HOLIDAY SAFETY

Holiday Safety

  Keeping your home and business safe  

While the holidays can be a time for celebrating and rekindling with loved ones, it could quickly turn disastrous by the way of a structure fire.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), fires that began with Christmas trees accounted for estimated annual averages of 240 structure fires and an average of 13 deaths, 27 injuries and $16.7 million in property damages.

Forty-two percent of those fires occurred from Dec. 23 through Jan. 3, according to the NFPA.

The NFPA said holiday lights with line voltage were the culprits in an estimated average 150 home structure fires, causing an average of eight deaths, 14 injuries and $8.5 million in damage. Almost half of these occurred in December and 13 percent happened in January, according to the NFPA.
 

Christmas Tree Safety:

• Consider an artificial tree for safety and clean up
• A real tree should not lose green needles when you tap it on the ground
• Cut one inch off the trunk to help absorb water
• Leave the tree outside until ready to decorate
• The tree stand should hold a minimum of one gallon of water
• Check the water level daily
• Make sure the tree is secured and cannot be knocked over
• Keep the tree away from all heat sources
• Use miniature lights that have cool-burning bulbs
• Always turn off the tree lights when going to bed or leaving
• Never use candles even on artificial trees
• Dispose of the tree properly after the holidays

Information courtesy ServiceMaster All Care Restoration, Peoria, Az.

“My dog doesn’t bite” — until it does Sometimes even good dogs bite, and when they do, you could be sued. If your dog bites someone, don’t panic. It’s important to remain calm so you can take swift and appropriate action: Restrain your dog immediately. Separate it from the scene and confine it. Seek medical attention immediately. If you think the injured person needs medical attention call 911. Call me. If you have personal liability coverage under your Farmers property policy call me and be prepared to give me information about the time and place of the incident and the name and phone number of witnesses and any injured person. Remember, if you have Farmers property coverage you can always call HelpPoint® Claim Services by Farmers at (800) 435-7764 for assistance when you need it most. Watch the body language Dogs express their feelings with their bodies just as people do. For instance, a threatening dog may have a wrinkled nose that draws back to reveal its teeth; the hair along the back of its neck may be raised and its ears may lie back; its body may appear tense and the dog may growl or snarl. If your dog is behaving like this, remove him from the scene immediately and confine him. And, always try to avoid any dog displaying any of these signs or acting in a threatening manner. Call for an appointment to review your current policy. Marianne Hobbs Insurance Agency 602.547.1970

Understanding Auto Insurance Coverage

Understand your auto coverage before you need it What do you mean my insurance doesn’t cover that? What do you mean I’m not covered? These aren’t questions you want to be asking after you’ve filed a claim. As your Farmers agent, it’s my goal to help you understand the auto coverage you have so you can be sure it’s what you want. States vary in what insurance they require drivers to carry; most require at least liability coverage with minimum limits. Here’s a brief review of the primary types of coverage that may be in your policy. Take a look at it, and then give me a call. We can get together and review your current coverage so you can see whether it’s what you want or if you want to make changes. Liability Bodily injury — covers the expenses associated with other people’s injuries or death such as medical expenses, loss of income and pain and suffering cause by you or someone driving your car with your permission, up to a limit chosen by you. Most states require drivers to carry a minimum amount of bodily injury coverage but you may want to consider buying more: If you’re found at fault in a serious accident you could be sued, and higher limits of liability coverage could help protect your assets. Property damage liability — pays for damage up to a limit chosen by you that you or someone driving your vehicle with your permission may cause to someone else’s property such as damage to someone else’s vehicle, but it also includes damage to lamp posts, telephone poles, fences, buildings or other structures your vehicle hits. Medical Payments or Personal Injury Protection (PIP) — pays for medical bills and funeral expenses for you or a passenger injured in an accident while riding in your vehicle, up to a limit chosen by you. It may also cover you or a family member who is a passenger injured in someone else’s vehicle or a pedestrian struck by a vehicle. Collision — pays for the damage to your vehicle resulting from a collision with another vehicle, object or as a result of flipping over. This coverage is typically required if your vehicle is leased or if you have an outstanding loan on the vehicle. Comprehensive — helps protect your investment in your vehicle by covering damage resulting from many different kinds of perils including fire, theft, falling objects, riots, storms, earthquakes, floods, and collision with a bird or animal. Like collision coverage, comprehensive coverage generally includes a deductible that you select. This coverage is normally required if your vehicle is leased or if you have an outstanding loan on the vehicle. Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage — subject to a limit selected by you, covers injury to you, your family members and your passengers in an accident with a motorist who has no insurance, or a motorist who lacks enough coverage to compensate for the damage caused, or a hit-and-run driver. It also covers you and your family members injured as a pedestrian. Coverage typically includes payment of medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering. Uninsured Motorist Property Damage — covers damage to your insured vehicle caused by an uninsured, underinsured, or hit-and-run driver. I’m here to help Auto insurance can be confusing and difficult to understand so call me and we can review your coverage and discuss your concerns or questions so you can make an informed decision about what’s appropriate for your situation. It also will give us the opportunity to see whether you might be eligible for any of the discounts Farmers offers. Call me today.  Marianne Hobbs Insurance Agency 602.547.1970.

