Kathryn Smith

Nothing puts you on edge like a big storm. Whether it’s pounding rain and crashing thunder or a blizzard that knocks out the power for days, nasty weather can have you questioning your family’s fundamental security—and the steadfastness of the home that keeps you safe.

In fact, a really bad squall challenges all the things you usually take for granted: you have visions of your home being swept away, Wizard-of-Oz-style, on a gust of wind, with all your possessions—not to mention a major investment—airborne in one fell swoop.

Of course, it’s probably not going to happen like that. Most storm damage is a bit less dramatic, though no less anxiety-provoking. Leaks, ice dams, and fallen tree branches all present hazards that can make you and your family more susceptible to bad weather—and cost thousands of dollars to repair. Not all storm damage is avoidable, of course, but you can shore up a lot of vulnerabilities just by keeping a close watch over your roof maintenance.  Lauren Pezzullo, guest blogger explains how.

Give Your Gutters a Good Flush

Your home’s gutters actually serve a purpose, and believe it or not, that function is not just to add to your home maintenance checklist. Your drainage system carries water and debris away from your roof and back onto the ground, where it belongs. But when your gutters are clogged, water backs up onto your roof and siding. This speeds up leaks and puts you at risk of more subtle problems, such as mold and roof rot. To keep your home in the clear, make sure to get up on the ladder at least twice a year—once in the fall, and once in the spring.

Put the Damper on Ice Dams

Icicles may look quaint hanging from the eaves of a gingerbread home, but in real life, they’re dangerous predictors of trouble to come. Icicles are usually a sign that your home has an ice dam—a buildup of ice layers from snow melting and refreezing when it hits the colder outer edges of your roof. Why’s that so bad? Ice is a lot heavier than snow—a one-inch layer of ice weighs about five pounds per square foot. Multiply that 20 or 30 times and you’ve got a real problem on your hands. Ice dams often block drainage systems and prevent runoff that could help lighten the load. And since roofs aren’t made to withstand standing water and ice, the dams can cause them to buckle, degrade, and leak over time. Ice formations are usually a sign that you have inadequate insulation or poor ventilation in your home. A roofing inspector can suss out both problems—and solving these issues means you’ll use less energy to heat your home, too! Win-win!

Don’t Take Your Time Fixing Missing Shingles

I don’t need to tell you that missing shingles are a problem. If you’re a homeowner, you probably already know that a broken or absent shingle will set you up for leaks. But unless you have water dripping onto your kitchen table, it’s one of those issues that’s easy to ignore. However, you may not be as leak-free as you think. Water infiltration can occur in attics or inside walls—places where you may not see it until you have a full-blown mold infestation on your hands. Do yourself a favor and hammer out replacement shingles sooner, rather than later. It could save you a lot of trouble next time it rains.

Undergo Regular Roofing Inspections

Speaking of missing shingles, did you know you should have your roof inspected every three to five years? Unless you’re fond of ladders, you probably don’t get up on your roof all that often. And that can make it hard to see issues that aren’t visible from the ground. But a qualified inspector can seek out tiny, nearly-invisible problems—ike pinhole leaks—which can cost you a lot if they’re not caught early on. Some roofing contractors even offer inspection services for free, so there’s no financial incentive to skip them—especially when a small repair now can save you the cost of a new roofing installation in a year or two.

Trim Back Nearby Branches

The old oak tree in the yard: a symbol of your deep familial roots and community connections. But when the winds blow, the branches may break, and when the bough breaks, your roof’s integrity is not far behind. Branches carried at high wind speeds can slam into your roof, causing damages untold. Protect your roof by hiring an arborist—a good tree guy will trim overhanging branches and inspect for rotting tree trunks that could be knocked over by one bad blow. A little preparation may not reel in every little fear, but you’ll definitely rest easier the next time it storms. Bring on the rain!

Lauren Pezzullo is a writer, editor, and musicophile who’s passionate about vegetarianism and sustainable eating. As an editor for Modernize, she writes about energy-efficient living in the home. She’s currently writing her debut novel.

