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Last fall, I decided to embrace the winter season by picking an outdoor activity to enjoy. For years, I considered snowshoeing. Unfortunately, we haven’t received much snow this winter.

After some thought, I decided I would bike to work during the winter months, so I bought a new bike and some gear to ensure a comfortable ride.

Over the Christmas break, my daughter’s friend asked her to go downhill skiing. Initially, I thought this was a great way for her to be active during the winter. When I was younger, I remember skiing with my grade school and even taking my wife on a date at our local ski hill.

I realized those skiing adventures took place more 30 years ago and I no longer remembered the first thing about skiing. Since I had researched biking in the winter months, I thought it was wise to do some research on skiing.

If you decide skiing is your new adventure this year, here are some tips for you and your family. Even if skiing isn’t a new adventure for you, these tips can help you enjoy other outdoor winter activities like snowshoeing or simply taking a walk.

1. Start with a lesson. Back when I skied, I went to the ski hill, put on a pair of skis, and away I went. I was close to using the same approach with my daughter. Then it dawned on me that she probably needs a lesson or two. Contact a ski hill near you to find out if they offer lessons. When I contacted our local ski hill, I learned what they teach beginners and that the lesson price was affordable. Learn from a professional ski instructor, not a friend or family member.

2. Layer up. Selecting the right number of layers is important. Beginners tend to underdress, especially if it’s a sunny day. My daughter thought she could wear a sweater with a sweatshirt over the top and a pair of jeans. Choosing the right number of layers, based on temperature, can only be accomplished through trial and error.

3. Get the appropriate gear. Proper-fitting gear is important in keeping you warm and safe. Gear that doesn’t fit properly or is uncomfortable can ruin your day. Avoid wearing your favorite pair of jeans or borrowing equipment from others. If you don’t have gear, rent boots, snow pants, and a helmet.

It’s also wise to buy ski goggles. Goggles help prevent snow blindness and protect your eyes from blowing snow. For biking to work, I bought a vented pair of ski goggles for $40. They keep my face warm and don’t fog up. They also work great for snow blowing which is more work than fun.

Wearing the right layers of clothing and having the appropriate gear can make everyday life more enjoyable during the winter months.

Check out these links on getting fit for the appropriate ski boot and selecting ski gear.

Ski Boot Fitting 101 – How to fit Ski Boots Properly Part 1

Ski Boot Fitting 101 – How to fit Ski Boots Properly Part 2

A Beginner’s Ski Gear Guide

4. Patience is a virtue. Like many new hobbies, skiing takes practice. One lesson doesn’t equip you with the skills you need to go down the most difficult hill. Embrace the learning process and set realistic expectations. If you have family or friends who are more advanced skiers, don’t try to keep up with them. If you want to ski with them, ask them to join you on the smaller runs.

5. Stay loose and relax. It’s very important to stretch properly before taking to the hill. Skiing requires the use of many muscles that aren’t used to this type of activity. The more stretching you can do, the better off you’ll feel the next day.

It’s also important to stay relaxed. Like any new activity, the first time at the ski hill can be stressful; however, it’s important to keep a clear mind and a relaxed body. Don’t be afraid of falling. Falling is a part of the learning process. Keeping your body rigid and tense can be harmful. If you feel stressed, take some deep breaths. This will help clear your mind of distracting thoughts that may be attacking your confidence.

6. Know the lay of the land. Be familiar with the layout of the ski hill. Understand the ski hill’s rules/code of conduct, terminology, and map, as well as where you can get medical attention. Knowing this information can make the day more enjoyable and safe for you and others.

7. Stay hydrated. Staying hydrated during winter months is very important. Dehydration can happen quickly in cold weather because your body is working hard to stay warm. Check out “8 Tips for Hydrating in Cold Weather.”

8. Don’t forget the sunscreen. Use an SPF of 30 or higher and apply it to exposed skin. Reapply every few hours. You CAN get sunburn in the winter.

Sources:
http://www.skinet.com/ski/galleries/top-10-tips-beginners?i=63193&s=10 http://skiing.about.com/od/skiclothing/a/What-To-Wear-Skiing.htm

SOURCE:  WEST BEND, Posted by Scott Stueber on Jan 19, 2016 10:32:57 AM

Every year in the United States, consumers purchase approximately 25-30 million real Christmas trees. Live Christmas trees offer several benefits over artificial trees:

• More than 100,000 people work full- or part-time in the industry;
• For every real tree cut down, one to three seedlings are planted each spring;
• They provide a lovely natural fragrance in your home;
• They offer a way to create family memories and traditions; and
• You get fresh air and exercise if you cut down your own tree.

