Preparing Your Home For Winter Freezes

With winter arriving soon, now is a great time to prepare your home for freezing temperatures.  Use the checklist below to give you ideas for keeping warm, preventing fires, and saving money.

• Have your furnace inspected and serviced by a professional at least once a year.

• Have chimneys and vents cleaned and inspected.  (Built up creosote is the leading cause of chimney fires!) 

• Stock up on dry, seasoned wood for the fireplace or wood stove.

• Check the condition of your fireplace screen.  Is it in good condition and secure?

• Get a covered metal container ready to dispose of cooled ashes.  (And keep it at least 10 feet from your home.

• Review fireplace safety with your kids!

• Make sure all portable space heaters have an automatic shut-off and are kept at least 3 feet away from anything that can burn (like bedding). 

• Test all smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms! 

Follow these tips and your home will be ready for winter and safe from fire hazards.  If you’re concerned about protecting your belongings, give us a call to review your home insurance policy today! 

Halloween Insurance Tips

It's October and that means that Halloween is on it’s way!  We love any excuse to celebrate around the office. However, I wouldn't be a good insurance agent if I didn't give a few good liability insurance tips too.

You've heard most Halloween advice over and over.

Pack a flashlight for when it gets dark.

Put reflective tape on children's costumes.

Check the kid's candy before letting them eat any.

But what about the risks at your home?

Your Homeowners Insurance covers you if someone is injured on your property. But there are a few things you can do to prevent accidents before they happen!

1. Change your lightbulbs. Is your porch light burned out? What about lights along sidewalks? Good lightning will help prevent children (and adults) from tripping.

2. Clear hazards. Tree limbs in your yard? A hole you've been meaning to fill? These are all potential hazards that could cause an injury and subject you to a liability claim. Clean them up before you have people trick-or-treating at your home!

3. No open flames. While candle filled pumpkins are fun to make, they can be dangerous too. If you use any open flame candles, make sure they are up high and away from any loose costume pieces.

And the easiest way to protect yourself? Make sure you have plenty of liability insurance! Call us today to schedule a free review and detailed explanation of how we can keep your home and family protected.

Safe Stopping Distance

Did you know that it takes 292 ft to stop your car if you’re driving 60 MPH on the perfect road surface? Throw in some messy weather and all bets are off. In order to be able to stop safely, you need to keep some things in mind: It takes about three-quarters of a second to react to a situation and step on the brake pedal. You should always make sure that your brakes are in good working order and that the thread on your tires are good. Other braking tips are:

• Warn pedestrians, bicyclists, or other drivers of possible trouble. Brake early and gently when preparing to stop or turn.

• Do not let your foot rest on the brake pedal while driving. (This is called riding your brakes.)

• If your vehicle has antilock brakes, never pump the brakes. (In 2010, 89% of new cars and 99% of new light trucks have antilock brakes.)

• Always slow down near a curve or an area where you cannot see clearly ahead.

Safe Summertime Travels with Kids

Summer time usually includes traveling time for so many families across the country. If you're planning on a road trip with kids, here are a few tips to help you travel safely over the summer:

Check Your Car Seats. Did you know that 73 percent of car seats are not used or installed correctly? Before you hit the road this season, please take 15 minutes for an at-home car seat checkup using the SafeKids downloadable checklist. The checklist offers ways to make sure your car seat is right for your child and that the seat is installed properly. These tips are important because we know that when used correctly, child safety seats can reduce the risk of death by as much as 71 percent.

Use Booster Seats. Safety in the car goes beyond your little ones. Kids who have outgrown a forward-facing harness seat are not ready for a seat belt or front seat yet. They are safest in a booster seat that enables the adult seat belt to fit properly. Even when children have outgrown booster seats, they are safest in the backseat until the age of 13.

- See more at: http://www.safekids.org/blog/what-parents-need-know-safe-summer-travel#sthash.bKsa52Nx.dpuf.

Safety Tips for Walkers

It’s a beautiful day outside and you decide to go for a walk to get some exercise and fresh air. Have you taken the time to go over your safety plan first? Many people just go for a walk and never even think about what they need to do to stay safe. Here are some tips to have a safe walk:

  •Wear bright/light colored clothing and reflective materials.