The Best Gift You Can Give Your Family!

The many uses of life insurance

Most of us buy life insurance to replace the loss of income that would occur should we die or to create an estate for our loved ones, but there are many other reasons:

• People depend on you — you have an aging parent or disabled relative who depends on you for support
• Retirement needs — your retirement savings and pension won’t be enough to support your family
• Estate planning — you have a large estate and expect to owe estate taxes
• Joint debt — you have a substantial joint financial obligation, such as a personal loan for which another person would be legally responsible after your death

If you own a business you may wish to consider life insurance for:

• Key person — life insurance can be used to help protect a business from the loss of income and profits caused by the death of a key employee
• Business continuation — life insurance can be used to help fund a buy/sell agreement or stock redemption plan to enable a partner or group of employees to buy the business interest of a deceased partner
• Business loans — insurance on a key employee or business owner can be used to pay off or help pay down the debts of a business in the event of that individual’s death

Prepare for the unexpected
I can help you analyze your individual situation so you can determine your life insurance requirements and be sure your coverage is appropriate for your needs and your family.

Life insurance issued by Farmers New World Life Insurance Company, Mercer Island, WA 98040.
Products and features may not be available in all states and may vary by state.

Most Common Types Of Water Damage At Home

Did You Know?

.....You are THREE TIMES as likely to have a water loss than ANY other type of event?

Most common causes of indoor water disasters are:

• BROKEN PIPES
• SPRINKLER SYSTEM
• BROKEN WASHING MACHINE HOSE
• HOT WATER HEATER MALFUNCTIONS
• BROKEN AUTOMATIC ICE MAKER LINE
• TOILET BOWL CRACKS/OVERFLOWS
• CENTRAL AIR CONDITIONER LEAKS

Most common causes of outdoor water disasters are:

• FLOODING DUE TO WEATHER
• WATER MAIN BREAKS
• WIND DRIVEN RAIN
• GROUND WATER/SEEPAGE 

Now you know what to check both inside and outside your home to protect against water loss.

Your precious items-Make sure they're covered

Your precious items
Make sure they're covered

Do you own valuable personal possessions such as jewelry, furs, antiques, art, coin collections, and the like? Do you understand how to insure them? Many people think their homeowners insurance covers the full cost of all of their belongings. This may not be the case: Most homeowners insurance policies cover your house and most of its contents but usually contain limits on certain items and often for certain causes of loss.


