Safety Archives - Page 3 of 6 - O'Connor Insurance Agency

How Safe Are Your Valuables?

October 25, 2016 Karen O'Connor

Think fast – your tax return from 2012, where is it? How about your grandmother’s diamond watch? Is it in a secure place?

Having a home safe means that not only are important documents and valuables protected from fire and theft, but that you also know exactly where they are when you need them. But is a home safe or a safe-deposit box (or both) right for you? Let’s take a look at the advantages, disadvantages, and uses of each.

Home Safes

Advantages: They help protect against fire and theft and give you the ability to quickly and easily find important documents and other items.
Disadvantages: If the safe can be easily pried open or carried off, your valuables aren’t actually all that safe.
What to keep inside: Documents and other things you access regularly or might need to find quickly, such as insurance policies, medical information, investment and bank documents, wills, safe-deposit box keys, passports, fine jewelry, etc.

Safe-Deposit Boxes

Advantages: A secure location within the bank vault makes theft very unlikely, unless someone gains access to your key. Banks likely have a lower risk of fire and other incidents than your home as well.
Disadvantages: You have to leave home to access important documents or valuables, and can do so only during bank business hours. There’s typically a monthly or annual cost, rather than the one-time purchase of a home safe. You’ll also likely need to have an account with the bank in order to rent a safe-deposit box.
What to keep inside: Original documents (car titles, property deeds, etc.), valuables that you don’t often display or access, your home inventory, etc.

Whichever you choose, it’s sure to beat that shoe box you’re using now to store important documents. However, neither is a substitute for having your valuables properly insured. Give us a call today at 314.434.0038 to talk about your personal property coverage!

Seven Tips to Help You Handle Rainy Days Behind the Wheel

October 18, 2016 Karen O'Connor

At some point, every driver has to deal with rainy weather. But many don’t know what to do, so they just drive as they normally would.

However, with slick roads, flooded streets and reduced visibility, that mentality can be a recipe for disaster. So instead, follow these simple tips for safer rainy day travels.

Stay visible. Turn on your headlights so you can see and be seen more easily.

Be patient. Give yourself more time to get where you’re going and give people more room. Increase your following distance two to three times.

Expect slippery conditions. Rain often combines with oil and grease buildup to create slick roadways. Not to mention you can hydroplane meaning your tires are riding on water instead of pavement at speeds of as little as 35 mph. If it happens, slow down, gently apply your brakes and keep steering straight ahead.

Check your car’s systems. How are your wipers? Do your blades need to be replaced? What about your defroster? Driving in the rain is hard enough – don’t do it with fogged-up windows, too.

Inspect your tires. Are they inflated properly? Do you have enough tread? Put an upside-down penny into the tread. If you can see Lincoln’s entire head, you probably need new tires.

Never drive in flooded areas. In a flood, it won’t take much water to sweep you away, believe it or not just 12 inches for a smaller car or 24 inches for almost any vehicle, according to the National Weather Service, which advises, turn around, don’t drown.

Get (or stay) off the road. When conditions are really bad, pull over and take a break. Or, if you can, just stay home. You’ll probably be happier to stay out of the weather anyway! And you’re certainly likely to be safer.

With a little extra care, you can help keep your car on the road and your rainy day blues to a minimum even while traveling in wet conditions. And, as always, if something does go wrong, we’re here to help guide you through it.

Four Ways to Help Pets During Severe Weather

September 29, 2016 Karen O'Connor

You’ve got an emergency plan for your family in case extreme weather or a natural disaster forces you to live without power, or worse, evacuate your home. (If not, learn how to create one at Ready.gov/make-a-plan.) But, what about planning for your pets?

They’re likely to be frightened and in need of some special care. Here are four tips for helping your furry friends weather an emergency:

