Kathryn Smith

Retailers love this time of year when consumers venture out in droves to do their Christmas shopping. This time period can make or break their entire year.

For the rest of us, increased shopping means more congestion on our roadways and in the store parking lots. This increased congestion can lead to frustration, aggravation, and fender benders. In addition, the weather can wreak havoc on already-crowded parking lots, resulting in slips and falls and difficulty pushing a shopping cart or stroller.

Here are some safety tips to keep in mind as you venture out this holiday season to find that perfect gift.

1. Park further away.If your family is like mine, they’re always telling me to find the closest parking spot, and if I don’t, I hear about it. However, during this congested time of year, it may be wise to park further away from the store. If you do this:

• Backing out will be easier because there will be less car and pedestrian traffic.
• You may be able to avoid unwanted door dings.
• There’s more space for you and your family to exit and enter the vehicle.
• You can burn off a few extra calories which isn’t a bad thing this time of year.

2. Light it up.Many cars today come with daytime running lights. If your car doesn’t, turn on your headlights while in a parking lot or parking garage during the daylight hours. Turning your lights on makes it easier to be seen by other cars and pedestrians.
3. SUVs and minivans, oh my!If possible, be on the lookout for these vehicles. While you may find a close parking spot in between them, trying to back out after your shopping spree may be difficult.
4. Don’t rely solely on backup cameras.While backup cameras are a nice addition to cars, they only allow you to see what’s directly behind you. Before backing out, you should still turn your head to survey the area around you. If it’s clear, you can slowly back out, keeping an eye on the display. If you’re travelling with friends or family, I would encourage you to ask them to keep an eye out. If the parking spot in front of you opens up, pull through. Unfortunately, I know people who have backed into cars even with an audible alert and camera.
5. Pay attention to your surroundings.Before leaving your car or store, scan the area. Be on the lookout for anything that looks strange. In addition, keep an eye on the pavement. Watch for elevation changes or potholes that could cause you to slip and fall. If something doesn’t feel right, consider asking store staff or security for assistance. Lastly, take out the earbuds and avoid texting or trying to make a phone call until you’re safely in the store or your car. Distracted shoppers are easy targets.
6. Make eye contact.If you’re using a pedestrian crossing at your favorite mall, make eye contact with the driver to make sure they see you and are going to allow you to cross. Even though pedestrians have the right of way, never assume drivers see you. Since the weather is still somewhat mild, I have been biking to work. On the front of my bike, I have a bright headlight that also flashes. Every day I am amazed at the number of people who still don’t see me.
7. Inspect your car.Before getting in your car, take a peak in the back seat to make sure a stranger isn’t waiting for you.
8. Wear appropriate clothing.Consider wearing lighter or reflective clothing and shoes with good traction.
9. Shop with a friend or family member.If your plan is to shop until you drop, consider taking somebody with you. Carrying many bags or packages can make you an easy target. In addition, consider leaving small children at home or taking someone with you to help them navigate safely through the parking lot. Trying to push a stroller, carrying packages, watching other kids and looking for car keys can be difficult and dangerous.

If you’re involved in a car accident in a parking lot and police aren’t contacted, be sure to gather as much information as possible, including the name, phone number, address, and insurance information of the other driver(s), and the color, type and license plate number of the vehicle(s). If there are witnesses, get their contact information, as well. And take photos, if possible, to avoid fraudulent claims later on.

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

Sources:

https://www.trustedchoice.com/content/2012/11/holiday-parking-lot-safety-tips/
https://www.propertycasualty360.com/2014/12/04/biggest-hazard-of-holiday-shopping-the-parking-lot?ref=related-embedded&page_all=1

SOURCE:  West Bend, Posted by Scott Stueber on Dec 8, 2015 9:00:00 AM

As the hustle and bustle of the holiday season approaches, people begin visiting local retailers looking for that good deal or special gift. Others may choose to avoid the crowds and shop online.

Shopping online is so convenient because you never have to leave the comfort of your own home. When my kids were young, I spent many Black Fridays out in the cold waiting in line. Now that they’re older, my wife and I can walk to our computer with a cup of coffee and shop until our hearts content.

