When winter weather strikes, drivers face out-of-the-ordinary challenges when they get behind the wheel. Snow, slush or icy roads are involved in nearly one in four weather related vehicle crashes.1 These conditions can make it harder for drivers to see, slow down and stop – all factors that can increase the chances of an accident.
If you must travel during winter weather, preparing your car in advance, knowing the forecast and driving based on road conditions are three key ways to help you drive more safely. Following are some winter driving safety tips to help you prepare for the elements – before you face them – on the road.
Preparing your vehicle
As temperatures start to drop, it’s time to make sure your car is stocked with a winter driving survival kit, including an ice scraper, a snow shovel and sand or road salt. This way, you’ll be prepared if winter weather arrives while you’re away from home. It’s also a good time to check your tires to determine whether it’s time to replace them or whether you need snow tires.
A few habits to adopt regularly during the winter months can also help prepare you for a wintry drive. Keep your windshield wipers in good condition and your windshield fluid reservoir filled so you can clear snow and ice from your windshield. Make it a practice to keep your gas tank full so you can run your engine and stay warm if you get stuck or stranded.
Keeping your gas tank full in extended cold weather can also help minimize the amount of water vapor in your tank, which can freeze when temperatures drop. In addition to keeping the tank full, consider keeping your vehicle in a garage and using fuel additives such as dry gas to help eliminate water vapor that could freeze in your gas lines. You should also either drive or run your car in a well-ventilated area at least every few days to help avoid a dead battery, another cold weather concern.
Watching the weather
If you plan to travel when inclement weather looms, monitor road and weather conditions by checking local news stations or internet traffic and weather sites. You can sign up for weather alerts to receive text messages and optional alerts for your area. Do not check your phone while driving and avoid all unnecessary distractions when you’re behind the wheel.
Driving for winter conditions
Before you leave the driveway or parking lot, take time to clear snow and ice off your car, including your windows, mirrors, lights, reflectors, hood, roof and trunk. Drive with your headlights on and be sure to keep them clean to improve visibility. Use caution when snowbanks limit your view of oncoming traffic.
As you get on the road, remember that speed limits are meant for dry roads, not roads covered in snow and ice. You should reduce your speed and increase your following distance as road conditions and visibility worsen. Avoid using cruise control in snowy or icy conditions – you want to have as much control over your car as possible. Be cautious on bridges and overpasses as they are commonly the first areas to become icy. Avoid passing snowplows and sand trucks because the drivers may have limited visibility and the road in front of them could be worse than the road behind.
Breaking down or getting stuck
If you are unexpectedly caught in a snowstorm and are stranded or get stuck in snow, stay in your car and wait for help if your car is safely out of harm’s way. You can run the car heater to stay warm for 10 minutes every hour, but first, make sure your exhaust pipe is clear of snow. There is a danger of carbon monoxide poisoning if snow blocks the pipe and enables the deadly gas to build up in your car. Open your window slightly to help prevent any buildup.
Remember, driving in winter weather can be challenging, even for experienced drivers. Slowing down, allowing increased time to come to a stop, wearing your seatbelt, devoting your full attention to the road and being aware of changing conditions can help you drive more safely. If your travel route takes you into remote areas with limited cellphone coverage, consider informing a third party of your travel plans and share with them your route and when you plan to arrive. This way, if you are overdue, first responders will know where to start looking. If you’re unsure whether it is safe to drive, consider waiting until the roads improve.
Source 1http://ops.fhwa.dot.gov/weather/weather_events/snow_ice.htm Share on FacebookShare on XShare on LinkedInShare on PinterestShare with emailPrint this page
When the driveway and walkways are coated in a thick blanket of snow, it's time to get a shovel out for what some consider to be a dreaded chore. But before you tackle the first snowfall of the season, take some time to read these safety snow shoveling tips to help avoid any potential injuries.
