Kathryn Smith

Mother Nature has thrown a variety of different winter conditions at us this year, including warm/cold temperatures, snow, rain, and wintery mix. She’s done a good job of mixing it up. Just when we think we’re in for the deep freeze, a few days go by and the temperatures go back above freezing.

The problem with temps that hover around the freezing mark is that it creates fog, freezing fog, and black ice which are a few of the dangers faced by motorists.

Black ice is a thin sheet of ice commonly found on bridges, overpasses, and shaded roadways. It forms when the temperature hovers around 32 degrees Fahrenheit and we get rain, freezing rain, or sleet. When the precipitation hits the roadway that’s colder than 32 degrees, it causes ice to form, creating hazardous driving conditions.

Because black ice is thin and transparent, it’s very difficult to see when driving. If you’re out on the roadways during a wintery mix, here are some tips to keep you safe.

1. Pay attention to your local weather forecast. If you’re driving in an area where the temperature is hovering around freezing and precipitation is expected, be on the lookout for icy conditions and slow down. Remember to be especially cautious on bridges and overpasses. Lastly, pay attention to the temperature display in your car; it’s another way to figure out what Mother Nature is doing.
2. Watch for tire spray. Because I’m a cautious driver, other cars will frequently pass me when driving conditions are poor. No, I’m not your typical SUV motorist. When the temperature is hovering around freezing and another vehicle is passing me, I look at the passing motorist’s tires. If you see a lot of water spraying off the tires, the road surface is still wet. If you don’t see water spray, the precipitation could be freezing on the roadway.
3. Be on the lookout. Since black ice is transparent and thin, it can be very difficult to see. If black ice is present, however, the roadway may be darker is some spots and lighter in others. Again, use caution on bridges and overpasses even if the roadway looks clear.
4. Stay in your happy place. Find a driving lane where you’re comfortable and stay there. In poor weather, there’s no need to weave in and out of traffic. This behavior increases your chances of hitting a patch of ice and putting you and others in significant danger.
5. Straight as an arrow. When driving, keep your steering wheel as straight as possible. If you need to turn your wheel, make very small inputs; don’t do anything drastic.
6. Both feet out. Braking and accelerating in icy conditions can cause you to lose control very quickly. If you realize you’re driving too fast for conditions, lift off the accelerator and let your car slow down naturally; don’t apply the brakes.
7. You aren’t invincible. Four-wheel drive vehicles are nice to have if you live in a snowy climate. They allow you to drive through thick snow and provide better traction in certain conditions. When it comes to ice, however, four-wheel drive doesn’t provide any stopping advantages over a regular vehicle. You need to respect the poor weather conditions and drive sensibly.
8. Only use cruise control on dry pavement.

For an in-depth video on how black ice forms and how to handle it when driving, check out the video below.

How to correct a slide on an icy road (and how to prevent them) – Winter driving education

SOURCE:  West Bend, Posted by Scott Stueber on Feb 7, 2017 9:00:00 AM

In the Midwest, coming out to a car covered in snow and ice is a common occurrence. For me, it’s one that never gets any easier.

At West Bend, we’re fortunate to have parking structures that can keep our cars out of the elements. If you don’t get to work early enough, however, you’re left parking outside in the snow, sleet, rain or whatever else Mother Nature throws our way.

If you’re used to having your car buried in snow or covered with ice, here are some tips that can help you and your car survive the winter months.

1. Stand up your wipers. Lately, I’ve noticed more people doing this. If a winter storm is scheduled to start after you get to work, raise your windshield wipers off the glass. This will prevent them from being frozen to the windshield. Snow removal is much easier too. To take it a step further, you could cover your wipers with an old pair of socks or plastic grocery bags. Keeping snow and ice off your windshield wipers is important for a safe drive home.

2. I love hand sanitizer. After years of traveling for club volleyball, it’s common for my family to have hand sanitizer everywhere we go. If you have an older car or a broken key fob, your door lock could freeze. If you have hand sanitizer with you, it’s your lucky day! Rub a small amount of hand sanitizer on the lock to melt the ice.

