Safety Archives - Page 4 of 6 - O'Connor Insurance Agency

Travel Smarter with Your Smartphone

July 5, 2016 Karen O'Connor

Gone are the days when you had to take maps, a translation dictionary, and a bulky camera on international trips; instead, we now have all of that in one handy device: a smartphone. While they are (probably) the most useful piece of technology you own, there are a few considerations to make before taking your smartphone abroad.

Be Honest With Yourself. Do you really need a smartphone where you are travelling? Some trips, like backpacking or exploring a new city, necessitate it. Others, like a guided safari or group camping, really don’t. While it is always a good idea for one person to have an emergency phone, don’t waste your money on an international plan if you are going on a guided trip. You most likely won’t be sitting on your phone anyway on this sort of trip, and (believe it or not) cell service is pretty scarce in the middle of the Sahara.
Sign Up for an International Phone Plan. When I was in college, I went to South Africa for four months. It was amazing, but the accidental overages on my Verizon bill certainly were not. Though my parents were able to negotiate the charges down, international data and roaming can add THOUSANDS to your bill, which is probably pretty close to how much you paid for a plane ticket. Be smarter than I was and make sure your provider covers the area that you are going to; we were told I had an international plan that “wasn’t valid for South Africa” after I accrued overages.
Monitor Your Data. You just took the best picture of the Eiffel Tower and want to show all of your friends back home. You know you bought some international data, but how much does one photo upload actually use? Almost every phone will have the data meter under the “Settings” menu, and if you cannot find it, an app like NetCounter can save you immensely.
WiFi, especially free WiFi, is Your Best Friend. There are subscription services for international WiFi access (like Boingo), but I would reason that the average tourist has no need for these. Starbucks, McDonald’s, and even some bars and hostels have free WiFi, so keep an eye out.
Turn On Airplane Mode, Turn off Push Notifications. Airplane Mode keeps you from roaming, sending and receiving messages and data, and saves battery life. If you are using your phone predominantly as an alarm and camera while travelling, keep it on Airplane Mode. Most apps have an option for push notifications, or those things that alert you when someone likes your photo or when your Candy Crush energy is full. Those notifications use data, constantly. Go into your apps and turn off all alerts while travelling abroad to save your data.
Beef Up Your Security. These fall under the “things you should already be doing” label – set up a PIN or password for your phone, disable Bluetooth when not in use, and lock up your tech in the hotel’s safe if you leave without it. We all want to wish the best of people, but data gets stolen every day. Make sure it isn’t yours.

We at O’Connor Insurance hope your summer is full of exciting travel opportunities and memories.

Power Outages and Food Safety: Toss it or Keep it?

June 28, 2016 Karen O'Connor

Missouri summers are magical – fireflies, floating on the rivers, and those captivating summer storms. But what happens when those storms knock out power? St. Louis is no stranger to rolling summer power outages, and what’s worse is they usually come at the hottest part of the year. While we can’t prevent the outages from happening, your friends at O’Connor Insurance can help you curb your losses in the kitchen.

Obviously you want to err on the side of caution here. And, since you shouldn’t taste food to help determine whether it’s safe (harmful bacteria doesn’t always have a rancid smell or taste), here are some tips from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to help you decide what to keep and what to toss once the power is back on:

Throw away meat, poultry, and seafood once it’s been above 40 degrees Fahrenheit for more than two hours. Almost every home goods store sells internal read thermometers (most for less than $10). Not only are they good for instances like this, they are excellent tools to have year round.
Discard milk, sour cream, yogurt, and soft cheeses after four hours at 40 degrees or higher. Butter and margarine, as well as hard and processed cheeses, should be OK.
Toss mayo, tartar sauce, horseradish, and creamy dressings after eight hours at 50-plus degrees. Vinegar-based dressings, along with ketchup, barbecue sauce, peanut butter, and soy sauce are likely fine. One obvious tip to simply read the label – if it says “refrigerate after opening” and it is hovering at 70+ degrees for a day or two, the best practice is to throw it out.
Refreeze food that still contains ice crystals, or is still below 40 degrees.
Dispose of all food that has come in contact with flood waters or firefighting chemicals. Even if it looks unharmed, it could still be unsafe and – to a lesser extent – taste terrible.

We know it’s frustrating to have to throw out food, so try this simple trick to potentially help preserve it for longer: When the power goes out, keep the fridge and freezer doors tightly shut. The longer you keep them closed, the cooler they stay. If available, get a cooler and ice and salvage what you can, being careful to make sure the cooler stays cold.

Having appliance thermometers in your fridge and freezer, as well as picking up a food thermometer, will help eliminate some guesswork. Additionally, maintaining a nonperishable food supply in a safe place – somewhere cool that’s not susceptible to flooding – means you’ll have something to eat no matter what. Be sure to replace items as they expire or get used.

