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If you live in a cold weather climate, spring break can be the highlight of your year. Traveling to a warmer climate for some rest, relaxation, and warm sun can be rejuvenating.

Or maybe after years of dreaming and planning, you’re finally taking the trip of a lifetime with your family this summer. No matter where you’re going, there are some safety tips to keep in mind to protect your identity.

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 created an infographic titled, “Protect Your Identity When You’re Travelling.”

The infographic shares some interesting travel risks, as well as things you should do before you leave and while you’re traveling, and how to get help. Here are a few key points from the infographic.

1. Before you leave. Consider storing your travel documents in a secure online repository. The advantage is that you’ll always have access to your documents if they’re lost lost or stolen. In addition, consider enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program for government alerts and tips.
2. While you’re traveling. Avoid using free public Wi-Fi or computers to access sensitive data. Instead, contact your cell phone provider to learn about their international plans and coverage areas. They may provide a data package you can use when traveling outside the United States.
3. How to get help. If you suspect you’re a victim of identity theft, help is available. CyberScout may be available through your insurance carrier. If not, you can still contact CyberScout for individual assistance.

For information on travel scams, check out the article, “Don’t Fall for These Common Travel Scams.”

For additional travel tips, check out these articles.

A guide to tipping when on vacation
Just had an accident with your rental car. Now what?
10 tips to help you enjoy spring break
Protect your family before going on a trip
Spring break travel: The science behind turbulence
Seven tips for staying healthy before and during vacation

SOURCE:  WEST BEND, Posted by Scott Stueber on Mar 14, 2017 9:20:50 AM

Do you plan to buy an older home because it has character or as an investment? In either case, make sure you pay attention to the type of wiring. Nancy Arndt, personal lines senior underwriter, will explain the problems with old wiring.

Many homes that were built before 1950, and go as far back as the 1800s, have what’s known as knob and tube wiring. Knob and tube wiring consists of porcelain knobs with old-style wiring that was wrapped around it as it runs through the joists, floor boards, and walls. The wiring consists of one hot wire and one neutral wire and has a thick insulation coating around it.

Problems with this old style of wiring:

1. Back in those days, wiring was designed to carry very small currents as electricity was used mainly for lighting. Today we use much more electricity with many electronic devices and appliances plugged into outlets. The old knob and tube wiring isn’t sufficient anymore. It doesn’t adequately supply enough electricity to the home and it can pose a significant fire hazard when overloaded.
2. It also doesn’t have a ground wire to protect the home and its appliances during a lightning strike.
3. If rolled or loose-blown insulation has been added to the home, it could be covering the wiring. There must be three inches of space between the live wire and any flammables.
4. There may have been newly-installed light fixtures or ceiling fans and the newer Romex wiring could be spliced into the knob and tube wiring. These lines, however, weren’t designed for system additions and all of this could significantly increase the risk of fire.
5. The wiring could have outdated fuse boxes for main disconnects.

(Source: Wikipedia)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knob-and-tube_wiring

Be sure to look in the basement and/or attic and check the fuse box in the home. If you plan to buy the home, but see any knob and tube wiring or an outdated electrical fuse box, you should consider having it updated immediately.

Contact your independent agent to find the right insurance company to insure your home. Many insurance companies have restrictions on this type of electrical system and you could have a problem finding a company that will insure your home.

SOURCE:  WEST BEND, Posted by Scott Stueber on Mar 7, 2017 9:21:58 AM

Our homes today are filled with electronics and appliances that make our lives easier and provide us with entertainment. DVD players, big screen TVs, video game systems, and cable/satellite TV boxes overload our electrical outlets and fill up our entertainment centers.

If you bought a new appliance lately, you’ll see that technology has changed them, as well. Our new washer and dryer consists of a few buttons and touch screens. While the touch screens look cool, there’s more circuitry in them, which could lead to a fire.

According to the National Fire Protection Agency(NFPA), 501,500 structure fires were reported in the U.S. in 2015. These fires resulted in 2,685 deaths, 13,000 injuries, and $10.3 billion in property damage; $7 billion in property losses were caused by home fires. Based on these statistics, a fire was reported every 63 seconds.

Since I’m an insurance person, it drives me nuts when my wife insists on running our dishwasher or wash machine and dryer when we’re not home. Here’s a list of common appliances and how they can be start fires in your home.

