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