SOURCE:  WEST BEND, Posted by Scott Stueber on May 16, 2017 9:00:00 AM

While operating a lawn mower is a common task this time of year, it can be dangerous. Flying debris, moving and hot parts, and errors in judgment can quickly lead to serious injury.

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, 80,000 people make an unexpected trip to the emergency room each year because of lawn mower injuries. Here are some tips to keep you and your family safe this lawn-mowing season.

1. Inspect your lawn. Before cutting your lawn, take a quick walk around your property. Look for debris that could cause injury if it shot out of your lawn mower, including

• Stones
• Sticks
• Mulch
• Children’s toys

If you live in a neighborhood with lots of dog walkers, you may also want to make sure there are no unwanted surprises.

2. Pay attention to your surroundings. If your neighborhood is active, pay attention to what’s going on around you. Be on the lookout for walkers/runners, strollers, and small children riding their bikes. If they come into close proximity to you, stop mowing and shut off your lawn mower. This will prevent debris from shooting out in their direction and allow parents to be heard if they’re giving their children commands like, “Stop at the corner” or “Watch for cars.”

3. Train your yard crew. If you have kids, they may be eager to help you cut the lawn. If they’re like my 14-year-old daughter, an opportunity to earn money may be the motivator. If you let them help, it’s recommended that kids be at least 12 years old to operate a push mower. If you have a riding mower, the recommended age is 16.

You would never just turn over the keys of your car to a new driver, and the same holds true with the lawn mower. Explain to them how the lawn mower works, emphasizing safety and different scenarios they may encounter. Cut a couple of rows so they can see how it’s done. When it’s their turn, walk with them and provide instruction. Once you feel confident, let them try it on their own. I would, however, recommend that you stay close and watch the first few times.

4. Enforce a no play zone. When cutting the lawn, it’s important to keep your children out of harm’s way. Let them know that when you’re cutting, they’re not allowed near you. Tell them where they can play or what they can do to pass the time until you’re finished. In addition, it’s always a good idea to leave your pets inside.

5. Avoid giving rides. While it may seem harmless to give your kids or others a ride, it’s best to avoid this. In the blink of an eye, slips and falls can lead to serious, or even deadly, accidents.

6. Go with the flow. If you have steep slopes in your yard, make sure you drive up and down and not side to side. While the crossing patterns may be more visually appealing, you’ll prevent mower rollover if you avoid this.

7. Protect your eyes. It’s always important to wear glasses or goggles when working in your yard, especially if you’re cutting around trees with low hanging branches.

8. Wear appropriate shoes. This seems like a no brainer, but being a flip-flop guy, I know it’s tempting to wear them. Instead, wear shoes or boots with good traction and stability. Uneven ground or slippery areas can lead to injuries.

9. Protect your ears. Wear earplugs or safety earmuffs when using your lawn mower, trimmer, or blower. According to Consumer Reports, we should try to avoid extended exposure to sound that’s 75 to 85 decibels or more. Above that, hearing protection should be worn. Lawn mowers, sporting events, concerts, and movie theaters can produce sounds well over 100 decibels. Hearing protection is easy to get and affordable. I recently bought a 30-count box of foam earplugs for less than $10.

10. Always inspect with the motor off. A sudden clog caused by a clump of grass or other yard debris may tempt you to lift up the lawn mower to clear it. Always shut down the mower before conducting a physical inspection.

11. Cool down time. After a hard day’s work, give your lawn mower time to cool down before storing it. A lawn mower’s muffler can reach 240 degrees Fahrenheit and can cause a fire if it’s stored next to flammable objects.

Source
http://abcnews.go.com/US/lawn-mower-injury-alert/story?id=32059032

SOURCE:  WEST BEND, Posted by Scott Stueber on May 9, 2017 10:31:14 AM

With nicer weather on the way, we’ll start seeing a flurry of activity in our neighborhoods. Neighbors will begin walking/running, grilling out, and starting yard cleanup to deal with what Mother Nature left behind.

