By admin on Apr 6, 2016 in Blog | 0 comments

  Flood prevention and safety Almost anywhere it rains, it can flood. Even if you live in an area of that you think isn’t at risk, preparation is just as critical as with other types of emergencies. Before we get into how you can prevent, limit or react to flooding, it’s important to note that flood damage is typically not covered by your homeowners or renters insurance. There are specialized flood insurance programs that we at Insurance Consultants, Inc. can discuss with you. Just contact us at 636-812-3500 for more information. Preparing for a flood The Federal Emergency Management Agency recommends a number of steps to stay safe during emergencies and limit damage from flooding. You should: Build an emergency kit for your family containing such items as drinking water and nonperishable food for each member of your family (two-week supply), flashlights, a radio, extra batteries, a first-aid kit, necessary medications, personal hygiene items and copies of important documents. Create a communication plan so family members can reach one another. Elevate your furnace, water heater and electric panel in your home if live in an area with a high flood risk. Consider installing “check valves” to prevent floodwater from backing up into the drains of your home. If possible, construct barriers to stop floodwater from entering your home and seal basement walls with waterproofing compounds. Acting during a flood If a flood is likely in your area, quick action may be necessary to protect your family and property. You should:   Get information from the radio or television. Move immediately to higher ground if there is any possibility of a flash flood. Do not wait for instructions to move. If you need to evacuate, secure your home and move essential items to an upper floor. Turn off utilities if instructed to do so, and disconnect electrical appliances. However, do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water. Do not walk through moving water — it can make you fall. Use a stick to check the firmness of the ground in front of you. Do not drive into flooded areas. If you are caught in your vehicle in floodwater, abandon your car and move to higher...

By admin on Mar 30, 2016 in Blog | 0 comments

Yard Work Safety…This article is provided by Safeco Insurance Let’s Keep Our Lawns – and Ourselves – Safe in Missouri   For many of our neighbors in Saint Charles County summer means more than sunshine and vacations. It also means working in the yard – often with tools that can be dangerous if not used properly. Each year about 400,000 people are treated for injuries from lawn and garden tools, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Don’t let your landscaping efforts land you in the hospital! Follow these handy safety tips. Tool safety tips from the U.S. CPSC Dress appropriately. To protect yourself from debris when using lawn tools, wear eye protection, long pants, long-sleeved shirts, close-fitting clothes and no jewelry. Sturdy shoes are recommended, and ear plugs may be appropriate depending on how loud the device is. Before starting, remove objects from your work area that could cause injury or damage, such as sticks, glass or stones. Keep children indoors and supervised at all times when any outdoor power equipment is being used. Never let a child ride or operate a garden tractor or riding mower, even if the child is supervised. And never assume children will remain where you last saw them. Use extreme caution when backing up or approaching corners, shrubs and trees. Teenagers using power equipment should always be supervised by an adult. Handle gasoline carefully. Never fill tanks while machinery is on or when equipment is still hot. Of course, you should never smoke or use any type of flame around gasoline or any gasoline-powered equipment. Do not work with electric power tools in wet or damp conditions. For protection against electrocution, use a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI). Be sure that extension cords are in good condition, are rated for outdoor use, and are the proper gauge for the electrical current capacity of the tool. Lawn Chemical Safety Tips from Texas A&M University If you use chemicals to control weeds or pests in your lawn, read the product label carefully so you understand the potential effects on humans, animals and the environment. Follow all instructions. Keep children and animals away from the application area, and protect your skin, eyes and...