While Christmas trees offer many benefits, they can be a fire hazard if not properly cared for. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), between 2009 -2013, Christmas trees caused approximately 210 home fires each year.

Here are some tips to keep your home and family safe this holiday season.

1. Freshness. A freshly-cut tree will last longer than a tree purchased at a tree lot, so visit a tree farm if you can. This link will help you find a tree farm near you. If you select a pre-cut tree, make sure the needles are green and don’t fall off when touched.
2. Add water daily. A Christmas tree is like a pet; it needs water each day. The more you care for your tree, the more enjoyment it will provide. So if you have a daily routine with your pets – and even if you don’t — add watering your tree to your daily routine.
3. Proper spacing. Make sure your tree is approximately three feet away from your home’s heat source i.e. vents, fireplaces, and radiators.
4. Inspect your lights. Make sure your lights are in good working order. Check for cracked wiring and flickering lights. If you have a string of lights that flickers or goes out after you put it on a tree, throw it away and buy a new string. If you have pets, it’s even more important to inspect the wiring. You never know what they do during the day when you’re not home.
5. Always turn off Christmas tree lights. Before leaving your home or going to bed for the evening, always unplug your lights. If the lights are on a timer, set your timer only for awake hours.

To see how fast a dry tree can catch fire, compared to a properly-watered tree, check out the video below.

Christmas tree fires: Simple tips to avoid potentially deadly danger

Source:
http://www.nfpa.org/public-education/by-topic/wildfire-and-seasonal-fires/winter-holiday-safety/christmas-tree-fires/christmas-tree-safety-tips
http://www.realchristmastrees.org/dnn/Education/Quick-Tree-Facts

SOURCE:  WEST BEND, Posted by Scott Stueber on Dec 6, 2016 9:00:12 AM

Have you ever jumped into your car, turned the key, and nothing happened? If so, did thoughts like this start racing through your head?

• I wonder what’s wrong?
• What am I going to do now?
• Who can I call?
• I hope this isn’t going to be expensive.

A dead battery can occur any time. Stephanie, our marketing manager, knows that only too well. Her car battery failed in her son’s school parking lot in August.

While dead car batteries aren’t just a winter phenomenon, as the temperatures plummet, they can become dangerous at this time of year.

A car battery can last an average of five to seven years if the vehicle is driven regularly. A car that’s kept in storage and not driven for an extended period may need a new battery sooner.

Before a car battery goes completely dead and leaves you stranded, it does give some warning signs. These include:

1. Slow engine crank. A worn-out battery will turn over your car at a slower rate. If your car doesn’t sound right or it takes longer to start, this could be a telltale sign.

2. Warning lights. If battery power is weak, a warning light may appear on your dashboard. In newer cars, this may show as a battery symbol. If this light goes on while you’re driving, don’t turn off your car! If your car doesn’t have a warning light but it’s hard to get it started, keep the car running until you get to your final destination.

3. Crusty connections. Today’s batteries are mostly maintenance free; however, corrosion around the battery posts may indicate a leaking battery. If you notice a lot of corrosion, clean off the posts. Corroded posts can lead to difficulty starting your car.

4. The car is misbehaving. Features in your car may be acting up. For example, your power windows may not open and close efficiently. In addition, your radio may not work correctly.

5. Oil change. When you get your oil changed, some garages will run a complementary battery test. If the mechanic tells you your battery is underperforming and it’s five to seven years old, you may want to have a new one installed.

If you’re left stranded and need a jump-start, here are the appropriate steps to get you back on the road.

1. Take a deep breath. I’ve been in this position before. Once help arrives, there’s a lot of commotion. Always think before you act. If you’re on the side of the road, pay attention to your surroundings. Before exiting your car, make sure it’s safe. If you’re in a parking lot, pay attention to swinging doors and other cars around you.

2. Position the vehicles appropriately. Once help arrives, position the vehicle with the dead battery and the running vehicle so they’re facing each other. If you’re in a parking lot, this may be difficult so get them as close together as possible. Automatic transmission cars should be placed in park and manual transmission cars should be put in neutral. For extra safety, be sure to use the parking brakes in both cars.