Snow shoveling can lead to a number of health risks for many people, from back injuries to heart attacks. The mix of cold temperatures and physical exertion increases the workload on the heart,1 which may increase the risk of a heart attack for some. According to the American Heart Association, even walking through heavy, wet snow can place strain on your heart.
The following tips can help keep you safer when you set out to shovel:
• Warm up. Warm your muscles before heading out to shovel by doing some light movements, such as bending side to side or walking in place.
• Push rather than lift. Pushing the snow with the shovel instead of lifting can help reduce the strain on your body. When lifting snow, bend your knees and use your legs when possible.
• Choose your shovel wisely. Ergonomically designed shovels can help reduce the amount of bending you have to do.
• Lighten your load. Consider using a lighter-weight plastic shovel instead of a metal one to help decrease the weight being lifted.
• Hit the pause button. Pace yourself and be sure to take frequent breaks. Consider taking a break after 20 to 30 minutes of shoveling, especially when the snow is wet.
• Consider multiple trips. Consider shoveling periodically throughout the storm to avoid having to move large amounts of snow at once.
• Keep up with snowfall. Try to shovel snow shortly after it falls, when it's lighter and fluffier. The longer snow stays on the ground, the wetter it can become. Wet snow is heavier and harder to move.
• Wear layers. Dress in layers and remove them as you get warm to help maintain a comfortable body temperature.
• Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated while shoveling.
If you don't exercise on a regular basis, are middle-aged or older, or have any health conditions, such as heart disease or high blood pressure, you should check with your doctor before doing any strenuous shoveling. Consider using a snowblower or snow removal service as an alternative means of snow removal.
Snow and ice removal requirements
Snow and ice not only pose a potential risk to you but also to others. As a property owner, you're responsible for making a reasonable effort to keep public walking areas around your property clear of snow and ice. Pre-treating your walkways and other paved surfaces with an anti-icing product can help make snow and ice removal easier.
Consider stocking up on ice melt in advance, as it sometimes sells out during long winters. You can store unused ice melt in an airtight container, out of reach from children and pets. Be aware that rock salt can damage brick, stone, asphalt and concrete walkways.
Be sure to check your local codes and ordinances regarding snow and ice removal requirements.
Source 1American Heart Association – https://newsroom.heart.org/news/a-winter-wonderland can-turn-deadly-with-heart-attacks-brought-on-by-snow
You purchase home insurance and hopefully will never face a claim to your property. But statistically a homeowner files a claim ever 10 years.
When you deal with a claim, one of the biggest challenges is documenting home improvements and personal belongings. It is always a great idea to keep receipts on your larger purchases. Some people keep written records of their belongings too. But too often these records are kept at the residence. If there is a major fire at the residence, we see these records being destroyed.
The big challenge is preparing for a total loss of the home. You will need to document your property for the claim. This is difficult when dealing with the stress of the disaster, being displaced, and trying to remember what was in each room. Some claims can be open for several years as people remember what they owned.
If you own a video camera you could record each room and open every drawer to assist with your documentation. You should do the same for any outbuildings or storage units. Then take the recording off site for storage. Some people keep them at their office or in their safe deposit box.
Smartphones make it so easy now – take pictures, take videos, store it in the cloud.
Whichever way works best for you is great. Just make a commitment to get your property documented before a claim.
If you have any questions or need assistance with any insurance need, give us a call.
Happy New Year!
With the changing of the season, it is a good time to discuss homeowner coverages.
One important coverage that is commonly overlooked on homeowner insurance is Water and Sewer Service Line coverage.
The service line between the home and utility hookup is the homeowner’s responsibility for events such as breakage or blockage by tree roots. These types of events can cost thousands of dollars to repair.
This coverage is typically not included in the basic homeowner policy, but most carriers now offer an endorsement to add the coverage.
Give our office a call to discuss this important coverage for your account.
With the holidays behind us, some people might be enjoying the gift of a new pet. Whether it's a new pet or an old trusted friend, we have the best gift for them.