Today, online shopping is a multibillion-dollar industry. However, with the convenience of online shopping comes the potential for identity theft. Here are some tips to keep you safe while shopping online this holiday season.

Online Holiday Safety Tips

1. Be leery of public Wi-Fi. If you’re like me, when you’re out and see you have access to free public Wi-Fi, you think, “Yes! I can check out sport scores or catch up on the news free of charge, saving my data.” However, if you plan to shop online, avoid public Wi-Fi and use your cellular data instead.
2. Make sure your antivirus software is up to date. Unless your antivirus software is set for automatic updates, it may be outdated. Before you begin your online shopping this holiday season, make sure your antivirus software is up to date. Check to see when your software was last updated. If a significant amount of time has passed, do a manual download to get it up to date.
3. Watch out for email offers. If your inbox becomes inundated with email offers that seem too good to be true, they probably are. Safety experts recommend visiting the retailer’s website to find deals. Email offers with links could be a phishing scam run by hackers.
4. Do your homework. If you’re ordering from an online retailer for the first time and aren’t familiar with them, do your homework. Look for reviews from other shoppers to see how their online shopping experience was. If you see poor ratings, it’s probably wise to stay away no matter how good the deal is.
5. Frequently review your accounts. It’s always wise to review your accounts on a regular basis. However, during the holiday shopping season, it’s a good idea to review them more frequently. Online accounts allow us to see transactions up to the minute. If you see something strange, contact your bank or credit card company immediately.
6. Cold hard cash. If you’re like me, you have more receipts in your wallet than cash. However, if you want to protect yourself from identity theft this holiday season, consider withdrawing money from your local bank and using cash at local retailers for your holiday purchases.
7. Never share personal information. When buying online, retailers don’t need personal Information, such as date of birth or your social security number. If an online site is asking for this information, leave it immediately. Also, don’t save credit/debit card information on a retailer’s website. Lastly, when you’re finished making a purchase, remember to logout.
8. Create a strong password. To create a strong password, consider using a method or scheme that’s easy for you to remember but hard for others to guess. To learn more, check out the blog post from earlier this year: How to create a password that’s easy to remember but hard to guess

Sources:
https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/2015/11/17/9-tips-staying-safe-you-shop-online/75878958/
https://idt911.com/education/blog/how-to-keep-bank-customers-safe-online-during-holiday-shopping-season

SOURCE:  WEST BEND, Posted by Scott Stueber on Dec 1, 2015 11:00:00 AM

As Thanksgiving approaches, holiday decorations will begin lighting our neighborhoods. With the dark days of winter here, I enjoy the extra light. It may also be the last time of the year to clean out leaves from your gutters.

No matter what the job may be, ladder safety is important. Every year, thousands of people are injured and hundreds killed while using a ladder. Every time I go on my ladder, I remember falling off my parents’ ladder as a young boy and breaking my collarbone.

If you’re getting ready to hang your outdoor decorations or you’re putting up a tall Christmas tree, here are some safety tips to make sure your holiday season is spent safely with family and friends.

Six Ladder Safety Tips

1. Check your local weather report. While Black Friday may be the day you choose to put up your decorations, it’s important to pay attention to your local weather forecast. Standing on a ladder in high winds could cause you to lose your balance. In addition, light drizzle can cause your ladder to become slippery. Make sure you pick a dry day with calm winds.
2. Properly inspect your ladder. Before using your ladder, make sure it’s in good working order. My ladder isn’t very old, doesn’t get much use, and is stored in my garage so I know it’s in good shape. If you store your ladder in a shed or outside, make sure you double-check it.
3. Select the appropriate ladder size for the job. Different jobs require different-sized ladders. If the only way you can get to your gutter to remove leaves or to hang lights is to step on the top step of the ladder, you need to buy a longer ladder. Standing on the top is very dangerous and can cause the ladder to become very unstable. One wrong move and you could be in a world of hurt. If you plan on going on your roof, make sure the ladder extends three feet above the roof elevation.
4. Don’t stretch. While stretching is good for you before using the ladder, stretching or reaching while on a ladder can lead to injury. Over-stretching on a ladder could cause it to kick out from under you and leave you hanging on the gutter.
5. Be cautious by doors. If you’re working by a door that can open toward the ladder, let your family know you’re working there. The last thing you want is for a family member to open the door to grab the newspaper so they can check the holiday ads. A good idea is to tape a note on the door reminding your family you’re working.
6. Make calculated movements. Before making your next move, think about what you want to do and move slowly. Sudden jerks can cause you to lose balance.

