Informative articles on insurance, safety and risk for you, your family or your business. Each article includes a link for you to share with anyone who may benefit.
Is there anything quite so pleasant as coming home to a warm and cozy house on a cold winter's day? Home isn't just where the heart is; in the winter, it's also where the hearth is.
Heat comes to us in many forms: electric, gas, portable space heaters, wood stoves, and fireplaces. All of these can pose a threat to a North Carolina home's safetynot to mention that of its residentsif they are not properly maintained and managed. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, heating fires are the second leading cause of all residential building fires. About 50 percent of all fires that result from home heating equipment are reported during the months of December, January, and February. Fortunately, it is possible to stay warm safely this winter by following a few simple suggestions.
Have your chimney professionally cleaned before lighting the first fire of the year. Removing all debris from the chimney and opening the flue will ensure that your home remains free of dangerous smoke.
Use only seasoned hardwood such as ash, oak, or maple in your fireplace. Do not burn trash or cardboard boxes.
Employ fireplace screens or glass fireplace doors to keep embers off of rugs and carpets.
If you have a gas heating system, place carbon monoxide detectors in your home. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, carbon monoxidealso known as the "silent killer"kills about 300 people in their homes annually. There are small, convenient detectors that plug into electrical outlets and sound an alarm if carbon monoxide is in the air. Keep at least one near every sleeping area.
Never leave electric space heaters on if they are unattended, and always position them away from flammable objects, as well as from people, pets, furniture, and curtains. Unplug them when they are not in use.
Maintain a three-foot kid-free zone around all heating sources.
Pay a professional to examine and clean your home's heating unit annually. He or she can repair potentially deadly leaks.
Clean your home's air vents by removing their covers and vacuuming out any dust or debris that may have accumulated in them during warmer weather.
Never use an oven or stovetop to heat your home, and always use gas or charcoal grills outdoors.
If you ever smell gas, immediately extinguish all flames in your home, put out cigarettes, and do not operate electrical appliances because they may create sparks. Turn off all gas appliances and make sure pilot lights are out. If you still smell gas after opening windows and doors, turn off your home's main gas tap. Call the gas company immediately and evacuate.
If a pilot light goes out, turn off the gas at that heat source and wait several minutes before re-lighting it.
If your pilot light produces a red or yellow flame, call for service; the flame should be blue.
Finally, make sure your smoke alarms are all functioning properly.
Roads can be positively deadly in the wintertime. According to icyroadsafety.com, there were an average of 467 fatalities per year between 2008 and 2010 due to icy roads alone. And, even if you live in warmer climates, winter driving can be a wild and wooly experience regardless.
Whether your region is besieged by ice, blanketed in snow, soaked with rain, or one of those places that experiences a once-in-a-blue-moon taste of the aforementioned conditions, it's always imperative to be prepared. Even in warm, sunny locales, the abundance of stressed-out drivers during the holidays can make roads more hazardous than usual.
Use the following guidelines to ensure you travel safely in North Carolina this winter.
Make sure your tires are properly inflated, and never combine radial tires with other tire types.
In cold weather conditions, always keep your gas tank at least half-full to prevent your gas line from freezing.
Never drive while fatigued.
Avoid using the parking break in cold, wet and/or snowy weather, as it may get stuck.
Do not use cruise control when driving on a wet, icy, sandy, or otherwise slippery road conditions.
Don't over exert yourself if you try to push or dig your vehicle out of the snow; you'll be dangerously tired when it's time to drive again.
If your vehicle becomes stuck in the snow, stay put. Your auto will provide shelter and make it easier for rescuers to locate you. Do not try to walk in a severe storm; you can lose sight of your vehicle in blowing snow and get lost.
If you are forced to wait out a storm in your vehicle, use whatever's handynewspaper, floor matsto keep yourself warm. Turn on the engine briefly and only when necessary to heat up the car; do not leave it running.
Make sure your vehicle's exhaust pipe is free from snow, ice, or mud. A blocked exhaust may cause carbon monoxide gas to leak into vehicle's interior while the engine is running.
Delay road trips when especially bad weather has been forecasted. If you must travel, always inform others of your route, destination, and estimated time of arrival.
When driving on snow, accelerate slowly, helping you to gain traction and avoid skids.
Similarly, decelerate slowly on snowy roads, because it takes longer to stop.
Break properly. Whether your vehicle has antilock brakes or not, it's best to employ threshold breaking: keeping the heel of your foot on the floor, use ball of your foot to place firm, steady pressure on the brake pedal.
Pay attention and shun distractions. Always look in the direction that you are headed.
Needless to say, always wear a seatbelt.