3. Frozen doors no more. Have you ever struggled to get a frozen car door open? If so, this could be a thing of the past. Cooking spray, which is a staple in most homes, can solve this problem. Gently apply cooking spray on the rubber around the door and the car frame to prevent freezing. Gently wipe off excess spray on the rubber with a paper towel or rag.

4. Scrapping side mirrors is a pain. If you don’t have heated side mirrors, scraping them can be difficult. As soon as you start scraping, the mirror moves. To prevent frosty side mirrors, cover them with a plastic bag. Make sure the bags are securely fastened with rubber bands.

5. Foggy windows are my pet peeve. Foggy, dirty windows drive me crazy in the winter. To help alleviate fog buildup on your windows, there are a number of tricks that can help.

• Apply shaving cream and immediately wipe it off.
• Buy Rain-X^® Interior Glass Anti-Fog.
• Fill an old sock with kitty litter and store it in your car. This trick will remove moisture from the air.

6. Apply Rain-X 2-in-1 glass cleaner with rain repellent. This cleaner works great! Not only does it clean your dirty salty windshield, it applies water beading technology. If your wipers make that awful noise in light rain or melting snow, Rain-X can help reduce the number of wipes and increase visibility.

7. Impenetrable windows. I’m sure you’ve experienced the impenetrable sheet of ice on your car. No matter how hard you try to scrape your windows, success is limited. To defeat the ice that prevents you from going where you need to go, simply mix a solution of 2/3 vinegar and 1/3 water. Put it in a spray bottle and spray it on the ice. It works like charm in melting the ice.

8. Stuck no more.  20 or 40 pounds of kitty litter stored in your trunk can serve several purposes. First, if placed over rear wheels, it can enhance traction. Second, if you deviated from the roadway and are now stuck, pour some of it out under your tires to help get traction. Cardboard or floor mats can also help get you back on the roadway. Simply place them under your tires.

Source: 
http://www.onegoodthingbyjillee.com/2016/01/25-clever-car-hacks-help-survive-winter.html

SOURCE:  WEST BEND, Posted by Scott Stueber on Jan 31, 2017 8:47:51 AM

Do you have a new furry member in your family? Is this your first winter with them? If so, winter weather can be challenging for both of you.

Pets are a great addition to the family. They bring laughter and companionship to our lives. In return, most of us want to provide the best care we can to our beloved pets, and during the winter months, they may need a bit more care.

This is my first winter with our kitten Toulouse. Even though he doesn’t go outside, we needed to make adjustments in our house to make sure he was comfortable.

Here are some tips that can help you if you live in a Winter Wonderland.

1. Don’t zap your cat. A cat’s physiology, and its behavior, are different than dogs. Many dogs like to snuggle with you and enjoy it when you pet their heads or rub their bellies. On the other hand, while your cat may like to hang out you, he may not like being petted. The reason is static electricity. If you stroke a cat, from head to tail, this may aggravate him because static electricity builds up in his body.

When we run the furnace in the winter, the static electricity in our home intensifies and can make your cat uncomfortable. Simply walking around the house can cause a zap if you touch your cat. If your cat likes to play on your furniture, he could be zapped.

To help control the zap factor in your home, run a humidifier. Keeping the humidity in your home between 20 and 50 percent can create a more comfortable environment.

If your cat tolerates water, spray a mister on his entire body to help eliminate static electricity.

Keep in mind that there are several benefits to installing a humidifier in your home even if you don’t have pets.

2. A good pair of boots. Depending on your level of activity during the winter, a good pair of boots can prevent cold feet and frostbite. If this is your first winter with your pet, don’t forget about their paws.

Our pet’s paws can take a beating during the winter months. Check their paws frequently to make sure the paw pads aren’t cracked or bleeding.

If you spend a lot of time outdoors with your pet and want to protect their paws, there are many options. Kristin, West Bend’s marketing services specialist, recommends using Four Paws Dog Paw Guard. This product provides protection on her boys’ paws when they encounter ice, snow, and salt on their daily walks.

