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Letting your new teen driver navigate the roadways alone for the first time, is one of the scariest things you’ll do as a parent. Compound that with winter weather, and it’s even harder to let your teen go. Of course, you know your son or daughter isn’t concerned in the least.

Every year, the first snowfall brings numerous accidents on our roadways. Even the most experienced drivers can find winter driving challenging and nerve-racking.

However, with coaching and practice your teen driver can be prepared for what’s to come. Here are some tips to keep everyone in your family safe.

1. Take it slow. When the roads aren’t dry, it’s critical to slow down. While this seems like common sense, it’s easy to forget that defensive driving maneuvers don’t happen as quickly in the snow.

2. Brake properly. Recently, my daughter asked me if she should pump the brakes in the snow. Even though we’ve had this conversation before, I told her “No, never pump the brakes.” If your car has ABS (anti-lock braking system), you should press on the brake pedal and not let off. The purpose of the ABS is to prevent the wheels from locking in an emergency. By preventing the wheels from locking, you can continue to safely steer the car.

3. Invincibility is a myth. Inexperienced drivers often think that nothing’s going to happen to them. Unfortunately, nothing’s guaranteed, and accidents can happen in a split second.

4. Don’t be overconfident. Four-wheel drive and all-wheel drive systems allow for great traction in the snow. However, they don’t eliminate the science of physics. If you’re driving too fast for the current road conditions, you’re bound to lose control.

5. Don’t rely solely on technology. Great technological advancements have been made with vehicle safety features. However, it’s important not to rely on them 100% of the time. Slippery conditions can occasionally outsmart the systems.

6. Keep a safe following distance. Experts recommend keeping at least three car lengths between you and the vehicle in front of you. If another car squeezes in front of you, back off.

7. Don’t pass snowplows. Getting stuck behind snowplows can be frustrating. However, passing snowplows can lead to deadly consequences. Remember, they’re trying to make the road safe for everyone. Here are some things to be aware of:

• If you pass them, the road in front of you hasn’t been cleared. This can lead to much more treacherous driving conditions.
• They may be taking up more of the road than you realize.
• Their auxiliary snowplow blade may be extended.
• You may enter a whiteout situation.

8. Pay attention to road surfaces. Paying attention to road surfaces can provide valuable information. When other vehicles pass me, I look at their tires to see what’s happening. If the road looks wet, tire spray should be coming from the tires. If there isn’t tire spray, there’s a good chance the road is icy. Also, don’t forget that bridges and overpasses freeze before the roads do. Let off the gas before driving on them.

9. Follow the path of least resistance. If snow is accumulating rapidly on the roadways, it may be difficult for the snowplows to keep up. If possible, try to drive in the tracks of the car in front of you. If the tracks go into the ditch, then it’s time to make your own tracks.

10. If you don’t need to go out, stay home. It’s not always possible to stay in the safety and comfort of your home. However, if weather forecasters are predicting life-threatening conditions, consider making alternative arrangements.

SOURCE: West Bend, Posted by Scott Stueber on Dec 10, 2019 9:30:23 AM

LED lighting technology has been available for many years. However, compared to incandescent light bulbs the price tag was originally significantly higher making them not a viable option for many. With improved manufacturing techniques, LED pricing has come down making them a more popular choice for consumers. In addition, expanded color options allow for simple house decorations for the many holidays we celebrate.

Some of the benefits of LED bulbs include:

• Brighter than incandescent bulbs
• Increased energy efficiency
• Reduced wattage used
• Less heat created
• Longer lasting (thousands of hours) than other bulbs
• Great outdoor lighting
• Improved safety
• Easy to change to

Changing to LED lights in your home is easy and safe. Where LED lights can be dangerous is if you’re switching from fluorescent tube lights to LED tube lights in your ”man cave,” “she shed,” or garage.

Claim Scenario

You’re getting ready to host a big Superbowl party in your garage. After years of waiting, your team has finally made it to the Superbowl. This party is going to be like none other. Lots of family and friends will be attending and there will be plenty of food and beverages to satisfy everyone’s palate. A big win may even bring out some fireworks.

Because you spend a lot of time in your garage it’s been updated, making it a great place to hold the party. The floors have been epoxied and are shiny and clean. All the studs have been covered with insulation and drywall painted in your favorite team’s colors. Because you live in a cold climate you have a nice heater that keeps your garage at a comfortable, consistent temperature. And a nice 50” inch TV is already hung.