Add a ‘scheduled floater’ 
Scheduled Items Floater coverage is designed to cover your valuable property that may be excluded or which has been greatly limited in your homeowners or renters coverage. Such property may include:

• Jewelry
• Paintings, sculpture, and other works of art
• Cameras, musical instruments and firearms
• Antiques
• Collectibles
• Silverware, goldware, and other high value precious metalware

Can't always prevent
Can prepare
We can't always prevent a loss but we can try to prepare. It's always better to discover you don't have enough insurance for your artwork, jewelry or other unique valuables before you suffer a loss. Call me — I can tell you what coverage is provided for valuables under your current policy, whether there are special lower limits, when those special limits may apply, and whether certain types of causes of loss are covered. Then you can think about your valuables and decide if you have the coverage you want for your belongings.

In Arizona call Marianne Hobbs Insurance Agency: 602.547.1970

Coverage is not available in all states.

Oldies But Goodies

Oldies but goodies

Baby boomers, with their growing interest in classic cars, know there's a big difference between the vehicles they collect and the ones they drive every day. Yet not all collectors insure their collectibles and everyday vehicles differently. This could potentially leave collectors in a financial bind should they need to file a claim.

Old vs. classic
Typically, antique and classic cars are more than 30 years old and have special needs that differ from traditional vehicles. Unlike regular-use vehicles that are on the road every day, antique and classic cars typically are used for limited pleasure driving, car shows and club events.

Special vehicles, special coverage
From classics to modifieds, including muscle cars, exotics, replicars, woodies, kit cars and other types of collectibles, Farmers offers collectible auto insurance packages designed to meet your special needs.

Multi-vehicle discount — You may be eligible to receive a discount when you insure more than one collectible car.

Agreed Value Coverage — Prior to issuing your policy, you and I will discuss the coverage you want and decide on an "agreed value" for your vehicle. In the event that there is a total loss to your vehicle, the "agreed value" is the amount you will receive without subtracting a deductible.

Other collectibles
Let's get together — I want to help you understand your car's potential worth so you can be sure you have the type of coverage you want. And I can give you information on other types of specialty insurance, such as policies for boats, RVs, motorcycles and snowmobiles.
Policy discounts vary by state.

In Arizona call Marianne Hobbs Insurance Agency: 602 547.1970

Charitable giving with life insurance

Americans are generous people and many regularly contribute to charities and non-profit organizations. People choose to give to charities for many reasons, most of them personal. Often, however, charitable giving provides help to those less fortunate than ourselves. Life insurance can be a particularly versatile and valuable asset to help you give to your favorite charity because it may help you make a more substantial contribution than might otherwise be able to afford.

There are several methods for including life insurance in a charitable gift plan, some more complicated than others and each with its own potential advantages, disadvantages and tax implications. Keep in mind: The gifting technique appropriate for you depends on the size of your estate, the make-up of your assets, your current estate plan and a number of other factors. Consult your tax advisor before proceeding.
Here are two of the more popular life insurance gifting techniques:

• Gifting or donating a policy — Many people find that their life insurance needs decrease over time. If you have more life insurance than you expect to need, you may want to consider donating a policy to a charity. Gifting or donating a life insurance policy can greatly reduce the donor's taxable estate which can save thousands of dollars in estate taxes for upper-income taxpayers.
  In order to realize the full benefit of this gift, you must make sure that you retain no "incidents of ownership." For example, you must actually deliver the policy into the possession of the charity, and you must assign all rights in the policy to the charity, making it the owner of the policy as well as its beneficiary and giving it sole control over the policy's cash value. Discuss this gifting technique with your tax advisor so you can decide if this approach is appropriate for you.
  
• Naming a charity as beneficiary — Naming the charity of your choice as the beneficiary of your life insurance policy may be the simplest way to provide the charity with the death proceeds of a life policy. You simply pay your monthly premiums and, upon your death, the full face value of your policy is contributed to that organization as a charitable gift. Again, consult with your tax advisor before proceeding to be sure you understand this approach to gifting.

A lasting legacy
When you gift a policy outright or name a charity as beneficiary, you can provide the charity of your choice with a large sum of money that can help to provide a lasting legacy for a cause that you believe in. For more information on the use of life insurance as a gifting tool speak with your tax or legal advisor. If you decide to purchase a life insurance policy please call me — I can work with you so you are sure that you have the coverage you want.

