Head Out to Sea Without Injury

Water sports, relaxing in the sun and splashing in the water are great ways to make memories with family and friends. Sea lovers must be careful near the marina and dock, though, to assure that their getaways are safe ones. If you are hitting the opening waters this season, don’t forget these safety tips!

Dock Safety

• Use forward and reverse at an idle speed when docking and moving your boat near the marina.
• Have bumpers, mooring lines and boat hooks ready before docking.
• Keep all body parts in the boat until you have come to a complete stop.
• Tie the line that holds the boat against the wind first when docking.
• Dock at a marina that has stand pipes, fire extinguishers, good lighting, surveillance cameras and security measures in place.
• Always wear personal flotation devices when on the water, especially those than cannot swim and children.
• Do not swim near a marina since boaters cannot see you when they are trying to dock.
• Wear non-slip shoes on the boat and dock.
• When leaving your boat, turn off any portable heaters on board.
• Keep your boat in good condition with all equipment meeting safety standards established in your area.
• Assure that the marina has the proper power voltage for your boat.
• Add fuel to portable tanks on the dock only; never on the deck of your boat.

To avoid a potential fire onboard, inspect fuel hoses and containers on a regular basis to prevent the escaping vapors from going into bilges. Also check the wiring and all appliances on deck for damage frequently.

As a safety precaution, keep fire extinguishers on deck and fit smoke detectors to the cabin.

For more information regarding boat safety and your insurance, contact your agent.

Don’t Get Distracted Behind the Wheel

It is widely accepted that driving under the influence of alcohol poses a serious danger to the impaired driver and other motorists on the road. However, a recent study from the University of Minnesota found that talking on a cell phone while driving impairs one’s ability even more than driving while intoxicated. Talking on a cell phone and other driver distractions pose a major hazard to everyone on the road!

Decreasing Distractions

While there is little that you can do to control other people’s driving, there is plenty that you can do to reduce the distractions in your own vehicle. To minimize risks while driving:

• Do not talk on your cell phone or use the text messaging feature. If you absolutely must conduct a conversation, do so using a hands-free device and speed dial.
• Never touch up your makeup or hair in the rearview mirror. You’ll look the same once you get to your destination as you do while your foot is on the gas.
• Limit your conversations with passengers and ask them to keep their voices down so you can concentrate.
• Do not smoke while you are driving, as you will probably pay more attention to not burning yourself, putting out the cigarette or inhaling than driving safely.
• Only adjust the radio or CD player when you are completely stopped.
• Never allow animals to sit on your lap while driving.
• Do not eat or drink while driving.
• Avoid reading maps or directions. Instead, pull into a parking lot to get your bearings and determine where you need to go next to reach your final destination.
• Do not take notes or search for phone numbers.
• Never use a cell phone (even with a hands-free device) in bad weather, work zones or heavy traffic. 

Avoiding claims and accidents are the two things that you should always be concentrated on when operating a vehicle. For more information on auto insurance, contact your agent.

Smoke Detector Maintenance

Smoke detectors play an essential role in protecting the lives of the people you care about most. To keep your home safe:

• Install a working smoke detector on every level of the home, facility and any sleeping areas.
• Test all smoke detectors at least once a month.
• Replace your smoke detector batteries at least once a year, if not every six months. Try doing it at a consistent time each year, such as when resetting clocks in the fall or spring.
• Never disable a smoke detector that goes off while cooking. If the detector is not reactivated, the results could be costly.

For more information on how this affects your home insurance, contact your agent.

Liabilities of Renting Your Home

Perhaps you’re considering renting out your home for extra income while away for an extended period of time or for a big event nearby that’s causing the demand for lodging to increase. Though this seems like an ideal solution for families with extra room to spare, it can also pose liabilities. If you are considering renting out your home, take the following considerations to heart.

Renting To-do’s

• Draw up a rental agreement that defines the terms of the rental, including restrictions, liabilities and occupancy guidelines.
• Ask for references from potential renters, especially those that will stay for awhile.
• Request a security deposit to be refunded if there is no damage to your home.
• Advise Oakland Companies that you plan to rent out your home and ask about how this may affect your current coverage.
• If are renting for a long period of time, consider hiring a “property manager” to look out for your house while you are away.

Protecting Your Personal Property

• Set aside a locked place in your home to house personal items such as clothing and valuables.
• Take valuable items to a locked storage facility, a family member’s home or a bank vault.
• Change alarm codes after you are done renting.
• Provide keys to only one door of your residence so that you have to change only one lock after the renters leave.
• Photograph and videotape all areas of your home before the rental takes place in case damage occurs while you are away.
• Tell your neighbors that you are renting and ask that they watch over your home.
• Ask your telephone company to block long distance phone calls from your landline.
• Have your mail forwarded or held until you return.
• Provide your contact information for both the renters and your neighbors in case of an emergency.
• Provide the renters with a list of service providers, such plumbers and electricians, in case of a water leak or furnace failure.