Finally, always assess the need to drive this winter. Unless it's absolutely necessary to be someplace, consider keeping things simple and safe, and staying home on really snowy days. Is it really necessary to make another trip to the mall if you can shop for presents online? Go out to a restaurant for dinner when there's food at home? Drive around in search of entertainment when you can cuddle up by the fire and watch the snow fall from the window? Winter is an optimal time to slow down and snuggle in. Doing so may not just make you feel happy; it might also help to keep you safe.
In the North Carolina, the holidays are a special time of year for so many reasons. They may be spiritually significant, or bring us closer to our friends and families. They are a time of giving, gathering, and sharing good food. For children, they may be a chance to receive some longed-for gifts. Despite all the magic that characterizes the holidays, they are not free from accidents. In fact, the holidays are one of the most dangerous times of year, when household accidents and injuries abound. Here are the ten most common holiday mishaps, and tips for avoiding them.
Poisoning by Plants
Poisonous holiday plants, like mistletoe, holly berries, Jerusalem cherry, and amaryllis should not be consumed by humans or pets. Keep these plants out of the reach of small children and animals. If children or pets do sample these plants, call poison control.
Electrocution
All the tinkering we do with electrical sockets and extension cords when putting up decorative lights during the holidays can result in some unpleasant and dangerous shocks. Prevent them by using a ground fault interrupter, and never attach more than three strands of lights into an extension cord.
Ski and Snowboarding Accidents
In many climates, snow abounds during the holiday season, tempting many to hit the slopes. Avoid injuries by knowing your capabilities and skills, and following the rules. Dress appropriately, and wear protective goggles or glasses to block the sun's glare.
Fireplace-Born Fires
All the cozy nights by the fireplace that characterize the holiday season increase the likelihood of a devastating house fire. Make sure the damper is open, always use a grate or a screen in front of the fireplace, and, should a fire become out of control, use an extinguisher or sand to put it out, not water.
Sledding Accidents
There are tens of thousands of sledding accidents reported in the U.S. annually. To avoid having one, keep a safe distance between sledders, avoid hills with trees, and always check out the terrain before sledding.
Kitchen Fires
Cooking is a common holiday-time activity, and with all the distractions and sense of hurry that can come during this time of year, it can be a dangerous one. Avoid leaving towels ad oven mitts near heat sources, and always turn off the stove before leaving the kitchen.
Snow Shoveling Injuries
Each year, hundreds of thousands of Americans suffer snow-shoveling mishaps, particularly back injuries and heart attacks. To shovel safely, lift with your legs, take frequent breaks, and avoid overdoing it if you don't usually exercise.
Christmas Tree Fires
A Christmas tree laden with festive decorations is highly flammable. Some Christmas tree fires are caused by the electrical lights that are strung on a tree, others are a result of the tree being too close to a heat source such as a fireplace or space heater. Always turn lights off before leaving the house or going to bed.
Falls
Holiday decorating often entails hanging lights and wreaths, and falls are common during this time of year. Though it's tempting and seemingly easy to hop onto a chair, porch railing, or countertop, this is dangerous. Always use a stable ladder or stool.
Ice Skating Injuries
Like snow, ice is a prime factor in holiday-time injuries. Skates with dull blades can cause tripping and falling, so have blades professionally sharpened before hitting the ice. Wear skates that fit properly to avoid ankle twists and sprains. And always make sure the ice is solid and free from cracks.
Check in with Wayah Insurance Agency to make sure your insurance policies are up to date for the holiday season.
Before winter strikes in North Carolina, most of us tuck away our summer clothes and bring out the sweaters, coats, and scarves that will keep our bodies cozy when there's a chill in the air. But how many of us take similar steps to prepare our homes for winter weather? Readying your home for winter, also known as "winterizing," will not only help you and your family to stay snug and warm while saving money on energy bills, but it may also protect your home from damage that can lead to costly repairs.
In the winterization process, take your region's climate into consideration. After all, a home in Southern California will not require the same degree of winterization as one in Montana. Here are 10 smart ways to prepare your home for cold, snow, ice, and other signs of winter:
Clean Gutters Clogged gutters can cause blocked water to freeze and seep into your house. Make sure that all downspouts carry water away, not toward, your home's foundation. Water should spill out 10 feet from the house.
Seal Leaks Recessed lighting, window and doorframes, and electrical outlets all tend to be drafty areas. Seal them up with caulk or tacky rope on your home's interior, and with weather-resistant caulk on its exterior. Install outlet gaskets on outlets that share your home's exterior walls.
