Winter Weather Archives - O'Connor Insurance Agency

Build Your Winter Car Kit

January 31, 2019 Rachel V

We are well into winter, so you may think you have your winter driving routine down to a T. Preparation is key, though, so make sure you have the following things in your car in case of a winter weather emergency:

Sturdy ice scraper. The worst feeling is going to clean off your car in the morning, and breaking your dollar store scraper, so invest in a one that will last more than a season or two. As a bonus, many have snow brushes, as well.
Warm things. Throw an extra blanket, pair of gloves, and sweater in the trunk. In case of an emergency, you may have to change into dry gloves – remember, the cold can turn dangerous very quickly, stay warm.
Emergency flares. These should already be in your emergency car kit, but if they are not, get some now. Visibility may be decreased during a storm, making them more crucial.
Collapsible shovel. These handy inventions collapse down to about a foot, making them a compact solution to a potentially large problem.
Rock salt, sand, or kitty litter. Either of these will help your tires gain traction if they are stuck in the snow. As an added benefit, the bag will add a few pounds of extra weight in the trunk, which also helps increase traction.
Personal care products. Water, nonperishable snacks, a cell phone charger, a flashlight, and a basic first aid kit should stay in your car year-round, but especially in winter (when it may take longer for an emergency crew or tow truck to reach you) they become critically important.
Standard car kit. Things like jumper cables, a tow chain (or rope), small tool kit, and extra windshield wiper fluid can help you do minor repairs on your own – saving time and money. YouTube is a surprisingly good resource for learning basic mechanical skills, like changing a tire or jumping a battery, so settle in with some hot cocoa and teach yourself something new. While you’re at it, reread our tips on driving in the winter.

We hope the rest of your winter is accident free, and you don’t need anything in this kit, but keeping these things in your car can be the difference between a minor inconvenience and a major tragedy.

How to Stay Safe After a Winter Car Accident

January 28, 2019 Rachel V

The days are short. The air is cold. And, roads are often slick with rain, snow, or ice.

While most people know what to do to try to avoid an accident, many don’t know what to do after one. It’s vital knowledge to have, because the aftermath of a crash can be just as dangerous as the crash itself — especially when it’s cold and snowy.

Here are five things to do (or not do) if you’re in an accident this winter to help keep yourself and others safe:

Make sure everyone’s OK — then get off the road if you can. The safety of everyone involved in a crash is the first concern, of course. So, check on the occupants of each vehicle and call for emergency assistance if it’s needed. Then, if the vehicles are drivable, get them off the road as soon – and as carefully – as possible.
Stay in your car if you can’t safely move away. If you can’t get your car off the road, but you can get off the road, wait until there’s no traffic around and then move well out of the way. Otherwise, stay in the car so you’re protected from other vehicles.
Stay visible — and warm. Turn on your hazard lights and put up road flares so other vehicles know something is wrong. Grab your vehicle emergency kit (you have one, right?) for blankets and extra clothing. If you’ve run off the road and you’re still in your car, make sure nothing is blocking your exhaust pipe. Otherwise carbon monoxide may build up.
If you’re stranded, stay put. Running off the road in a remote area is scary, but resist the urge to try to walk for help. You risk getting lost, especially during a storm, if you set off on foot.
See a crash? Don’t always stop to help. Being a Good Samaritan could cause more problems than it solves. So, if those involved aren’t in immediate danger, call 911, and let the professionals help with medical aid and traffic control.

It’s not always easy, but keeping a cool head after an accident will do more than help everyone get through a stressful situation — it will help keep everyone safer, too.

And, remember, if something does happen on the road this winter, your agent is here to help with your auto accident claim. If you’re unsure whether you’re carrying the right coverage, call now before it’s too late!

Driving in the Snow

January 17, 2019 Rachel V

Winter in St. Louis is certainly here. With the many recent snowstorms, we thought it would be a great time for a refresher course on driving in the snow.

Take your time. Apply the gas and brakes more slowly than you do normally. This is the best method for regaining traction and avoiding skids, according to AAA.
Think about the hills. Don’t stop on the incline of an icy hill – you may not have the traction and inertia to make it up, creating a traffic nightmare for anyone behind you. Additionally, don’t try to power up hills, it will only make your wheels spin.
Drive slowly. This may seem like a no-brainer, but don’t get in a hurry. Build extra travel time into your commute or plans, and, again, take your time.
Mind other cars. On dry pavement, your following distance should be around three to four seconds. In the snow, there should be between eight and ten seconds between cars.
Know how to slide. If you do start to slide on ice, turn your front wheels in the same direction that the rear of the vehicle is sliding – for instance, if the back of your car slides to the left, turn the wheel to the left.
Stay home. If you don’t have to be out in a snow storm, just wait it out. Road crews and plows will be there soon enough to clear the roads, so enjoy the scenery and relax.