3. Turn off the running car. Once the cars are positioned appropriately, turn off the radio, headlights, interior lights, etc. Once this has been done, turn the car off.

4. Identify the battery terminals. The positive has a red indicator or a plus (+) sign. The negative terminal has a black indicator or a negative (-) sign.

5. Identify the jumper cables. The red clamp is positive and the black clamp is negative. A stripe on the cable may also indicate the positive cable.

6. Attach the jumper cables. It’s important to attach the jumper cables in this order.

• Attach the positive cable (red) to the positive terminal on the dead battery.
• Attach the positive cable (red) to the positive terminal on the functioning battery.
• Attach the negative cable (black) to the negative terminal on the functioning battery. Please note the cables are now live! Be careful in handling the remaining negative cable.
• Attach the negative cable (black) to a non-painted piece of metal or a bolt on the car with the dead battery. Make sure the cable is clear from moving parts.

7. Ladies and gentleman start your engines. Start the car with the functioning battery and allow it to run for one to two minutes. Next, try starting the car with the dead battery. The engine of the good car can be idled at 3,000 rpms to help transfer the energy through the jumper cables.

8. Disconnect the jumper cables. Now that the car with dead battery is running, it’s time to disconnect the jumper cables.

• Start by disconnecting the black or negative cable on the previously dead battery.
• Disconnect the black or negative cable on the functioning battery.
• Disconnect the red or positive cable on the functioning battery.
• Disconnect the red or positive cable on the previously dead battery.

If the car with the dead battery didn’t start, try:

• Re-connecting the cables following the steps in #6.
• Allow the functioning car to run five to ten minutes with the jumper cables attached to the dead car.
• Consider calling a tow truck.

Here are some additional resources that can help you become more familiar with the jump starting process.

How to Jump a Car (Infographic)
How to Jump Start a Car Battery – Advanced Auto Parts (Video)
A Jumper Cable Buyer’s Guide
Consumer Reports Car Batteries Buying Guide

Sources:

https://www.pepboys.com/car_care_corner/car_care_basics/maintenance/jump_starting_your_battery_using_another_car/
http://blog.firestonecompleteautocare.com/batteries/car-battery-problems-when-is-it-time-for-a-new-battery/
http://www.testingautos.com/when-to-replace-car-battery

SOURCE:  WEST BEND, Posted by Scott Stueber on Nov 22, 2016 9:12:34 AM

Over the years, my daughters have repeatedly asked my wife and me for a pet. Unfortunately for them, the answer had always been “no” for a number of reasons. Probably the biggest is the time commitment.

If you have kids, you understand their attention spans and commitment levels are short. For instance, several times over the years, we bought toys the girls “had to have” only to find them a short time later in the back of the closet collecting dust. If we’d have bought them a pet when they were young, we know they would have loved it. But with a 10-20 year commitment to its care, we also knew we’d be the ones taking care of it.

This past July, however, life as I knew it changed significantly. My wife and daughters decided a kitten would be a nice addition to our family. I initially thought it was no big deal; I’d go along with whatever they decided. When it was time to bring him home, however, I was terrified. Some of the thoughts swirling through my head were …

• I have no idea how to take care of a pet.
• Having a kitten is like having a small toddler.
• My daughters are 14 and 19; why do we need a pet at this point in our lives?
• Pets are expensive.
• How can clean freaks like us have a pet in our house?
• Pets get sick.

The girls told me, “Dad, just relax. You’re too uptight.” Easy for them to say since I could still be taking care of their cat when I’m 60. Fortunately, I adjusted and I actually enjoy having Toulouse, our cat, around.

If you plan on buying your kids a pet this holiday season, here are some things to consider.