Insulate Your attic requires 12 inches of insulation. When adding new insulation, make sure it does not have paper backing, which can cause moisture problems.
Examine the Furnace Turn on your furnace to make sure it works properly. Change its filter, and continue to do so once a month throughout the winter season. Clean filters improve airflow and efficiency, and can help to prevent fires.
Repair and Vacuum Ducts Check ductwork for pinched areas or gaps, which can prevent the flow of heated air. Use metal-backed tape, not duct tape, to make repairs; it stands up better over time. Vacuum your ducts every few years to remove pet hair, dust, and other debris that may cause respiratory problems.
Install Storm Windows Or, if they aren't in your budget this winter, consider a very effective alternative: a window insulator kit. Such kits consist of plastic sheeting that is applied to interior windows and may be removed in the spring. At just $4 per window, this is an affordable option.
Inspect the Chimney Have a professional chimney sweep give your chimney a good once over and check it for debris. Cleaning the chimney prevents ash from building up and turning to lye, which rots the mortar and metal damper.
Reverse Ceiling Fans Setting your ceiling fans to turn in the opposite direction will push warm air down and help it to circulate. A ceiling fan viewed from below should turn clockwise in the winter.
Wrap Pipes Freezing nights can result a costly misfortune: burst pipes. Prevent them by insulating with foam rubber sleeves or fiberglass insulation. Make sure to shut off the water to your hose bibs via a turnoff valve in your home.
Check Alarms Since you're checking on so many other aspects of your home, you might as well make sure your smoke alarms are all functioning, and replace the batteries as needed. Verify that you have a functioning fire extinguisher as well. The winter season is full of warm nights by the fire and plenty of cooking, so it's smart to keep accidental blazes at bay.
Talk to your North Carolina insurance agent about any other winterization steps they recommend and make sure you're home insurance coverage is appropriate.
The heat and humidity that tend to lurk around in the summer months around North Carolina create the perfect recipe for thunderstorms. Occurring either late in the afternoonafter big black clouds slowly build up and rumbleor springing up out of nowhere, they often come with high winds and heavy rains.
According to FEMA, about 10 percent of thunderstorms are classified as severe, meaning that they can do real damage to homes, property and people. This classification means there's either hail of three quarters of an inch in diameter, winds of more than 58 miles per hour or a tornado present.
Even though only a small percentage of storms are severe, FEMA also reminds us that all thunderstorms are dangerous.
Basically, every thunderstorm is accompanied by lightning, which injures up to 300 people in the U.S. per year and kills an average of 80. Along with that are other storm-related dangers, from tornados and hail to flash floods and wildfires.
Thunderstorms are obviously an inevitable part of our natural world, but there are some precautions that can greatly reduce health hazards and property damage, and therefore insurance claims, that can occur during any storm.
Property Preparations: Clear property of dead or rotting trees or other hazards that could fall or blow away during a storm or high winds. Secure shutters if you have them or close blinds,
Indoor Preparations: FEMA says there is no safe place outside during a thunderstorm, so if possible go inside when you hear the first rumble. If there is no shelter, stay in the car (hard-topped). Once indoors, it's important to avoid messing with water and electrical outlets, stay away from doors and windows, don't lie or lean on concrete, and unplug appliances to prevent surges.
Outdoor Preparations: Stay away from hilltops, open fields, the beach, open water, natural lightning rods (like an isolated tree), anything metal, and isolated outbuildings.
Storm Terms: FEMA recommends that you know your storm-related terms, often announced on local radio stations, so you will know how to react most effectively. A "Severe Thunderstorm Watch" announcement will tell you where and when a storm may take place. In this event, stay tuned for more info. A "Severe Thunderstorm Warning" announcement means that the storm has been reported to be in progress, and precautions should be taken immediately.
If there is harm to property or health from any type of thunderstorm, make sure to call Wayah Insurance Agency or Contact Us and report claims.
Has this ever happened to you? You turn on the gas to your grill, try to light it and nothing happens. A few seconds pass, you keep hitting the ignite switch and finally it lights with force, due to all of the gas that's been slowly leaking out. Most of the time the little blast does no harm, but serves as a gentle reminder that it could have been worse.
This is just one of the many summer grilling mishaps that are common among homeowners in North Carolina. According to the product safety organization Underwriters Laboratory (UL), outdoor grilling is responsible for approximately 19,000 emergency room visits per year and 7,900 house fires. Grilling is, and should be, but there are some things to keep in mind before sparking up the gas or charcoal:
Make sure your grill is placed a safe distance from your house, and don't place it under overhanging branches.
Check gas tank and hoses regularly for cracks, leaks or sharp bends in the hose.
