Flood Prevention
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 ground if you can do so safely. If you have evacuated your home, do not return until authorities tell you it is safe. Coping after a flood Flooding can cause emotional stress along with physical hazards, so be mindful of the well-being of you and your family during the aftermath. Floodwater can be contaminated by oil, gasoline or sewage, so avoid contact as much as possible. Make sure your city’s water supply is safe to drink. Clean and disinfect everything that was in contact with floodwater. The Red Cross has a free book available called “Repairing Your Flooded Home,” which contains useful information as you clean up. It’s available at www.redcross.org. Of course, don’t hesitate to contact us as well — we’re ready to help! If you have flood insurance, contact the claims center of your provider as soon as possible. Flooding is one of the most common hazards in the U.S. Being prepared for any emergency is crucial for the safety of you and your family. Don’t be caught off guard! This article provided by Safeco...
read moreYard Work Safety
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 nose during and after application. Remember, use only the recommended amount. Using more of the chemical will not do a better job. Ask yourself if you truly need to use a general pesticide. Is there a product that will specifically treat only the problem you need to solve? From all of us at Insurance Consultants, Inc., here’s to keeping both you and your lawn healthy this...
read moreSpring Cleaning Tips
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....
read moreProm and Graduation Safety
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 also will be able to limit changes to the itinerary and contact the driver. Prom and graduation in Saint Charles County are special times in a teen’s life. And just a little common sense will go a long way toward making sure your young adult is around to enjoy the other milestones that are sure to come. Sidebar box: Safeco Insurance Teen Safety Rewards™ Safeco Insurance Teen Safety Rewards can provide you a collection of tools, benefits and discounts to help your teen become a safer driver — as well as manage the cost of adding them to your policy. There are several discounts available, including the Good Student Discount, Driver Training Discount and more. Call Insurance Consultants, Inc. at 636-812-3500 for more...
read moreDaylight Savings Time
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...
read moreCondo Insurance
Condo Insurance / Another good article from our friends at Safeco Insurance Condo or Condon’t — Condo Insurance Another good article from our friends at Safeco Insurance You’ve taken the plunge and opted for condo life. Now that the papers are signed, it seems like everything is taken care of for you—building maintenance, roof repairs, landscaping, insurance, etc. It’s time to relax because everything is covered, right? Not quite. The insurance policy provided by the condo association covers the building structure and common areas, but what about potential structural damage to your unit and covering your belongings? Without a personal condo insurance policy, you could be left high and dry if your unit floods, is damaged in a fire, etc. Most condos need two insurance policies. Master Policy: Generally provided by your condo association, this policy covers the physical structure of the building, including basement, roof, walls, elevators, lobbies, etc. Coverage usually includes both physical damage and liability. Get a copy of the policy so you know what’s covered. Personal Condo Policy: This will cover additional structural damage to your unit, including cabinets, appliances, personal belongings, and more. This also covers living expenses if you fall victim to a fire, theft, or other covered disaster. Many insurance carriers, such as Safeco InsuranceTM, offer enhancements that include personal property protection in your condo insurance policy. Safeco’s Full Value Contents® protection will pay the full replacement cost of your belongings, not just what they are worth today. Other coverage to consider: Umbrella Policy: If someone were to trip and fall inside or near your condo, they could sue both you and the condo association. Umbrella provides additional layers of liability protection and can protect against lawsuits that target both your current and future earnings. Flood or Earthquake: Read the fine print on your policy. They often won’t cover damage due to these disasters. Additional coverage may be required if you live in a prone...
read moreFire Pit Safety
TOPIC: Fire Pit Safety This article provided courtesy of Safeco Insurance. Be Careful When You Play With Fire, Even in the Backyard It’s a great feeling to hang out with friends and family around a blazing fire in your backyard in Saint Charles County — unless, of course, that fire blazes a little too much. While a fire pit can be a wonderful addition to your home, all fires are potentially dangerous. So before you sit down with some marshmallows to roast, we here at Insurance Consultants, Inc. have gathered up some tips to help you keep that fire in the pit (and away from everything else). Are you legal? Before building or buying a fire pit, check the regulations in your area to learn about restrictions. Your fire pit may be legal, but a fire might not always be. Monitor and follow community burn bans. Be respectful. Nothing can extinguish the good vibes of a nice fire more quickly than police complaints from smoked-out neighbors. What kind of pit do you want? You can buy a fire pit or build one. If you choose the latter, there are plenty of resources online to help you design it. Don’t dig a hole just anywhere and throw some rocks down. Put some thought into it and you’ll have a better — and safer — spot to enjoy. If you want convenience, a propane model might be right for you. They produce less smoke and have an adjustable flame. Ready to build your fire? Actually, you probably aren’t ready yet. First, ensure the area under and around the fire pit is clear of flammable materials. Keep the pit itself at least 10 feet from any structures. Before you start the fire, have a fire extinguisher or a garden hose handy. Okay, now are you ready to build your fire? Choose hard, seasoned woods. Sparks from softer woods like cedar can increase the danger of igniting something nearby. Don’t use liquid fuels, even lighter fluid, to get your fire going. And don’t burn paper, cardboard, leaves, garbage, etc. If you have a metal fire pit, don’t overload it and always use the included safety screen. Is the fire out? When you’re done, spread out the ashes and let them cool off for a bit. Then gently pour water or sand over them. Stick around for a little while to watch for flare-ups. We want you to have plenty of nice, warm nights — without getting burned. Here’s to making memories around the fire! This article provided courtesy of Safeco Insurance. ...