In Arizona call Marianne Hobbs Insurance Agency: 602.547.1970

This material is for general informational purposes only and is not legal or tax advice. The material may not reflect your particular circumstances. Please consult your tax or legal advisors for advice specific to your situation.

The days are shorter; temperatures are falling Last winter was a brutal one for many areas of the country. When winter temperatures drop significantly below normal — whether it's from a cold spell or a long-term power outage — staying warm and safe may become a challenge. Here are some guidelines that may help to prevent injury, illness or death: Carbon Monoxide Safety — When used indoors, many alternative heating sources can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning. Before using alternative sources consider the following suggestions: Don’t use a generator or gas- or charcoal-burning devices such as grills or camp stoves. Don't try to heat your house with a gas oven. Don’t run a car or truck inside a garage attached to your house, even if you leave the garage door open. Don’t burn items in a stove or fireplace that isn't properly vented. Don’t place a portable heater within reach of children, pets or drapes. Stay alert, act quickly Install carbon monoxide detectors in your home and be sure to replace batteries as required. If the detector sounds, leave your home immediately and dial 911. If you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning or are experiencing symptoms, call 911 for immediate medical attention. Early symptoms include headache, nausea, vomiting and fatigue. Carbon monoxide poisoning is treatable if treated early. Hypothermia — Hypothermia occurs when the body’s temperature drops below a level necessary to maintain normal metabolic and other bodily functions. In severe cases or when the body is not warmed properly, death can result. To help prevent hypothermia: Wear appropriate clothing including hats, coats, scarves and gloves. Avoid consuming alcohol as it can speed up the loss of body heat. Stay as dry as possible. Symptoms of hypothermia include shivering, altered speech pattern, abnormally slow rate of breathing, cold pale skin and lethargy. Seek medical attention or call 911 immediately if you experience any of these symptoms. Food safety — Refrigerated foods should be safe as long as power is out for no more than four hours. Keep an appliance thermometer in the freezer and when your power comes back on check the temperature. If it reads 41 degrees Fahrenheit or below, the food is safe and may be refrozen. An ounce of prevention Preventive action may be your best defense in dealing with extreme cold-weather conditions. Prepare your home in advance and observe safety precautions — potentially this will help to reduce the risk of weather-related health problems. And call me so you can be sure you have the insurance you want for your home. In Arizona call Marianne Hobbs Insurance Agency: 602.547.1970

Winterize your vehicle as well as your wardrobe Just as you get out your warm clothes in advance of winter, you should prepare your vehicle in advance of the cold as well. A few simple tips could help keep it running all winter long. Check antifreeze — Make sure the engine coolant provides antifreeze protection down to the lowest temperatures you are likely to encounter. Check car battery — Have your battery checked once a year by a qualified technician, especially if it's more than two years old. A fully charged battery in good condition is required to start an engine in cold weather. Check tire pressure, treads and spare — For the best snow traction, consider fitting your vehicle with snow tires. Use the tire size recommended by your vehicle's manufacturer and make sure they are properly inflated. Under-inflated tires can be dangerous and keep in mind that the air pressure in your tires will decrease 1-2 psi for every 10 degree drop in outside temperature. Check lights, heater and defroster — Visually inspect your vehicle's lights including flashing hazard lights. Make sure your heater and defroster are in working order for passenger comfort and driver visibility. Check hoses and belts — Check belts and hoses for cracks, leaks and bulges and make sure all clamps are secure. The belts and hoses should fit tight and be firm — not too soft, not too brittle. Check brake system— Good brakes are crucial to keeping a vehicle under control when driving particularly on snow- or ice-covered roads. Have a certified technician inspect your bakes to ensure they are ready for slick winter roads. Windshield washers and wipers — Check wipers for wear and make sure the reservoir is filled with a non-freezing washer solvent during winter months. Put together a winter emergency kit — Carry gloves, boots, blankets, flares, a first aid kit, chains and sand, a flashlight and a cell phone in your car at all times during the winter. Stash a few "high-energy" snacks in your glove box just in case you get stranded for a few hours. Never leave the house without being properly dressed in warm winter clothes even if you are just traveling down the block. Don’t forget to read your owner's manual and follow recommended service schedules. These tips may help keep you safe in the winter months, help to improve your vehicle’s mileage and prevent repairs down the road. And call me so you can make sure you have the auto coverage you want. In Arizona call Marianne Hobbs Farmers Insurance Agency: 602.547.1980