Set aside emergency pet supplies. Include bottled water, medications, vet records (a boarding facility may require them), a carrier, a blanket, food and a food dish, and other items, depending on your pets’ needs. Don’t forget newspapers in case they are unable to go outside to do their business. For particularly scared pets, investing in a Thunder Coat or doggie chill pills may save them unneeded stress.
Plan for their shelter. If the safest place for you during a severe storm is the basement, then that’s the safest place for your pets, too. Don’t leave them outside or corral too many pets into a small area. Even if they typically get along, the stress of the situation may cause them to act out.
Identify places to go in case of evacuation. Think of hotels that accept pets, or of friends and family who are nearby. Make a list of their phone numbers and addresses, as well as those of a local boarding facility in case you need to stay in a shelter that doesn’t allow pets. Work out a buddy system with neighbors to see that animals are evacuated in the event one of you is not home. Remember, dogs can’t sweat if the air conditioner is out, it means you and the family are sweaty, but for a dog, the heat could be more dangerous.
Don’t let pets roam freely, even after things calm down. Fences could be down, as well as power lines, and there could be other hazards on the ground. Pets may still be frightened enough to run off, so keep them close and keep an eye on them. Furthermore, changes in their environment and routine could cause them to act unexpectedly. For more specialized or larger pets, talk to your veterinarian about their needs during an emergency. And be sure all pets have proper identification. Your current phone number and/or address should be on their collars or tags, as well as on microchips. At O’Connor Insurance, we love our pets like family, so let’s keep them safe.

Three Important Things to Know About Fire Extinguishers

September 20, 2016 Karen O'Connor

Whether your home is a three-story Tudor, a skyline-grazing apartment, or an RV on wheels, you need at least one fire extinguisher for it. But if you don’t have the right one (or you haven’t checked it recently) you may have a false sense of security rather than a fire-fighting device.

There are a few important things to know about fire extinguishers, but they aren’t complicated. Here are three things to help you get up to speed:

There are extinguishers for each type of fire. Class A: ordinary combustibles, such as wood; Class B: flammable liquids or gasses, such as gasoline or propane; Class C: energized electrical equipment like appliances; Class D: combustible metals; and Class K: cooking oils and greases. An extinguisher that isn’t rated for the fire you’re trying to fight likely won’t help.
Multipurpose extinguishers are widely available. Typically rated for Class A, B, and C fires, they are good for most living areas and also work on small grease fires. You need at least one for each level of your home, and one in the garage is a good idea, too. Store them in an accessible area and inspect them regularly for rust and other damage. Also follow any maintenance instructions included with the device. Some need to be shaken regularly, for example.
Remember “P.A.S.S.” when you use your extinguisher. Pull the pin. Aim the nozzle at the fire’s base. Squeeze the lever. Sweep the nozzle back and forth. And always keep your back to an exit when fighting a fire. You need to be able to escape quickly if necessary.

Even more important than knowing how to use your fire extinguisher is knowing when not to use it. If you’d be putting yourself at risk trying to fight a fire, leave the area immediately. You should already have a family fire escape plan in place, so don’t hesitate to use it if there’s any question about your safety.

After all, your life is irreplaceable. Your insurance, however, can help you rebuild your home and replace your belongings. If you’d like to check up on your coverage, give us a call today at 314.434.0038.

Tips for Staying Cyber Safe on the Road

September 13, 2016 Karen O'Connor

Next week marks the last official week of summer vacation. It is likely also the beginning of your “back to work” business travel. Business travelers should note these specific precautions when conducting business transactions from the road, especially if you are likely to be more focused on the speed of getting things done rather than security.

Be vigilant when using public Wi-Fi networks available from airports, hotels or coffee shops. Identity thieves can easily access your device through this type of network and install malware. There are many alternatives to using public hotspots, such as using your mobile phone as a secure personal hotspot or using a Virtual Private Network (VPN).
Certainly, if you are sending critical email messages and attachments while on the road, be sure that you are using an encryption method when they contain sensitive client or strategic information. It’s especially easy for Internet criminals to intercept emails originating from public or open networks.
Consider using a privacy filter on your laptop screen when you are in a public place. Your information could be stolen as easily as someone looking over your shoulder in a crowded airport terminal or on a plane.
Don’t leave devices unlocked in the hotel restaurant or even in your hotel room. It only takes a minute for a hacker to insert a thumb drive into your computer and install malware.
Be sure to log out of your web-based email accounts (Outlook Online, Gmail, etc.) when using hotel computers to check your email or print your boarding pass; and remember to empty the recycle bin when you delete any files containing sensitive information on a shared computer.
Bring your own charging devices. Public charging stations can be infected with malware that can steal your data, delete your data or hold your data ransom.
Turn off auto-location settings from non-critical apps. And turn off Bluetooth so that your device is not “discoverable.” Hackers can hack your phone using malware built to specifically target mobile phones. You can prevent this by setting your Bluetooth settings to not “discoverable.”
Delete any flashlight apps you might have. Research discovered that the top 10 Android flashlight apps are all monitoring user data including location, contacts, banking information and photos. Read the privacy policy and terms and conditions before downloading any flashlight apps. If they are asking for permissions that a flashlight shouldn’t really need, then don’t download.