Checking the references of potential renters is vital when determining if you will open your home to strangers. If you uncover any red flags while checking their references, do not agree to rent your home, even if you are afraid of hurting someone’s feelings. Your first priority should be to protect yourself and your property. If you have any questions regarding your home insurance, contact your agent.

Be Safe While Burning Indoors

As winter approaches, homeowners are beginning to prepare for the cold months ahead. For many this may include using indoor heating sources like fireplaces and wood stoves that have laid dormant all summer. Avoid possible fire hazards associated with these heating methods by paying careful attention to safety. Keep these tips in mind while you burn this winter:

•  Be sure fireplaces and stoves are installed correctly. Wood stoves should have at least a 36 inch clearance from any combustible materials, along with a sturdy support system. The floor around the stove should also be adequately protected.
• Have all chimneys inspected annually. Clean when necessary or if the chimney has not been used in some time.
• Never use flammable liquids to start or accelerate a fire.
• Always keep a protective screen of glass or metal around the opening of any active fireplace. This will keep sparks or embers from creating a possible fire hazard while also protecting those around the unit from a potential burn injury.
• Keen flammable materials away from your fireplace mantle. If using a stove, do not leave flammable items in contact with the body of the unit.

Only fuel your fire with materials approved for indoor use. Never use charcoal in such situations as it can give off an unsafe level of carbon monoxide. Contact your home insurance agent for more tips to stay safe and warm during the Michigan winters without having to file a claim.

 

Setting a Good Example for Your Kids

 

Parents and caregivers can set a great example for the whole family by creating a healthy environment at home. Any combination of the following five steps can make a real difference in your children’s lives and help them build healthy habits for life.

Eat More Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables are great sources of many vitamins and minerals and help prevent chronic disease. Eat them fresh, frozen or canned, and keep them within easy reach. Try eating fruits and vegetables of different colors to make sure you and your family get a wide range of nutrients.

Plan to Eat Healthy

Preparing healthy meals doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive; it just takes planning. Get your children involved in the planning, shopping and cooking. Make sure your family eats a healthy breakfast every day; it can help prevent overeating and snacking later. Teach your children about healthy portion sizes so they learn to serve themselves a healthy amount of food.

Make Physical Activity Part of Your Routine
Activities should be fun and something the whole family can do together. Set specific goals that are easy for your family to achieve. Start by scheduling a time for physical activity – but be flexible if a conflict comes up!

Reduce Screen Time

Health experts say that computer and television time at home should be limited to one to two hours or less per day. Limit your family’s screen time every day, and set a good example by following the limit yourself. Don’t put a computer or TV in your child’s bedroom, and keep the TV off during family meals. More screen time means less time interacting with your family. Provide alternative hobbies and activities to prevent watching TV from becoming a habit.

Organize a School Health Team

Help create an environment at your children’s school that will encourage academic success through healthy food and physical activity. After organizing or becoming a member of a school health team, identify your school’s current health policies and programs. Help the team develop an action plan for improving student health.

For more information regarding eating healthy, consult your physician.  For more information regarding your life insurance, contact your agent.

Halloween Safety

Halloween is a wonderful time of year for children to express their creativity and use their imagination. Unfortunately, Halloween can also be dangerous for youngsters if parents do not take the proper precautions to protect their children. Before you let your kids out for the night to show off their Haloween costumers and collect as much candy to scare the dentist away, be sure that they are fully equipped for a safe night of trick-or-treating. Here are some tips to help you do just that.   Do not let children wear costumes that are long, baggy or loose, as they are tripping hazards and are hard to walk in. Choose costumes, wigs and accessories made from fire-retardant material. Select brightly colored costumes so that motorists can see children as they trick-or-treat. Also, add strips of reflective tape to outfits and treat bags. Buy face make-up that is labeled “FDA Approved” or “Non-Toxic” to avoid adverse allergic reactions. Do not allow children under age 12 to trick-or-treat alone, and help older children plan out a safe route before they leave the house. Instruct children to never approach a car to accept treats.   These are just a few tips that can keep your kids, young and old, out of harm’s way.  Taking those extra steps can keep the magic alive this Halloween season. Halloween is a time for fun and games, not insurance claims. For more ways to avoid a “Halloween” claim in Michigan, contact your insurance agent.

