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If you use Siri, Cortana, or Alexa on a daily basis, you’re like many people who rely on artificial intelligence (AI) to help make life easier. AI can send a text to a friend, set an appointment on our calendar and provide us with driving directions when we are lost.

Many people think AI is robots working in a factory or staring in science fiction movies. In essence, AI is the technology our smartphones and other smart gadgets use. They listen for their name to be called and when it is, jump into service.

CyberScout and West Bend have collaborated to provide our insureds with the option to buy insurance coverage to protect them against identity theft. CyberScout has written an article titled, “Convenience with a twist: How artificial intelligence puts your data at risk.”

The article explains:

1. How data travels;
2. Data storage; and
3. Security and privacy unknowns.

In addition, the article provides tips on how you can protect your data that is floating through the cloud or being used by AI.

1. Limit sharing. Before you share personal information, take a minute to think about if that is a good idea. For example, if you are downloading an app and they ask for your date of birth, think about why they need that.
2. Limit use. When not using smart devices, turn them off or adjust settings to maximize privacy. Recently, my wife has been struggling with her smartphone maintaining battery life. While the battery needs to be replaced, it was amazing to learn about all the apps running in the background tracking her location.
3. Assume the worst. Unfortunately, hackers are always looking for ways to get at your personal data. What you say or do now could show up in the future.

Lastly, check out CyberScout’s infographic that shares some statistics and explains where and how artificial intelligence works.

SOURCE:  West Bend, Posted by Scott Stueber on Jul 18, 2017 11:37:19 AM

During the summer months, drivers face many different road conditions and driving situations. Weather patterns can change quickly, leading to heavy downpours and flooding. Summer vacations mean more cars on the road which can cause increased congestion and more incidents of road rage. Travelling through construction zones can be confusing and frustrating. Lastly, the weeks between Memorial Day and Labor Day are the most dangerous time of year for teen drivers.

For more resources to help you safely navigate through summer, visit these links.

Road America Teen Driving School – Sponsored by West Bend

Eleven tips to avoid or handle hydroplaning

Six tips for keeping your tires in shape so you can be safe

No more mistakes when replacing windshield wipers

SOURCE:  WEST BEND, Posted by Scott Stueber on Jun 27, 2017 9:54:38 AM

Pools and ponds can make for fun in the sun for you, your family, and friends, but they can also be a liability hazard and attract unwanted guests. It doesn’t matter if you have an in-ground or above-ground pool or a pond on your property; you have a liability exposure with all of them.

Kim Bechler, personal lines senior underwriter, will explain how can you protect others from harm and yourself from a liability claim if you have a pool or pond.

If you have an in-ground pool, it should be enclosed by a fence that’s at least five foot high and has a latching mechanism on all gates that access the pool area. If there’s no fence, it must be protected by an acceptable automatic safety pool cover (check with your insurance carrier to be sure the pool cover meets the safety features required to obtain coverage). This will keep unwanted guests from getting into the pool when you’re not able to monitor or use your pool.

If you have an above-ground pool, make sure the pool is installed to comply with your city’s ordinances. These pools must also have latching gates at any deck steps that lead to the pool. If there isn’t a deck attached to the pool, be sure the ladder is stored away from the pool when not in use.

If you have a pond on your property and your home is insured with West Bend, it’s not necessary to enclose the yard or pond area with a fence. Most properties that have ponds are in rural areas with few or no neighbors in close proximity. A fence may take away from the nature and beauty of a pond.

West Bend can ensure a pool exposure; however, it’s important to take precautions against unwanted guests using your pool in order to prevent a liability claim.

A diving board and/or pool slides are okay for in-ground pools and can make pool time more enjoyable. They can also harm your guests if they’re not installed properly.

Diving boards and pool slides should only be installed on in-ground pools. A diving board should be a diving platform rather than a springboard. The pool depth where the board is located should be at least nine feet. This will provide enough room above the bottom of the pool for a diver to avoid injury.