The only thing you have left to do is update your fluorescent tube lights to LED tube lights. Which is no big deal, right? You drive to your local hardware store and select the LED bulbs. When you arrive home you install them, and you’re set. You decide to leave them on for several hours because you want to admire your garage and pat yourself on the back for a job well done.

Several hours go by and suddenly you smell smoke. You frantically run to your garage and the

entire thing is engulfed in flames. You can’t believe it. You quickly call 911 to report the fire. The firefighters responded quickly and save your house from damage. However, your garage is a total loss. While home insurance provides coverage for fire loss, it’s an unfortunate situation.

After an inspection, you learn that the fire resulted from the improper installation of the LED bulbs.

Converting fluorescent tube lights to LED

As mentioned above, LED bulbs have many benefits and are very safe. What went wrong in the scenario above is you switched fluorescent tube lights to LED tube lights. Unfortunately, converting to LED tube lights is a bit more complicated because the two technologies are different.

To properly convert your garage to LED lighting you can do several things.

1. Buy new light fixtures and LED tube lights, which is more expensive.
2. Keep your existing fixtures and rewire them to bypass the ballast.
3. Call an electrician

SOURCE: West Bend, Posted by Scott Stueber on Oct 15, 2019 9:00:00 AM

Are you starting to see bugs or rodents enjoying the comforts of your home? As we transition from summer to fall, many pests are preparing to invade our homes. With cooling temperatures and the leaves beginning to change, pests are looking for a warm cozy place to live with plenty of food. If you live in a climate that experiences winter, can you blame them?

Here are some common types of fall pests that may be invading your home.

Ants

While ants can be seen in our homes at other times of the year, they become more active now. Because they hibernate in winter, this is their last chance to store up on food.

Spiders

If you’re walking through your home and suddenly have cobwebs on your face or in your hair (yuck), it may be time to do some simple cleaning. Consistently running your dehumidifier in your basement and taking down cobwebs with a broom or vacuum can decrease the number of spiders in your home.

Fall Bugs

This group of bugs includes stink bugs, boxelder bugs, and lady beetles. If your home gets a lot of sunlight, you may see these bugs clamoring on the outside of your home, looking for a way in. While they won’t cause damage to your home, they’re a nuisance.

• Stink bugs. These bugs are harmless. However, if they anticipate danger or are stepped on or squashed, they emit a nasty odor. While they won’t cause damage to your home, unfortunately, once they get into your home, they’re difficult to get rid of.
• Lady beetles. They’re often mistaken for ladybugs; these bugs are good because they feed on other bugs that cause crop damage. Like stink bugs, they have an odor and can cause some people to experience mild allergies. If they’re in your house, you may see yellowish stains on your windows or walls.
• Boxelder bugs. Like stink bugs, they’re harmless and more of a nuisance.

Yellow Jackets/Wasps

These flying and stinging bugs are very annoying and aggressive this time of year. While we’re trying to enjoy the remaining warm weather days, they’re trying to eat and drink everything. They can dampen an outdoor party or a trip to the pumpkin farm. Their goal is do what they can to prepare the queen for winter survival. Check out the blog “Five tips to deal with crazy fall wasps”. 

Rodents

Rodent infestations can cause significant damage to your home if they go undetected. I know several people who’ve had mice in between their ceilings and walls which led to complete drywall removal. Damage caused by rodents isn’t covered by most insurance policies. To learn more about what to watch for and how to get rid of them, check out the blog “When you’re away – and even when you’re home – the rodents will play!”

Here are some tips to keep these pests out of your home.

1. Inspect your home for entry points. Pests can sneak into your home through very small entry points. Areas to inspect include:

• Chimney. Make sure you have a cap or mesh around it to keep them out.
• Attic vents. Many new homes with attics have vents on the side to aid in roof ventilation. A small hole in the mesh attached to the vents could be a welcome invitation to pests. If you can do so safely, inspect them now for damage. If you have a two-story home, make sure you have someone help you with the inspection process.
• Doors. Check your garage door, as well as your house doors to make sure the weather stripping is in good condition. Worn out material won’t seal the doors adequately and will make for an easy entry point.
• Loose or worn screens. If your screen has warped with time or if the material itself is brittle, consider replacing it. Loose fitting or worn screens make it easier for pests to enter your home.
• Dryer vent. Inspect to make sure the damper isn’t suck open or broken. Also check that it’s still firmly secured to your house.

2. Clean up your yard. As plants begin to decay and leaves start to fill your yard, remove the debris from your yard as often as you can. A yard with a thick layer of leaves can make a great habitat for unwanted pests. Removing dead plants and shrubbery along your foundation can eliminate hiding spots. Lastly, getting rid of leaves can help prevent lawn disease.