As for the cost of all that spoiled food? Your homeowner’s policy may help. If the value of the damages you claim is less than your deductible, you won’t have any coverage. However, if you have both home damage and spoiled food, filing a claim is the way to go. Give us a call at 314.434.0038 to discuss your options.

I'm borrowing my friend's car – am I covered?

June 14, 2016 Karen O'Connor

Most people have a vague idea of what it and isn’t covered by their insurance policy, but what about those issues that come up and make a gray area of coverage? Fortunately, your agents at O’Connor Insurance are prepared to answer these questions. During the summer months, we get a lot of questions about borrowing or loaning a car.

Now that warmer weather is here, you might be looking to borrow your neighbor’s truck for a home-improvement project or a trip to the local landfill, but what happens if you have an accident or damage the bed of the truck?

Generally, insurance coverage follows the vehicle rather than the driver. So in most instances, as long as the owner of the car has insurance, it’s covered even if someone other than the owner is driving it – as long as they have the owner’s permission. Make sure you have the owner’s explicit permission to use the vehicle, and give them specific details about where you will be travelling. This can go a long way in protecting both of you later on.

The borrower’s insurance is considered secondary, meaning that in the event of an accident, it could apply if the owner’s insurance is insufficient to fully cover the damage.

It’s important to note that there are some exceptions to what is called permissive use coverage. For example, permission must be given by the owner, unless the borrower has a reasonable belief that they are allowed to use the car (a spouse or child, for example). However, the borrower cannot give permission to someone else. So if your teenager allows one of his or her friends to drive your car to the zoo, your coverage likely won’t apply.

Coverage might also be denied if the borrower operates the vehicle in a negligent or criminal manner, or if the borrower is using your car for business purposes. This is why it becomes so important to fully trust those that borrow your vehicle.

If you have a regular long-term arrangement to either borrow or lend a car, the borrower should probably be added to the owner’s personal auto policy. Those who don’t own a car, but often borrow one, might also consider “named non-owner coverage,” an endorsement that provides bodily injury and property damage liability, uninsured motorists coverage and more.

Ultimately, it’s usually safe to loan your friend your car for occasional errands or projects. And the same goes for borrowing a car. Just make sure it’s for normal use. You’ll want to confirm that the car has coverage and that your insurance, whether you’re the owner or borrower, will apply.

Feel free to give us a call at 314.434.0038 if you have any questions after all, you don’t want to wait until after an accident to get answers!

Summers mean backyard grilling – safely!

June 7, 2016 Karen O'Connor

Just like swimming pools and sunburns, a sizzling grill is a symbol of summer, but grilling isn’t just about great food. Backyard barbecues often create treasured memories with friends and family.

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.
* NEVER use a grill indoors. Odorless carbon monoxide fumes could kill you. If rain ruins your cookout, invest in a cast iron grill pan that can be used on the stove.
* 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 O’Connor Insurance happy grilling, and stay safe this summer!

Boating Safety Tips

June 2, 2016 Karen O'Connor

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. Summer is meant for fun in the sun, not accidents.

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. It goes without saying that every child should be wearing a life vest from the time you leave the dock until you get back, adults need them too. More people in their 30s die in boating accidents than any other age group, and many of those are preventable accidents. Life vests have come a long way in style, so if glamour is your thing, find one that matches your swimsuit; no matter what they look like, just make sure they float. Today, you can even get vests for your water-loving dog!

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. 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.

Get Watercraft Insurance. Most home insurance policies have limited coverage for boats. If you own a boat, watercraft coverage is your best bet. Not only does is cover accidents, it will also help you in the case of theft, damage, and injuries. Some policies will also cover your expensive watersports gear.

Alcohol and Boating Don’t Mix. More than 50 percent of drownings result from boating incidents involving alcohol. You don’t drink and drive, so don’t boat and drive. Be a conscious boater and watch your guests’ intake, as well.

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 offer free vessel safety checks, so you have no excuse not to be diligent.

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

Emergency Contact Cards Can Help During a Crisis

May 17, 2016 Karen O'Connor

Here is a handy card we received from one of our vendors. Complete and put in your wallet or glove box. You may want to load the information into your cell phone, as well. Remember, though, cell phones may not work in a catastrophe, so having a hard copy with this information is still very important.

Spring Flood Prevention and Safety

May 10, 2016 Karen O'Connor

If living in the Midwest has taught you anything, it is that the weather can change in an instant – a gorgeous spring day can turn to risky storms in a matter of minutes. Even if you live in an area that you think isn’t at risk of flood damage, 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 separate flood policies available to everyone, whether or not you live in a flood plain. If you do not live in a flood plain, the cost is much less. Your agent at O’Connor Insurance can provide a quote and discuss this with you. Just give us a call at 314.434.0038.

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 with 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, and practice that plan before an emergency (especially for families with younger children).
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 give you permission.