Common Appliances

1. Dishwashers. Have you ever opened your dishwasher immediately after it finished its cycle? The heat that shoots out when you open the door can be overwhelming. A dishwasher contains heating elements that dry your dishes. These heating elements get wet, heat up, and cool down every time you use the dishwasher. Old or faulty elements can start a fire. Never turn on a dishwasher before leaving your home. While it’s nice to return to clean dishes at the end of the day, it’s not worth the risk.
2. Dryers. I’ve written a couple safety articles about lint buildup in a dryer and the importance of cleaning it often. To see how fast a lint fire can start; check this link. Preventing dryer fires: Experts say keeping your lint trap clean is just part of the safety cycle.
3. Microwaves. Microwaves are very convenient. Warming up leftover meals can be a big timesaver when the family schedule is hectic. They also can be very dangerous. There have been many complaints about microwaves starting on their own and causing a fire. If you hear your microwave running, and you didn’t turn it on, unplug it immediately. Microwaves: a fire hazard in your kitchen
4. Refrigerators. One might never think of a refrigerator being a fire risk; however, an overheated compressor or an electrical short can cause fires. In addition, a light that stays on all the time can be hazardous.
5. Toasters. In 1913, Westinghouse debuted the first two-sided toaster. Toasters have electric elements inside that are used to brown your bread or bagel. If the toaster fails and doesn’t turn off, a fire can start. Never leave a toaster unsupervised and remove the crumbs on the bottom of the toaster regularly. In addition, inspect the electric elements for stuck crumbs.

Other common causes of house fires

1. Candles. While candles look nice and add ambiance to your living room, never leave them unattended. From 2007 – 2011, the NFPA reported 10,630 candle fires resulting in 115 fatalities and $418 million in property damage.
2. Electrical. Electrical fires can start in many ways. Some causes are old wiring, an overloaded electrical outlet or circuit breaker, and extension cords. The next time you plug in that extension cord or new electronic device, pay attention to your outlet. It may be wise to unplug something else or find a different outlet.
3. Children playing with fire. If you talk to my parents, they’ll tell you they’re glad their house is still standing. Looking back, I ruined quite a few things in their home. Unfortunately, playing with fire made the list. According to the NFPA, an estimated 7,100 home fires occur each year because of children playing with fire.
4. Cooking. Have you ever left the kitchen for just a “quick second” and returned to a boiling pot overflowing? The number-one cause of house fires is cooking.

General Fire Safety Tips

• Consider replacing appliances before something goes wrong. A more expensive appliance doesn’t equate to a longer life span.
• Develop and practice an escape plan with your family.
• Don’t use water to put out a grease fire.
• Store matches and lighters out of a child’s reach.
• Avoid using water to extinguish a candle.
• Don’t use candles during a power outage. Rely on flashlights instead.
• Clean your dryer lint screen regularly.
• Unplug toasters after each use.
• Inspect your dryer ducts each year.
• Don’t store a toaster on your counter if you have pets.
• Contact an electrician if you’re concerned about a wiring issue in your house.
• Select the right extension cord for the job.
• Avoid overloading electrical outlets.
• Avoid storing things in your microwave.
• Never run an appliance, such as the dishwasher, washing machine, or dryer when you’re not home.
• Test your smoke detectors regularly. Consider replacing batteries when Daylight Savings Time begins and ends.

If you have a fire in your home, the most important thing you can do is get out immediately. A home can be completely engulfed in flames within a couple of minutes. The safety of you and your family is more important than your possessions.

SOURCE:  West Bend, Posted by Scott Stueber on Feb 28, 2017 8:51:53 AM

Tupperware and Avon gained popularity in the 1940s and have been going strong ever since. Today you can pick from any number of direct selling companies, including AdvoCare, Scentsy, Jamberry, to start your own business. Maybe sales aren’t your thing, but you’re a talented musician and are considering offering guitar lessons in your home.

All that extra cash is exciting, but did you know that if you make more than $2,000 a year, it’s considered a business! Sarah Faris, senior Personal Lines underwriter, will discuss why insurance is necessary if your hobby is considered a business.

Let’s say you’re presenting the latest Mary Kay products at your home and a customer is injured after slipping and falling on your property. If you don’t have an in-home business policy, the injured customer’s medical bills could be denied.

Or you have a booth at the local farmer’s market in which you’re displaying a large number of your hand-crafted Christmas ornaments. A strong wind blows through and topples your tent; all of your ornaments are destroyed. Without the in-home business coverage, you would have no coverage for the tent and all of your ornaments.

West Bend’s In Home Business Coverage can help insure your business. The coverage provides you with business personal property and liability coverages as an endorsement to your Home and Highway^® policy. You can choose from three different coverage options to fit your needs.
The main business classes are service (photography, dress making, etc.), crafts (quits, gift baskets, etc.), and office/sales (accounting, etc.).

If you’re hosting an in-house party this year, here are some tips to make it safe and successful.

