Firework Safety in St. Charles County
Firework Safety When Things go BOOM in the Night – Fireworks Safety For most of us, the Fourth of July is a time to enjoy the company of family and friends, having fun and creating memories – whether at home in Missouri or away. But for some families, the holiday is a nightmare. Homes each year in Missouri are damaged by wayward fireworks. Thousands of people are injured in accidents. At Insurance Consultants, Inc., we want your holiday to be happy, but also safe. So here are some tips to help you protect yourself and your property on the Fourth. Protecting yourself (and others) To minimize the risk of injury, don’t use consumer fireworks. Attend a public display conducted by professionals in St. Charles, St. Peters, O’Fallon or elsewhere. If using consumer fireworks, always follow instructions. Do not attempt to re-light “duds” or create homemade fireworks. Never let children handle or light fireworks. Even sparklers, which burn at more than 1,000 degrees, can cause third-degree burns. Kids under the age of 15 account for approximately 40% of fireworks injuries, according to the U.S. Fire Administration. A responsible adult should always be present when children – even teenagers – are around fireworks. More than half of fireworks injuries happen to those younger than 20 years old. Protecting your home According to the National Fire Protection Association, the best way to protect your home is to not use fireworks at home. Remember, fireworks can cause grass fires and other types of blazes as well. Make sure you light fireworks in a safe area, away from homes and buildings, as well as other combustible material. Keep a fire extinguisher nearby in case of emergency. Look out for tree limbs or bushes that could catch fire. Trimming vegetation to keep it away from your home is a good idea anyway, but it could save you from a catastrophic fire on the Fourth of July. If your gutters have accumulated leaves, pine needles or other flammable material, clean them before using fireworks near your home. Finally, if you won’t be home on the holiday, ask a neighbor to keep an eye on your house if others in your neighborhood will be using fireworks. With some common sense and planning, the Fourth of July can be both safe and enjoyable for everyone. Whether you’re staying at home or heading to St. Louis, we hope you have a wonderful time celebrating our...
read moreFather’s Day St. Charles County
Father’s Day Time to Honor Dad Father’s Day in St. Charles, County Missouri With summer drawing near and the weather warming up, Missouri neighborhoods come alive with the sights and sounds of the season: lawnmowers, power tools and backyard barbecues, to name a few. For many people, those things all bring to mind one specific person: Dad. And since Father’s Day is just around the corner, we at Insurance Consultants, Inc. thought we’d give you some gift ideas – and some fun history trivia, too! The history of Father’s Day Marked on the third Sunday of June in the United States (and in many other countries), Father’s Day was first celebrated in 1910 to complement Mother’s Day. According to Wikipedia, the day was created by Sonora Smart Dodd of Spokane, Wash., who wanted to honor her father, Civil War veteran William Jackson Smart. Although Dodd originally suggested her father’s birthday in early June, she had not provided organizers with enough time to arrange the event – and the celebration was delayed until the third Sunday of the month. Although Mother’s Day has been an official national holiday since 1914, Father’s Day had a tougher road. Congress refused to make the celebration official in the years immediately following Dodd’s first observance, fearing that the day would become commercialized. (Some would say those fears were well-founded; the creator of Mother’s Day later came to regret the commercialization of that holiday.) It wasn’t until 1966 that Father’s Day received an official proclamation, thanks to President Lyndon B. Johnson. And six years later, President Richard Nixon signed a law making the day a national holiday. Facts and figures (from government website USA.gov) There are an estimated 70.1 million fathers across the nation An estimated 1.7 million men are single fathers Approximately 176,000 fathers are stay-at-home dads What to get Dad? Once you’re past the age of, say, 10, the “Old Spice and a tie” routine probably won’t cut it anymore when it comes to getting a gift for your father. Here are some better ideas from AskMen.com: Grilling tools (this way, perhaps he’ll even cook for you on Father’s Day!) Alcohol (to be enjoyed in moderation, of course) Fishing gear Golf clubs, balls or other sporting goods – or take him out for a round of golf Books (particularly grilling cookbooks) Gadgets (such as a GPS; after all, many dads don’t like asking for directions) Landscaping services (so he can take a break from mowing the lawn) Aside from ties and cheap cologne, you’ll probably want to avoid the most clichéd gifts, especially “World’s Best Dad” items (even if it’s true!) and socks. As with all gifts, though, it’s the thought that counts. And we’re sure your dad will appreciate simply being appreciated. And if you’re a dad yourself – Happy Father’s Day! We hope you’ll enjoy your...