read moreFrozen Pipes
A good article from our Friends at Safeco Insurance… Don’t Let the Cold Get to Your Pipes This Winter It’s hard to think of a worse start to a winter day in Mid-west than turning on the faucet and … nothing. Maybe there’s a trickle of water, but it’s clear you have a frozen pipe. So, what now? Here are some smart tips to help you prevent or address what could easily become a very messy and expensive situation: See to your outdoor water lines: Before cold weather arrives, drain water sprinkler and swimming pool supply lines, and remove, drain and store outdoor hoses. If possible, close inside valves supplying outdoor hose bibs, and open the outside hose bibs for draining. Keep them open so any remaining water can expand without breaking the pipe. If you can’t shut off the water from the inside, pick up some foam faucet covers. Keep your home warm: Maintain an interior temperature of at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit, even when you’re sleeping or not at home. Seal any drafts and leave interior doors open to help keep an even temperature from room to room. Tend to those pipes: Leave the cabinet doors open in the kitchen and bathroom so your pipes aren’t shut off from the warm air. You can also insulate your pipes with sleeves, heat tape or heat cable. Insulation is especially important in unheated areas, such as your attic, basement, garage or crawl space, and for pipes running along exterior walls. During severe cold spells, you may want to leave all faucets, both hot and cold, running at a slight trickle. Call in a professional: Frozen water in your pipes can cause them to burst, meaning you’ll have a mess on your hands once that water unthaws. So, act quickly to shut off your main water supply, and call in a licensed plumber to see to the situation. Finally, be sure to touch base with us at Insurance Consultants, Inc. to check whether you’re covered for the damage a frozen pipe may cause. We’re happy to answer all of your policy questions this winter, and...
read moreThe Right Car Seat for Your Child
A good article from our friends at Safeco Insurance The Right Car Seat for Your Child Infant-only, convertible, all-in-one – many soon-to-be parents in Missouri don’t know where to begin when it comes to car seats. And, each choice has advantages and disadvantages. Here are five things to keep in mind, from shopping to installation, to help you find the right seat for your precious cargo: Know the pros and cons of each seat type. Children usually outgrow infant-only seats within the first year. However, they offer a snug fit and allow you to quickly snap the baby carrier in and out. Convertible seats and all-in-ones have a longer life, but they sometimes aren’t as convenient. Both transform into forward-facing seats, and an all-in-one seat becomes a booster, as well. Know when to use each type. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recommends using a rear-facing seat for as long as possible — through 12 months of age, at minimum. After kids reach the limits of rear-facing seats, often between ages 1-3, switch to forward-facing. When they outgrow those, usually between ages 4-7, it’s time for a booster. Finally, when a seat belt fits properly without a booster, your child is done with special seats! (They should still ride in back, though.) Don’t accept a used car seat unless you know everything about it. It should be within its service life (look for the expiration in the manual or on the seat) and not have been involved in an accident that caused injuries or forced air bags to deploy. And, of course, it should not be included in any recalls. Before you install, read the instructions. Seats should be secured in the back seat with anchors or a seat belt. When you’re done, get a free inspection to check your handiwork, if possible. Check the fit. Harness straps should be flat and placed through the slot either at or below your child’s shoulders (rear-facing) or at or above the shoulders (forward-facing). When the harness and chest clip are secured, make sure no extra material can be pinched at the shoulder. Knowing your child is secure in the back seat helps you focus on distraction-free driving in the front. Your car insurance also offers peace of mind when you’re on the road. If it’s been awhile since your last insurance check-up, give us a call today. We’ll help ensure you have the right...
read moreCarbon Monoxide Safety
A good article from our friends at Safeco Insurance Protect your family from the ‘silent killer’ Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless, invisible gas that results when certain fuels do not burn completely. And it can be deadly. That’s why it’s important to know how to prevent it, detect it, and protect yourself and your family from its effects. In the home, carbon monoxide is most commonly formed by flames and heaters, as well as vehicles or generators that are running in an attached garage. As temperatures drop and more people are cranking the heat and hovering over the stove inside and warming up the car’s engine before hitting the road, it’s especially critical to ensure your family’s safety against this lethal gas. Since carbon monoxide cannot be detected without a carbon monoxide detection device, it is essential to install and maintain one or more detectors in your home. Detector Tips At Insurance Consultants, Inc., we want you and your family to stay protected, so check out the following tips for safeguarding your household. The International Association of Fire Chiefs recommends a carbon monoxide detector on every floor of your home, including the basement. A detector should be located within 10 feet of each bedroom door, and there should be one near or over any attached garage. Each detector should be replaced every five to six years. Battery-only carbon monoxide detectors tend to go through batteries more frequently than expected. Plug-in detectors with a battery backup (for use if power is interrupted) provide less battery-changing maintenance. Thoroughly read the installation manual that comes with the individual detector you purchase. Manufacturers’ recommendations differ to a certain degree based on research conducted with detectors for specific brands. Remember that carbon monoxide detectors do not serve as smoke detectors and vice versa. You can, however, purchase a dual smoke/carbon monoxide detector that can perform both functions. Do not install carbon monoxide detectors next to fuel-burning appliances, as these appliances may emit a small amount of carbon monoxide upon startup. In case of exposure At Insurance Consultants, Inc., we hope you never have to use the following tips from the Mayo Clinic, but please read on for good information that could help save a life. If you suspect that you or someone you know has been exposed to carbon monoxide, check for the following symptoms: dull headache weakness dizziness nausea vomiting shortness of breath confusion loss of consciousness If any of the symptoms exist, move the individual into fresh air and seek emergency medical care immediately....
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