Blog

Staying Safe on Fourth of July

July 4, 2020 Karen O'Connor

For most of us, the Fourth of July is a time to enjoy the company of family and friends, having fun and creating memories. We may celebrate differently this year, but inevitably fireworks will be going off. Here is a running list of events that have been canceled this year. If you do venture out this holiday, practice social distancing and check local rules about wearing a face covering in public places.

Homes each year in Missouri are damaged by wayward fireworks, and thousands of people are injured in accidents. 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.

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 a little common sense and a healthy appreciation for how explosive fireworks can be, you can have a safe (but still fun) Fourth of July.

What Car Drivers Need to Know About Motorcycles

June 8, 2020 Karen O'Connor

Summer is almost here, which means you’ll likely see more motorcycles on the road. And the key word here is “see.” People driving cars and trucks often fail to notice the motorcyclists around them, partly because they’re not accustomed to looking for them.

It’s obvious yet bears repeating: Motorcyclists are much more vulnerable than car and truck drivers and passengers. Not only are there many more cars and trucks on the road, but there’s no such thing as a “fender bender” for a motorcyclist. Even a low-speed collision can seriously injure a rider, not to mention total the bike, so it’s important to always give motorcycles extra space and an extra look.

Below are six tips to help you safely share the road with motorcyclists.

Objects in mirror. The object in your mirror may be closer than it appears — especially if it’s a motorcycle. Due to its size, it can be harder to determine how close a motorcycle is and how fast it’s moving. When turning into traffic, always estimate a bike to be closer than it appears to avoid forcing a rider to quickly hit the brakes — or worse.

Watch left turns. One of the most common motorcycle accidents involves a car making a left turn directly in front of a bike at an intersection. Give yourself an extra moment to look specifically for motorcycles coming toward you when turning into traffic.

Double-check your blind spot. Carefully checking your blind spot before changing lanes is always a good idea. When it comes to motorcycles, it’s critical. A bike can be easily obscured in the blind spot, hidden behind your car’s roof pillars, or blend in with cars in other lanes, so make a habit of checking carefully before changing lanes. Plus, always use your turn signal.

Don’t tailgate. This is another general rule for all drivers, but it’s especially important when following a motorcycle. Be aware that many riders decrease speed by downshifting or easing off the throttle, so you won’t see any brake lights even though they are slowing down. Following at least three seconds behind the bike should give you enough time and space to safely slow down or stop when necessary.

Stay in your lane. Obviously, motorcycles don’t take up an entire lane the way cars or trucks do. But that doesn’t mean you can cozy up and share a lane with a bike. Just because the rider may be hugging one side of the lane doesn’t mean you can move into that space. Riders are likely doing this to avoid debris, oil on the road, or a pothole, so a bit of mild swerving within the lane can be expected. Do not crowd into the lane with a bike.

Think about motorcycles. Making a habit of always checking for bikes when you drive will make the above tips second nature and make you a better driver. To personalize it, think about your friends and family members who ride bikes and then drive as if they are on the road with you. Motorcyclists — and everyone else — will thank you.

Employee Spotlight: Liz Smith

October 28, 2019 Rachel V

How did you get into the insurance industry?

I answered an ad for a policy typist with an insurance company in 1984, and then eventually moved up to handling auto, homeowner, and first-party liability claims. After the company reorganized and downsized fourteen years later, I began my career on the insurance agency side of the business with O’Connor Insurance Agency (just celebrated 20 years with them!) handling claims and working with Cheryl O’Connor on our condominium business. As the condominium book of business grew, my focus and responsibility was solely within that niche.

What is one piece (or a couple pieces) of advice you give your clients?

Read your policies. Always call your agent with any questions or concerns about your coverage – that’s what they are there for. You don’t want any surprises at the time of a loss.

What’s something you do outside of work that would surprise your co-workers or clients?

My coworkers know everything about me. Maybe they do not know that I enjoy volunteering on the weekends at races, walks, or other events (just to get a free t-shirt). It gets me involved in the community, plus the opportunity to meet new and exciting people.

Also, I know they know this, but I am the best mother and grandmother in the world. If they don’t know it, I tell them.

