Kathryn Smith

In a few weeks, kids in costumes will be roaming your neighborhood on a mission to fill their bags with goodies. While this is a fun tradition, it’s important to keep your home and yard safe so your Halloween visitors stay safe, too.

Here some tips to keep neighborhood trick-or-treaters safe.

1. Tighten lose handrails and floorboards. If trick or treaters will be going up stairs to your front door, make sure hand rails are secured and loose floorboards are tightened. Kids wearing costumes may have trouble moving up and down the stairs and will rely on a handrail. In addition, if there are pumpkins or other decorations on your stairs or porch, it may be wise to remove them.

2. Remove low hanging tree branches. Make sure any trees that are close to your sidewalk or driveway are adequately pruned so the ghosts and goblins can safely navigate.

3. Mark raised or uneven surfaces. In colder climates, winter weather wreaks havoc on driveways and sidewalks. If concrete surfaces in and around your yard are raised, mark them with florescent paint so little princesses don’t trip. If uneven pavers lead up to your front door, rope off the section that could cause them to trip and fall.

4. Remove yard debris. Cold temperatures and strong winds or rain can take leaves off trees in a hurry so rake up those leaves and remove yard debris. The shortest route to your front door may be through your yard. Wet leaves, tree branches, and decorative items can be hazardous to a Storm Trooper’s health.

5. Light up your property. If your community’s trick-or-treat hours are after daylight, make sure your outside lights are working. Now is a good time to replace burned out bulbs. Consider using even brighter bulbs, as long as they meet the recommended wattage. Don’t rely on magical wands or light sabers to light on your property.

6. Keep your pets in a safe place. The constant ringing of the doorbell and the large number of visitors may stress out your pet. Keep pets in a bedroom, away from all the noise and commotion. And don’t forget: Chocolate can be deadly to pets!

SOURCE:  West Bend, Posted by Scott Stueber on Oct 20, 2015 10:00:00 AM

Uber is one of the fastest growing companies today, offering a ride share service similar to a taxi but used with an app on your smartphone. Uber uses your phone’s GPS system to detect your location and connect you with the nearest available driver who will then take you to your destination.

It sounds great if you’re an out-of-town passenger and need a ride somewhere. But what if you want to make some extra money by becoming an Uber driver? West Bend’s senior underwriter Nancy Arndt will explain how insurance comes into play.

Did you know the basic auto policy excludes coverage while you’re using your vehicle as a public or livery conveyance? The personal auto premium doesn’t factor in the extra liability exposure of picking up passengers and driving them around town. This exclusion applies to all coverages – liability, medical payments, uninsured/underinsured motorist, and physical damage.

The proper way to cover this exposure is with a commercial auto policy. Some insurance companies may even require that you have a CDL (commercial driver’s license) for this. Some companies, however, may allow you to add an endorsement to your personal auto policy to allow for coverage during certain phases of Uber employment.

Uber also provides some insurance but this may only apply when you actually have a rider in your vehicle. So would you have coverage when you’re logged into the Uber system, driving around and waiting for a rider?

These are all things you’ll need to find out before you become an Uber driver. You don’t want to find out your auto insurance won’t provide coverage for you after you’re involved in an accident. Be sure to contact you agent to see that you have the proper coverage for this exposure.

SOURCE:  WEST BEND, Posted by Scott Stueber on Oct 13, 2015 10:30:00 AM

At this time of year, there are many things on the “To Do List” to get ready for winter weather. Raking leaves, cleaning gutters, disconnecting hoses, and making sure the snow blower starts are just a few. What about having your furnace inspected? Now is the perfect time to schedule your appointment.

We’ve all seen the news reports about heating systems that go out and repair backlogs that occur with extreme cold temperatures. Here are some benefits to getting your furnace inspected now.

1. Uncover small problems. Neglecting proper maintenance now can lead to expensive repairs in the future. If a small problem is detected now, the proper part(s) can be ordered and replaced in a timely manner. If a problem occurs during the winter when you need your furnace most, hourly rates will likely be higher and you’ll likely be more frustrated with the process.
2. Maintain efficiency. Like other mechanical items, a furnace has moving parts. A certified HVAC technician can inspect the moving parts and lubricate, clean, or replace them so your system is running as efficiently as it can.
3. Reduce heating expense. If a furnace is poorly maintained, it can work overtime. The more your furnace runs, the more money you pay your utility company. A properly-tuned furnace will run more efficiently, thus reducing your heating bills.
4. Extends the life of the furnace. After years of neglect, things break down. By properly maintaining your furnace, you may be able to get the most out of it. Let’s face it. If you live in your home long enough, or buy an older home, this is one item you’ll need to replace. However, there’s no reason to replace it sooner than you have to.