3. Keep your kitchen clean. Wipe up spills and crumbs immediately. If you have a garbage can in your home or garage, make sure it’s properly sealed to prevent a feeding frenzy for pests. Lastly consider storing food in plastic containers.

4. Keep your garage clean. Keeping your garage clean and clutter free can be extremely difficult. We spend a lot of time organizing and cleaning our garage. Now’s a great time to remove unnecessary clutter from your garage. Also, never store firewood in your garage or near your home. Stacked firewood can make for great accommodations for mice. Periodically check for mouse droppings or other evidence of infestation such as gnaw marks.

5. Look around your door. Before entering your home from the outside, take a quick glance around to make sure nothing is going to run in when you open the door.

6. Keep an eye on your pet’s food dishes. If you keep food in your pet’s dish all the time, watch for droppings around the bowl. A full bowl of food is an easy target for rodents.

If you’re experiencing problems with pests, contact your local pest control professional. They can take a walk around your property and provide the appropriate solutions.

SOURCE: West Bend, Posted by Scott Stueber on Sep 10, 2019 9:00:00 AM

For many, Labor Day signals the end of summer. However, summer doesn’t officially end this year until September 23. If you’ve made the most of the nice weather, now may be the time to start thinking about storing your boat for the winter. Whether you’re a new boat owner or a seasoned veteran, storing your boat properly during the winter months ensures it’ll be ready to go when the nice, warm weather returns.

According to Josh, West Bend claims manager, boat damage claims tend to increase during the off season. Damage may be noticed for the first time once the boat is removed from the water. Or, improper storage during the winter months could lead to expensive damages.

Here are a few claims scenarios that explain how insurance coverage may or may not apply.

Claim Scenario 1

Since it’s the end of the boating season you decide to cover and store your boat and trailer next to your cottage. In April, a strong thunderstorm blows through your area that produces large hail. The hail causes significant damage to your boat. Do you have coverage?

In this scenario, if you don’t have a special property form and your boat is not scheduled on the policy and it’s not stored in a building, there would be no coverage for wind or hail damage.

Claim Scenario 2

At the end of the boating season, you buy a new boat on clearance for $20,000. You contact your agent and schedule the boat on your policy for $20,000. By scheduling your boat, you have all risk coverage unless a specific cause of loss is excluded. If your boat is parked in your garage at your cottage and a fire breaks out and destroys it, you’d have the full $20,000 coverage. If you didn’t schedule the boat, you’d only have $1,500 coverage on the homeowners policy.

Claim Scenario 3

Your boat is scheduled on your policy for $20,000. Because your boat is scheduled, you have all risk coverage unless a specific cause of loss is excluded. In spring, you remove your boat from storage and realize mice have chewed up wires resulting in $5,000 in damage. Unfortunately, rodent damage is excluded from the policy so there’s no coverage.

Claim Scenario 4

Your boat is scheduled on your policy for $20,000. Because your boat is scheduled, you have all risk coverage unless a specific cause of loss is excluded. In the spring, you put your boat in the water and the motor doesn’t start. Your local mechanic explains that the water was not properly drained from the motor prior to storing it for winter. As a result, the frozen water caused damage to your motor. Unfortunately, the damage from freezing isn’t covered.

Unfortunately, there are several reasons why people may not schedule their boats.

• They feel the boat isn’t worth much.
• They don’t think about adding coverage.
• They want to keep their premiums lower.
• They assume their policy provides automatic coverage.

To make sure your boat is adequately covered, contact your insurance agent to discuss the policy options that are available to you. Scheduling your boat for a specific value will ensure you have adequate coverage when a covered claim occurs.

Proper storage and maintenance are important to keep your boat protected while in winter storage.

Here are some tips for storing your boat.