Coping after a flood

Flooding can cause emotional stress along with physical hazards, so be mindful of your own well being and temperament. After the flood clears, there are a few things to consider and resources available to you:

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 redcross.org.
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., both in the flood plains and out of them, as we sadly learned last December when record-breaking floods swept through the St. Louis area after 6-12″ rains. So make a plan for it. Don’t be caught off guard when the water level starts to rise.

Spring Cleaning Tips from O'Connor Insurance

May 3, 2016 Karen O'Connor

Spring is a time for new beginnings. For most of us, that means cleaning and organizing our homes. If you’re ready to tackle that monumental chore, take into account the tips below. (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 (and save yourself a headache).

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. With regards to clothes, try this trick – have all of your hangers facing the same way. When you wear something, turn the hanger around. The hangers that have not been turned go to the donation pile.

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, freezer, and pantry. Check the dates on everything and be honest about what you will actually eat. Donate anything that is still good that you know you won’t eat. 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. If you are feeling particularly ambitious, consider digitizing paperwork.

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.

However you choose to clean up your act this spring, enjoy! If you are thinking about reviewing your insurance coverage as a part of your organization spree, please contact one of our independent insurance agents at (314) 434-0038.

Fireplace Safety Tips

January 24, 2016 triplestrength

Few features of a home or condominium are as welcome on a cold day as a fireplace. The mesmerizing flames and cheerful warmth make fireplaces a popular feature. Fireplaces also present some unique hazards. Here are a few tips can help keep your family and property safe.

Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors – Obviously these are key elements to your family’s safety. Many municipal fire departments will provide smoke and carbon monoxide detectors at a very low cost or even free. Some departments will even install them for you.

Is It a Real Fireplace? – Sometimes a fireplace may have originally been just for decoration, or was a gas fireplace that has been decommissioned. If you are new to your home or condominium, have a certified workman check it for safety and suitability for use.

Is Your Fireplace Safe? – Over time, a fireplace can develop defects that render it unsafe. Flues can become dirty, dampers damaged and firebrick may get cracked. Have your fireplace inspected by a qualified professional, and of course get your chimney swept regularly.

The Right Size Fire – On a cold night it may be tempting to build a nice, large fire, but a fire that is too big or too hot can cause damage to the firebox and over time increase the risk of heat or fire damage.

Light the Fire Safely – Never use flammable liquids to start your fire. Vapors can build unexpectedly and cause a flash or even explosion. Commercially available fire starters are a safe alternative to fuel-soaked papers or other fire starting methods.

Protect your Floor – Modern flooring materials have fire resistance engineered into them, but it is a good precaution to use a fire resistant “hearth rug” or similar item to keep errant embers from damaging your floor.

Protect Your Kids – Many fireplaces have a stone hearth. There are products that can be applied to the edge to protect against painful bumps. To prevent touching hot surfaces, consider a screen to keep hands back from grates and doors.

Use The Right Fuel – Fuels such as charcoal or coal are rarely suited for burning in a home fireplace. Carbon monoxide is a key danger with these fuels. Burning trash can be dangerous and various plastics, coatings, and other components can release noxious gasses. Use fireplace logs according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Your independent agents at the O’Connor Insurance Company hope you and your family enjoy the winter and have a wonderful time sitting in front of your fireplace this winter. If you have an insurance questions, please contact one of our independent insurance agents at 314-434-0038.

Prevent Roof Leaks By Preventing Ice Dams

December 3, 2015 triplestrength

IceDams The icicles that hang from the edge of your roof may be pretty, but they could also be an indication of a serious problem with the roof of your building. Ice dams form at or near the edge of roof decks when melting snow and ice collect and refreeze. This in turn can prevent melt water from flowing into gutters and away from the building. An ice dam can instead direct water up under the roof covering. The insidious flow of water may not be visible until the moisture has lead to rot, mold or worse and can cause a lot of damage.

The most common cause of ice dams is a roof that is too “warm.” Inadequate insulation allows heat from the structure to warm up the roof deck, causing a trickle of melted snow and ice to flow and re-freeze where the roof is cold. Clogged gutters or damaged roofing, such as loose shingles, can contribute to the formation of an ice dam.

Fixing an ice dam after it is formed can be dangerous to both persons and property. Large chunks of ice falling from overhead can cause serious injury or death. Using blunt instruments to break up ice can cause substantial damage to your roof. Employing ice melt chemicals can be effective, but some forms are corrosive and can cause damage to painted surfaces, concrete, plants and pets. When dealing with an existing ice dam, employ a great deal of caution, or better yet, get the help of a qualified professional.

The best cure for an ice dam is prevention. Consider having a contractor examine your roof and attic space for adequate insulation and look for various places where heat may be escaping. Many companies will perform an energy audit and can identify exactly where heat is escaping. Keeping your heat inside living and working spaces has the added benefit of saving your energy dollars.

Other solutions include adding heat tapes to the edge of roofs. This keeps the edge of your roof warm enough so that ice does not form. The obvious downside is the additional use of energy, but in some cases this is the most viable solution.