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Pool safety

Pool safety

Every year about 43,000 people are injured in and around swimming pools and more than 600 people drown in home or public pools. Half of the pool fatalities occur in the yards of single-family homes. Here are some pool safety tips you
should follow:

  1. Never leave small children unsupervised—even for a few seconds.
  2. Put fencing around the pool area to keep people from using the pool without your knowledge.
  3. Keep children away from pool filters, as the suction force may injure them or prevent them from surfacing.
  4. Be sure all pool users know how to swim. Learners should be accompanied by a good swimmer.
  5. Don’t swim alone or allow others to swim alone.
  6. Check the pool area regularly for glass bottles, toys or other potential accident hazards.
  7. Keep CD players, radios and other electrical devices away from pools or nearby wet surfaces.
  8. Don’t allow anyone who has been drinking alcohol to use the pool.
  9. Stay out of the pool during rain or lightning storms.
  10. Never dive into an above-ground pool, and check the water depth before plunging into an in-ground pool. Keep clear of the area near a diving board.
  11. Don’t swim if you’re tired or have just finished eating.

Source: Insurance Information Institute; www.iii.org

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Lawnmower safety

Lawnmower safety

Each year, approximately 75,000 people are injured seriously enough by lawnmowers to require emergency room medical treatment. Only a small percentage of the injuries are caused by mechanical failure; most are the result of human error.

Here are some tips to follow before and while mowing your lawn:

Become familiar with your mower.

Read the owner’s manual before using the mower for the first time. Note all safety and operating instructions. Learn the controls well enough to act instantly in an emergency and to stop the machine quickly.

Proper clothing is essential to protect your body from harm.

Always wear non-slip shoes instead of tennis shoes or s andals. Steel-toe safety footwear offers the most protection against the blade. Long pants help protect your legs from objects that may be thrown from under the mower. Use ear plugs to prevent hearing loss caused by exposure to the high noise levels.

Never leave a mower running unattended.

A mower left running unattended can be fascinating to a child. If the mower has an electric start, the key should never be left in the ignition.

Always start the mower outdoors.

Never operate a mower where carbon monoxide can collect, such as in a closed garage, storage shed or basement.

Police the area.

Before you start mowing, be sure the lawn is free of tree limbs, rocks, wires and other debris, which can get caught up in the blades.

The main source of danger is the blade.

To perform its task efficiently, the mower blade must be sharp and travel at a high speed. If a h and or foot gets under the mower while the engine is running, it can cause serious injury. Never attempt to unclog or work on a lawnmower while the engine is on.

Disconnect the sparkplug wire.

Any time it is necessary to reach under the mower, disconnect the spark plug wire to ensure that the engine cannot start. It takes a little extra time, but not as long as it does to recover from a serious injury.

Check for frayed or cut wiring.

When using an electric lawnmower, wires can easily get cut by the blade. Keep an eye on the wiring as you move the mower and check for frayed or cut wiring every time you mow.

Source: Insurance Information Institute; www.iii.org

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Prepare for a weather emergency

Prepare for a weather emergency

Preparing For Winter Emergency

What to do before a storm
What to do after a storm

What to do before a storm

Protect your property

  • Ensure that your property is protected to the fullest extent possible:
    • Install storm shutters in wind-prone areas.
    • Secure or store outdoor furniture and loose items.
    • Trim tree branches that are close to the structure; remove dead trees or limbs.
    • Reinforce garage doors.
  • Inspect and replace caulking and weather stripping around doors and windows.
  • Be sure you have a copy of your insurance policy and an inventory of the property and contents in a safe place.

Protect Yourself and your Family

  • Be sure you have these items on h and:
    • Battery-operated radio and flashlights with fresh batteries.
    • Supply of bottled water and non-perishable food.
    • Blankets and clothing.
    • First aid kit and any necessary prescription medications.
  • If you’re in an area prone to power outages, consider purchasing an auxiliary generator.
  • Familiarize yourself with evacuation routes, and if asked to evacuate, do so.
  • Be certain your car is in good working order and the tank is full.