An Ounce Of Prevention Can Protect Your Home Investment

You can help keep your insurance costs down and protect your property as well. The most important step you can take is to identify and humidity, moisture or water damage problems before they create bigger problems such as mold or structural damage.

Do not procrastinate if you find a problem. In many cases the problem can be addressed without having to make an insurance claim. The best defense is periodic inspection and quick action.

• Periodically inspect your home inside and out.
• Look for any water or moisture. Pay special attention around pipes, in basements and crawl spaces. If you see a problem, ask your insurance agent to referral a professional that you can call to identify the extent of the damage. Sometimes moisture in ceilings or wall cavities cannot be seen. This provides perfect conditions for mold growth. A professional can identify this moisture and remove it, usually without expensive repairs. 
• Your nose knows! Musty and moldy odors may be an indicator or growing molds. Your sense of smell may alert you to potential problems you cannot see. Remember, the key to protecting your home is to identify a problem early, before it gets worse.
• Control humidity in bathrooms, showers, and wherever water is repeatedly used. Exhaust fans, proper caulking and regular cleaning with a bleach-based cleaning product will help keep problems away.
• Ventilation matters. Proper ventilation in attics, crawl spaces, basements and other dark spaces can help stop moisture problems. Be sure these areas are well ventilated.
• HVAC systems and air conditioners. Regularly having your HVAC and air conditioners inspected can identify moisture problems or drain clogs.

Kids love Halloween: Help keep them safe 

Remember getting all dressed up in your costume to go trick-or-treating? Witches, goblins, superheroes — all that and free candy too. To keep it fun, everyone needs to stay safe. Here are some tips to help make sure your kids have a safe and happy Halloween.

• When your child goes trick-or-treating, send a responsible adult or older teenager along.
• Walk on the sidewalks, not in the street.
• Cross only at corners.
• Plan your route and share it with your family.
• Carry a flashlight.
• Accept treats at the door; never go inside.
• Be cautious of animals.
• Always inspect treats before letting your children eat them.
• Wear clothing with reflective tape or markers.
• Visit homes that have the porch light on.
• Make sure your children’s costumes are non-flammable.
• Check to see that costumes are short enough that children won’t trip.
• Consider using Halloween face makeup in lieu of masks, which can limit children’s vision.   

 

If you are a homeowner:

• Make sure your yard is clear of ladders, hoses, dog leashes and any other items that can trip a youngster.
• Keep your pets indoors and away from trick-or-treaters.
• Place candles and jack-o’-lanterns away from where trick-or-treaters may be walking.
• Make sure paper decorations cannot be blown into the way of a candle.
• Provide healthy food alternatives that are in sealed packages for trick-or-treaters. Put your address label on each packet, so parents know where the treats came from and that they’re safe.
• Non-food treats are fun too, such as coins, plastic rings, stickers and the like.

Halloween is an exciting time of year for kids. Make sure your kids have tons of fun and get lots of candy. Be trick-or-treat savvy and you can help ensure they have a safe holiday as well.

Do You Drive The Most Stolen Vehicle In AZ? Check The List.

Of the thousands of vehicles on Arizona roads, criminals are keeping an eye on their favorites.

The number one car thieves are after is the 1994 Honda Accord.

"Honda parts fetch a good deal of money because they are known to be so reliable. So yes when a car does get stolen, it's not necessarily for the car but to harvest it for the parts which are worth a lot of money," said Andy Savage, who is the assistant sales manager at Showcase Honda in Phoenix.