Neighborhood kids will begin knocking on your door to see if your kids can play. Scooters, bikes, and trampolines will be back in use.

With this flurry of activity, it’s important to make sure your property is safe for your children and their friends. All too often we hear news reports about children being injured or killed while playing outside.

Here are some safety tips that can keep your children, their friends, and your neighborhood safe.

Overhead garage door

Every day we drive in and out of the garage. With the simple push of a button, we can open and close our overhead garage door without much effort.

Have you ever taken the time to make sure your garage door is operating safely? Today, overhead garage doors have photo eyes (safety sensors) that are mounted approximately six inches off the floor. If an object blocks the view of the photo eyes, the door shouldn’t close.

Bumping into the sensors with your lawnmower or bicycle, however, can knock these sensors out of alignment and result in them not operating correctly. Check out three quick safety tips from LiftMaster to make sure your garage door safety features are working properly.

Garage utility/service door

Depending on weather patterns and the direction your garage faces, wind can whip through your garage aggressively. If you leave your service door open, it’s important to make sure the wind can’t slam it shut. When my brother was a young boy, he almost lost a finger because the wind caught the door. Considerinstalling a doorstop on your service door. This way, you can go in and out when working on yard projects and your kids will remain safe.

Backing out of the driveway

So often we hear tragic stories about people backing out of their driveways and injuring or killing a small child. If you have small children, or they live in your neighborhood, be extra cautious.

If you can avoid backing out of your driveway whenever possible, that’s the safest route. If not, walk around your car and look for children playing in your driveway or riding up and down the sidewalk on their bicycles. If the area looks clear, slowly back out and listen. I recommend keeping the radio off. Laughing or screaming children can be a sign they’re entering your area. Continuously turn your head and look in the mirrors. If you have a back-up camera, don’t rely on this 100% of the time. They do have some limitations.

Uneven concrete

Winter weather can be brutal on sidewalks, driveways, and roadways, causing significant cracking and shifting of concrete. If you notice large cracks or uneven concrete on your property, consider having it repaired right away. This can help avoid trip and falls which could lead to significant injuries.

Cabinets

If your garage cabinet is like mine, you probably store chemicals and yard tools that can be dangerous to small children. Here are a couple of recommendations to keep them safe.

1. Buy a cabinet that locks.
2. Don’t store your kid’s toys on lower shelves. Buy/use a different cabinet for their toys.
3. Store dangerous chemicals or sharp pruning tools on high shelves out of the reach of children.
4. Talk to your children about safety and explain to them why they need to stay away from the cabinet.

SOURCE:  WEST BEND, Posted by Scott Stueber on Apr 25, 2017 10:00:00 AM

On your drive home from work, are you reviewing your evening activities on your calendar, texting your friend, or speaking with your spouse on the phone? If so, you’re being a distracted driver which can be deadly.

April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month and a nice opportunity to look at how distracted you are when behind the wheel. While you may think you’re good at texting and driving, you’re really one bad decision away from an accident that can lead to horrific consequences.

In 2015, 3,477 people were killed and 391,000 were injured in car accidents involving distracted drivers. This could be you on your way home from work, or your teenager coming home from school. Think about the devastating consequences to your family if you or a loved one doesn’t come home because they were driving distracted.

Distracted driving isn’t just texting or talking on the phone. Distracted driving is anything that redirects your attention to something other than driving. Distracted driving activities include:

• Eating and drinking
• Texting
• Talking on the phone
• Applying makeup
• Making entries on your infotainment system

When doing two things at the same time, your brain is unable to give 100% to either task which can lead to a crash.

My Toyota 4Runner is a 2008. Therefore, I have a regular radio with a CD player. I don’t have a fancy infotainment center with a backup camera and built-in GPS. According to the National Safety Council, 53% of drivers believe these infotainment systems are safe because, in some instances, they allow for hands-free interaction. In reality, these systems are more about convenience than safety.

P.S. Back up cameras aren’t as safe as you may think. 