What to do after a storm

  • Make sure all family members are safe. Listen to the radio for public service announcements. If evacuated, do not return to your home until authorized to do so. If at home, wait for the “all clear” announcement before venturing outside.
  • Don’t touch downed power lines; assume they are live no matter how long they have been down.
  • Check for gas leaks. If you smell gas, leave immediately and call the utility company from a neighbor’s house.
  • Don’t try to move large trees or branches that have fallen on your home. You could hurt yourself and possibly increase the damage to your home.
  • Cover broken windows or holes in walls or roofs to prevent further damage.
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Are there any common misconceptions about tornadoes?

Are there any common misconceptions about tornadoes?

Do not open a window to try to “equalize the pressure.” Doing so may actually pressurize the house and can cause the roof to be torn off. Also, underst and that tornadoes are not always visible from a distance; rely on a weather radio as an information resource. Although tornadoes are usually spawned by thunderstorms, they have been known to occur without lightning. They can cross a river or another body of water. Finally, tornadoes are not confined to “tornado alley.” Tornadoes can occur anywhere, at any time.

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What if I am in a car and I learn a tornado is approaching?

What if I am in a car and I learn a tornado is approaching?

Immediately seek shelter in a sturdy building. If that isn’t possible, you have two options. Stay in the car with the seat belt on, putting your head down below the windows and covering it with your h ands and a blanket if you have one, Or, if you can safely get lower than the level of the roadway, exit your car and lie in that area, covering your head with your h ands. Your choice should be driven by your specific circumstances.

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A consumer’s top 10 tips to prevent identity theft

A consumer’s top 10 tips to prevent identity theft

Identity fraud is one of the fastest growing crimes in the country today, impacting several million people per year. According to a 2010 Identity Fraud Survey report*, about 11 million people were victims of identity fraud during 2009.

Traditional shopping

  1. Review your wallet or purse contents before you go shopping. Common theft is the easiest way for a criminal to steal your identity and commit fraud. Before you go shopping, think about how much information a thief would obtain if your wallet or purse was stolen. Avoid carrying Social Security cards, birth certificates or passports unless absolutely necessary. Don’t carry extra credit cards unless you plan to use them.
  2. Create a list of all your credit card and bank account information and store in a secure place. Be sure to include account numbers, expiration dates and credit limits. Also include the telephone numbers or e-mails or the customer service and fraud departments. If you find your card missing or stolen, refer to this list and immediately notify your credit card provider of the loss. This not only prevents fraudulent charges, but it also notifies your provider if the card is used again.
  3. Protect your Passwords and PINS. When creating passwords and PINs, do not use the last four digits of your Social Security number, mother’s maiden name, your birth date, middle name, pet’s name, consecutive numbers or anything else that could easily be discovered by identity fraud thieves. It’s best to create passwords that combine letters and numbers.

    Ask your financial institutions to add extra security protection to your account. Most will allow you to use an additional code or password (a number or word) when accessing your account. If asked to create a reminder question, do not use one that is easily answered by others. Memorize all your passwords. Don’t record them on anything in your wallet.

  4. Review your credit report now. One of the easiest ways to see if a criminal has stolen your identity is to review your credit report. Be sure to report mistakes to the credit bureaus. A federal law gives consumers the right to receive one free copy of their credit report every 12 months from each of the three main credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax, TransUnion).

    Order a report today from one bureau and review it, looking for discrepancies. In four months, order another report from a second bureau. In another four months, order a report from the third bureau. Doing this will enable you to see snapshots of your credit throughout the year at no cost.