This article was first published by RPost and is published here with permission from the site.

Five Dos and Don'ts of Flying a Drone

August 23, 2016 Karen O'Connor

Drones are exploding in popularity in St. Louis, and so are the news stories about someone flying too close to a commercial aircraft or shooting down a drone. While the aerial cameras are fun to fly and help photographers get some incredible pictures, they can also be a nuisance. These are real incidents, but with these five dos and don’ts of drone operation, you don’t have to experience one.

Do: Know your drone and your capabilities. Practice your maneuvering skills, including safe landings, in an open field or empty parking lot. You could even join a local club to learn how to fly. Once you do, be sure to stay away from people, wildlife, public events and, yes, your neighbor’s pool party.

Don’t: Forget to register your drone. In the eyes of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), your drone isn’t a toy. It’s an Unmanned Aircraft System, one you need to register with the agency.

Don’t: Fly above 400 feet or within 5 miles of an airport. If you do, you’ll violate FAA guidelines. Though flying near an airport may be possible after first obtaining clearance from the facility and control tower.

Do: Get authorization for commercial use. If you use a drone for commercial purposes, such as taking photos for your real-estate business, you must get FAA authorization first. Just using a drone for personal recreation? No authorization required.

Do: Understand the risks. Drones can weigh up to 55 pounds, so there’s the potential for them to cause some serious damage, damage for which you might be liable. However, not all homeowners insurance policies provide liability coverage for hobby or model aircraft. Give us a call to find out what kind of coverage you might have.

Hey, we get it. Drones are affordable, fun to fly, and have a number of interesting uses, such as aerial photography. Just remember to be smart and safe while yours is in the sky. And, if you’re being impacted by someone else’s drone use, it’s best to talk it through. Because we here at O’Connor Insurance don’t want to see you on the local news!

How to Check Your Property for Damage After a Storm

August 16, 2016 Karen O'Connor

When a big storm hits in St. Louis, you hunker down inside, relying on your home to protect you and your family. Once that storm passes, though, it’s time to repay the favor – identifying damage and protecting your home from further issues.

The National Storm Damage Center has a number of resources and tips for homeowners. Here are four major things we recommend checking after a storm:

Your roof: If you see holes, split seams, or missing shingles on your roof or if you notice leaking inside or out, it’s a good idea to have a qualified inspector come assess the situation.

Your exterior: Siding, brick, and stucco are all vulnerable to storm damage. You’ll want to look for cracking, chipping, or dings and dents in siding, and for holes in stucco. Look closely and at different times of the day. Some homeowners don’t notice damage until it’s too late to file a claim, and different lighting can reveal damage you didn’t see before.

Driveways and walkways: Cracking and splitting can create safety hazards, as well as reduce the lifespan of the concrete.

Trees: According to the National Storm Damage Center, fallen trees and limbs cause more than $1 billion in damage annually. Check roofs, vehicles, fences, and machinery for fallen limbs that may have caused damage or could pose a risk. Clean up what you safely can and rely on a reputable tree removal service to handle the rest. Depending on the circumstances, your homeowners insurance policy may help with tree removal and damage repair costs – if you experience a covered loss, that is.

A few more helpful tips:

Keep trees well maintained and trimmed. Also notify neighbors if you see any overhanging branches on any of theirs. Remember, just because it is their tree doesn’t mean it can’t fall on your power lines.

Know your insurance. Take a look at your policy so you know what’s covered and what your limits and deductibles are; this will prevent any surprises during the claims process.
Take pictures. Photographs can help you show the cause and extent of any storm damage that occurs.

Of course, if you’ve suffered through a major storm, don’t hesitate to call us at 314.434.0038 for help with an insurance claim or with finding a professional property inspector.

A Few Tips for the College-Bound

July 26, 2016 Karen O'Connor

Chances are, if you have a child going into college this fall, your summer has been full of shopping lists, campus visits, and worrying. College is expensive enough without the added cost of unexpected accidents or theft, not covered by your insurance policy. If you have a student heading away to school, below are a few tips to help you get the most out of your coverage.

HOMEOWNERS (varies by state)

Personal Property: Most homeowners policies will cover personal property for up to 10% of the personal property limit on your policy while your child is residing at school (a $100,000 limit equals $10,000 in coverage). Not all types of damage are covered, so read your policy carefully. Renters insurance is strongly recommended when a house or apartment is rented.
Liability Coverage: General damage to a dorm room or apartment is not usually covered.
Documentation: Creating an inventory of the items your child is taking to school is a good idea. Use photographs and keep receipts.