read moreDistracted Driver
Distracted Driver Avoiding distractions while driving could save your life You’ve seen them on the roads in St. Louis and St. Charles counties; you might even know a few of them. And you could be one yourself. Distracted drivers in come in all shapes, sizes, ages and experience levels. Even if you’re not one today, you could become one at any moment — in the time it takes you to answer your cell phone or check the kids in the back seat when you’re driving through {neighborhoods}. If you or someone else you know thinks you can drive just fine while talking on your phone, think about this: More than 450,000 people were injured in crashes that reportedly involved distracted driving in 2009, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. More than 5,000 of those people died. Distractions on the road come in many forms, according to www.distraction.gov, a U.S. Department of Transportation website. There are three main kinds of distractions: Visual – taking your eyes off the road Manual –taking your hands off the wheel Cognitive – taking your mind off what you’re doing To help you avoid all three kinds of distractions the next time you’re behind the wheel of your car here are a few tips: Put your phone in silent mode and store it away from the front seat or in a purse or bag. This helps reduce temptation. Have a passenger answer your phone or return text messages for you. If a call or a text can’t wait, pull over in a safe spot before using your phone. This one seems obvious, but finish shaving or applying makeup before you get in the car! If you’re emotional, wait until you’ve calmed down before hitting the road. Avoid road rage. You’ll be happier and safer. Whenever you’re on the road, it’s not a time to multi-task. Focus on driving safely. This article was provided by our friends at Safeco Insurance...
read moreUninsured Motorist
Uninsured Motorist Uninsured Motorist Levels Are on the Rise There’s another unfortunate side of the economic downturn that impacts every driver on the road: The number of underinsured motorists is expected to rise here in St. Louis and St. Charles County area. According to a recent study from Insurance Research Council, about one in six drivers across the United States may be driving uninsured by 2010. This means responsible drivers who purchase insurance may end up paying for injuries caused by uninsured drivers. If you haven’t reviewed your liability coverage in the last two years, now is a good time to revisit your auto coverage to ensure you avoid extra costs after an accident. We’re happy to help – and we can often increase your coverages without a significant increase in premium. Just call Brian or Tom at Insurance Consultant, Inc. at 636-812-3500. This article was provided by Safeco Insurance...
read moreGrilling Safety
Grilling Safety Summers mean backyard grilling – safely! Just like hamburgers and hot dogs, a sizzling grill is a symbol of summer and grilling isn’t just about great food. Backyard barbecues often create treasured memories with friends and family here in St. Louis and St. Charles County. Keep in mind, however, that when you grill, you’re literally playing with fire. Thousands of residents each year learn this the hard way, suffering damage to their homes or even serious injuries in grilling accidents. There’s good news, though: You can prevent grilling accidents by taking some simple precautions. The tips below can help ensure you cook only your burgers — and not your house — the next time you fire up the grill. TIPS FOR ALL GRILLS Your grill, whether gas or charcoal, should be on a level surface outdoors, away from anything that could be ignited by flames (bushes, fences, etc.). NEVER use a grill indoors. Odorless carbon monoxide fumes could kill you. Keep your grill clean and well-maintained. Check parts regularly to determine if replacements are needed. Never leave a hot grill unattended or let children play near it. CHARCOAL GRILL TIPS From Kingsford.com Do not add lighter fluid directly to hot coals. The flame could travel up the stream of fluid and burn you. Never use gasoline or kerosene to light a charcoal fire. Use flame-retardant mitts and long-handled barbecue tongs, as coals can reach up to 1,000 degrees. To dispose of coals, allow the ashes to cool for at least 48 hours before disposal in a non-combustible container. If you cannot wait 48 hours, carefully place coals individually in a can of sand or bucket of water. GAS GRILL TIPS From the National Fire Protection Association Check your grill’s hoses for leaks before using it for the first time each year. Apply a light soap and water solution to the hose. A propane leak will release bubbles. If you have a leak, and it will not stop after the grill and gas is turned off, call the fire department. If the leak stops when the grill and gas are turned off, have your grill serviced by a professional. If you smell gas while cooking, immediately get away from the grill and call the fire department. Do not move the grill. Do not keep a filled propane tank in a hot car or trunk. When getting containers refilled, make that your last stop before going home. Store propane tanks in an upright position, and never indoors. From all of us at Insurance Consultants, Inc. happy grilling, and stay safe this summer! This article is provided by Safeco Insurance...