  •Carry a flashlight when walking at night.

  •Cross in a well-lit area at night.

  •Stand clear of buses, hedges, parked cars or other obstacles before crossing so drivers can see you.

  •Always walk on the sidewalk; if there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic.

  •Stay sober; walking while impaired increases your chance of being struck.

  •Don't assume vehicles will stop; make eye contact with drivers; don't just look at the vehicle. If a driver is on a cell phone, they may not be paying enough attention to drive safely.

  •Don't rely solely on pedestrian signals; look before you cross the road.

  •Be alert to engine noise or backup lights on cars when in parking lots and near on-street parking spaces.

  •Don't wear headphones or talk on a cell phone while walking so that you won’t be distracted.

 Following these few safety tips could save your life. Go out there and enjoy a walk but make sure that you do it safely.

Safety Tips for Walkers

It’s a beautiful day outside (finally!) and you decide to go for a walk to get some exercise and fresh air.  Have you taken the time to go over your safety plan first? Many people just go for a walk and never even think about what they need to do to stay safe. Here are some tips to have a safe walk:

     

• Wear bright/light colored clothing and reflective materials. 
•   Carry a flashlight when walking at night.
•   Cross in a well-lit area at night.
•   Stand clear of buses, hedges, parked cars or other obstacles before crossing so drivers can see you. 
•  Always walk on the sidewalk; if there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic.
• Stay sober; walking while impaired increases your chance of being struck.
•  Don't assume vehicles will stop; make eye contact with drivers; don't just look at the vehicle. If a driver is on a cell phone, they may not be paying enough attention to drive safely.
• Don't rely solely on pedestrian signals; look before you cross the road. 
• Be alert to engine noise or backup lights on cars when in parking lots and near on-street parking spaces.
• Don't wear headphones or talk on a cell phone while walking so that you won’t be distracted.

Following these few safety tips could save your life. Go out there and enjoy a walk but make sure that you do it safely.

Smoke Detector Safety

Did you know that almost two-thirds of all house fire deaths are the result of having no smoke detectors or improperly working detectors? Many of us install smoke detectors and never give a second thought to maintaining them.

 ·         Test alarms at least monthly by pushing the test button.

·         Save manufacturer's instructions for testing and maintenance because they may have specific instructions for that particular smoke detector.

·         Replace batteries in all smoke alarms at least once a year. It’s a good idea to make a habit of changing the batteries at the same time each year; such as when you change your clocks for Daylight Savings Time, when you set up your Christmas tree, or your birthday. Put it on your calendar, whatever it takes for you to remember to replace the batteries. If an alarm “chirps”, warning the battery is low, replace the battery right away.

·         Replace all smoke alarms, including alarms that use 10-year batteries and hard-wired alarms, when they are 10 years old or sooner if they do not respond properly.

·         If cooking fumes or steam sets off nuisance alarms, rather than taking out the battery to finish your cooking, replace the alarm with an alarm that has a "hush" button. A "hush" button will reduce the alarm’s sensitivity for a short period of time. This will avoid forgetting to reinstall the battery after you’re done cooking.

For more information on smoke detector safety and other fire prevention tips; please go to National Fire Prevention Association’s website at: http://www.nfpa.org.

Air Bag Safety

Air bags and seat belts save lives every day and here are a few things you should know to make sure they work properly. Their purpose is to cushion occupants during a crash and provide protection to their bodies when they strike interior objects such as the steering wheel or a window. Modern vehicles may contain multiple airbag modules in various side and frontal locations of the passenger seating positions; the airbag is designed to only inflate in moderate to severe frontal crashes. 

Airbags are normally designed with the intention of supplementing the protection of an occupant who is correctly restrained with a seat belt. Be sure to use your shoulder and lap seat belt; air bags are not a substitute for seat belts. 