Get the best for your best friend.
Now offering policies for your pets. Coverage available for accidents and illnesses with the option to add preventive coverage for wellness exams, dental cleanings and vaccines. You have the freedom to choose your veterinarian or emergency clinic. No waiting period on most conditions.
Simply choose your annual limit of coverage, deductible, reimbursement amount and average coverage cost range from $30 - $60 a month. There are discounts for multiple pets. A small price to pay for unconditional love.
Save yourself the heartache of making difficult decision on your pet care due to the cost of treatment. Call today for a quote on your pets.
This month we would like to highlight Flood Insurance before the chance of storms begins this fall and winter.
With the recent wildfires in Washington State there is an increased risk of flooding since the vegetation is no longer available to soak up the rain. Now is the time to plan for this important coverage.
Many people think flood is not a threat to their property, almost nobody is immune. Flooding has affected 99% of US counties since 1996, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency. And even a little flood water can be highly destructive; FEMA says an inch can cause as much as $25,000 in damage. Most homeowner policies exclude coverage for Flood.
Don’t wait until the storm is coming to secure coverage. You’ll typically need to buy flood insurance at least 30 days in advance of a flood loss. Coverage is available for the structure and contents of a home or apartment.
This is a good time to do an insurance checkup. Give us a call to discuss Flood insurance or any of your insurance needs. We are here to help and advise.
Thank you and we hope you are keeping your family safe.
This month we would like to discuss Scheduled Personal Property.
With the holidays just around the corner and online shopping at hand, you need to be aware of limitations of coverage in your homeowner and renter’s insurance policies.
Most policies have internal limits for items such as: cash, jewelry, coins, stamps, guns, collectables, silverware, boats, trailer, etc.
If Santa brings you a gift in one of these categories, make sure you give us a call to discuss the appropriate coverage.
While the basic policy will limit these coverages, there are schedules available for purchase to provide this coverage. These schedules usually provide full value of the item without a deductible and broad coverage.
Let's keep the holidays merry and bright with the appropriate coverage for your gifts.
We appreciate your business and let us know if we can help any of your family or friends with their insurance needs.
This month we would like to feature Umbrella coverage.
Accidents happen! Are you and your family prepared if you unintentionally cause one? An Umbrella policy provides an extra layer of coverage, so if one of life’s surprises happens to you or a family member, you’re not caught off guard.
Most people think their biggest risk is an automobile accident. While an umbrella is important in protecting against lawsuit due to an automobile accident, there are many additional risks in everyone’s life. Imagine you are driving a few members of your child’s soccer team and have an accident or your new teen driver makes a mistake when driving. Or your big friendly dog knocks down an elderly neighbor who breaks a hip. What if you’re sued for something entirely frivolous? An Attorney charges $250/hr, but you can protect yourself for about that much money per year with umbrella insurance.
You don’t have to be a millionaire to be sued like it. Umbrella policies provide coverage of $1 million and higher, include defense cost on top of the limit of coverage and protect you worldwide. Give our agency a call to discuss or add this important family protection to your account.
Thank you for your business and remember referrals are the best compliment.
Stay safe!
How To Create a Home Inventory
If you experience a disaster and need to file a claim with an insurance company, it will be extremely helpful to have a completed inventory of your possessions. After the disaster, you’ll contact the insurance company to report details of the loss – but what will you tell them if you can’t remember what was in the house? If you have completed a home inventory, you’re way ahead of the game! Here’s how you can start:
Take a pen and paper. Find a seat and close your eyes. Now list everything in your home. An impossible task? Consider how hard it would be to do this after your home had taken a major hit in a disaster, and many or most of your possessions were gone.
What Is a Home Inventory?
A home inventory is simply a record of the contents of your home. The record can be in writing, on video, or a series of labeled photos. What’s most important is that a home inventory can serve as the basis for preparing a complete statement of losses if a disaster should strike, helping to get a claim processed more easily and quickly.