read morePower Outage
Power Outage Ready for a power outage or emergency? It’s always a good idea to have an emergency kit handy in case of power outages or other issues — especially with the threat of stormy weather in fall and winter. See recommendations from the American Red Cross below. Emergency kit basics Water (one gallon per person, per day; keep a two-week supply at home) Food (non-perishable, easy-to-prepare items; two week supply at home) Flashlight and battery-powered radio, along with extra batteries First-aid kit, toiletries, medications and medical items Multi-purpose tool Copies of personal documents, along with family and emergency contact information Extra cash, clothing and blankets Cell phones and chargers Maps of the area Content provided by: Safeco...
read moreMother’s Day
Mother’s Day A time to celebrate mothers As the second Sunday of May nears, it’s time to think of ways to celebrate mothers – although, of course, that’s a worthy pursuit at any time of year! At Insurance Consultants, Inc., we thought it would be fun to give you a little of the history behind Mother’s Day, as well as a few ideas to honor the special women in all our lives. Ancient beginnings According to MothersDayCentral.com, the ancient Egyptians held an annual festival to honor “the mother of the pharaohs” – the goddess Isis. This is one of the earliest historical records of a society celebrating a mother. How Mother’s Day came to be in the U.S. In 1870, Julia Ward Howe, a social activist and poet (and author of the lyrics for “The Battle Hymn of the Republic”) had became distraught by the toll of the Civil War. She issued a “Mother’s Day Proclamation” that year, calling on mothers to protest the killing and create a day celebrating peace and motherhood. Howe’s proclamation did not result in a national Mother’s Day, but in 1908, Anna Jarvis of West Virginia took up the cause. She wanted to accomplish her mother’s dream of making a celebration of all mothers. By 1909, more than 40 states were holding Mother’s Day services, even though it was not a national holiday. In 1912, according to Wikipedia, West Virginia was the first state to officially observe Mother’s Day. Jarvis continued to promote the day until President Woodrow Wilson made it an official national holiday in 1914. She later regretted creating the holiday, believing that it had become too commercialized. Enough with the history – where are the gift ideas? Like us at Insurance Consultants, Inc., we know you might have more urgent concerns on your mind, like last-minute shopping, so here are the most popular Mother’s Day gifts, according to MothersDayCentral.com. Flowers Gift baskets Personalized gifts Jewelry Perfume Spa gifts Magazines Of course, perhaps the best gift of all is getting in touch and letting the moms in your life know just how much they mean to you. Happy Mother’s...
read moreLeak Tips
Leak Tips for those in Saint Charles County When Water Goes Where It Shouldn’t Even a small leak can become a major problem, so knowing what you’re covered for and how to prevent water damage are equally important. The below tips should help uncover any potential water problems down the road and keep your property dry. Check appliance hoses. Standard hoses are not as durable as they used to be. Replace rubber hoses with steel-braided hoses. This is a low cost fix that can save thousands in water damage. Broken tiles in the shower can allow water to leak into the walls or on the floor. Replace cracked tiles and re-grout when needed. Run dishwasher and washing machine only when you are home. If a leak occurs, you can turn the appliance off right away. When on vacation, turn off the main water supply to your house. Keep storm drains near your house clear of leaves. Install a gutter guard. This can prevent a rooftop disaster caused by drain clogs, and also prevents flooding by water that isn’t carried away from the house. Install a water pressure gauge. An inexpensive gauge can prevent damage caused by water pressure that’s too high. Pressure should be between 60 and 80 PSI. This article was provided by Safeco...
read moreHeading Off to Sturgis?