The National Insurance Crime Bureau just released a list of the most stolen vehicles in Arizona:

1. 1994 Honda Accord

2. 2005 Dodge Ram

3. 1997 Honda Civic

4. 1999 Chevrolet pickup

5. 1997 Ford F150

6. 2003 Ford F250

7. 1997 Nissan Altima

8. 1994 Nissan Sentra

9. 2006 Ford F350

10. 2007 Toyota Camry

Nevertheless, thefts are actually down. The city that once topped the list in car thefts is now in 56th place in the nation. Last year 13,556 vehicles were stolen in Phoenix.

Phoenix police say the worst places to get your car stolen are apartment complex parking lots between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m.

Michelle Donati, with AAA Arizona, says drivers need to do what they can to protect their vehicle, such as, "getting your free VIN etching, using the club, using an alarm... basically anything you can do to be proactive to prevent this crime from happening to you is well worth the effort."

Cleaning Up After A Dust Storm

The recent monstrous dust storms, otherwise known as 'Haboob's' that roared through Phoenix, delaying flights and causing power outages for thousands of people, is also the cause of massive clean up efforts.  In addition, now is the time for preventative maintenance.

So, if you got hit by the haboob, here's a list of cleanup, recovery and  maintenance tasks that could save you time and money in maintenance:

1. Check swamp coolers for debris and damage.

2. Clean air conditioning condensor units - especially roof top units that were running during the storm.

3.  Check and clean exterior ventilation systems.

4.  Replace air filters and check pool filtration systems.

Fire Season Is Here-What You Need To Know #insurance

Over the past several years, almost the entire state of Arizona has been suffering a major drought, making our area more susceptible to out-of-control wildfires. If you add in this winter's hard freeze and little rain, we may very well have the perfect combination for an unusually hazardous fire season.  Fire managers throughout the state are spreading the word on how to prevent this year's wildland fires from spreading to your homes and businesses. Little things like clearing out fuels from around your home and keeping your grass mowed can really help protect your property. Take special care to thoroughly remove extra yard brush, especially buffelgrass, a plant that burns hot and fast, making desert fires even more treacherous.  In the event your property is damaged by fire, be sure to follow these guidelines to help minimize damage: Call your Insurance Company within the first 24 hours of the fire.  They will send out a restoration company immediately. Corrosive fumes and soot from smoke and fire can cause permanent etching in less than 72 hours. If the outdoor temperature is above 60 degrees, open windows and doors to help air out your home and reduce smoke odors. Clean chrome, formica, aluminum and porcelain fixtures to prevent tarnishing and etching. If your furnace uses forced hot air, change the air filter. Tape damp cheesecloth over important documents to capture loose soot in the air. Dispose of any opened packages of food. If the electricity is off, clean out the refrigerator and leave doors propped open. Send any clothing with heavy smoke damage to a qualified restoration dry cleaner for thorough cleaning.

Cleaning Soot It Looks So Easy... After a fire disaster, it's tempting to try to clean the leftover soot yourself. Before you load up with a sponge and a bucket of water, there are a couple of things you should know about cleaning soot off of your belongings. Soot appears dusty but is actually oily and very easy to smear. The  best of practice for removing soot usually involves a high power vacuum and NOT touching the surface with it or any attachments.  Even the slightest touch can grind the oily soot into the surface, causing staining.  It is best to let a restoration company clean any leftover soot. Information courtesy of ServiceMaster AllCare Restoration, Peoria, Az.

FIRE & SMOKE DAMAGE

Fire & Smoke Damage

Fire damage in a home can be a stressful event for a homeowner. Damage to your personal belongings and home are just some of the concerns you may experience. Timely response and thorough mitigation can alleviate these concerns.

Fire, Smoke and Soot Restoration Services Include:

• Contents Services-Inventory, Move Outs
• Structural Cleaning- Ceilings & Walls, Carpet & Floor Restoration
• Deodorization

Your Insurance Agent can put you in contact with a Professional Restoration company who understands that your home is more than four walls. Your home includes your memories and personal belongings.