1. Make sure you’re committed. Having a pet is a big responsibility for a family. Everybody is committed when they see cute little puppies or kittens. But what happens when they grow up and start to look like Puss N Boots? Pets require a lot of time and money. And when your kids are no longer around, remember: You’ll have to care for them (e.g., playing fetch, taking them for walks, and taking them to their vet appointments.) The lifespan of your little fur ball could be 10-20 years. If you cannot commit to this timeframe, it may be wise to consider other pet options.
2. Identify pros and cons of owning a pet. We adopted our kitten from the Humane Society. Unfortunately, they had many pets waiting for good homes. When puppies and kittens really tug at your heartstrings, the decision can turn into an emotional one. When you talk about the pros and cons ahead of time, you’ll be more prepared to make a good decision that’s right for both you and the animal.
3. Think about your floor plan. Determine if your home, in its current state, is conducive to introducing a brand new pet. When you bring home a new pet, it may be overwhelming to the family and to the pet. Our local humane society recommend keeping our kitten in his own room and slowly introducing him to the rest of the house. For us and for Toulouse, the laundry room was ideal. It could comfortably fit his cat tower, litter box, and food. He even had a nice tall window with a windowsill he could lay on. If he missed his litter box, vinyl flooring made for easy cleanup.
4. Pet proof your home. I wasn’t joking when I said having a kitten is like having a small toddler. We had to make adjustments throughout our entire house because he gets into everything. Electrical cords are wrapped and sprayed with bitter apple spray. Our fruit is kept on top of our refrigerator because he’s always walking on our counters. Blind or drapery cords can be deadly if he gets tangled up in them. We constantly inspect our floors because he’s a little scavenger. He’ll find anything you leave behind. When his nose is down in one place and his paws are moving, we know he found something he shouldn’t have. The holidays will also be more of a challenge this year. Certain types of food and decorations can be deadly.
5. Examine your lifestyle. Before buying a pet, look at your lifestyle. If you’re always on the go and never home, a dog or cat isn’t the pet for you. Both need lots of attention and sitting at home alone isn’t fair to them. We thought a kitten would be more conducive to our lifestyle because they’re more self-sufficient. We learned quickly that they need attention and playtime just like dogs. They’re little balls of energy that need to be tired out.
6. Discuss household rules. Before bringing the pet home, determine what the rules of the household will be. If you set ground rules set ahead of time, everyone in your family will send a consistent message to your pet. This should help ease the transition.
7. Be prepared for household damage. Talk about what your tolerance level will be for damage caused by your pet. Dogs can damage hardwood floors. Cats can tear up your carpet or furniture. Of course, your pet will have accidents. If you recently remodeled your home or moved into a new one, a pet may not be a good choice right now. If your furniture or carpet is older, you’ll have more tolerance for accidents.
8. Never buy a pet for someone else.

SOURCE WEST BEND, Posted by Scott Stueber on Nov 15, 2016 10:00:31 AM

When it comes to making a purchase, there are typically many items to choose from which leads to making decisions and choices. Sue Gerlach, West Bend senior personal lines underwriter, explains that insurance is no different.

If you’re shopping for a new vehicle, there are certain things you probably want that vehicle to include. It may be leather seats. Perhaps it’s a sunroof. If you’re buying a new home, your must-have criteria might be three bedrooms and three bathrooms. Maybe you want a sunroom.

With insurance, it helps to know what you want and need when you’re buying it. For instance, if you recently purchased (or plan to purchase) a brand new vehicle that has less than 250 miles and for which you’re the first titleholder, you may want to include car damage replacement coverage on your policy. If you have a loan on your vehicle, you might consider purchasing loan/lease coverage.

If you own a pet and you’re buying homeowner’s insurance, you may want to look for a policy that provides coverage if your pet is injured. West Bend’s Home and Highway® policy offers Pet Aid which provides up to $500 if your domestic dog or cat is injured or dies in a fire, storm, auto, or other covered incident. Maybe “Go Green” coverage is important to you. It can provide additional coverage to replace damaged or destroyed covered property with more environmentally-friendly alternatives.

Do you want coverage to rekey or replace the locks on your home if your keys are stolen in a covered theft loss? What if there’s a power outage? Losing the contents of your refrigerator and freezer could be expensive. Does your insurance policy cover that?

All these examples can help get you think about which coverage options are right for you. In addition to those examples, here’s a list of other items to think about:

• Coverage for damage caused by landslide or collapse coverage due to hydrostatic pressure.
• Protecting sports or hobby equipment against most types of losses.
• If you like to travel, it could be useful to add a deductible waiver in case there’s a loss to your personal property while you’re traveling (certain conditions apply).
• If you’re a member of a homeowner’s association, you may wish to add a limit for property and liability loss assessments.
• Do you own a golf cart? Consider coverage that protects your golf cart against most types of losses, as well as automatic liability coverage for your golf cart if/when it’s taken off your residence premises.