While we wish for a milder winter, we hope you will be prepared for any more snow we get this season.

Protect your Boat with Insurance and Winterization

October 12, 2017 Karen O'Connor

Now that summer’s over and the weather is cooling down, it’s time to think about pulling your boat out and putting it away until next year.

As you prepare your boat for the winter, take the time to make sure it still has the right insurance protection.

First things first: Insurance

If you have a small boat with limited power, you may have some coverage under your homeowners or renters insurance policy. If you aren’t sure, please check with us. Of course, larger and faster boats, along with personal watercraft, require their own policies. And we can help with those, too!

But do you even need boat insurance during the offseason when your boat won’t even be in the water? Well, that depends. Keep in mind that your boat can still be damaged no matter where it is. Often, damage from fire and theft isn’t covered unless you have a watercraft policy. There always is the chance that we could get a streak of great weather in November that lures you to take the boat out on the river for a day or two. There are plenty of reasons to keep year-round coverage, but if you have questions about seasonal policies, give us a call.

While you’re thinking about insurance, consider your current watercraft coverage. Is your boat older? It might be time to move to cash-value coverage instead of agreed value. Do you have a lot of expensive fishing equipment? Make sure you have enough optional coverage so your gear isn’t at risk. You might also want to consider uninsured boater coverage and a personal umbrella policy, which provide more liability protection than a standard watercraft policy.

Remember, you might be able to save money on your insurance by taking a boating-safety course, increasing your deductible or bundling your policies with one company.

Now: A different kind of protection

After you’ve squared away protecting your boat with the right insurance options, it’s time to think about protecting your boat in a more literal sense – by properly preparing it for winter. Below are some general tips to follow, but, of course, you should check your owner’s manuals for manufacturer recommendations.

Your engine

Follow manufacturer instructions when winterizing your engine, but you’ll want to flush the engine with fresh water and make sure to drain fuel from the carburetor to prevent a build-up of deposits. Use fogging oil in the cylinders to lubricate cylinder walls and pistons.

Stern drive

Do a thorough inspection and remove plant life or barnacles from the lower unit. Drain the gear case and clean the lower unit with soap and water.

Fuel tanks

Fill your fuel tanks to avoid a buildup of condensation and add fuel stabilizer, following the product instructions.

Fresh water system

Drain the fresh water tank and water heater, and pump a nontoxic antifreeze into the system. Then, turn on all faucets until you see the antifreeze coming out.

Interior

Remove all valuables from the boat. Clean drawers thoroughly, and turn cushions on their edges to allow air to circulate. Clean the refrigerator and freezer.

Cover it up!

A cover will keep your boat clean and protect it from water and UV rays, which can break down hoses and fade upholstery.

Now, with your boat safely stowed, you can focus on your other toys this winter. Snowmobiles, anyone?

How Efficiently (or Inefficiently) Do You Use Your Heat?

January 19, 2017 Karen O'Connor

Many homeowners see their energy bills each winter and think, “How can I be spending this much when the house isn’t even that warm?”

To get an answer to that question, you should start with some other questions that will help determine just how efficiently youre heating your home. In addition to heating your home more cheaply, it will also help the environment. In the month of December, our solar panels offset the same amount of carbon as ten trees (842 pounds)! We make sure to follow these tips in our office to ensure a more eco-friendly workplace, so try them out at home and let us know what you think.

Where is the warm air going? If you’ve got a leaky house, you’re costing yourself money – plain and simple. Heat ends up escaping and cold air keeps flowing in, which means you either turn up the thermostat or just shiver in your living room. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends getting an energy audit so you can find and seal the gaps.
When is the heat on? Are you keeping the house at the same temperature all day and night? Even when you’re or sleeping or at work? There’s no reason to, and programmable thermostats mean you can still have a warm house when you wake up and when you get home.
How often do I use space heaters? If you find that you’re using space heaters to supplement your main heating system, you could be masking a bigger problem and actually increasing your energy costs. Addressing underlying issues, such as a furnace that isn’t working well, can be more cost-effective in the long run.
Am I maintaining my system? A lot of homeowners simply forget to do things such as changing their air filter regularly or getting periodic examinations of their furnace. These routine tasks can not only prevent more costly problems down the road, they can help you more effectively heat your home right now.
Is my fireplace hurting more than it’s helping? It could be, if you always leave the damper open even when you don’t have a fire going. And, if you have the damper closed, a leak can make it yet another place where warm air gets out and cold air seeps in. Check the seal around your damper, and consider using a chimney balloon when you aren’t using the fireplace.