Furnace Safety Tips

1. Keep flammable objects away from your furnace. I know this tip seems obvious. Nevertheless, if your utility room is anything like mine, things are shuffled around as we go through the different seasons and it never seems quite big enough.
2. Make sure your exhaust flue is clear. My exhaust flue is on the side of my house by the hose bib, so I see it all the time. However, if you don’t see yours regularly, make sure it’s clear of debris and other obstructions. It’s especially important to keep an eye on it during winter months. Snowdrifts can pile up and prevent exhaust from leaving your house properly.
3. Change your filter regularly. Clean filters can help your furnace run more efficiently. Experts recommend changing your filter monthly.
4. Install carbon monoxide detectors. Cars, water heaters, a furnace, and a fireplace produce carbon monoxide. If you don’t have one installed in your home, buy one. Experts recommend having one on every floor of your house. Carbon monoxide detectors range in price and can be plugged into a wall outlet. Don’t forget to test your smoke detectors and change the batteries if needed.

SOURCE:  West Bend, Posted by Scott Stueber on Oct 6, 2015 10:00:00 AM

Fall is officially here and the days are definitely getting shorter. If you’re like me, you’re trying to savor the remaining warm days as much as possible. If you’re also like me, however, fall allergies can make it difficult to enjoy this time of year.

It’s easy to understand why you might suffer from allergies in the spring. The snow has melted and the world around us goes into full bloom. But what’s up with fall allergies?

Ragweed and mold are the two big culprits in fall. Ragweed thrives in the warm sunny days and cool nights. The release of ragweed pollen usually starts in August but can continue through September and October.

Mold is the other culprit. Mold thrives in damp cool places. As leaves and other yard debris pile up, our yards become conducive environments for mold growth.

Mold spores and pollen love to ride the wind, so even if your area is free of these allergens, a windy day can bring them to your neighborhood.

Here are some tips to reduce allergy symptoms and enjoy the remaining warm sunny fall days.

1. Keep the air conditioning on. My wife loves to open the windows this time of year. Warm daily temperatures and cool nights are perfect for a comfortable home. I enjoy driving with the windows down and the moon roof open. If your allergies are kicking up, however, it’s best to keep the windows closed and the air conditioning on. By doing this, you keep allergens out.
2. Change your exercise routine. If you enjoy an early evening run or walk, you may want to switch to an early morning routine. Ragweed is spread when the winds pick up. According to WebMD, the pollen counts are highest between 10:00am and 4:00pm.
3. After washing your clothes, don’t hang them outside to dry. Pollen gets trapped in your clothes or linens.
4. Shower after outdoor activities. If you spent the day doing yard work, playing golf, or enjoying a pumpkin farm, take a shower afterwards. A shower will rinse the pollen off your skin and out of your hair. Also, throw your clothes in the wash to avoid spreading the allergens throughout your home.
5. Change your air conditioner filter frequently. While this is an easy tip, it’s one I often neglect. Experts recommend changing the filter monthly. If you’re an allergy sufferer, a hypoallergenic filter is recommended. I usually cringe at the price of these filters, but if they help keep your home allergen free, they’re worth it.
6. Check your weather app. Weather apps provide all kinds of helpful information. Consider downloading an app that provides pollen counts. I have the Weather Channel® app and it provides pollen counts for trees, grass, and weeds.
7. Take allergy medication consistently. From April 1 until the first hard frost, I use two nasal sprays and take an oral antihistamine. As my symptoms improve, however, I get lazy and don’t take the medications as I should. The key to allergy relief is consistency. Before taking any medications, please consult your medical professional.
8. Clean your home regularly. Cleaning your home regularly can minimize allergens (mold, pollen, dust mites, pet dander) in your home. Keep in mind the cleaning process doesn’t have to be a big production. Simply vacuuming, dusting, and washing bed linens can be beneficial.

SOURCE:  West Bend, Posted by Scott Stueber on Sep 29, 2015 11:00:00 AM

Fall is a nice time of year in the Midwest. Fall sports are back, trees change colors, and if it was a hot summer, the cooler temperatures feel nice. It’s also the time of year when hunters begin venturing into the woods.

According to the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, more than 87 million Americans hunt, fish, and enjoy wildlife-related recreation annually. Combined, these activities generate more than $120 billion for the U.S. economy and support almost three million jobs.

Whether you’re a gun collector, sport-shooting enthusiast, or hunter, here are some safety tips to keep yourself and others safe.

1. Communication is key.

• Whether or not you own a gun, talking to your kids about gun safety is an important discussion. You never know what they may find at a friend’s house.
• If you’re hunting with family or friends, discuss the layout of the land and have a thorough understanding of where each person will be.
• If you’re venturing into the woods, tell family or friends where you’re going and when you’ll be home.
• If visiting your local gun range, understand their rules and abide by them.

