Kathryn Smith

During the winter months, frozen lakes host a flurry of outdoor activities. Anglers, ice shanties, and recreational vehicles are a common scene.

While many enjoy winter activities on the ice, these activities can lead to serious injury if the proper precautions aren’t taken.

Before you head out on the ice this winter, check out these safety tips.

1. Share your fishing plans. It’s a good idea to share your plans with your family, friends, or neighbors. Let them know:

• The name of the lake you’ll be fishing on;
• The location of your fishing hot spot (i.e. north shore, south shore, etc.); and
• When you plan to arrive home.

If the fish are actively biting and you decide to stay out longer, notify them of your change in plans.

2. Bring a friend. When going ice fishing, never go alone. A friend can:

• Provide an extra set of hands;
• Help you stay focused on safety; and
• Alert authorities if something goes wrong.

3. Talk to the locals. They can provide information on ice thickness, water movement, and other information pertinent to the lake.

4. Follow these ice thickness guidelines. Remember, ice is never 100% safe. Ice thickness can change very quickly.

2″ or less – STAY OFF!
4″ – Ice fishing or other activities on foot
5″ – Snowmobile or ATV
8″ – 12″ – Car or small pickup
12″ – 15″ – Medium truck

5. Purchase a flotation suit. A flotation suit is the most important item you can buy. If you fall through the ice, a flotation suit will keep you warm and make it easier to escape the frigid water.

6. Carry a pair of ice picks/rescue claws. Keep a quality pair of ice picks with you at all times. If you fall through the ice, ice picks make it possible for you to climb out. Don’t skimp on this life saving device.

7. Carry a throw rope. A throw rope can be used to pull a fellow angler to safety.

8. Leave the lake before dark. Navigation at night can be treacherous. Without familiar visuals or a navigation device, you can become disorientated making it difficult to find your way off the ice.

9. Install proper ventilation. If your ice shanty is heated, make sure you have good ventilation. A poorly ventilated shanty can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.

10. Bring a portable power bank battery charger. Cold temperatures can quickly drain your smartphone battery. A quality charger can save the day. I would recommend buying a high capacity charger. While they’re a bit more expensive, they can provide multiple charges, and can charge multiple phones at one time. To avoid permanent damage, turn your phone off in extremely cold temperatures.

11. Respect the ice auger. Ice augers are built to drill holes quickly and efficiently. Before operating it for the first time, read the owner’s manual. In addition, avoid wearing loose clothing or jewelry. When you are finished with the auger, store it in a safe place. Lastly, always maintain sharp blades to avoid injury while drilling.

12. Stay hydrated. Staying hydrated is very important. Dehydration can happen quickly in cold weather because your body is working hard to stay warm. Check out “8 Tips for Hydrating in Cold Weather.”

13. Layer up. Selecting the right number of layers is important. Beginners to winter activities tend to underdress, especially if it’s a sunny day. Choosing the right number of layers, based on temperature, can only be accomplished through trial and error. Before venturing out on the ice practice at home.

Check out our blog “Will your vehicle sink or swim if it falls through the ice?” This blog discusses how insurance will respond if your vehicle breaks through the ice.

SOURCE:  West Bend, Posted by Scott Stueber on Jan 23, 2018 11:06:23 AM

Whether at work, the grocery store, or school, it’s very common to hear sounds of the season. Unfortunately, I’m referring to sneezes, coughs, and sniffles.

Between December and March, millions of people suffer from the common cold, influenza (flu), pertussis (whooping cough), and Norovirus (stomach bug). Depending on the severity of the season, people can be affected until May.

You may ask yourself why so many people are sick during the winter. Is cold winter weather really to blame? Medical experts believe cold weather does not actually make us sick. What makes us sick is the change in our lifestyle. Germs are always around us. However, when cold weather sets in, our windows stay closed, the heat goes on, and we spend more time indoors (i.e. our homes, shopping malls, sporting events, concerts etc.). Infected air in our homes as well as large groups of people in an area makes the transmission of germs easier.

Because I have family members who work in healthcare, I know that many people are confused about the symptoms associated with these illnesses.

Below is a brief explanation of the flu, as well as how it’s spread and treated. To learn more about symptoms of the common cold, the flu, and whooping cough, check out our infographic below.

I hope that being able to identify the differences between each illness, helps you and your family members get the appropriate care you need to get on the road to recovery.