SOURCE:  West Bend, Posted by Scott Stueber on Nov 24, 2015 8:00:00 AM

If you live in the Midwest, you probably noticed a flurry of activity in your neighborhood. Neighbors are busy raking leaves, preparing their patio furniture for winter, and bringing in hose reels.

If you have a fun summer car and you don’t want it to see winter road salt, now is the time to prepare it for winter storage. Unfortunately, the nice warm temperatures are probably gone until next spring.

Here are some tips to help you prepare your “fun car”, collector or antique for winter storage.

1. Select an appropriate storage location.Where you store your car is important. If you have the room to store it in your own garage, that’s ideal. If not, look for a secure storage facility. If you store it in an old barn, be extra careful about where you place it. Holes in walls are a nice invitation for rodents seeking shelter. In addition, you don’t want to store it under loosely hanging tools or other equipment. Go with your gut. If it doesn’t feel right, pick a different location.
2. Talk to your insurance agent.Remember to discuss your insurance needs with your agent. They can recommend appropriate coverages for your storage situation. If you have a West Bend policy and are storing a private passenger vehicle, you can remove collision coverage. Comprehensive coverage must stay on the vehicle. Comprehensive coverage provides protection against losses caused by fire, theft, vandalism, falling objects, and natural disasters such as tornados. If your car is an antique or collector, West Bend keeps full coverage (collision and comprehensive) on the vehicle. West Bend’s rates reflect the fact that the car isn’t driven all year round. The benefit of this is the elimination of insurance processing in spring and fall and protects you in case you decide to take the car out on a nice day during the off-season months.
3. Give it a bath.Before you decide to store it, spend some time cleaning the exterior. Pay special attention insect remnants, bird droppings, and tree sap. You definitely want to get those off the paint. Also, give it a nice coat of wax to top it off.
4. Remove garbage from the interior.If your entire family enjoys your fun car, more than likely there’ s garbage in it. Remove the soda cups and candy wrappers. Leaving garbage in the car can attract rodents during the winter months.
5. Keep the rodents out.I know several people who have had rodents turn their car into a winter getaway leading to unanticipated car repairs in spring. Cover areas of the car where a mouse could get in especially your exhaust pipe or air intake valve. Consider using steel wool, a cloth or aluminum foil. On the outside of the car, consider laying down mothballs or a rodent repellant. If you have, pets use caution. You may want to use an ultrasonic rodent repeller that emits an ultrasonic frequency to keep the pesky critters away.
6. Add fuel stabilizer.Gas can break down over time and cause damage to your carburetor or fuel injection components. By adding a fuel stabilizer, such as STA-BIL, the breakdown can be prevented and gas kept fresh for up to a year. Once the fuel stabilizer has been added, drive the car so it can get mixed in the fuel system.
7. Let it be.Once your car is stored for the winter, there’s no need to start it. Here are a few reasons why you should leave it be.

• Letting your car idle can be harmful due to condensation buildup.
• You may not have proper insurance coverage if you decide to take it out for a drive.
• Road salt lingers. It usually takes a good rain to clean off the roadway.

8. Keep your tires properly inflated.During normal driving operation, tires should be inflated based on the placard inside the driver’s side door. When storing your car for the winter, it’s recommended the tires be inflated to the maximum PSI rating on the tire’s sidewall.
9. Remove your battery.Unused batteries will lose their charge over time. Remove your battery and store it in a safe dry location. To keep your battery in good working condition during the winter months, consider buying a trickle charger.