By admin on Mar 23, 2016 in Blog | 0 comments

Spring Cleaning Tips…from our friends at Safeco Insurance     Spring cleaning tips from Insurance Consultants, Inc.   Of course, because spring is a time for new beginnings, cleaning and organization around the house are very popular this time of year. If you’re ready to tackle that monumental chore, read on for some helpful information. (And if you’re so tidy and organized throughout the year that spring cleaning isn’t a big chore for you, well, keep that to yourself! Unless you want your friends and neighbors to be jealous, that is.)   Take it one room at a time. Deciding to clean or organize your entire home can quickly get overwhelming. If you focus on just one area or room, then move to another only when you’re finished, you’ll likely work more efficiently. Follow the six-month rule. Generally, if you haven’t used something in six months (with the exception of seasonal items), it’s a good idea to consider throwing it away or donating it. Don’t forget the kitchen. Just like other rooms, your kitchen likely has things that haven’t been used in some time — and this includes food in the refrigerator or freezer. Give those appliances a thorough cleaning and get rid of anything you won’t be eating. Set yourself up for success. Paper clutter is something we all could probably cut back on pretty easily. Setting up a few recycling bins throughout the house gives you a convenient alternative to just setting that old magazine or paperwork down somewhere and watching the pile grow. Make some money! Of course, the spring cleaning garage sale is a tradition for many homeowners, and can be a great way to bring in some extra income. Talk about a win-win situation — you get rid of stuff you don’t need, and someone pays you for it! Stay safe. When you’re cleaning or maintaining your home, be mindful of the physical risks involved. Lift with your leg muscles, not your back. Avoid prolonged repetitive motions. Use ladders, lawnmowers and other dangerous tools with caution.   Contact Us!   For further questions and assistance, please contact Insurance Consultants, Inc. at 636-812-3500....

By admin on Mar 16, 2016 in Blog | 0 comments

    Prom and Graduation Safety…another good article from our friends at Safeco Insurance   Teen driving tips to keep prom and graduation safe   High school is full of defining moments for all teens and two of the highlights for most are prom and graduation.   However, this time of year often sees other, more tragic defining moments – serious car accidents involving teens who are distracted or even under the influence of alcohol or drugs.   At Insurance Consultants, Inc., we want to help make this season one to celebrate for you and your teen. So, with the help of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, here are some tips that can keep your teen safe.   First, encourage your teen to follow these general safe-driving rules: Absolutely no alcohol Always use seat belts No cell phone use (including texting) while driving   Special circumstances Of course, special events such as prom and graduation often present special circumstances. There may be dinner with dates before the dance, and parties before or after either event. It’s a good idea to discuss your expectations well before each event, putting some guidelines into place before your teen heads out for the night. Here are some ideas: Make sure you know the itinerary of the evening, as well as who else will be with your teen. You should have contact information for everyone. Have a way to contact your teen at all times. You may want to require them to check in with you once or twice over the course of the evening. Set a curfew, whether they are coming back to your home or staying with a friend. If they are staying elsewhere, make sure the curfew will be enforced by a responsible adult. Discuss with your teen how to handle difficult situations, such as facing pressure to drink, or accepting a ride with someone who shouldn’t be driving. It’s a good idea to provide your child with money for a taxi just in case. Offer a “no-questions-asked” ride home, should they need one during the evening. If you’re worried about your teen driving, consider alternate transportation. A car service or limousine will provide a responsible, experienced adult driver. You...

By admin on Mar 9, 2016 in Blog | 0 comments

Daylight Savings….a good article from our friends at Safeco Insurance   Daylight Savings Time is also Daylight Safety Time.   In most places in the United States, Sunday, March 13th is Daylight Saving, when clocks are moved forward one hour. We here at Insurance Consultants, Inc. want to remind you it’s also a great time to improve your family’s safety.   Be safe in your home   Health and safety agencies often use the approach of Daylight Saving Time to remind people to change the batteries in their smoke alarms. The American Red Cross suggests you test your smoke alarms and talk with your family about your fire escape plan. Whether you live in Missouri, Illinois, or elsewhere, practice the plan too – at least twice a year.   Daylight Saving is a great time to check your emergency preparedness kit to make sure it’s fully stocked with fresh supplies.   Carbon Monoxide a concern too   According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 400 people die annually in the US from carbon monoxide poisoning. The CDC recommends changing the batteries in your CO detectors when moving your clocks forward this Sunday.   The CDC says the most common symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, chest pain and confusion.   See the CDC’s site for more ways to prevent carbon monoxide exposure.   We here at Insurance Consultants, Inc. hope these tips help and that you’ll consider sharing them with the people you care about so they can live safer lives...