices" Oshkosh premiere of the film that scares the hell out of Wal-Mart Reeve Union Theatre - UW Oshkosh Campus 5:30 PM Don't miss this special event sponsored by the Campus Greens November 17, 2005 Lake Winnebago Green Party November Meeting - Winnebago Peace and Justice Center - 321 Market, Oshkosh, WI 6:30 - public meeting 7:30 - business meeting Wisconsin Network for Peace & Justice Calendar for the entire state

Mobile home insurance going

Sun Herald - 12/13/05 Tue, December 13, 2005 Home | Sports | Classifieds | Charlotte News | Englewood News | North Port News | DeSoto News | Venice News 12/13/05 Mobile home insurance going sky high NORTH PORT -- Insurance rates for owners of manufactured homes are skyrocketing with no sign of stopping any time soon. So said John Ruggeri, an insurance executive with Ruggeri Insurance of Sarasota, whose clients include many manufactured-home owners. Ruggeri will speak about insurance issues at 11 a.m. on Wednesday at the recreation hall of LaCasa, and anyone with a manufactured home is urged to attend. Residents of River Walk, Lazy River, Harbor Isles and Harbor Cove, as well as LaCasa, are welcome. "Insurance for manufactured homes is going to get horrendously more expensive," Ruggeri said. "After Hurricane Andrew, new construction codes came out in 1994." Ruggeri said that insurance carriers are now trying to limit their obligation to only insure manufactured homes built prior to the 1994 codes. After Andrew, many insurance carriers would not insure manufactured homes at all, Ruggeri said, so the state formed its own company - now called Citizens - to act as a pool to insure the highest risks. Their rates, by law, are based on the average of the five highest private insurers' rates in the state, so they do not compete with private carriers. "Citizens is like a company of last resort," Ruggeri said, "but they have continued to raise their already-high rates." For example, he said they (Citizens) "just tacked on a six-percent increase from the 2004 hurricanes." This fall, citizens raised its rates by another 15 percent, and for the 2005 hurricanes it looks as though rates will increase yet another 10-11 percent, according to Ruggeri. "Citizens is looking at a $1 billion loss for 2005. They are going to have to get that money from somewhere," he said, adding he believes, the rest comes from everyone else's pockets. Private carriers will be required to help fund the losses that Citizens is facing, he said. They will, in turn, pass the costs on down to their customers. Ruggeri said that this year he lost almost 1,000 clients who did not renew their manufactured-home policies. He suspected that these people now are without property insurance. Ruggeri said that when people can't get insurance for their manufactured housing, the owners are more inclined to seek rezoning and sell the land at a profit. This results in a loss of affordable housing. Ruggeri was invited to speak to residents by John Clancy, who is on the Homeowners Association board at La Casa. Clancy urges residents to attend the meeting, learn about this insurance crisis and available options. Anyone interested in attending, call Clancy at (941) 423-5570. You may e-mail Susan Hoffman at shoffman@sun-herald.com. By SUSAN E. HOFFMAN North Port Assistant Editor © 2006All rights reserved. Your Local Internet Service Provider A division of Sun Coast Media Group Inc. Publishers of the Sun newspapers.