Employee Spotlight: Russell Weber

July 31, 2019 Rachel V

How did you get into the insurance industry?

My sister helped me get a job in the mail room with General Accident. This was the first time I had an opportunity for a career as opposed to just a job. From the onset, I took advantage of every educational opportunity that was given to me and worked my way through accounting, rating and ultimately obtained the Commercial Underwriting position before General Accident was acquired. I was then hired by O’Connor Insurance some 20+ years ago and continued to increase my knowledge. “If you have a job to do you have to do it well!” There is no point at which you have learned all there is to learn.

What is one piece (or a couple pieces) of advice you give your clients?

Know what can happen and then decide how to deal with that threat. To simply hope it doesn’t happen or deal with it if it does can lead to financial ruin. I do not believe in hard selling, but simply try to let you know what can happen and the potential impact so you can make an informed decision on how best to deal with that exposure. If you choose not to insure that is fine, but that choice should be made after a cost/benefit analysis proves the potential impact justifies retaining that exposure. Also, there is no apples for apples. If you go to buy a car and one costs $10,000 and the other $50,000 you are probably getting something much more desirable with the greater cost. The same is true of insurance – focus on coverage first before comparing cost. Savings will be meaningless in the event a claim is denied that could have easily been covered for more premium.

What’s something you do outside of work that would surprise your co-workers or clients?

I consider myself to be reasonably gifted with words and write poetry with children’s poems being my favorite genre. However, I will write about anything that instills passion.

Protecting Your Pups During the Dog Days of Summer

July 22, 2019 Rachel V

Now that the fourth of July fireworks have died down, your pet is probably finally starting to relax. But with temperatures creeping up, we want to give you a refresher course on keeping your pups safe in the heat.

Trim, but don’t shave their fur. Fur actually protects dogs from sunburn and overheating, so don’t cut their hair too short during the summer months. Some short-haired dogs even need sunscreen!

Make sure they have plenty of water. Just like us, dogs need extra fluid in warmer months, so make sure their water bowl stays full. Try adding ice cubes on especially hot days for a fun treat.

Know what overheating looks like. The ASPCA says, “excessive panting or difficulty breathing, increased heart and respiratory rate, drooling, mild weakness, stupor or even collapse” can all be signs of overheating. Additionally, symptoms can also include “seizures, bloody diarrhea and vomit along with an elevated body temperature of over 104 degrees.”

Do not leave them in the car. If you’ve ever sat down on a leather seat in July, you know it gets very toasty. Our furry friends cannot sweat, so it becomes even more dangerous for them to be left in a hot car. Temperatures inside a vehicle can easily reach three-digit temperatures even if the outside temperature isn’t that hot.

Check the sidewalks when you walk. Asphalt and concrete get incredibly hot when it’s sunny, and since most dogs don’t wear shoes everywhere, their paws are at risk of serious burns. When you walk your dog, put your hand on the surface – if you can barely hold it there without discomfort, maybe try a walk in a grassy park or wait until the sun isn’t so high in the sky.

We hope the rest of your summer is filled with fun times for you and your pet. If you have any questions regarding pet insurance, please call our office – we’d love to help.

O’Connor Insurance Honored with Lifetime Achievement Award

June 21, 2019 Rachel V

The Heartland Chapter of Community Association Institute (CAI) recently presented a lifetime achievement award to O’Connor Insurance Agency in honor of the contributions and leadership to CAI by the late Robert D. O’Connor, agency founder.

Mr. O’Connor was also a founding member of the original Community Association Institute in St. Louis, MO. Accepting on behalf of O’Connor Insurance Agency is Mr. O’Connor’s daughter, Karen Corrigan, current agency President.

Ten Tips to Get You Ready for Boating Season

June 18, 2019 Rachel V

Memorial Day seems to be the unofficial day to break out the watercrafts and boats. Before you get too far in the season, though, make sure you’ve done a thorough pre-season check. From the engine and propeller down to your trailer, a little preparation as you get your boat out of storage can help you start off the season right — and get the most out of your time on board.

Here are ten tips from Discover Boating to get you started:

1. Check your safety gear. Do you have enough life jackets? Are they in good shape? What about onboard fire extinguishers? Are your navigation lights working?