• Pool slides installed on in-ground pools should be:
• professionally manufactured and installed;
• have handrails leading from the bottom to the top of the slide;
• have walkways and stairs leading to the top of the slide that are made of slip-resistant, rigid materials; and
• be no higher than 12 feet with a water depth at the slide’s drop off between 6-8 feet (depending on the height of the slide).

Diving boards and pool slides should not be installed on above-ground pools because water depths are typically not deep enough to prevent injury.

It’s also not safe to install diving boards or pool slides at your pond. The pond depth can vary from year to year and the bottom of the pond can change over time. A pond can develop debris and weeds. Rocks could surface on the bottom of the pond over time. The water may not be clear enough to see objects submerged in the water, making diving dangerous. For these reasons, neither diving boards nor slides should be installed on your pond.

Some insurance carriers will add more premium for these added exposures so always check with your insurance agent when installing a pool.

Whether you have a pool or a pond, keeping your family and guests safe — and unwanted guests out — will give you a more enjoyable experience for years to come.

SOURCE:  WEST BEND, Posted by Scott Stueber on Jun 20, 2017 11:32:17 AM

Another sign that warm weather is here is the roar of a motorcycle as it drives down your street. It’s always been my dream to own a motorcycle. A new motorcycle was going to be a gift to myself when I turned 30, then 40, and now it will have to wait until 50.

Like many things in life, a motorcycle must be respected by the rider and other motorists who share the road. Motorcycles are small, hard to see, and fast. Without proper training and a basic understanding of how they work, serious and dangerous situations can arise. Unfortunately, motorcyclists are 26 more times likely to die in a crash and five times more likely to be injured than car occupants.

Here are some tips on how you can safely share the road with motorcycle riders.

1. Don’t be a bully. If you drive a larger vehicle, like a pickup or SUV, you may feel a bit aggressive when a motorcycle is in your way. Following at a close distance in an attempt to motivate them to go faster or get out of your way isn’t wise. This creates dangerously-short breaking distances. In addition, it may cause the motorcycle rider to become stressed and pull an unsafe maneuver. Everybody has the same right to be on the road. If you end up following a motorcycle, maintain a distance between of at least four seconds.
2. Double check your blind spots. Because of their speed and size, motorcycles may quickly come in and out of your blind spots. Always take a second look now that motorcycles are out on the road.
3. Be courteous. If you’re annoyed because a driver isn’t driving at your speed or if a blinker has been blinking for miles, take a couple of deep breaths. Little mistakes happen. If we blow them out of proportion, there can be dangerous consequences.
4. Be cautious when turning left. Making a left turn can be tricky, especially when traffic volume is heavy. You may have difficulty seeing due to sun glare, or because another vehicle is making a left turn opposite of you. You also have to watch for pedestrians in the cross walk. In addition, don’t forget about a motorcyclist. Most accidents between a car and motorcycle occur in intersections. Due to a motorcycle’s small size, we just don’t see them. When making a left turn, scan the intersection to determine what’s happening. Then scan again looking specifically for motorcycles. If everything looks good, safely make your left turn.
5. Allow adequate following distance. When it comes to slowing down, motorcyclists may not use their brakes immediately, so don’t expect to see brake lights. Motorcyclists may reduce speed by relaxing the throttle or downshifting so the speed will drop without ever touching their brakes.
6. Focus. Focus on driving and paying attention to what’s going on outside your vehicle. Eliminate distractions inside your vehicle.

If you’re a new rider or thinking about starting to ride, here are some tips for you.