How to Make an All-Natural Protective Paw Wax for Dogs & Cats

3. Clean their boots. After a refreshing winter walk, it’s important to clean off their paws as soon as you return home. They may have picked up toxic chemicals or have sidewalk salt stuck between their toes. This is also a good time to check for injury or trauma to their paws. If you want to protect their paws or avoid cleaning them, booties are an option if they’ll wear them. Don’t forget to scrub their bellies as well!

4. Eliminate access to the garage. Our vehicles make a mess on the garage floor in the winter with slush and toxins from melting snow. If you have an older car, it may contain antifreeze that tastes sweet to our pets. Antifreeze, which is crucial to keeping our cars running, is extremely dangerous. If a small amount is ingested it can be fatal because it will lead to kidney failure.

If your pet has wandered into your garage and afterward, shows these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately. Medicine is available but must be given quickly after ingestion.

Symptoms of antifreeze poisoning

• Staggering;
• Lethargy;
• Excessive drinking; and
• Seizures.

Today, major marketers of antifreezes have changed the formula from a sweet taste to a bitter taste. Please be aware, however, that this doesn’t make antifreeze safer. It’s an attempt to keep them from ingesting large quantities.

If you notice an antifreeze leak in your garage or if you spill it, clean it up immediately. Using kitty litter is a safe way to soak it up. Use large amounts of water to rinse your floor.

5. Shovel your yard. While shoveling snow isn’t fun, it’s important to clear a spot in your yard for your pet. Some dogs hate going out in the snow and cold. An area free of snow and salt can make life easier for both of you.

Also, consider accompanying them outside if it’s very cold. Using familiar verbal commands may keep them focused on what they’re supposed to do (i.e. “go potty” or “get busy”). A delicious treat afterward will help reward and reinforce their good behavior.

6. Cold cars are dangerous too. During the summer months, we hear news reports about the danger of leaving your child or pet in the car unattended. Winter can be just as dangerous. If you have to leave them unattended, it’s best to leave them at home.

7. Too cold for you? If you have multiple pets, each one may experience the cold weather differently. Pay attention. If one dog loves long walks and playing in the snow, let her at it. If your other dog is miserable, come up with a different routine for him. In the end, if it’s too cold for you, it’s probably too cold for them.

8. Wear reflective clothing. If you enjoy walking your dog before sunrise or after sunset, make sure both of you wear reflective clothing. Motorists don’t expect to see people out and about during the winter months. Even if you live in a well-lit neighborhood, it still may be difficult for motorists to see you.

9. Keep them on their leashes. City ordinances usually require your dog to be on leash when strolling through your neighborhood. If you normally give your pet some freedom and remove the leash, winter is not the time to do it. Snowfall can make it difficult for pets to find their way home if they get lost.

Sources
http://www.petmd.com/blogs/fullyvetted/2013/feb/antifreeze-just-got-safer-with-bitter-29817
http://www.wvrc.com/files/1014/5796/6461/0924916.pdf
https://www.avma.org/public/PetCare/Pages/Cold-weather-pet-safety.aspx

SOURCE: WEST BEND, Posted by Scott Stueber on Jan 24, 2017 2:30:46 PM

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

It’s been several years since I’ve had to put my girls in their car seats; however, I do remember that during the winter months, they were usually wearing winter coats and snow pants. My wife and I wanted to make sure they were warm when we transported them between our house and daycare. We also wanted them dressed appropriately in case our car broke down. This meant I had to loosen up the safety straps so they’d fit in the seat.

Today, safety experts recommend putting children in their car seats without their winter coats. Doesn’t this seem counter intuitive? After all, it is winter.

Recently on the “Today” show, Jeff Rossen did a segment on car seat dangers during the winter. He visited a crash test lab in Michigan. His segment shows the dramatic results of a car crash at 30 mph with a crash dummy inappropriately strapped in because of a puffy winter coat. Miriam Manary, who operates the lab, explains the proper way to strap in a child during the winter months. She recommends strapping them in without a coat. To keep them warm she suggests using a blanket or putting on their jacket backwards.