All the coverages mentioned here (and more!) are found on West Bend’s Home and Highway, many of them on the Protector Grand form. So when you talk to your independent agent about a new insurance policy, be sure to have a list of preferred coverages for your home and vehicles handy. Don’t just look at the premium; carefully review what you’re getting for the premium you’re paying. If there are coverages you’re specifically interested in, be sure to ask if those coverages are included on the policy you’re purchasing. If the coverages aren’t included, are you willing to pay more for the coverages that are the most important to you? They could be well worth it.

SOURCE:  West Bend, Posted by Scott Stueber on Nov 8, 2016 9:53:39 AM

Because the days are getting shorter, we start doing a lot more things in the dark. Walking the dog, running or biking, last-minute yard work, and driving are just a few.

Nationwide, almost half of all driving deaths happen at night, which is three times greater than during the day.

My parents have disliked driving at night for many years. As I raised my own family, I never understood what the big deal was because I was used to driving my kids around day or night. You jump in the car, put on your seatbelt, turn on your headlights, and if I was lucky, I could listen to the music I like.

I recently turned 45 and has my eyesight changed. I went from perfect vision to keeping a pair of cheaters in my car and nightstand, as well as a pair of transitional glasses at work. Several pairs of glasses aren’t the best birthday presents.

Today I understand why my parents dislike night driving. Unfortunately, as we age, our eyesight changes. Peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to see color all get worse in low-light conditions.

As we approach the darker months of the year, here are some tips that may help your night driving:

1. Visit your eye doctor. For years, I put off my doctor’s visit. I just kept holding things out at arm’s length to read. Finally, I got tired of this, and as I already mentioned, I have glasses everywhere.

Our ability to see at night changes as we age. At 45, I need four times more light to drive at night than when I was 19. At age 55, it takes eight times as long to recover from glare than at age 16. Start adding cataracts and degenerative eyes diseases to the mix, and night driving becomes very difficult.

In the next few months, I’ll probably order a pair of glasses just for driving at night. My doctor told me my ability to see at a distance isn’t as good as I think it is. Adding an anti-reflective coating to the lens, which helps reduce glare, can sharpen my vision.

2. Dim your dashboard. I recently drove a company vehicle to a conference. Because of an early-morning start, I traveled the night before. The dashboard was so bright, it made it difficult to see, so I had to use the dimmer switch. Up until this point, I never used a dimmer switch before. After doing some research, I learned that a bright dashboard could hinder your forward vision. Try adjusting the dashboard lights the next time you’re driving at night.

3. Avoid looking at oncoming headlights. As oncoming traffic approaches, it can be very difficult to see. Instead of looking at the headlights to see if the bright beams are on, look off to your right side. While this can be a bit tricky, it can reduce the time your eyes need to recover from the glare. If you can’t safely look away, don’t.

4. Reduce your speed. At night it’s important to reduce your speed. Over driving your headlights can make it even more difficult to see what’s ahead of you. In addition, as deer become more active this time of year, a reduced speed could help you spot them and avoid a collision.

5. Make sure your headlights are adjusted. If you feel your headlights don’t do a good job of lighting up the road, visit your local mechanic. It’s possible they may need adjustment. I had my daughter’s car headlights adjusted and she told me it made a big difference.

6. Rain, rain, go away. I think driving at night in the rain is awful. I find it very difficult to see road markings, whether on a lighted highway or a dark country road. Make sure your wiper blades are in good working order and your windshield is clean. To help with this, I recently bought some Rain-X. It helps repel water on the windshield.

7. Clean the inside of your windshield. One of my pet peeves is the haze that builds up on the inside of my windshield. I usually don’t notice it until I’m driving at night. Regularly cleaning the inside of your windshield can help reduce nighttime glare.

For more information, visit the links below.

Physcial changes in older drivers that may effect driving skills

Ten driving tips to help you enjoy your Thanksgiving holiday

No more mistakes when replacing windshield wipers

6 tips for driving this winter season

Sources
http://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/safety/education/older-drv/physical.aspx
http://www.nsc.org/learn/safety-knowledge/Pages/news-and-resources-driving-at-night.aspx
http://www.forbes.com/2009/01/21/car-accident-times-forbeslife-cx_he_0121driving.html

SOURCE: West Bend, Posted by Scott Stueber on Nov 1, 2016 1:15:51 PM