Here are some of the benefits of your car’s infotainment system:

• Heads-up display and intuitive scroll wheel for screen control;
• Pair your iPhone and use Siri through voice command which is nearly seamless;
• Large buttons are good for fat-fingered drivers;
• Reads your text messages to you;
• The touchscreen is responsive and mimics a smartphone;
• Consumers will have access to huge choice of digital content;
• Ability to make payments through digital wallets.

Gimme a break. These aren’t safety features; they’re technological advancements that make our life more convenient but not necessarily more safe. Remember, distracted driving occurs when our brains are focused on multiple tasks.

Distracted driving is 100% preventable. Here are some things you can to do to avoid distracted driving and keep you and others safe.

1. Use your phone for emergencies only. Safely pull off the road and call family or emergency responders for help. Think about the days when we got 30 free minutes a month and then each minute after was $.25. We didn’t have unlimited calls and data. Moreover, we survived just fine. We didn’t drive around all day on the phone. We used the phone only when we really needed it.
2. Multi-task before you leave. Before you leave home or work for the day, take a few moments to multi-task before you start driving. Call or text your kids to let them know when you’ll be home or set up that appointment in your calendar before you leave the parking lot.
3. Don’t eat and drive. I can honestly say this is one of my pet peeves. I do a lot of traveling with my daughter’s club volleyball team. I’ve eaten dinner many times behind the wheel and it’s not easy. I’ve tried driving with my knees or have had my wife reach over and grab the wheel. After some trips when I got home, I noticed ketchup all over the front of my shirt. I’m fortunate I’ve never been involved in an accident because of these ridiculous maneuvers. Today, I made it my rule that I won’t eat and drive no matter how many grumbles I get from my family. Getting home 15 minutes earlier isn’t worth the danger I put myself, my family, and others in when trying to eat and drive.
4. Get up earlier or go to work ugly. All too often on the morning commute, you see people applying makeup or shaving while cruising down the highway. This is so ridiculous and dangerous. When your eyes are looking in the mirror, how do you see the chain reaction of brake lights ahead? Setting your alarm for 10 minutes earlier can keep you and others safe on the road.
5. Choose a designated navigator. Choose a friend or family member to run your car’s infotainment center. Have them read your GPS and give you additional verbal cues, answer your phone, or send text messages.
6. Make a commitment to be a safer driver!

Additional Resources

Distracted Driving Presentation
Why cell phones are a distraction
Employers Bring About Change
Faces of Distracted Driving: Alex Brown, 17
Faces of Distracted Driving: Casey Feldman, 21
Faces of Distracted Driving: John T. Gordon, 35
Unfortunately, no matter how hard we try, distracted driving will not totally disappear. In the end, we are all guilty of it and one time or another. However, please think about whether or not a split second distraction is worth a life-altering event. Laws are starting to catch up with the dangers that technology bring, but it is our responsibility to drive safely and responsibly. Please remind your family and friends.

Sources:
http://www.nsc.org/learn/NSC-Initiatives/Pages/distracted-driving.aspx
https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/distracted-driving
http://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/a16454/car-infotainment-system-guide/

SOURCE:  WEST BEND, Posted by Scott Stueber on Apr 18, 2017 9:19:50 AM

In the early morning hours of April 4, 1981, a F4 tornado unexpectedly struck West Bend, Wisconsin. The tornado caused 3 fatalities, 53 injuries and $25 million in damages. Unfortunately, the National Weather Service only issued a severe thunderstorm warning so the tornado sirens never sounded. The storm that produced the tornado didn’t display typical characteristics.

Thirty-six years later, technology has significantly improved, allowing for more accurate forecasting. The invention of smartphones also allows us to receive weather information 24/7. But what if you’re on vacation or your smartphone is dead and you miss the weather alert? Here are some basic things you should know.

Where tornadoes occur: Tornadoes can occur all over the world. Unfortunately, the U.S. experiences the highest concentration of tornadoes each year at 1,200. Argentina and Bangladesh also see a significant number of tornadoes.

When tornadoes occur: Tornadoes can occur at any time of the year. The tornado peak season depends on where you live. Here’s a breakdown by region.