Taking some time to answer these questions can increase your efficiency, decrease your bills and perhaps even prompt another, more pleasant question this winter: “Is it too warm in here?”

Weathering Tough Roads

December 28, 2016 Karen O'Connor

Millions of Americans will do some traveling this holiday season – the majority of it by car. Of course, winter weather creates a unique set of challenges on the roadways. Though St. Louis doesn’t get much snow or winter weather, many of our friends to the north and out west are already seeing snow. Make sure to know the weather where you are traveling, and take heed to the following tips to make holiday travel less stressful.

Prepare your car for winter
Before leaving, give your car a thorough check-up. Do wipers need to be replaced? Are your fluid levels where they should be? Your tires need to be in good shape for driving on wet or snowy roads, and be sure your radiator and cooling systems are up to snuff. We know you’ve heard this before, but bear with us, your car should have an emergency kit. Pack it with jumper cables, blankets, a first-aid kit, flares, food and water, a flashlight and other safety gear. A shovel and cat litter or sand (to provide traction should you get stuck in snow or ice) are good ideas as well.

Before you leave
Know exactly where you’re going, with printed maps, and check weather conditions along your planned route. Let someone know your itinerary, so if you don’t arrive on time, officials know where to look for you. If your car has snow or ice on it, make sure it is completely cleared off before you depart. Don’t forget to clear your headlights and other lights, along with the roof – ice and snow blowing from your car could create a hazard for other drivers.

When you’re on the road
Are roads snowy or icy? Take it slow. Take it slow. Take it slow. Sorry for repeating ourselves, but it’s absolutely vital to, yes, take it slow. Give yourself extra time to get to your destination, and make sure you leave extra room between your vehicle and others on the road. Watch for ice patches on bridges, overpasses, and shady spots. Remember, having four-wheel or all-wheel drive does not mean your car will stop or steer better on ice.

If you’re caught in a storm that seems like it’s too much for you to handle, seek refuge as soon as you can. Of course, sometimes it’s best not to drive in snow and ice at all – stay home if you can.

If your vehicle becomes disabled
Nobody wants to think about being stranded on the side of the road in a storm, but it happens to thousands of people every year. If your vehicle is disabled, be sure to stay with it. Run your engine and heater for short intervals, and open one of your windows slightly to prevent carbon monoxide build-up. Light two flares (remember that vehicle emergency kit? Now’s the time to use it) and place one a safe distance from both the front and rear of your vehicle. Note your location with mileposts, exit numbers or cross-streets and call the authorities or a tow truck.

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.

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.

Should You Wash Your Car in Winter?

February 12, 2016 triplestrength

When cold weather brings your community snow and ice, the winter wonderland quickly becomes slushy and dirty. How often should you wash your car in winter, if at all, and under what conditions?

The short answer is: When it is dirty. Most communities will spray a salt compound on roads in advance of a winter storm. Many community associations will spread rock salt on driveways and roads. While these materials are less corrosive than they have been in the past, they are still rough on the paint and steel body components of your car.

Temperature Matters – Obviously you cannot wash your car when it is freezing outside, but what temperature is the minimum? Is it OK to wash your car when it is just above 32, or does it need to be warmer? Car washes will typically shut down if the weather is too cold to operate, so a good rule of thumb is if the car wash is open for business, you can wash your car. The exception is if your windshield is cracked. It is possible that water could freeze and expand, exacerbating the damage to your window.

Use the Car Wash – Winter is a good time to take advantage of a full-service car wash. Running your ride through the heated washing tunnel and the employees outside to dry off your car will prevent things like frozen doors and locks. If you wash it yourself, take the extra effort to dry off your car before you leave. This will help keep grime from sticking as you drive away.

Wax Your Wheels before Winter – Ideally, before winter weather sets in, give your car a good waxing. Even though many modern auto finishes do not need wax to look shiny and new, a good waxing will help your car shed snow and ice and the road grime and salt they carry. A warming spell might be a perfect opportunity to get that coat of wax on to protect your car for the rest of the winter. If you are considering a new car purchase, ask if the dealer will give it a good polish before handing you the keys.

If you are ready to buy a car, call the O’Connor Insurance Agency at 314-434-0038 to talk with one of our independent agents about car insurance coverage. We’ll help you find the right policy to protect you and your vehicle from winter hazards.

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.