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

Sources:

https://autorepair.about.com/od/glossary/fl/Use-a-Fuel-Stabilizer-for-Winter-Car-Storage.htm
https://www.edmunds.com/car-care/how-to-prep-your-car-for-long-term-storage.html

SOURCE:  WEST BEND, Posted by Scott Stueber on Nov 17, 2015 7:00:00 AM

In 2015, many news stories focused on automobile recalls. One of the major stories still in the news is the recall of vehicles with Takata airbags. Takata airbags have a known defect that causes the airbag to explode, sending metal throughout the passenger cabin. Takata airbags have been linked to 7 deaths and nearly 100 injuries in the United States. In the U.S., the recall affects more than 30 million vehicles manufactured by 10 automakers.

You may be wondering why the number of recalls spiked over the last couple of years. It’s because automakers are feeling increased pressure from consumer advocates and lawyers. Regulators, such as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), are also stepping up enforcement.

The NHTSA and Takata Corporation recently reached out to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) asking their members to help spread the word on the recall. Since West Bend is a member of the IIHS, we agreed to help.

Because the airbag recall affects so many vehicles, it’s been difficult for automakers to reach all current owners of vehicles with the defective airbags. NHTSA and Takata hope that with help from IIHS members, more consumers will find out about the recall.

To find out more about the Takata airbag recall and other recalls that may affect your vehicle, visit safercar.gov. Once you’re in the site, you can find recalls that affect your car by entering your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN#). This is especially helpful if you bought a used car. If the former owner neglected previous recalls, you can find out here.

There are also many other resources available on the website, including:

• Safety technologies:
• Complaints and defects:
• Car seats:
• Crash test ratings: and
• Tire safety.

Even though recall repairs are covered by the manufacturer, they’re still inconvenient. It’s important to understand, however, that if a recall is issued, there’s a significant defect that can lead to injury or death. Don’t you want to keep yourself and others safe? Please share this important information with your friends, family, co-workers, and neighbors.

List of vehicles with defective Takata airbags

Sources:

https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/news/2014/10/everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-takata-air-bag-recall/index.htm

https://www.nhtsa.gov/About+NHTSA/Press+Releases/2015/nhtsa-imposes-record-fine-on-takata-11032015

https://fortune.com/2015/10/26/auto-recalls-rising/

SOURCE:  West Bend, Posted by Scott Stueber on Nov 10, 2015 10:00:00 AM

As our parents get older, we become more involved in their care. Some of the help we provide is simple, like helping them pay their bills or taking them to a doctor’s visit. Other health needs may be more demanding physically, financially, and emotionally.

Today, many adult children are inviting their parents into their homes. Having your parents live with you may require making a physical change to the home, such as remodeling a bedroom or bathroom, or even building an addition. It could also require installing a wheelchair ramp.

Andrew Bullis from DiscountRamps.com in West Bend, explains how to choose the right wheelchair ramp.

If you or someone you know is living with limited mobility, it’s important to take the appropriate measures to ensure that any and all accessibility needs are met with the right solution. This means finding and implementing the proper wheelchair ramp for maximum maneuverability, ease of use, and safety.

Contrary to what many people think, a wheelchair ramp is far more than just a piece of lumber or metal. And there’s no universal ramp that can fulfill every application perfectly.

Wheelchair ramps are designed with different materials, lengths, features, and slopes for specific purposes. These guidelines explain what makes each type of wheelchair ramp unique, how to determine which model is right for your needs, and what criteria you should use when shopping for a wheelchair ramp.

Determining the length of a ramp

The first and most important step in choosing the right wheelchair ramp is determining the proper length required for your application. Selecting a ramp that’s too short will result in a steep grade that can make it dangerous, or even impossible, for a wheelchair user to safely make it up or down. Longer ramps will decrease the steepness of the slope, making them safer and easier to use than shorter ramps. To choose the proper ramp length, you’ll need to make sure it fits your situation and provides plenty of safety for the user.

To determine the overall length of the ramp you need, take these measurements:

• The total vertical rise you’re trying to overcome;
• The available distance without obstruction measuring straight out from the highest point; and
• The total usable width of the area.

Armed with these measurements, and the following wheelchair ramp slope recommendations, you can determine the right length you’ll need safely use the ramp with a wheelchair.