1. Enroll in a class. Once you made the decision to ride, consider enrolling in a class. Basic rider classes, such as the one offered at Road America, teach basic riding skills in a safe controlled environment. They even provide the motorcycles! This is a great way to find out if riding is for you before making the purchase. The other benefit is that after you complete the course, you earn a motorcycle license. There’s no need to take a road test with your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). To find a class near you, visit the Motorcycle Safety Foundation.
2. Practice, Practice, Practice. After completing the basic rider’s class, continue to practice. Riding in a quiet neighborhood allows you to continue to learn how the motorcycle handles without heavy traffic. The more you ride, the more comfortable you’ll be. In addition, riding in a quiet neighborhood during different weather conditions will help you learn additional driving skills.
3. Remain alert. When driving a motorcycle, extra attention is needed. Constantly scan the environment for changing conditions. Pay attention to what the cars around you are doing, and watch for pedestrians and darting animals.
4. Avoid drowsy driving. Never drive a motorcycle if you’re tired or under the influence of drugs or alcohol. All these things can slow down your reaction time and cause a crash.
5. Make sure you’re seen. Because of the size and speed of motorcycles, your visibility may be limited to other motorists around you. Wear bright clothing and put reflective material on your motorcycle or clothing. Also, position yourself in your lane so you’re more visible to other motorists.

Source:

MSF

SOURCE:  WEST BEND, Posted by Scott Stueber on Jun 13, 2017 10:15:37 AM

It’s been reported in the news that the 2017 tick season is going to be worse than usual. If you’re wondering why they’re anticipating such a bad season, there’s some supporting evidence.

This year, our Midwest winter was on the mild side. While this led to less shoveling and warmer temperatures, it also allowed ticks to thrive and emerge earlier than they typically do. Mice are often hosts for ticks and because there’s a shortage, ticks are looking for other species to prey on … humans and pets!

Regions that will be most affected this year are the Northeast, mid-Atlantic, and the upper Midwest.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a bite by an infected tick causes approximately 300,000 infections each year.

If you plan to enjoy camping and other outdoor activities this summer, you should know:

• Where they live;
• How to protect yourself and your pets;
• How to perform daily checks; and
• Symptoms of Lyme disease.

Where they live?

Ticks live in wooded or grassy areas.

How to protect yourself and your pets

• Avoid wooded or grassy areas. Walk in the center of trails.
• Buy an appropriate repellant. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends using repellents that contains 20% or more DEET. If you use a repellant with DEET, please follow product directions carefully, especially when applying it on children. To find a repellent appropriate for you and your family, visit the United States Environmental Protection Agency website.
• Wear proper clothing. If venturing into the woods, wear long pants, shirts, and closed toe shoes. Also, consider treating your clothing and other gear with 0.5% permethrin.
• Keep an eye on your pets. Avoid letting them run freely if you’re camping in a woods or near tall grasses. While this may not be as fun for them, it can help prevent tick bites. In addition, talk to your veterinarian about using tick collars and other possible treatments.
• Conduct inspections. Before entering your home, cabin, or camper, look at your clothing to make sure you don’t see any creepy crawlies. Also, inspect your pets.
• Take a shower or bath. Wash your body soon after you come inside to remove ticks that may be crawling on your skin.
• Wash your clothing appropriately. Wash your clothes immediately after coming in from outside using hot water to kill the ticks. If hot water isn’t an option, wash them in a colder temperature, and then dry them for approximately 60 minutes using high heat. If you can’t wash your clothes at all, put them in the dryer on high heat for 10 minutes.

How to perform daily checks

Examine your body daily. Ticks like warm areas of the body. Check for ticks:

• Under your arms;
• Behind your knees;
• In your hair and around your ears;
• Inside your belly button; and
• Between your legs.

Symptoms of Lyme disease

While not everyone experiences the same symptoms, here are some early signs of the disease.

• A red circular rash that extends out from the site of the bite;
• Facial palsy;
• Pain in muscles, joints, and tendons;
• Heart palpitations and dizziness; and
• Flu-like symptoms that may include headache, fever, and overall body soreness.

If left untreated after several months, the disease will progress and the symptoms may get worse.

If you think you’ve been bitten by a tick or have Lyme disease, please seek medical attention immediately. Untreated Lyme disease can be deadly.

For more information, visit the CDC’s website.

Sources:
http://www.pestworld.org/news-hub/pest-articles/the-year-of-the-tick/
https://www.cdc.gov/features/lymedisease/index.html

SOURCE:  West Bend, Posted by Scott Stueber on Jun 6, 2017 10:44:55 AM

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