Influenza (flu) – When people experience nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, they often refer to this as the flu. That’s incorrect. The term flu refers to influenza, which is a respiratory disease. Different viruses, bacteria, or parasites cause gastrointestinal distress.

How’s the flu spread? It’s spread by airborne droplets of moisture that float through the air when a person sneezes, coughs, or talks. When the droplets encounter your eyes, nose, or mouth, infection can occur. Illness symptoms usually appear within 1-3 days.

How’s the flu treated? Depending on the severity of the illness, your physician may administer anti-viral drugs. Otherwise, some remedies include:

• Bed rest;
• Drinking plenty of fluids; and
• Taking pain relievers.

Below are some additional health resources for your family.

Key Facts About Influenza (Flu)
“No More Excuses: You Need a Flu Vaccine”
Pertussis Fact Sheet
Norovirus Illness: Key Facts

Source:
https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/influenza/coldflupertussis.htm

WEST BEND, Posted by Scott Stueber on Jan 16, 2018 12:19:50 PM

Hoarding has not only become a popular topic for media coverage, it’s also a trending topic in the insurance industry. Because it’s more prevalent in our society today, Jenny Bischoff senior personal lines underwriter will explain the practice of hoarding and how it affects insurance coverage and claims.

Approximately 1 in 20 Americans have hoarding tendencies. There are five levels of hoarding. They range from Level One where clutter isn’t excessive and all doors and stairways are still accessible, to Level Five where clutter is excessive, multiple appliances are broken, and the home has even suffered structural damage.

Many people collect things and having a large collection that’s properly stored and/or displayed isn’t hoarding. Like collectors, hoarders keep things that are important to them. The difference is that the items hoarders collect typically have no value and they collect excessive amounts. With only so much space in the home, accumulation often leads to losing access to such areas as stairs and exits. Hoarders also stop inviting family and friends over and generally won’t allow anyone inside.

Some of the risks associated with homes occupied by hoarders include water damage, mold growth, structural damage, and increased trip and fall hazards. Let’s review a few different scenarios of serious situations that could cause loss to the property, to those living inside, and to others who enter the home.

1. Fire Risk. When a home has become so filled with possessions that there’s no access to exits and stairs, there’s a real risk of death should a fire start in the home. Occupants won’t be able to easily escape. First responders won’t be unable to locate people and animals to help them get out; blocked exits and stairs also increase the risk to their own safety.
2. Water Damage. If there’s a leak in the kitchen, but the kitchen is so filled with “stuff,” the inhabitants can’t see where the water’s accumulating. This could result in a large claim for water damage to the home, as well as to the insured’s possessions. It could also eventually lead to mold growth. Even if the hoarder knows a plumbing issue exists — and where — they typically won’t call a plumber to fix the problem because they don’t want anyone in the home. This could mean plumbing problems go unfixed for so long, the facilities in the home (bathrooms, kitchen, etc.) become unusable.
3. Structural Damage. Sometimes a hoarder has such a huge accumulation of belongings, the home can no longer bear the weight and this leads to structural damage.
4. Fall Hazards. The number of items in the home, and the way they’re stored, can create an increased liability risk of trip and fall hazards. In addition, a pile of “stuff” could fall on top of the inhabitants or visitors.

When an insurance carrier is made aware of a hoarding issue, the underwriter will typically decide to stop providing coverage. The liability, fire, mold, and water damage risks associated with hoarding are reason enough, but the bigger issue is that there’s no easy or quick fix. A hoarder may be able to get the home cleaned up enough that it appears insurable, but for how long?

While it’s easy to point out the risks and liabilities associated with a home occupied by a hoarder, it’s not easy to discuss this problem with the hoarder. Reality TV makes light of the situation by turning it into an hour of entertainment for those not afflicted by this disease, but it’s a very serious condition. If you know someone who has this disease, there are resources to help you help them, and professional help is the way to go. Local resources are also available; here are a few options:

Hoardingcleanup.com, 888-577-7206
Hoarding.iocdf.org
Hoarders.com, 800-462-7337 (live help line)

Source:  West Bend, Posted by Scott Stueber on Jan 9, 2018 9:57:55 AM

Let’s face it – winter presents many problems for homeowners. From cold temperatures that make heating systems work overtime, to snow and ice that clog driveways, gutters, and walkways, winter creates a wide range of challenges that can cost time and money. But that’s not all—winter can make it tough to maintain privacy as well. Thanks to winter’s short days and long nights, homeowners need well-lit homes during active evening hours. That’s why it’s important to have effective window treatments—blocking the view in from the outside.