If you’re expecting your first child and haven’t picked out your car seat, check out the information at safercar.gov. Their website provides information on:

• How to select the right car seat;
• What safety ratings mean;
• How to install your car seat; and
• How to register your car seat and how to get recall notifications.

Consider ordering a TIKE (Toddler Info Kept for Emergencies) sticker to attach to your car seat. TIKE is a bright neon green sticker that includes a child’s emergency and medical contact information that goes on the car seat. This information in critical if you have an accident and you’re unable to help the first responders with the care of your child. To learn more, check out my blog titled, “Will your child get the right care if you’re both injured in an auto accident?”

Do you have any tips you’d like to share? I’d love to hear your thoughts; please share them in the box below.

For additional safety tips, visit the resources below.
http://www.kidsandcars.org/
http://www.safekids.org/tip/car-seat-tips

Source:  West Bend, Posted by Scott Stueber on Jan 26, 2016 9:00:00 AM

Heartwarming traditions often make the holiday season the favorite time of year for many people. Those traditions include:

• Picking out the perfect Christmas tree
• Posing for a family picture
• Secret gift exchanges
• Baking cookies
• Visiting with old college friends
• Travelling to visit family

This time of year can also be very demanding. Trying to carry out family traditions, as well as dealing with family drama, can be stressful and overwhelming. And don’t forget it’s your company’s year end!

If you find the holidays aren’t as fun and relaxing as they should be, here are some tips that may help bring back that holiday spirit.

1. Create a checklist. Trying to keep track of everything going on in your life is difficult. Parties, Christmas concerts, and year-end projects can be time consuming and overwhelming. Write things down or use an app to keep track of what you have to do. This can eliminate all the clutter in your brain and allow you to accomplish tasks more efficiently.

2. Follow your normal routine. It’s easy to fall out of your routine. Something has to give, right? Staying up later than usual, eating more, and skipping your workouts can affect your health and your mood. Be sure to:

• Get an appropriate amount of sleep each night;
• Continue to monitor portion size; and
• Continue to exercise.

3. Don’t take it personally. With all the demands at this time of year, friends, family, and co-workers may say things that are out of character, especially if alcohol is involved. If something hurtful was said, try not to dwell on it. More than likely, that person would not have said it under more relaxed circumstances.

4. Positive performance. Doing something fun or special at work can boost employee morale and keep performance up at this time of year.

At West Bend, our department gets together for lunch and incorporates a gift exchange with a twist. We pick names (secretly, of course) and buy a toy we believe that person would have enjoyed as a child. This inspires creativity and provides some laughs. Then all the toys are donated to a local charity.

5. Prioritize. If you have a large or blended family, trying to get to all the parties can be difficult. I don’t have a huge family, but we still have four different family parties. On top of that, your children’s weekend activities can add a challenging twist. While the conversation may be difficult and cause some tension in your family, it’s okay to occasionally decline an invitation. Remember, you need to do what’s best for you!

6. Take the high road. If the family drama starts, take the high road. Don’t let yourself be drawn into a negative conversation that may never reach a positive resolution.

7. It’s about the kids. Unfortunately, I’ve experienced family drama during the holidays. While it can be hard to sit in the same room with a certain family member, put aside your differences for the kids. Think about the excitement the holiday brings to them. Spending time with their cousins and relatives creates memories that last a lifetime.

8. Respect the in-laws. Criticizing your spouse’s family isn’t going to earn you any brownie points. It’s best to keep your comments to yourself.

9. Volunteer. Volunteering at a local charity can be an amazing experience and put things into perspective. Stressing out about making another batch of cookies or trying to figure out when to wrap gifts just isn’t that important.

10. Perspective. While it’s difficult to do, try to keep things in perspective. Something as simple as a few deep breaths may help. The holiday season comes and goes every year. Doesn’t everything usually turn out okay? Just do the best you can at work, at home, and managing relationships. And never forget about what’s important in your life and the true meaning of Christmas.

Happy Holidays!

Sources:
https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/240619
http://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2016/11/17/six-tips-for-dealing-with-family-drama-during-the-holidays/

SOURCE:  West Bend, Posted by Scott Stueber on Dec 13, 2016 11:00:26 AM