Move gas hoses as far away as possible from flame or hot spots on the grill.
Don't leave a propane container in the back of a hot car before or after filling. The heat can build up pressure, causing an explosion.
Use grills in an open area or patio, as opposed to on a surface that could catch fire, such as on a porch or inside a garage.
Never grill inside (including campers and tents).
Always have a fire extinguisher handy when grilling.
Don't add gasoline or kerosene to a fire that's already going, and only use charcoal starter fluid on coals, not other types of flammables.
Keep children away from hot grills.
Use proper cooking utensils, such as long handled ones and over mitts, to prevent burns while cooking.
Don't leave grills unattended or in a spot that's not visible to you at all times, especially when there are kids and pets around.
Make sure charcoal is completely out before disposing.
Make sure to turn the gas off when done cooking.
Don't cover grill or put it away until it's completely cooled off.
August marks the beginning of back to school shopping and the last full month of summer. And with fall peeking its head over the horizon, bringing with it the start of cold and flu season, it makes sense that August also marks National Immunization Awareness Month.
Many immunizations for kids are dictated by the school system, but this doesn't cover all of the preventative immunizations out there, such as the chicken pox vaccination, that exist in today's medical practices. As far as adult immunizations go, many aren't aware of what to get and why. And some immunizations are covered by insurance, while others are not. So, during National Immunization Awareness Month, we are here to help North Carolina residents navigate the ins and outs of immunizations with the top 6 things you should know:
Why get vaccinated? Some infectious diseases are considered "vaccine-preventable," meaning that a vaccine can prevent the disease, which is much easier and less expensive than treating it. If you're not immunized, some of these diseases could result in hospitalization or premature death. At the very least, one of these diseases would result in doctor's bills and missed work. Also, by getting recommended vaccinations, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) reports that you are in effect protecting the future generations, helping to wipe out these diseases all together.
Are immunizations safe for babies and children? Some parents believe that there's a link between autism and vaccinations. The experts at the CDC, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Institute of Medicine (IOM) claim that scientific studies prove that there is no connection. They say that it's not only safe, but also highly recommended to vaccinate children on schedule.
Is it safe for a child to have a number of vaccinations at once? The number of vaccinations has increased immensely over the years as scientists have found more ways to protect children from potentially deadly diseases. Today, it may seem as if babies and young children are faced with so many different shots, and some have combinations of vaccines in one shot. According to the CDC, newborns and children can handle many shots at once. Some parents choose to split them up anyways, but it's not necessary.
Haven't most of these diseases, like Polio, been gone for a while? Many diseases, such as polio and whooping cough, have become very uncommon because of vaccinations. But if we stopped vaccinating, they could once again spread rapidly. These vaccinations will not become unecessary until the infectious disease has been completely eliminated. Smallpox is one example of an eliminated disease that we don't vaccinate for anymore.
Which vaccinations should adults consider? There are many vaccinations out there today designed for adults, from the flu shot to the tetanus shot, and different people will benefit from these preventative measures, depending on stage of life. Your primary health care provider will be the best person to determinewhich vaccines will be best for you, and it's always good to ask them at each annual visit.
Which vaccinations are covered by most health insurance policies? Starting in July of 2010, new health insurance policies are required to cover certain preventive services without any cost-sharing for the enrollee when delivered by in-network providers. Many, though not all, vaccinations fall into this category.
Reality television has a way of glamorizing good, old fashioned outdoor work, with shows like "Extreme Loggers," "Deadliest Catch" and "Dirty Jobs." And although it can be hard to tear yourself away from these shows, we have to admit that part of the intrigue is the extreme dangers these people face every day on the job, especially compared to those of us sitting at a desk.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), 4,340 fatal injuries were recorded in the U.S. in 2009. The video above reports the Top 10 most dangerous jobs and the death tolls that arise from them-from construction workers to commercial fishermen-and seven out of the 10 jobs are predominately outdoor jobs.
Some of the biggest risks involved in outdoor work include:
Transportation: According to the SafetyResource.org, "Three of the top five most-dangerous jobs have a majority of fatalities from transportation accidents." This means that workers using company vehicles of any kind should be trained to always wear seat belts, consistently check the condition of their vehicles and have proper training and testing with the vehicle's controls.
Weather: Outdoor workers often have to face the elements, from extreme heat and humidity to extreme cold and snow. Then there are the risks from electrical storms and those weather hazards that seem to come out of nowhere, like tornados and flash floods. Employees should be properly trained on how to dress and protect themselves from the elements, should be allowed to break regularly, seek shelter whenever possible, and know when it's time to stop work in certain conditions.