Here’s a look at five popular window treatments and how they can help you maximize your privacy on winter nights.

1. Cellular Shades. Cellular shades deliver an unbeatable combination of fashion and function. They’re best-known for their light filtering and noise reduction capabilities. At the same time, cellular shades are customizable to suit your individual style. They provide a top-down, bottom-up feature, which means you can allow light in from the top of the window while maintaining your privacy.

Let’s not forget about the superior insulation provided by cellular shades. These shades have been shown to help homeowners lower their energy costs throughout the year, making them an ideal choice to add comfort to a home on winter’s cold and dark days.

2. Roller Shades. For those who are searching for effective light-blocking window treatments, roller shades may prove to be ideal. They effectively block the light from the outside during the day and present optimal privacy from the outside during the dark hours. Roller shades boast a timeless look and feel—they’re a top choice in houses of all sizes and styles.

Roller shades are simple, affordable, and convenient. They generally can be installed in just minutes and won’t require homeowners to break their budgets. Additionally, roller shades can be mounted or paired with curtains, to block any side light gaps and improve your privacy. These shades can even be motorized and controlled remotely.

3. Sheer Shades. Sheer shades instantly bring a hint of elegance to a home’s décor. Unlike other shades, sheer treatments diffuse light that enters a house and distribute it across a space. That way, sheer shades can help create a soft, elegant look in any room.

Depending on the level of translucence you choose, outsiders may be able to view shadows within your home. Keep this in mind when determining the best choice for you.

4. Roman Shades. Searching for high-end window treatments to increase your privacy at home? Roman shades feature both luxurious style and superb quality. They can be made in a variety of colors and fabrics, offering a range of privacy options.

Also, you can select Roman shades with a thermal sateen or liner to further increase your home’s privacy and energy efficiency.

5. Bamboo Shades. Bamboo shades have a look and feel all their own, with their natural, woven style. Perhaps most important, bamboo shades are strong and durable, which means these shades will continue to maintain their appearance for years to come. While their porous nature means that they do let in some steams of light, they provide a good amount of privacy from the outside. You can also install them with a blackout or privacy liner for added light and privacy control.

Just because the sun goes down, it doesn’t mean you have to call it a night. Keep your active evening hours comfortable and private with the right window treatments.

Katie Laird is the Director of Social Marketing for Blinds.com and a passionate home decorator for her family with a love of all things Mid-Century Modern and blue. Visit the Blinds.com website to learn more about the benefits of window shades and how they can help add privacy to your home.

Source:  West Bend, Posted by Scott Stueber on Jan 2, 2018 9:08:23 AM

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow. Now what?

Winter is here, and that undoubtedly means we’ll get snow. While it can create a winter wonderland and provide the perfect setting for a day of sledding or snowman building, it can also turn your sidewalks and driveways into hazardous areas.

Jenny Bischoff, senior Personal Lines underwriter will discuss the importance of snow removal and what coverage your insurance policy may provide if someone is injured on your property.

When the snow hits, be sure to keep these tips in mind so you can enjoy your snow day.

1. Check your local ordinances about snow removal. You’re likely required to remove all snow on walkways within 24 hours of snow accumulation. If you’ll be out of town, make sure you arrange for someone to come to your property and take care of the snow removal for you.
2. Get yourself a present this year.  Purchasing an ergonomic snow shovel can help avoid unnecessary strain to your body. Even fluffy snow can feel heavy when you have a lot of area to clear.
3. Salt freshly-cleared areas. When shoveling or snow blowing is complete, be sure to salt the freshly-cleared areas. A light dusting and freezing temperatures can turn quickly walkways into ice rinks. Driveways should get the salt treatment, as well. If you prefer, sand can be used instead of salt.
4. Keep the mail carrier and garbage/recycling collectors in mind too. Snowplows can make mailboxes and garbage/recycling bins difficult to access which makes their jobs that much harder.

Keeping your property safe is incredibly important if you want to avoid injury to a guest, passerby, or worker. If someone slips and falls on your property, you could be facing an insurance claim. The person who fell may also sue you. This is why it’s important to understand how your insurance policy works to keep your finances protected.