According to research conducted by Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, children exposed to air bags during a crash are twice as likely to suffer a serious injury.  Children younger than 13 years are safest when placed in the back seat of a vehicle, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Other air bag safety rules to follow include:

• Never place an infant in a rear-facing child safety seat in the front seat with an air bag. In a crash, the air bag comes out of the dashboard with its force directed at the back of the infant's head if riding in the front passenger seat.
• The rear seat is the safest place in the car for children younger than 13 years. If you don’t have enough room in the back of your car to safely transport the number of children who need to travel safely, please visit a car seat check in your area where a trained expert will help evaluate your situation. You may need to arrange to use a safer vehicle with enough back seat positions to keep all the kids safe.
• All passengers ages 13 and older need to wear a lap and shoulder belt when riding in the front seat. Air bags are designed to work with the lap and shoulder belt to protect the occupant in the event of a crash.
• To keep your older child (age 13 and older) safe in the front seat:
• Move the front seat as far back as possible from the dashboard
• Teach your child not to lean forward to change the radio dial or to insert CDs
• Insist that your child sit upright against the seatback, with the seat belt snug at all times

Auto Safety Kits

In today’s world, we all spend an enormous amount of time in our cars and may not even think about having a car safety kit in case of an emergency. Having a well planned safety kit in your car could save your life, especially in winter weather. You can purchase a ready-made kit or you can make your own but either way you should have one in all of your vehicles. Your kit should include at least:

• Blankets or sleeping bags
• Flashlights with extra batteries
• First aid kit
• A knife and some healthy non-perishable food (trail mix, peanut butter, crackers, etc…)
• In a large plastic container with a cover, store paper towels and other sanitary items and an empty coffee can (or other waterproof container) to keep water-proof matches and a candle to melt snow for drinking water.
• Sand or cat litter for tire traction and a shovel.
• An auto emergency tool kit with basic tools, jumper cables, ice scrapers, etc…
• A compass and road maps (what if your GPS or cell phones aren’t working?)
• Extra clothing in case your clothing gets wet or you need to layer your clothes to stay warm

Wood and Pellet Stove Safety

The heating season is here and it’s time to think about wood and pellet stove safety. Wood stoves and pellet stoves need to be cleaned every year or when there’s 1/4” creosote buildup on the chimney walls. The more often you use the stove, the more often you’ll have to clean it. Make sure to clean the ash and dispose of it in a fire-proof container before each use. Also be aware of the fuel limitations of your stove. Most wood stoves are meant to burn wood only. Do not burn driftwood, trash, treated wood, artificial logs, or any product containing zinc, sulfur, lead, or plastics as they will damage the catalytic combustor. Burning trash in a wood stove is dangerous for its potential to start a chimney fire, and also because the trash could contain plastics or other elements which emit harmful gases.

If you’re thinking about installing a wood or pellet stove for the first time, make sure to have a professional install it.  Also make sure that it’s inspected and you get proof of that inspection certifying that the stove is up to code and safe for your family. If you would like more information on this matter, go to the National Ag Safety Database at http://nasdonline.org/document/333/d000132/proper-installation-operation-and-maintenance-of-a-wood.html.

Snow Blower Safety

It’s just the beginning of the snow season and we New Englanders must prepare to take on Old Man Winter. Here are some important things to remember when using a snow blower:

• Turn it OFF!
• Disengage clutch.
• Wait five seconds after shutting machine off to allow impeller blades to stop rotating.
• ALWAYS use a stick or broom handle to clear impacted snow.
• NEVER put your hand down chute or around blades.
• Keep all shields in place. DO NOT REMOVE the safety devices on the machine.
• Keep hands and feet away from all moving parts.
• Keep a clear head, concentrate, and slow down.
• DO NOT DRINK before using your snow blower!

According to the American Society for Surgery of the Hand, hundreds of people are maimed or have amputations of their finger or hands each year due to improperly handling snow blowers. Remember that snow blowers can be dangerous if not handled properly so take your time and play it safe.

Winter Travel Safety Tips

Winter in New England can be beautiful (depending on who you ask) but it can also be very dangerous. Here are some tips that you should follow before you head out in the winter weather:

• Keep your gas tank full to avoid running out of gas and also to prevent ice in the gas tank or fuel lines.
• If you're traveling to an unfamiliar place, try to avoid traveling alone if at all possible.
• Let someone know where you’re going, which route you’ll be taking, and what time you expect to arrive.
• Winterize your car BEFORE bad weather arrives, preferably in the fall to avoid any surprise storms (remember October 2011?) and to beat the rush. Make sure that your tires always have good traction, no matter what the season.
• Have an auto safety kit in all cars.  Purchase a ready-made kit or make your own.