  5. Never provide confidential information over the phone to an unsolicited caller claiming that they represent a financial institution or creditor. ID criminals often will use your social security number to open up fraudulent accounts or gain access to financial information or assets, especially with increased activity around the holidays. Do not have your Social Security number printed on your checks and do not allow merchants to write your Social Security number on your checks. If a business requests your Social Security number, ask them why they need it. If it is not a valid reason, don’t provide it. If you receive an unsolicited call and are asked to provide information, get the caller’s name, location, telephone number, and reason that they are calling. Call them back at the phone number on your billing statements to verify the caller’s identification.
  6. Never put outgoing checks or bill payments in your home mailbox, as they are easy to steal. While sending checks is a popular and desired holiday gift, it also has its risks, as thieves can steal mail containing checks and gain other personal information from bills and financial statements. Where practical, drop all items containing checks or financial information in a secure postal mailbox or at the post office.

Online shopping & Identity Protection

  1. Log off completely when finished with online transactions. Closing or minimizing your browser or typing a new Web address may not be enough to prevent others from accessing your online information. Instead, click “log off” to terminate your online session. In addition, don’t allow your browser to “remember” your username and password information.
  2. Increase your own computer’s security. Personal firewalls and security software packages (with anti-virus, anti-spam, and spyware detection features) are a must-have for those who plan on shopping online this season. Make sure your computer has the latest security patches, and make sure that you access your online financial accounts only on a secure Web page using encryption.
  3. Avoid e-mailing personal and financial information. Although your computer may be “well protected” with proper firewall, antivirus, Internet security or encryption software, the individual or company receiving your information may not have similar security in place. Always confirm with online retailers that they have proper Internet security in place before responding to any e-mail request.
  4. Delete, without replying to, any suspicious e-mail requests. Hackers and spammers often impersonate retailers to lure personal financial information. If there is any reason to doubt the authenticity of an e-mail message from a company you do business with, don’t click on links or buttons in the message. Instead, type the Internet address of the company into your browser, log on as you usually do, and examine your account information. You may also telephone a company to ask if an e-mail is legitimate.
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What should I do if I learn a tornado is approaching?

What should I do if I learn a tornado is approaching?

If you are in a house, go to the lowest level such as a basement or storm cellar. If there is no basement, go to an interior room such as a closet, hallway or bathroom. Try to cover your head with a blanket or jacket to guard against flying debris or broken glass. If you are in a mobile home, you should leave immediately and seek shelter elsewhere. If you are outside and cannot get to shelter, crouch beside a strong structure or lie flat in a ditch or low-lying area and try to cover your head and neck. Get as far away from trees and cars as you can.

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Protecting your home from wildfires

Protecting your home from wildfires

Many people think of wildfires as a danger that threatens only residents of western states, and California in particular. The fact is, however, that wildfires can occur just about anywhere conditions are favorable.

Regardless of what part of the country you live in, if your home is in a more remote or rural location such as woodl ands, grassl ands and mountain areas. you may be at greater risk for experiencing a wildfire. In addition, firefighting services may be more limited in rural areas than in urban settings.

So it’s important for you to take an active role in wildfire prevention and protection. Here are a few steps you can take:

Your home’s surroundings

  • Create a defensible zone at least 30 to 100 feet around your home. This includes thinning trees and shrubs, installing irrigation, and replacing native trees and plants with fire-resistant varieties. To learn more about defensible zones, check websites such as www.fs.fed.us/fire by the USDA Forest Service.
  • Give your yard a good annual clean-up and maintenance. Prune tree limbs within 10 feet of your home, clear away dead plants or branches, and remove pine needles, leaves and other debris from the yard, roof, and gutters. Use caution and be careful to stay away from overhead wires.

Your home

  • Consider building or retrofitting your home with non-flammable materials. For example, consider replacing any wood shake roofs, which will act as fuel for a brush fire, and using tempered glass for exterior windows.
  • Install spark arresters in chimneys.
  • Install smoke detectors and fire extinguishers and make sure they are working properly.
  • Teach all adult family members how to use the fire extinguishers and how to shut off utilities.

You and your family

  • Develop a wildfire plan for you and your family, so you’ll know how to respond when wildfires approach. Many wildfires begin small, but spread quickly. If a wildfire threatens your area and you are asked by authorities to evacuate, you may not have much time to prepare.
  • Keep an updated inventory of your personal property and important documents in a fire-resistant safe or a secure, off-site location (such as a safety deposit box).
  • Install smoke detectors and fire extinguishers and make sure they are working properly.
  • Check your homeowners insurance to make sure you have adequate coverage for your home and personal belongings. Your agent will be happy to help review your coverage amounts and make appropriate recommendations.