AUTO (varies by state)

Car Stays Home: Keep your child listed on your auto policy if they will still drive your car while at home on school breaks.
Car at School: Make sure to notify us if your child will be taking a car away to school. In most cases, if the car is registered to you and listed on your policy, it will be covered.
Driving a Friend’s Car: Students are generally covered if they are listed on their parent’s policy and are not regularly using the vehicle. The coverage would be secondary. The insurance for the friend’s vehicle would be the primary coverage.
Discounts: A full-time student meeting certain academic requirements can qualify for a good student discount. Distant student discounts may also be available. Drivers under 21 who have completed driver’s education may also get a discount.

Before your child leaves for school, call us at 314.434.0038 or email us at info@www.oconnor-ins.com. We can walk you through the steps to ensure you have the right coverage. We’re here to help!

Cruising for a Good Time: 4 Safety Tips for Your Next Cruise

July 19, 2016 Karen O'Connor

In any given year, more than 20 million passengers across the globe set sail on a cruise, according to the Cruise Lines International Association. If you plan to join them this summer, here are four common sense tips to help ensure your journey is a happy one:

Don’t skip the safety drill. Most cruises begin with a muster drill, where you’ll learn where your lifeboat is, how to put on a life jacket, and what the ship’s alarms sound like. Pay attention, even if you think you’ve heard it all before. Also, establish a good rapport with your cabin steward – remembering his or her name after your initial introduction is a good start.
Keep it clean. You’ve no doubt heard about cruise ship outbreaks. Do your part to help prevent one by washing your hands regularly. If the ship also happens to have hand sanitizer dispensers at strategic locations, such as dining room entrances, use them. Or carry your own.
Secure your valuables. Your cabin’s small safe is a useful place to stash such items as cash, tickets, passports, and small electronic devices. But remember that numerous crew members have access to bypass codes for room safes (in case passengers forget their codes). If you have especially valuable items (jewelry for formal nights, for example) visit the administration desk and ask to store them in the ship’s safe.
Enjoy all things in moderation. There are ample opportunities to drink on a cruise ship, and a strong temptation to take advantage of them. After all, you’re on vacation, and you’re certainly not going to be driving. But, alcohol can impair your safety and judgment in key situations, such as walking back to your cabin during rocky seas. Also, be mindful of limiting your sun exposure and using sunscreen.

As you’ve perhaps realized by now, awareness and common sense are always the best guides for smooth sailing – on land or sea. Don’t forget preparedness – you may want to consider travel insurance to protect the investment you’re making in your trip.

Finally, if you’d like to review your personal property coverage for the valuable items you’ll be taking, don’t hesitate to give us a call at 314.434.0038. Knowing your belongings are covered will help you make the most of the experience.

Clean Your Way to a Longer-Lasting Car

July 12, 2016 Karen O'Connor

Motor vehicle corrosion is a billion-dollar problem in the United States, according to the Federal Highway Administration. And, no wonder. Road salt, tree sap, mud, pollution and even dead bugs and bird poop all contribute to a year-round assault on your vehicle in St. Louis, potentially leading to serious damage and pre-mature aging.

Safety is also an issue. Grime across your windshield and windows restricts visibility in all directions, and even a light coating of dust or pollen can impair your vision, especially at night or when driving into the sun’s glare.

That’s why we encourage you to visit your local car wash regularly. Washing your car removes dirt, residues, and pollutants that degrade your paint finish and corrode the underlying metal. It’s like anti-aging cosmetics for your automobile!

But, is hand washing at home or visiting a commercial car wash your best bet? While both lead to a clean vehicle, you’ll cut your water usage in half by going to a commercial facility and help keep toxins and soap away from street drains, which can lead to local waterways. As a bonus, some commercial facilities recycle their water.

No matter which method you choose, these five tips will help you get the most out of your car-cleaning routine:

Wash often. The longer tree sap, dead bugs, and other gunk sit atop your paint, the more damage they can cause.
Avoid abrasive soaps, cloths, and sponges that can grind dirt deeper into your paint finish.
Wash the undercarriage thoroughly to help prevent rust, especially after driving on road salt in the winter.
Don’t forget the headlights. When you’re driving at night, in the rain or through an unfamiliar neighborhood, you want every lumen of illumination you can muster.
Consider eco-friendly car soaps, such as biodegradable or waterless products, to help lighten the environmental impact of washing your car more often.

And, when you’re all done? Finish up with a good waxing to give your car extra protection and shine.