• Residential unoccupied use: For residential use, when nobody is sitting in the wheelchair or scooter while it climbs the ramp, we recommend a 3:12 slope (14.5° incline), which means that every 3″ of vertical rise requires at least 1′ (12″) of ramp length.
• Residential occupied use: For residential use, when somebody is sitting in the wheelchair or scooter while it climbs the ramp, we recommend a 2:12 slope (9.5° incline), which means that every 2″ of vertical rise requires at least 1′ (12″) of ramp.
• Commercial use: For wheelchair ramps on commercial property, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires a 1:12 slope (5° incline), which means that every 1″ of vertical rise requires at least 1′ (12″) of ramp length. These requirements don’t apply to wheelchair ramps on residential property, but many homeowners will choose to follow them.

Never attempt to use a wheelchair on a ramp with a slope steeper than 3:12 (14.5° incline).

Types of wheelchair ramps

The next step in choosing the perfect wheelchair ramp is determining what type of ramp will best satisfy your specific needs. Wheelchair ramps primarily fall into one of these three categories.

Free-Standing

When you need to make your home wheelchair accessible, free-standing ramps provide the sturdiest and longest-lasting solution, but they’re also the most expensive option. Free-standing wheelchair ramps can be used as permanent or temporary fixtures, and most are made of wood or aluminum.

• Wood: Wooden wheelchair ramps tend to be permanent structures because they must be constructed to fit a specific site and require ground footings to keep them securely in place. While this means they require more work to design and build, it also means wooden ramps often better reflect the style of the home or business. Ramps made out of wood don’t dent as easily as aluminum ramps, but require regular maintenance to prevent rotting. They also can’t be modified as easily as aluminum ramps. You also need to apply grip tape or some other anti-slip device to wooden ramps for proper traction.
• Aluminum: Free-standing aluminum ramps tend to come in modular designs, which means you can purchase any number of ramp, stair, platform, and handrail sections and configure the components to meet your needs and fit your site. Aluminum ramps are less expensive than wooden ramps, and they can be set up quickly thanks to their handy modular design. There’s less maintenance required with aluminum ramps, and they can easily be modified or reconfigured if your needs change. Aluminum ramps are susceptible to dents, and their metallic finish doesn’t blend into surroundings as well as wooden ramps.

Portable

Portable wheelchair ramps are engineered to be lightweight, compact, and easy to use so you can take them with you anywhere. Perfect for loading wheelchairs and power scooters into vehicles, through entryways, and up stairways, most portable wheelchair ramps feature easy-to-carry handles for increased transportability and folding or telescoping designs that allow them to be stored easily inside a car, van, or SUV.

• Full-width ramps: Built for maximum stability, durability, and portability, full-width wheelchair ramps are available in single-fold and multi-fold models. Thanks to their full-width design and raised side rails, these portable ramps can support the heaviest power scooters without a problem.
• Wheelchair track ramps: For the ultimate in wheelchair ramp portability, a set of folding or telescoping wheelchair track ramps can be stacked together for compact storage. These lightweight ramps are comprised of a pair of dual runner ramps that can be spaced any length apart to accommodate all wheelchair and power scooter widths.

Threshold

Threshold ramps differ from free-standing ramps and portable ramps in that they’re generally smaller and are simply used to bridge small gaps in height. These ramps are often used in residential settings to overcome height differences from room to room, but they can also be used to make it easier to maneuver a wheelchair over curbs or single steps. In some cases, threshold ramps can even be placed back to back where there’s a threshold, doorway plate, or raised entrance to eliminate bumps or gaps that might not be easily accessible for a wheelchair.

There’s a wide variety of ramps that can increase accessibility for individuals who use wheelchairs, power scooters, or other mobility devices to get around. Remember, though, that they’re not all created equal. To choose the proper wheelchair ramp for your specific needs, consider your budget, how you plan to use the ramp most often, and the benefits and disadvantages of each type of ramp.

DiscountRamps.com is a leading online retailer of loading, hauling, and transportation equipment. The company offers more than 11,000 products for sale on its website, and features the internet’slargest selection of affordable wheelchair ramps.

SOURCE:  West Bend, Posted by Scott Stueber on Oct 27, 2015 11:08:20 AM