2. Store guns and ammunition in separate locked cabinets. Too often, we hear about accidental shootings. What you think is a good hiding spot probably isn’t. Kids are inquisitive and can find things you’d least expect them to find. Store the keys for your gun cabinets in a safe place. Labeling keys for a gun cabinet and leaving them in a common area of your home defeats the purpose of locked cabinets. Consider trigger locks.

3. Wear the appropriate clothing or gear. No matter what hobby you enjoy, wearing the appropriate clothing or gear is important. When shooting, wear eye and ear protection. If you enjoy walking in the woods, make sure you wear bright clothing to make yourself more visible. If you’re hunting from a tree stand, consider a safety harness.

Maintain your gear/hunting equipment properly by inspecting it after each use. If it needs repair, contact a professional.

4. Pack a first aid kit. Create a small kit specifically for you. My dad is allergic to bee stings, so he carried an EpiPen® when he hunted. If you suffer from an occasional migraine and have prescription medicine, pack that, as well.

5. Be aware of your surroundings. Identify where other hunters are and know what your target is before shooting. Find out where local medical services are located.

6. Ask permission. Just because you live near the woods doesn’t mean you can hunt in the woods. Always ask permission from landowners before hunting on their land since it can create many liability exposures for them. If you talk to the landowner beforehand, he/she can keep track of who’s hunting on the land and share any safety tips specific to the property. The last thing you want is a heated confrontation in the woods.

7. Contact your local DNR. Many states require hunter safety courses. It’s required in Wisconsin if you were born on or after January 1, 1973. DNR websites also share

• Safety tips;
• Hunting opportunities;
• Volunteer opportunities; and
• Places to hunt.

SOURCE:  WEST BEND, Posted by Scott Stueber on Sep 22, 2015 9:30:00 AM

September means back to school, the start of football season, and for the chef in your family, a great opportunity to stock up on freshly harvested fruits and vegetables. Farmers markets offer fresh produce directly from local farmers, growers and producers. Fresh fruits, vegetables and products that are direct from local farmers offer many benefits — for the health of your family, the community and your weekly menu.

Here are just a few reasons why you should consider a visit to your local farmers market this season.

1. A Boost In Nutrition
Fruits and vegetables pack a healthy punch of vitamins, nutrients and minerals. What you may not know, however, is that with time, produce loses nutritional value. In many cases, the water content in produce begins to absorb the valuable nutrients, making the produce less nutritious over time. Choosing to purchase freshly picked fruits and vegetables from a farmers market means you are getting produce at the peak of freshness with all of the valuable nutrients.

2. Supporting the Local Community
There is something to be said about the importance of supporting local businesses, and local farmers are no exception. When you stop and shop at a farmers market, you are helping to support local growers and their families. The dollars you spend directly impact your local community and allow farmers to continue to provide fresh, sustainable produce directly from their farm to your family.

3. Variety of Options
A trip to the farmers market will open your eyes to a plethora of seasonal fruits and vegetables that never find their way to your local grocery store. You can often find foods native to your area and more varieties of the produce you love. Consider apples: your local grocery store likely stocks 5 – 10 apple varieties based on popularity and sales performance. If you visit a local farmers market or orchard, you can often find many additional apple varieties with unique flavor profiles. If you want to add some spice and interest to your weekly menu, consider adding a new produce item to your daily meals.

4. Environmentally Friendly
Food items in the United States travel an average of 1,500 miles to get to from farm to your table. From the fossil fuels, to the extra packaging required for shipping; food delivery has a big environmental impact. When you choose to shop locally for produce and food items, you are doing your part to help the environment.

5. Save Money
When you visit a grocery store, the cost for organic and sustainably grown produce can put a real dent in your pocketbook. But did you know that at a farmers market, the cost for freshly picked, sustainably grown (and often organic) produce is just a fraction of the cost? It’s surprising and true. Without the added overhead of rent, executive salaries and shipping costs, farmers can often charge much lower prices for the produce you love.

6. Learn New Recipes and Cooking Tips
Many of the farmers you’ll meet at a local market are not only proud of the items they offer; they are eager to share helpful tips, recipes and information to help you get the most out of our purchase. Farmers are a wealth of knowledge when it comes to how to deliciously cook, sauté, roast, and enjoy your seasonal favorites.

7. Get Outside and Get Into Nature
While the weather is still warm, take the opportunity to get outside and get into nature. Many local markets, farms and orchards offer activities you can enjoy outside with the whole family; from corn mazes to apple picking, you could spend the whole day exploring the outdoors and come home with a bushel full of fresh produce.

SOURCE:  WEST BEND, Posted by Scott Stueber on Sep 8, 2015 9:00:00 AM