1. Plan accordingly. While an in-house party can be a casual evening, it will be more successful if you plan accordingly. Work with your sales representative to find out what they’ll need to display their products. The last thing you want to do is to tear your clean house apart looking for an extension cord or that extra card table and chairs. Make sure you have enough seating for your guests, as well as food and beverages. Planning can take away the stress and make it a more enjoyable party.
2. Send invitations. Send out “Save the Date” postcards or emails well in advance. Between work and running kids to a million activities, family life is hectic. To ensure people attend your party, send out invitations early; don’t rely on word of mouth. Lastly, follow up with a phone call the day before your party. I’s easy for people to ignore an email, but not a phone call. In addition, a phone call is a nice personal touch. You can share party details and answer any questions they may have.
3. Tidy up the inside. A clean living room and bathroom are important. Pick up the kids’ and pets’ toys and put them away for the evening. Declutter your party space to make it more comfortable for your guests and provide more room for displaying products.
4. Tidy up the outside. Make sure your driveway and sidewalk are clear of snow and ice, as well as other debris. Wet leaves can be slippery and make the approach to your house hazardous. In addition, low hanging branches can be dangerous. Lastly, make sure your property is well lit. Don’t forget to fix the burned out light bulb at your front door.
5. Make arrangements for your pet. If you own a pet, you’ll agree they bring a lot of joy to your family. Your guests, however, may not feel the same way. Rather than risking wagging tails knocking over displays or your kitten biting your guests’ ankles, it’s best to keep pets off the invite list.
6. Watch out for greasy appetizers. Not serving food or light snacks at a party could be considered a bust by some so when planning your menu, consider serving non-greasy appetizers. Greasy appetizers can make a mess in your home and on the merchandise.

If you offer piano lessons or make and sell crafts, be sure to contact your local independent agent to discuss your individual insurance needs and what’s best for your business!

SOURCE:  WEST BEND, Posted by Scott Stueber on Feb 21, 2017 8:57:58 AM

It has been awhile since I have had to think about childproofing my home; however, as my younger cousins begin having children, and friends become grandparents, I thought it would be an interesting topic to research. For those of us who have older children, safety tips and recommendations have changed.

According to the CDC, more than 9.2 million children are treated in emergency departments for unintentional injuries that occur around the home. So if you’re a new parent or grandparent, here are some tips for creating a safe environment in your home.

Kitchen

• Clutter free counter tops. A child’s world is expanded significantly once he/she learns how to crawl or walk. Since a lot of time is spent in the kitchen, it is a good idea to keep as much off your counter tops as possible. If you have a pantry or extra cupboard space, store your small kitchen appliances there. This will prevent kids from pulling on electrical cords. Also, keep silverware away from the edge of the counter top.
• Use the back burners. Young kids love to reach and pull themselves up on things. By using the back burner, pot and pan handles will be out of sight and out of mind.
• Use the middle of the counter. Put hot pots, pans, slow cookers, and cookie sheets in the middle of the counter. Again, this will prevent kids from pulling things down on top of them.
• Install safety latches/oven locks. If you do not have room to store household products out of reach, install safety latches on kitchen cabinets. Today, there are so many options for cabinets. Visit KidSafe Home Safety Products to see what is available for your kitchen.In addition, cover your oven dials if they are located on the front of your oven. Lastly install a lock on the oven door.

Livingroom

• Secure your flat screen TV. TV straps are available to anchor your TV to the wall or the TV stand itself. If you are securing it to the wall, make sure you attach it to a stud.
• Secure your book self. If you have a book shelf that is taller than it is wide, secure it to a stud in the wall.
• Add corner cushions. Nice coffee and end tables can spruce up your living room; however, tables with sharp corners can cause serious injury if your child falls.
• Cover the indoor ice rink. If you have hardwood or ceramic tile floors, they can be very slippery. To soften the blow from a fall, you may lay down a rug. However, unless the rug is laid on a non-slip rug pad, the rug may still move around and cause a fall.
• Install outlet covers. When my kids were small, I used plastic plugs in the outlet. They worked fine for my family. The problem with them is if you take one out and forget to put it back, it can turn into a choking hazard and your electrical outlet is left exposed. Today’s parents and grandparents can purchase self-closing outlet covers. When the vacuuming is done, you can unplug and move on to your next chore. The outlet automatically closes for you.
• Make sure window-covering cords are out of sight. To learn more about protecting your children from strangulation check out the article, “Are Your Window Coverings Safe?”

Bathroom

• Consider an anti-scald faucet. Water heaters’ default temperature settings range from 120 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. If yours is set at the high end, three seconds is all it takes for a serious burn. Anti-scald faucets can take the guesswork out of bathing your child by providing a consistently safe temperature. Another alternative is to turn down the temperature on your water heater.
• Install a spout cover. Spout covers come in a variety of shapes and sizes to meet the requirements of your tub.
• Keep your bathroom door locked. There are many hazards in an everyday bathroom. If possible, your best bet is to keep the door locked.

Bedroom

• Install a window guard(s). If you live in a two-story house and like to keep your windows open on nice days, window guards are necessary. The screens on the windows are flimsy and were made to keep insects and other debris from entering. They were not made to support the weight of a child pushing on them.
• Follow the same tips for the living room section. In addition, it’s a good idea to anchor dressers too.

Check out this video form This Old House. I found it interesting to see how safety devices have improved over the years.

Sources: 
http://www.cpsc.gov/en/Safety-Education/Safety-Guides/Kids-and-Babies/Childproofing-Your-Home–12-Safety-Devices-To-Protect-Your-Children/
http://www.burnfoundation.org/programs/resource.cfm?c=1&a=3
http://parent.guide/
http://www.cdc.gov/safechild/Child_Injury_Data.html

SOURCES:  West Bend, Posted by Scott Stueber on Feb 16, 2016 9:00:00 AM

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