Prepare Your Home for Frigid Temperatures

As the weather starts to cool in the autumn months, many homeowners tackle winterizing projects to ensure that their homes are weather-ready for cooler temperatures. The best way to undertake these projects is to start by taking a walk around your home and assessing what needs to get done. Consider inspecting the following areas:

• While on the roof, examine your chimney for missing mortar, cracks and structural problems, as damage in your chimney or fireplace can lead to dangerous carbon monoxide buildup in your home. Also ensure that your damper is working correctly and has a tight seal. Your chimney cap should be snug as well.
• Remove clogs in your gutter and check for any water damage. Consider consulting a professional for guidance on how to prevent ice dams (water backup in cold temperatures).
• Check your doors and windows for missing weather stripping. Also make sure that door sweeps are not damaged and are aligned properly to block drafty air.
• Cover window-mounted air conditioning units if you are not going to remove them entirely. Fill in the gaps on the sides of the unit with insulation board and caulk. If you have central air, cover the unit loosely.
• Turn off the faucets outside of your home and cover them with a commercial cover or two old socks wrapped tightly around the faucets; seal with duct tape.
• Inspect the foundation for cracks and gaps to prevent animals from entering your home.
• Look at your home’s siding for missing pieces.
• Make sure your exterior light fixtures are working properly and are sealed tightly to the mounting.

It is very important to keep your home safe during these blistering months. Year-round maintenance is critical to your home insurance policy to avoid the need to file a claim. For more information on your winter preparation and your insurance, contact your agent.

Get a Handle on Hand Tool Safety

Everyone loves a good hand tool; it can get a simple job done easily, quickly and efficiently. Plus, it is easy to transport since it is compact and generally lightweight. Yet, many accidents occur when homeowners use hand tools because they are careless and assume that no major injuries can occur. You can’t have every household injury covered under your Michigan home insurance, so safety should always be your top priority. Well… the reality is to the contrary. Many people suffer eye injuries, puncture wounds, cuts, broken bones and contusions from using hand tools inappropriately.

Hand Tool Safety Recommendations

To avoid unnecessary accidents and injuries while using hand tools, consider these safety recommendations:

• Examine tools before each use to ensure that they are in good working order. If your tools appear damaged or broken, have them repaired or discard them before using.
• Use tools only for their intended purposes only.
• Do not force tools beyond their capacity.
• Use a vise to secure tools whenever possible.
• Never carry tools in your pockets; wear a tool belt instead.
• Ground hammerheads properly and do not use them if they have broken claws or handles.
• Keep cutting tools sharp and use the appropriate handles.
• Always wear protective equipment to shield your eyes, hands, ears and other body parts from danger. Consider wearing goggles or safety glasses, ear muffs or plugs and gloves depending on the task at hand.
• Sharpen, clean and oil tools as needed to keep them in good working condition. A little TLC goes a long way.

In addition to insuring your home, ensuring your safety and preventing losses are also top concerns. If you would like more home loss prevention or safety tips, please contact your agent.

Keep Pets Safe in an Emergency

Disasters can often strike without warning so proper preparation is always a must. Your Michigan home insurance provides the necessary coverage to replace damaged items in your home, but there is one thing that it definitely can’t replace… your pets. In addition to making the necessary preparations for you and your family, you must also consider what you will do with your pet(s). Making arrangements for your beloved furry friends ahead of time will save you the hassle and heartache of determining how and where to care for them if you must evacuate in an emergency.

Emergency Considerations for Pets

Before a disaster strikes:

• Contact hotels outside of your immediate area to learn about their policies concerning animals on the premises. Generate a list of pet-friendly places and keep this information with your emergency supply kit.
• Ask friends and relatives living outside of your immediate area to look after your pet if you must evacuate your home.
• Generate a list of veterinary care facilities located outside of your immediate area in case your pet needs medical attention.

When disaster strikes:

• Bring your pets indoors and get them under control. Place them on a leash or in a carrier immediately so that you can evacuate or seek shelter without having to worry about them acting out.
• Make sure that your pet is wearing a collar with a current rabies vaccination tag and ID tag. The ID tag should include your name, address and telephone number.
• Gather your disaster supply kit, which should include the following items:
  • § Leashes or harnesses
  • § Food and water bowls
  • § Extra food and water in plastic containers labeled with feeding instructions
  • § Litter box and scooper (for cats)
  • § Pet medication and instructions for administration
  • § Name, address and telephone number of your veterinarian
  • § Photos of your animals with you for identification purposes
  • § Contact information for a relative living out of the area
  • § Grooming supplies

If you can stay at home in the emergency, go to a safe area and stay together. Keep your animals in their carriers with you.

Establishing a thorough plan for caring for your pets before a disaster strikes is key. If you do not prepare ahead of time, you may have to resort to a public shelter in which animals are generally not allowed. Consequently, you may have to leave your pets at home to fend for themselves. This puts them at risk of starvation, being attacked by predators, drinking contaminated water or being hit by a vehicle. Take similar considerations for your pet that you would for family members and plan ahead!

Contact your Michigan home insurance agent for more ways to protect your home and your loved ones … even your pets.