1. Remove your battery. Because of inconsistent use during the summer months, your boat battery may not be fully charged each time you use it. The problem is compounded if you leave it in your boat while it’s stored for the winter. More than likely your battery will be dead when spring arrives. It’s a good idea to remove your battery and store it in a warm dry place. Consider using a trickle charger to keep your battery in good shape during the winter months.
2. Drain excess water from your boat. Make sure to remove the bilge drain to empty water from your boat. Cracked hulls as a result of freezing aren’t covered by an insurance policy.
3. Drain excess water from your motor. This step can be confusing and a bit tricky. However, it’s very important that it’s done correctly. Frozen water can damage your motor, as well as other components. This damage isn’t covered by insurance. Consider taking your boat to a local boat dealer to have it winterized.
4. Top it off. Make sure your gas tank is full prior to storing. Also, add a gas stabilizer to prevent moisture.
5. Repair your hull. Your boat can take a beating during the boating season. If your hull was damaged, get it repaired prior to storing it. This ensures the damage won’t get worse and your boat will be ready for use when nice weather returns.
6. Inspect your trailer. So often I come upon cars pulling trailers and the lights aren’t working properly. At the end of each season, make sure your brake lights and directionals are functional.
7. Remove electronics and gear. Most insurance policies provide coverage for theft. However, to avoid filing a claim, remove electronics and fishing gear from the boat prior to storage. Storing the gear in your home is a better alternative.
8. Cover your boat. Covering your boat with a properly fitting cover can protect it from dirt, dust, and moisture. It also prevents rodents from getting into your boat and causing damage.
9. Keep rodents out. As mentioned earlier, rodent damage isn’t covered by an insurance policy. If you’re storing your boat in your garage, consider setting up mouse traps to catch them before they enter your boat. Also, consider placing moth balls or scented laundry fabric sheets strategically around the boat to keep rodents out. If your boat is damaged by a racoon, a West Bend policy will provide coverage.
10. Check your boat occasionally. If you have access to your boat, consider checking on it occasionally. Look for animal droppings or gnaw marks which may indicate a problem.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     SOURCE: West Bend, Posted by Scott Stueber on Sep 24, 2019 9:00:00 AM

Did you know, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, that nearly 35 million people pack up and move each year? Whether you’re relocating for a new employment opportunity, you need a bigger space for your expanding family, or you’re looking to live in a nicer neighborhood, moving can be extremely stressful.

From transferring children to a new school district and finding new utility and healthcare providers to creating new daily routines and making your new place feel organized and comfortable, making a move can be exhausting and disorganized if not done correctly.

While moving will never be one of America’s favorite pastimes, it can be an excellent opportunity to get organized, simplify your life, and throw out old belongings that are cluttering up your space. To ensure you stay calm during the chaotic whirlwind of packing and moving, here’s some guidance on how to prepare and make the transition as smooth as possible.

Make an Action Plan

The worst thing you can do is leave preparations and packing until the last minute. To keep yourself on track, make an electronic to-do list outlining what needs to be moved, what can be donated or thrown away, and what rooms you plan to tackle first. This way, you can access the information on your phone from any location. Always keep important documentation in an easy-to-access place and carry it with you during the move. This way, if you need to present any confirmations, receipts, or certificates, you won’t have to rifle through boxes in a frenzy trying to locate them. When you box up belongings, be sure to label each box to simplify the unpacking process. For example, you could label a box “Kitchen pots, plates, and silverware – Fragile.”

Keep it Simple

Juggling your home life and work demands during the moving process can seem overwhelming. Keep all your appointments, work deadlines, children’s schedules, and other important obligations stored on an electronic calendar, preferably your smartphone, so you can receive alerts and reminders straight into the palm of your hand. The goal is to find harmony between your regular routine and the added tasks that come along with pulling off a seamless transition to your new home. Share and coordinate schedules with your partner or family so you can divvy up packing, contacting vendors, and completing other necessary tasks that need to be done before moving.

Update your Address

In addition to notifying the postal service of your change of address, make sure your credit card companies, cable and internet provider(s); gas, electric, and utility vendors, insurance company; employer; and friends are all provided your new information.

Do an Inventory of your Home

There’s no better time to go through all your possessions and take inventory of valuable belongings for your insurance company. Additionally, you can group belongings into categories for packing, dispose of items you no longer need, and declutter your life. Anything you decide to get rid of can be donated to a local charity, sold on Craigslist, LetGo, or eBay, or thrown away all together.

Packing 101

Here’s a little tip on how to pack efficiently: use your bedding, sheets, and towels to wrap, cushion, and protect breakables, such as glassware, picture frames, and decorative pieces. Not only will this save you money on bubble wrap, but it’s an optimal way to use up space in your boxes while ensuring your valuables are kept safe. If you own luggage, you can use these bags to pack shoes, toiletries, clothes, or even last-minute items that you want to use up until your moving day arrives.

Author Bio: Brandon Morris has lived in the Dallas/Fort Worth area his entire life. He owns North Dallas Moving and Storage and focuses on residential and office moving in the Dallas area.

SOURCE:  West Bend, Posted by Scott Stueber on Jul 9, 2019 9:00:00 AM