2. Consider adding safety items. Should disaster strike, an emergency position indicating radio beacon can help rescuers find you and your boat. If you have an enclosed space on the boat, you should have a carbon-monoxide detector.

3. Examine your fuel system. Any leaks or damage should be addressed immediately.

4. Look at all belts, hoses and cables. Those that appear brittle or cracked most likely need to be replaced.

5. Check fluid levels, such as engine oil. Change or add as needed.

6. Have your battery and electrical system checked. Look for corrosion on your electrical connections.

7. Make sure your propeller isn’t banged up. Dings and distortion can cause vibration, as well as damage your drive train.

8. Look at the hull for blisters and cracks. Repair or patch damage, and make sure to use an environmentally safe solution when washing the exterior and interior.

9. Don’t forget the trailer. Treat your trailer with as much care as you show your boat. Inspect the hubs occasionally, and check your lights before every trip. If you go boating in salt water, give the trailer a very good rinse afterward.

10. Don’t forget insurance, either! It’s a good idea to check your coverage as you head into boating season, too. Just give us a call, and we can help you with a quick insurance review.

There’s nothing quite like a sunny – and safe – day on our lakes and rivers in Missouri. We’ll see you out there!

Employee Spotlight: Jacque Brandel

May 31, 2019 Rachel V

1) How did you get into the insurance industry?

I began in the insurance industry in 1999, out of need. I was transitioning from college and working part-time jobs, entering the “real world” and finding a career. I started by running a small captive agents office. At that time, I knew very little about the industry, but my then mentor assured me that if I worked hard and learned fast, I could go far in this business. Out of that, my passion for insurance grew!

2) What is one piece (or a couple pieces) of advice you give your clients?

You can never have too much coverage. Just make sure it’s the proper coverage, and to always read through your policies.

3) What’s something you do outside of work that would surprise your co-workers or clients?

I’m pretty much an open book with my co-workers and they know my current and past lives. However, it might be interesting for my clients to know that, once upon a time, I practiced with a local roller derby league.

The Dangers of Distracted Driving

April 30, 2019 Rachel V

Next time you’re reading a book, stand up and try to walk around while doing so. It’s tougher than you’d think, right? Simply reading and responding to texts, checking the weather, or putting in an address into GPS while driving creates an even more distracting environment.

We know that accidents caused by distractions are severely underreported, but we do know that at least a thousand people are injured each day by distracted drivers, with nine of those people dying. Drivers between the ages 18-24 are at the most risk, and startlingly 20% of that age group does not see texting while driving as a distraction.

So what can we do?

1) It should go without saying, but just wait until you park to do anything with your phone.

2) Teach teen drivers the importance of paying attention to the road at all times. If you have a specific worry with your child, research blocking programs that shut down text functions while a vehicle is in motion.

3) Take the safe driving pledge as a family. Younger kids may get a kick out of being on “cell phone/distraction” patrol in the car.

4) Spread the word! If you’re in a car where someone is texting and driving, let them know it’s not safe. Sure, you may feel funny at first, but safety is so much more important than being a little awkward.

We still aren’t sure exactly how many accidents are caused by distracted driving, but we do know that putting any distractions down while behind the wheel WILL lower your risk of being involved in a fatal car accident. So take the pledge and advocate for safer roads.

Employee Spotlight: Stacy Sapienza

March 30, 2019 Rachel V

How did you get into insurance?

I kind of just “fell into it. “ I was hired at an agency to do the social media. I wanted to get my insurance license, took the test, passed and the rest is history. That was in 2014. My parents (even step-parents) were all in insurance and it is one field I never thought I would go into.

What is one thing you do outside of work that would surprise your clients?

I am a hockey mom. Both of my boys play hockey so naturally I spend most of my outside of work time getting them to and from practices and games.

What’s the one piece of advice you give all of your clients?

Not many clients know me yet since I’m still new-ish to the O’Connor staff, my advice would be: Ask questions if you don’t understand the coverage so you know what you are paying for. Insurance isn’t easy to understand but a good agent will make it a less painful experience.