Driving Defensively

You may be a skilled driver but at one point or another you may run into equipment failures, bad weather, inexperienced drivers, unpredictable pedestrians, and drivers who ignore traffic laws. Here are some tips from the Registry of Motor Vehicles that could save you and your family’s lives.

To prepare for unpredictable events, you should always drive defensively.

• Always have clear visibility in front and around your vehicle.  Clean your windows and remove all snow.

• Stay alert and prepared for the unexpected.

• Keep a safe distance around your vehicle.

• Drive at the right speed and know when to slow down and stop.

• Always wear your safety belt.

• Do not drive if you have been drinking, are on medication, or are very tired.

• Keep your vehicle in good working order.

• Obey the rules of the road and give the right-of-way when appropriate.

Always look ahead of and around you, and check your mirrors often. Be aware of road

conditions and possible hazards in front, to the sides, and behind you.

• Look at everything in front of you. Look for vehicles stopping and watch for people

getting in or out of parked vehicles. Pay close attention to pedestrians or bicyclists

sharing the road with you.

• Expect mistakes from other drivers.

• Watch for back-up lights of vehicles ahead of you.

• Pay close attention to crosswalks. Don’t rely on traffic signals. Other drivers, bicyclists,

and pedestrians may ignore traffic signals.

• Always pay close attention near playgrounds, schoolyards, and shopping centers.

Children, pedestrians, and bicyclists may be hidden from sight.

• A big part of driving defensively is giving the right-of-way to prevent unsafe traffic situations.

Pool Safety

• Always watch children when they are in or around the pool.
• Teach children basic water safety tips: no running around the pool, no roughhousing, etc.
• Keep children away from pipes, filters, tubes and drains to avoid hair or clothing from becoming entangled.
• Know how to shut off pool equipment quickly in case of emergency. Post instructions for others.
• Never leave toys or floats in the pool when not in use. They can make tempting targets for toddlers.
• Teach your children to swim and be sure you know how to swim as well.
• Learn how to do CPR on children and adults and update these skills regularly.
• Keep the pool area free from electrical devices, glass and other hazards.
• Never let anyone swim alone.
• Limit alcohol use around the pool area. The CDC reports that alcohol is a factor in many adolescent and adult deaths related to water recreation.
  

Yard Sales

Home owners and apartment owners sometimes have yard sales. This is an opportunity for them to clean out their basements, attics, and garages of unwanted or unused things - aka stuff. This sometimes reminds me of that old adage “One man's junk is another man's treasure.

Yes, it is an opportunity to clean out your basement, turn some of that stuff in the garage into cash, and feel like you've accomplished something. But here are some things you need to know about yard sales.

If you're having more than an annual yard sale to get rid of your own clutter, it could be a problem. If you have frequent yard sales, instead of being considered a yard sale, it could be considered a business; for example, if you're bringing in other people's items to sell, then that may be considered a business, not a personal and therefore, the homeowner's policy or tenant's policy would not respond and pay a claim if someone were injured.

Here are some other things to consider:

If you're doing a fund raiser yard sale for a charity, check with the people you're raising the money for and see if they have insurance that would cover you. Your renter's insurance or homeowner’s may cover you, but you should check with your insurance agent.

In addition to checking on insurance coverages, you should keep safety in mind.

• Repair loose railings and cracked concrete, sidewalks, etc, which can cause injuries.
• Place sale items so that there is enough room to move around without tripping.
• Avoid placing items too close to stairs and ledges where people can fall. Don't sell items you know are unsafe or hazardous.

Have a great tag sale, make a couple of dollars and clean out your basement, but don't lose the house because you made a bad decision.

ATVs Can Be Dangerous

A recent National Safe Kids Campaign report stated that over 30,000 children, age 14 and under, were treated in emergency rooms for ATV-related injuries (fractured bones, head and facial injuries) and 44 children in this age group died as a result of ATV related injuries (head and neck injury). Children ages 10-14 accounted for more than 75% of the deaths. As a comparison, ATV related injuries are 12 times more likely to result in death than bicycle-related injuries. Nearly 90% of ATV-related injuries suffered by children under age 16 were caused by adult-sized ATVs (ATVs that are 90cc or larger). Additionally, reports show that males account for 60% of the ATV-related death among children ages 14 and under. Youths account for more than 33% of the ATV fatalities, but made up only 14% of the riders. Injury and fatality numbers are expected to grow as ATV sales continue to climb. Clearly, the ATV can be a dangerous vehicle.