While your Homeowner’s Liability and Medical Payments coverages will respond if someone falls on your property and you’re found liable, will you have enough coverage? If your Homeowner’s Liability limit is at $100,000, you might not have enough coverage for all the medical expenses incurred by the person who fell. With the rising costs of hospital care, it’s best to review your policy with your insurance agent to make sure you have enough coverage.

If you don’t already have an Umbrella Liability policy, it’s a good time to look into purchasing one. If your Homeowner’s Liability coverage limit is met, but you still owe money, your Umbrella Liability policy will kick in and provide at least $1,000,000 of additional coverage.

If the chore of snow removal is too strenuous or you simply don’t want to do it, there are many professional snow removal services around. Give them a call and let them keep your property safe.

SOURCE:  West Bend, Posted by Scott Stueber on Jan 10, 2017 12:24:47 PM

Currently, many of us are frantically buying and wrapping presents in time for Christmas. When Christmas morning arrives, our kids are filled with anticipation and excitement. That can all come to a screeching halt if you forgot to buy batteries.

When I was a kid, C and D batteries along with trusty 9 volts took care of running a lot of my toys. Fast forward to today, and our homes are filled with electronic devices that use many different types of batteries.

Button batteries are commonly used today and can be dangerous to children. Button batteries are round small batteries that are used in a variety of devices such as:

• Remote controls;
• Games;
• Toys;
• Hearing aids;
• Calculators;
• Bathroom scales;
• Musical greeting cards;
• Key fobs;
• Ornaments; and
• Electronic jewelry.

If these small batteries are swallowed or are placed in the nose or ear, serious injury can occur. Once placed in the body, these little batteries send out a current that begins to burn the body.

Because I don’t have small children, I wasn’t aware of the dangers these little batteries possess. If your child swallows a button battery, watch for:

• Fever;
• Irritability;
• No interest in eating or drinking;
• Throat pain; and
• Vomiting.

If it appears your child may have swallowed a button battery, go to your local Hospital’s emergency department or contact the Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222. The American Association of Poison Control Centers supports 55 poison centers across the nation. The Poison Help Line offers free, confidential, medical advice 24 hours a day 7 days a week.

Here are some battery safety tips to keep your family safe this holiday season.

1. Adhere to manufacturer’s instructions and recommendations.

2. Periodically check toys for leaking batteries or corrosion around the battery posts.

3. Don’t mix and match batteries. Replace all batteries in a device at the same time with like batteries.

4. Don’t do what my brother and I tried when we were kids. Don’t crush batteries with a hammer or try and light them on fire.

5 . Store batteries out of reach from small children.

Rechargeable battery safety tips

1. Don’t overcharge. Before charging the batteries, read the instruction on how long batteries should charge. Also, try to figure out if the charger you’re using has an automatic shutoff when the batteries reach full charge.

2. Charge nearby. If you’re re-charging batteries for your Xbox controller, plug in the charger near you. This way you can keep an eye on them. A battery fire could occur very quickly if for some reason the batteries overheat.

3. Good ventilation. Plug in the charger in a place that allows for appropriate airflow around the charger. Also, keep the charger out of direct sunlight.

4. Don’t mix and match. Don’t use different rechargeable batteries in your devices or charger. When it is time to change the batteries, replace them all at once with new batteries of the same type. Also, don’t put a variety of batteries in the charger. Each charger is made for a specific battery type.

5. Recycle. When your rechargeable batteries reach their end of life, don’t just throw them in the garbage. Electronic stores near you may collect them and dispose of them properly. At West Bend, we have a place where we can drop off batteries, eyeglasses and old cellular phones so that they get disposed of safely.

Smart phone charging safety tips

1. Genuine Parts. Charge your phones with genuine parts or reputable alternative brands. A cheap cord may not be the best for your phone.

2. Stay out of bed. Avoid charging your phone between your blankets. This can lead to a fire.

3. Don’t drain your phone. To prolong your battery life, try to keep your battery between 50 and 80 percent. Don’t let your phone drain down to zero. Charging your phone often from 0 percent to 100 percent is hard on the battery and could reduce its life expectancy.

I hope these tips help keep your family safe during the holiday season.

Sources:

http://www.nationwidechildrens.org/button-battery-safety
https://www.esfi.org/resource/battery-safety-tips-477

WEST BEND, Posted by Scott Stueber on Dec 19, 2017 9:00:00 AM