Heading to Sturgis Whether you’re taking your Harley and heading across country, or just hitting the Northwest back roads, we want you to be safe on the roads this summer. Here are a few top tips: Which cyclists have the highest risk for serious motorcycle accidents? Surprise: It’s 40-year-olds.” No one’s too old to wear a helmet A motorcycle rider not wearing a helmet is forty percent more likely to sustain a fatal head injury in a crash than a rider with a helmet.* A National Highway Traffic Safety Administration study reports that “helmets saved 1,658 motorcyclists’ lives in 2006, and that 752 more could have been saved if all motorcyclists had worn helmets.”* Buy a full-face helmet for the best protection for your head and eyes. Wear other protective gear as well: heavy leather or synthetic gloves, long pants and jacket, and over-the-ankle leather boots. In a crash, the SUV wins When cars and motorcycles collide, it’s usually because the driver of the car failed to see the cyclist. With more SUVs on the road, it’s even more critical to take extra steps to become more visible. Use your headlamps—both night and day—and wear yellow, red or orange jackets to make yourself easy to see. Make a point of positioning yourself in your lane for visibility. Training saves One out of four motorcycle drivers involved in fatal crashes in 2006 were driving with invalid licenses.* Safeco offers discounts to riders who attend the Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s safe riding courses or are active in one of 10 approved groups that promote safe riding. Do both those things and you can reduce your premium. New Gear? Update your policy Some companies, including Safeco, offer special coverage for custom parts and equipment—but you have to make sure each piece of equipment is listed on your policy. Any time you buy new leathers or safety equipment or customize your bike, call Brian Fricker or Thomas Reese at 636-812-3500 or e-mail info@goicb.com before you head out on the highway. Another fine article from your friends at Safeco...
read moreIt’s Boating Season
Boating Season Every summer, our team gets calls from customers after a fun weekend on the water takes a turn for the worse. Often, these accidents could have been prevented with just a few simple precautions. Here are a few tips we like – courtesy of our partners at Safeco. Don’t let an accident wreck your fun! Life Preservers Aren’t Just for Kids. It’s not enough to just have life jackets on board — wear them! In an accident, people rarely have time to reach for a life jacket. This rule applies to adults, not just children: More people in their 30s die in boating accidents than any other age group. Life vests have come a long way in style. Today, you can even get vests for your water-loving dog! Watercraft Insurance Most home insurance policies have limited coverage for boats. If you own a boat, watercraft insurance is your best bet: It covers theft, damage, and injuries or accidents while you’re on the water, as well as some of your expensive watersports gear. Watch the Back of the Boat. Carbon monoxide kills in minutes. So tell your passengers where your exhaust pipes are located and turn off your engine when people are in the water, and don’t let passengers “ski” or “teak-surf” by holding on to the back of the boat. Both Washington and Oregon made teak-surfing illegal in the last few years, after several tragic deaths. Carbon monoxide detectors are standard on most new boats; older boats install devices for less than $100. Alcohol and Boating Don’t Mix. More than 50 percent of drowning’s result from boating incidents involving alcohol. You don’t drink and drive, so don’t boat and drive. Boats Need TLC Too. When you’re out on the water, make sure your gas tanks are vented and bilges are free of vapors, oil, waste and grease. Carry a charged fire extinguisher. Have your boat’s operating systems checked yearly by a certified marine technician. The Coast Guard Auxiliary and United States Power Squadrons also offer free vessel safety checks. Experience Counts! The U.S. Coast Guard says that operator errors account for 70 percent of all boating accidents. Make sure anyone who drives your boat is properly trained. You can also earn boat insurance discounts from Safeco and other insurers if you complete a safety course with the Coast Guard Auxiliary or U.S. Power Squadrons. Sites for Information: Coast Guard: www.uscgboating.org Coast Guard Auxiliary: nws.cgaux.org/ Safeco tips: www.safeco.com/insurance-101/consumer-tips/your-boat Call Brian Fricker or Thomas Reese at 636-812-3500 or e-mail Brian@goicb.com or Tom@goicb.com for more information. This article was provided by your friends at Safeco...
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