Keeping Your Cool...

Many businesses, including construction and landscaping, rely on the summer months for the bulk of their income. Here are a few tips to keep you and your employees cool and productive:

• Prehydrate - 16 oz of non-caffienated, non-alcoholic fluids prior to beginning work
• Continued Hydration - 8 oz every 20 minutes; flavored water is recommended because people will drink a larger volume of that compared to plain water
• Remove hats - hats trap in body heat; remove them in hot shade and wear visors in the direct sun
• Clothes - loose, thin, white synthetic t-shirts. Cotton absorbs moisture whereas synthetic materials release it from the skin where it is evaporated.
  

Is Your Boat Safe?

Boating Season has arrived and here are some steps to take to reduce fatalities, injuries, property damage and liability costs:

• Be sure your boat is adequately insured
• All recreational boats are required to carry one approved Personal Flotation Device for each person aboard
• All vessels must be equipped with US Coast Guard (USCG) approved visual distress signals
• USCG approved fire extinguishers are required and should be hand portable, either B-I or B-II classification, and have a specific marine type mounting bracket. It must be marked "Marine Type USCG."
• Take a boating safety course.
• Get a free Vessel Safety Check (VSC) - a free annual check available to all boaters to ensure that their recreational vessels meet Federal and State equipment requirements. The USCG Auxiliary and US Power Squadrons vessel examiners participate in the VSC Program.
• Additional safety equipment to consider: Marine radio, dewatering device and backup, anchor and line for area, and first aid and person-in-water kits.

OSHA Compliance

My brother, a small business owner, told me that he was recently contacted via telephone by a salesperson claiming to be selling log books required by OSHA. He explained that the salesperson was insisting that these logs and checklists would be his protection upon an OSHA inspection. “Just give me your address, we’ll mail them and then we will bill you.” Being more familiar with plastering than government safety standards, his only saving grace were his instincts. “It felt like a scam,” he said.

Most business owners are familiar with the saying, “knowledge is power”. In this case, I would recommend going to the source of these standards: OSHA! They have an entire website designated to helping small businesses understand what they need to be compliant; http://www.osha.gov/dcsp/smallbusiness/index.html, complete with a handbook http://www.osha.gov/Publications/smallbusiness/small-business.html which, in their words, “should help small business employers meet the legal requirements imposed by the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (the Act), and achieve an in-compliance status before an OSHA inspection”. It includes an extensive self-inspection checklist, which can be tailored to meet your own business environment and guidelines for work-related injuries / illness recordkeeping. This handbook, along with the logs for recordkeeping, are all on the website and available at no cost.

So, was it a scam? I would say “no”. Like your business, this company is charging a fee for a service. But, we’ve all heard that saying, “don’t buy the cow, if you can get the milk for free…” .

Car Breakdown Safety

If you are involved in an accident or your car breaks down, safety should be your first concern. Getting out of the car at a busy intersection or on a highway to change a tire or check for damage are probably two of the worst things you can do. The Insurance Information Institute recommends the following precautions when these situations occur:

• Never get out of the vehicle to make a repair or examine the damage on a busy highway. If possible, drive the vehicle to a safe place before getting out. If you've had an accident, motion the other driver to pull up to a safe spot ahead.
• If you can't drive the vehicle, it may be safer to stay in the vehicle and wait for help. Use a cell phone to summon help. Under most circumstances, standing outside the vehicle in the flow of traffic is a bad idea. If you must leave your vehicle, be sure to stay behind any guardrails or well off the side of the road.
• Carry flares or triangles to alert other drivers once you get to the side of the road. Marking the location of your vehicle to give other drivers advance warning can be critical. Remember to put on your hazard lights!
• In the event of a blowout or flat tire, move the vehicle to a safer place before attempting a repair - even if it means destroying the wheel getting there. The cost of a tire, rim or wheel is minor compared to endangering your safety.