Location	Peak Season
Southern Plains	May – June
Gulf Coast	March – June
Southern States	March – May
Northern Plains	June – July
Northern States	June – July
Upper Midwest	June – July

Tornadoes can occur 24/7; however, they usually occur between 4:00 and 9:00pm.

Warning signs of a tornado: While technology saves lives by providing more accurate forecasts and timely alerts, Mother Nature also provides signs before a tornado strikes. Watch for:

1. Green sky/clouds
2. Hail
3. Flying debris
4. Low-lying cloud with a rotation
5. Stillness and quiet
6. The sound of a freight train coming toward your neighborhood

Keeping your family safe through education is the goal of West Bend Cares. Here are some valuable resources that can help you plan and stay safe as storm season approaches.

Tornado safety tips before, during, and after the storm
Severe weather definitions
NOAA: What’s a watch?
How do tornadoes form?
Protect your family from identity theft after a tornado
Is your family prepared for a power outage?

Sources:

http://www.nssl.noaa.gov/education/svrwx101/tornadoes/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1981_West_Bend_tornado
http://www.mnn.com/family/protection-safety/stories/when-is-tornado-season

SOURCE:  West Bend, Posted by Scott Stueber on Apr 4, 2017 10:02:53 AM

Is tax season your favorite time of year? Do you enjoy filling out those forms? The answer for most of us is a resounding “NO!” If your filing isn’t complicated or you’re getting a large refund, however, tax time may not be a big deal. Maybe you’re like my wife and me. We’re always relieved when everything has been filed and it turns out okay.

Unfortunately, for 260,000 Americans each year, tax season doesn’t turn out okay. That’s because they’re the victims of tax identity theft, the fastest-growing crime in America. An easy tax filing can turn into a nightmare. According to Adam Levin, chairman and founder of CyberScout, formerly IDT911, tax identity theft is “caused by the tidal wave of useable data that has been or soon will be stolen by hackers.”

The most effective way for American taxpayers to protect themselves is through education. Be aware of the common scams criminals employ to obtain your personal information so you can be one step ahead of them.  And NEVER give out personal information — like bank account numbers, credit card numbers, or Social Security numbers — to people you don’t know and trust.

According to CyberScout, these are some of the scams criminals may use.

1. Fake Bill. If you receive a letter, bill, or email indicating you owe taxes related to the Affordable Care Act, DISREGARD!
2. The Bogus Tax. Here identity thieves demand payment for taxes that don’t exist. An example is the “Federal Student Tax” which demands payment from college students. If you or your college student receive any requests for personal information related to this bogus tax, DISREGARD!
3. Verification scams. If you receive an email asking you to verify the last four digits of your Social Security number, delete the email immediately. DO NOT click on the link provided! If somebody you don’t know asks for this information, it’s a huge red flag. Check out the “10 Riskiest Places to Give Your Social Security Number” for information on how to protect your Social Security number.
4. CEO scams. In this scam, an ID thief impersonates a company executive and tries to get access to your sensitive financial and personal data. Thieves may target a company’s human resources department or you directly. Pay close attention to what they’re asking you to do. If they want you to share personal information by clicking on a link, don’t do it!

Remember, the IRS will never:

1. Call to demand immediate payment.
2. Threaten to arrest you.
3. Ask for credit or debit card numbers over the phone.
4. Demand you pay taxes without giving you the opportunity to question that amount or appeal.

To learn even more about protecting yourself, check out CyberScout’s document, “How to Avoid Tax Identity Theft Scams.” This thorough educational document outlines:

• How identity theft occurs;
• How to spot phishing emails;
• How to spot phishing phone calls; and
• How to protect yourself.

Sources:
https://www.irs.gov/uac/newsroom/scam-phone-calls-continue-irs-identifies-five-easy-ways-to-spot-suspicious-calls
http://cyberscout.com/education/blog/4-tax-identity-theft-scams-to-watch-for

SOURCE:  West Bend, Posted by Scott Stueber on Mar 28, 2017 8:44:42 AM