Source: Insurance Information Institute; www.iii.org

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Theft

Theft

Burglars won’t find your home an “easy mark” if they are forced to work in the light, if they have to take a lot of time breaking in, or if they can’t break in without making a lot of noise.

Research shows that if it takes more than four or five minutes to break into a home, the burglar will go elsewhere.

Most insurance companies provide 2 percent to 15 percent discounts for devices that make a home safer—dead-bolt locks, window grates, bars and smoke/fire/burglar alarms.

However, when improving the security of your home, don’t exchange security for personal safety. Don’t make your home such a fortress that you are unable to escape in case of a fire or other emergency.

Check your home for weaknesses and correct them

  • Take the time to “case” your house or apartment, just as a burglar would. Where is the easiest entry? How can you make it more burglar-resistant?
  • Trim trees and shrubs near doors and windows, and think carefully before installing a high, wooden fence around your back yard. High fences and shrubbery can add to your privacy, but can also be an asset to a burglar. Consider trading a little extra privacy for a bit of added security.
  • Force any would-be burglar to confront a real enemy—light. Exterior lights and motion detectors, mounted out of easy reach, can reduce the darkness a burglar finds comforting.
  • Simple security devices—nails, screws, padlocks, door and window locks, grates, bars and bolts—can increase the amount of time it takes to break into your home.
  • Invest in a burglar alarm. The most effective ones also ring at an outside service.

Are any of your valuables—paintings, a silver collection or a computer—easy to see from outside the house? Rearranging your furnishings might be advisable if it makes your home less inviting to criminals.

Simple security steps

Doors

Make sure you have strong doors. Outside doors should be metal or solid hardwood, and at least 1 3/4 inches thick. Frames must be made of equally strong material, and each door must fit its frame securely. Even the most efficient lock, if it is placed in a weak door, will not keep out a determined burglar.

A peephole or a wide-angle viewer in the door is safer for identifying visitors than a door chain.

Sliding glass doors present a special problem because they are easy to open, but if you have these doors, you can find special locks for them. A broomstick in the door channel can also help, but cannot be depended on.

Locks

Deadbolt locks are best. They usually are locked with a key from the outside and a thumb turn on the inside. The cylinder (where the key is inserted) should be pick-resistant. Ask your hardware dealer for a reputable br and or buy your locks from a locksmith.

Windows

Key locks are available for all types of windows. Double-hung windows can be secured simply by “pinning” the upper and lower frames together with a nail, which can be removed from the inside.

For windows at street level or on fire escapes, consider installing metal accordion gates.

Home security habits

  • Establish a routine to make certain that doors and windows are locked and alarm systems are turned on.
  • Avoid giving information to unidentified telephone callers and announcing your personal plans in want ads or public notices (such as giving your address when advertising items for sale).
  • Notify the police if you see suspicious strangers in your area.
  • Don’t carry house keys on a key ring bearing your home address or leave house keys with your car in a commercial parking lot or with an attendant.
  • Don’t hide your keys in “secret” places outside your home—burglars usually know where to look.

Vacation tips

  • Leave blinds open in their usual position.
  • Have mail and packages picked up, forwarded or held by the post office.
  • Lower the sound of your telephone ringer and answering machine so they can’t be heard outside.
  • Arrange to have your lawn mowed in summer and your walk and driveway shoveled in winter.
  • Stop newspaper deliveries.
  • Ask a friend to pick-up “throw-away” newspapers and circulars.
  • Use automatic timers to turn lights on and off in various parts of the house at appropriate times. Consider connecting a radio to a timer.
  • Tell police and dependable neighbors when you plan to be away and join with your neighbors to keep a close watch on what’s happening in your area. Working closely with them is a good way to prevent crime.

Source: Insurance Information Institute; www.iii.org