Mold Mitigation and Remediation

Mold

Mitigation and Remediation

  

 

Excessive amounts of mold and certain types of mold may present health concerns.

Water damages can cause mold growth in your home or business, therefore it is important to have your water damages cleaned promptly and professionally.

Signs of the presence of excessive mold include: 

• The presence of visible mold.
   
• Strong, musty odors.
   
• Any evidence of past moisture problems that might have caused undetected mold growth.
   
• Excessive humidity. 

Help IsAvailable

In most water damage situations, mold growth is not a problem, and Water Restoration Professionals can safely restore your home or business to pre-loss condition. The need to address the presence of mold can only be determined by an on-site, indoor environmental inspection. In some situations an indoor air quality professional will be required to create a restoration plan for your home. 

Your Insurance Agent can direct you to a restoration company that is experienced at carrying out the assigned plan and working to make it "Like it Never Even Happened. "

Does driving next to over sized vehicles make you nervous?

Semis. 18-wheelers. Extra-long buses. RVs and towed trailers. From country roads to city streets, big rigs of all kinds are everywhere. If you’re not aware of their limitations, sharing the road with these large vehicles can be dangerous. For example, trucks don’t have the same stop-and-go capacity as passenger cars. And, considering their height and weight, they can inflict serious damage to smaller vehicles and their passengers — not to mention pedestrians. Here are some driving tips that may help keep you and your passengers safe when you’re sharing the road with a big rig:

• Be aware of “no zones” — Large trucks have blind spots around the front, back and sides of the vehicle. Try and stay out of these areas because the driver can’t see you. Take away: If you can’t see the driver in the truck’s mirror, the driver can’t see you.
• Passing rules — Before making a move, make sure you can see the front of the truck in your rear-view mirror. Don’t flash your lights; it’s not a universal signal and may only serve to confuse. Take away: Always signal your intent, pass on the left and pass quickly.
• Changing lanes — Large trucks take longer to stop than a car traveling at the same speed so they need greater braking distance. Take away: Don’t pull in front of a large truck and suddenly slow down or stop. The trucker may not be able to stop quickly enough to avoid crashing into you.
• Avoid a “squeeze play” — In order to negotiate a right turn, particularly in urban areas, truck drivers sometimes swing wide to the left. They can’t see directly behind or beside their vehicle so don’t create a “squeeze” by cutting between the truck and the curb. Take away: Pay attention to truck signals and give them plenty of room to maneuver.
  Be extra cautious

As you share the roads and highways with trucks, buses and large hauling vehicles, be attentive and stay focused. It may help you share the road safely.
Source: http://consumerguideauto.howstuffworks.com/industry-insider-sharing-the-road-with-americas-big-rigs-cga.htm

Safety Tips For Winter Storm Zones

Safety tips for those that are in the pending winter storm warning zones.

As forecasters warn of a dangerous winter storm threatening the Midwest, South and Northeast, business and property owners need to implement a Winter Hazard Program now to help reduce injury, damage, and roof collapse.

Winter storms have already shown that snow accumulation can wreak havoc on businesses and their related properties. Business owners can take effective actions to help minimize their exposure to the threats of winter weather by implementing a Winter Hazard Control program.

The guidelines below can help businesses prepare for tomorrow's storm:

Ground Snow Removal

• Verify that snow removal personnel are not pushing snow up against roof drain outlets. Snow should be cleared from around the outlets so that water can easily escape.
• Verify that your fire protection equipment, hydrants, control valves, and your fire pump room remain accessible. Snow should be removed from around this equipment, which may require some hand shoveling.
• All doorways should be accessible and snow removed to allow egress. This is especially important for emergency exits.

Roof Snow Removal

• Roof drains should be inspected to ensure that they are clear of snow and ice. An area around each drain should be cleared to allow water to reach the drain. Remember, your roof covering can be easily damaged, so plastic shovels should be utilized. The use of calcium chloride is an effective way of keeping ice from accumulating in your drains.
• In the event you need to remove snow from the roof, we recommend that you solicit the services of a qualified roofing contractor and ensure that all OSHA guidelines are strictly followed.