Diseases & Chemical Exposure: Some outdoor workers, including loggers, fishermen and farmers, are faced with exposure to different kinds of disease-carrying animals, allergy-causing plants and hazardous chemicals. Employers should be sure to cover all of their bases, and include training and emergency rescue measures to be taken in case of exposure to anything that could potentially harm workers.
Noise & Hearing Loss: According to the CDC occupational hearing loss is the most common work related injury in the U.S., with a reported 22 million employees exposed to hazardous levels. Many outdoor workers are faced with this risk; think chain saw and construction machinery, for starters. The CDC recommends that employers make sure to remove the hazardous noises if at all possible, and/or always provide and train employees on the use of hearing protection devices.
As an employer in North Carolina, you want to make sure you have adequate business insurance that covers all potential employees and the liabilities they face on a daily basis. To make sure your company and employees are protected and covered from all potential risks, call or Contact Wayah Insurance Agency today.
In these cost-conscious days, everyone is trying to save money wherever and whenever they can. It seems that people may especially look to their insurance policies as a place to realize some savings.
More customers are now requesting a reduction in the dwelling limits on their homeowners policy or a reduction in the policy's liability limits.
Some customers are even requesting a reduction in the limits of liability on their auto insurance policies. In most cases, these types of requests are not wise ones. We cannot stress enough how much you have to lose if a liability judgment goes against you -- for example, in an auto accident or if someone gets hurt at your home.
A wiser and certainly more consumer-friendly way to save money on your insurance premiums is to increase your property deductibles. On a homeowners policy, going from a $250 to a $500 deductible may result in a savings of between 10 and 15 percent on the premium. We understand; we've heard customers tell us previously: "But if I have a claim, I can't come up with $500 at one time." The important thing for you to remember is this: you only have to come up with $250 more than you would right now (the difference between your current deductible and $500) -- not a big amount. And remember, with the savings you will experience in the premium, you will probably save that $250 in less than 2 years.
Higher deductibles on the physical damage section of your auto insurance are also a good way save some money on the premium. A $500 deductible on both comprehensive and collision can save you to 30 percent on these coverage lines. A $1,000 deductible may result in savings of up to 40 percent.
If you cannot take the big leap from a $250 deductible to $1,000, consider a graduated approach. We'd like to suggest going to a $500 deductible now and putting the premium you save into a "deductible fund." Then in a couple of years, you will have enough in that fund to increase the deductible to $1,000.
The point to remember is this: don't risk a lot in order to save a little.
Copyright 2008 Insurance and Risk Management Institute, Inc. (www.irmi.com) reproduced with permission
If you have a domestic employee, such as a gardener, housekeeper, or nanny, who drives his or her own auto while working for you, there is a potential for you to incur liability arising from their driving that would not be adequately insured. If your employee negligently causes an accident, you as the employer can be drawn into the lawsuit and held liable. Your employee’s own insurance, if any, will protect you up to its policy limits, but you are on your own after that. And your personal auto policy may not respond to cover the difference. The courts have ruled in different ways on these types of loss situations.
For example, assume your housekeeper negligently injures someone in a serious accident in her own vehicle while out buying groceries for your household. Further assume she has low liability limits or even no auto liability insurance. If she is sued, the injured party may uncover information about you, her employer, and how her driving in this incident was related to her employment with you. As a result, your “deep pockets” may just get you named in the lawsuit. If you engage domestic employees or contract workers who may drive their vehicles in their work for you, the following tips may prove helpful.
Ask any employees or prospective employees to provide you a current copy of their driving record. The employee can order this online through http://www.dmv.org/driving-record.php. If they do not have a good driving history, do not allow them to run errands for you. If the domestic employee has a good driving record and you ask her to occasionally use her own car to run errands, ask for a copy of her current auto policy and verify that it has at least moderate liability limits.
Ask your insurance agent to confirm with your auto insurance company underwriter that your PAP policy will provide a defense and cover judgments in excess of your employee’s limits if you are ever named in one of these suits. If possible, get a copy of a letter from the underwriter.
If the domestic employee has an excellent driving record and a sterling employment history with you, consider having her use your auto to run errands to avoid any question that your PAP will protect you if she negligently causes an accident while working for you. Periodically review your employee’s driving record and auto insurance policy. Consider procuring a personal umbrella policy that will normally provide coverage on top of your PAP. However, if the loss is not covered under your auto policy but is covered under the umbrella form, you would only be responsible for the retained limit or deductible amount, which ranges from $250 to $1,000.
Copyright 2008, International Risk Management Institute, Inc. (www.irmi.com) reproduced with permission.