High Winds

• Check the roof for loose flashing. If the flashing is found to be loose, it should be secured with #8 (minimum) corrosion resistant screws long enough to adequately engage the wood nailer. The screw should have a large pan head or a washer should be used.
• Check for loose roof top equipment. Rooftop equipment may also include satellite dishes, electrical conduit, lightning protection, and piping systems. Secure or remove any equipment that is loose and may be dislodged in high winds.
• Remove any debris from the roof
• Remove any ground level trash, debris, seasonal equipment, or other items that can become projectiles in high winds.
• Continue to monitor the exterior of the building to ensure no glass gets broken. Broken glass can lead to localized freezing of water based systems. Any damage to the building envelope should be temporarily sealed until more permanent repairs can be made.

Power Outage

• Make sure emergency power equipment is operational and that fuel tanks are full.
• Any small portable generators you rely on should be tested and fuel tanks should be full. These should only be used in a safe, well ventilated area.
• If your building heat is lost due to a power failure, building temperatures should be monitored. If temperatures fall below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, safeguards should be taken to protect water based systems against freezing. 

Information courtesy of Farmers Insurance 

Steps for Maintaining Vacant Landlord Properties

No matter the housing market conditions, a vacant property is always a possibility for a landlord. Foremost Insurance Group wants to remind all property-owners of the extra steps needed to help make certain a vacant property is secure.

“The risks associated with vacant properties are different than the risks of occupied properties,” says Jim Gontjes, senior product manager for Foremost®. “Obviously, landlords don’t wish for their properties to be unoccupied, but they need to have a plan.”

It’s imperative for a landlord to have a discussion with their insurance agent or broker about the property should it become vacant. Many landlord insurance policies do cover brief periods of vacancy, but if a property experiences an extended unoccupancy, coverage may be affected. “In addition to informing their insurance provider about the status of the property, it’s important for landlords to take extra steps to help make sure the unit will be maintained and secure,” adds Gontjes.
Landlords should do the following to best protect any vacant property:

•     Secure the property. It’s imperative to make sure a vacant property is secure without drawing attention to it. Make sure all doors and windows are locked and place bars or rods into the tracks for further security. Consider installing extra deadbolts for the doors and grilles for the windows to increase protection, but avoid boarding up the windows. Install motion sensors on any outdoor lighting that will switch on if anyone approaches the building. Think about getting a monitored security system if the property doesn’t already have one.
•     Perform regular checks. A property that’s vacant should be checked every seven to ten days for damage or signs of forced entry. If inspections are conducted regularly, potential problems can be corrected quickly before they develop or worsen.
•     Make the property look occupied. Remember that the less a unit looks vacant, the more secure it is. Don’t completely close curtains or blinds and install timers for some of the lights. Make sure any possible deliveries to the property are cancelled unless someone is there to receive them.
•     Do some yard work. Overgrown gardens and lawns are telltale signs that a property is not occupied. Either schedule time to do the work or hire a lawn service to visit the property on a regular basis. If the building is located in an area that gets snow, make sure all sidewalks and the driveway are cleared after snowfalls.
•     Check for possible fire hazards. Any flammable materials or substances should be removed from a vacant property to reduce the possibility of fire damage. In addition, any appliances that remain in the unit should be unplugged.
•     Prevent water and gas problems. The amount of work done here depends on the amount of expected vacancy, the time of year and the location. If the property is in a cold climate, water lines may need to be drained and shut off if the gas is going to be shut off. Otherwise the heat needs to remain on at a reduced temperature to help prevent the pipes from freezing. 

 To learn more about what Insurance options area available to you for your investment properties, whether occupied or not you may leave a comment here or contact me:
mhobbs@farmersagent.com
www.farmersagent.com/mhobbs
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Information courtesy Foremost Insurance, a part of the Farmers Insurance Group of Companies.