Safety

As outdoor temperatures drop in the winter, it’s important for construction employers like you to find ways to keep the job site warm. Doing so can offer a variety of benefits, such as ensuring employee comfort, preventing frozen pipe concerns and permitting construction materials and equipment to function appropriately in cold weather. Temporary heaters are a common tool used for warming construction sites. Although these heaters can be effective, they also carry several risks. Namely, temporary heaters can cause significant fire hazards and lead to carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning if used incorrectly. Therefore, it’s critical to uphold the following safety precautions when utilizing such heaters:

• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Temporary heaters often come with detailed installation and usage instructions from their associated manufacturers. These instructions generally outline necessary clearances between heaters and combustible materials, ventilation requirements and safe fueling protocols (if applicable). As such, make it a priority to follow all provided instructions for your heaters. Educate employees on these instructions as well.
• Establish a safe setup. Place temporary heaters in safe, stable and secure locations at the construction site. In particular, these heaters should be placed in positions that prevent them from tipping over. Specific setup requirements vary based on heater type. For example, indirect-fired heaters should be placed outdoors with flexible fuel line piping and barricaded fuel tanks. On the other hand, direct-fired heaters should be mechanically secured on noncombustible surfaces that extend several feet in front of them. Lastly, electric heaters should only be used in dry environments with ground fault protection.
• Have proper detection and mitigation measures in place. To minimize potential fire and CO risks, ensure all heaters are equipped with adequate temperature monitoring and safety shutdown features. In addition, it’s crucial to maintain sufficient smoke and CO detection systems at the construction site. Finally, be sure to supply adequate fire extinguishers on-site and train employees on proper extinguisher usage.

For additional industry-specific risk management guidance, contact Bassler & Co. Insurance Agency today. You can reach us by phone at (847) 480-0800 or visit our website at https://www.basslerins.com/. Source: www.zywave.com

Holiday travel is on the planner! But wintry weather and extensive travel time can lead to safety hazards. Here are seven holiday travel safety tips to know before you hit the road.

1. Have your car inspected or serviced before you leave, and keep an emergency kit in it.

Car trouble is a common issue for travelers during the holidays. You don’t want to end up stuck on the side of the road in cold weather instead of tucked in around the table with a piece of Grandma’s homemade pie. Be proactive to avoid hazards like a blown tire.  Take your car in for an inspection and any necessary maintenance, particularly on your tires— make sure they’re winter-ready and properly inflated for the long drive. Prepare a car emergency kit with necessities like a safety cone, carjack, flashlight, and jumper cables. Include first aid essentials and extras like a blanket to stay warm if you break down in the cold.

2. Know how to drive safely on icy roads.

3. Plan the drive ahead of time, and know alternate routes.

4. Make frequent rest stops.

Winter driving challenges can tire you out much more than driving in the summer. Make frequent stops to rest or just stretch your legs. It’s important to keep your energy level high enough to stay alert on the road. Stopping for even a few minutes every couple hours can do wonders for keeping your energy high. 

5. Carry a cell phone and charger.

You never know when or where car troubles may rear their ugly head. A mobile phone lets you call for help, get a tow, or arrange alternative transportation if you run into trouble.  But it won’t do you any good if the battery dies. Make sure you grab your phone charger before you leave the house. A wall charger is good when you’re making a stop, but a car charger is better when you’re on the road.

If you have a smartphone, you can also download apps to help you in your time of need. It’s also a good idea to download or take a picture of your insurance card. Bassler & Co. Insurance Agency has an app to help you pay your policy on time if you are away for the holidays as well. You can use our app by going to https://basslerins.epaypolicy.com.

6. Stay hydrated.

Dehydration may not be on the top of your list of holiday travel safety hazards, but not having enough water during a long drive could mean fatigue or decreased alertness—and that’s dangerous on the road. Keep a few bottles of water handy, and sip often to keep yourself hydrated throughout the trip.

7. Give someone close to you a copy of your trip itinerary and photocopies of important documents.

Before you leave, give a copy of your itinerary and all necessary contact information to a relative or friend. This way it will be easy to reach you in case of an emergency, whether you’re on your way out or heading back home.  Also, leave photocopies of your passports, credit cards, and any other types of identification with this person in case something happens to the originals and you need a photocopy. It’s also smart to keep a separate set of photocopies in your luggage.

The holidays don’t have to be a dangerous time to travel. Use these holiday travel safety tips to be proactive about travel safety. That way you’ll spend time focused on the fun, not stressed about something going wrong. At Bassler & Co. Insurance Agency, your road safety is very important to us. Call us at (847) 480-0800 or visit our website at https://www.basslerins.com/ to discuss your auto insurance needs. We can provide coverage from many insurance carriers so you receive the insurance for your budget and needs! It’s also a great idea to review your auto insurance policy before you hit the road! Safe travels and Happy Holidays!Source: https://www.safewise.com/blog/9-holiday-travel-safety-tips-next-getaway/

Electric and hybrid cars are becoming more mainstream as studies are showing that these vehicles offer benefits of improved fuel economy, lower fuel costs and reduced emissions.¹ If you’re contemplating an electric vehicle (EV) or a hybrid car for your next car purchase, you should consider the pros and cons of buying a car that’s not your traditional vehicle.

Here’s a look at some of the advantages and disadvantages of electric and hybrid vehicles.

How Electric Cars and Hybrids Work

The “electric cars and hybrids” vehicle category includes electric, hybrid and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles.

Electric cars differ from traditional vehicles in that they’re powered by electric motors, not internal combustion engines. Each vehicle depends on a large traction battery pack that stores electrical energy, which in turn powers the electric motor. The electric car gets charged by an “off-board” power source when it’s plugged in to a charging station or wall outlet.²

During driving, regenerative braking might also charge an electric car. This means that when the driver brakes, some of the energy that would typically be lost during braking generates electricity that powers the vehicle.³

Electric cars don’t need liquid fuel such as gasoline or diesel. They also don’t need fuel equipment, such as a fuel pump, line or fuel tank.⁴

Hybrid vehicles use battery power to supplement a traditional internal combustion engine and do not need to be plugged into anything to charge. Instead, the battery gets charged by a combination of the internal combustion engine and regenerative braking.⁵

Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) come equipped with an internal combustion gas engine as well. These cars need liquid fuel because they run on electricity until their batteries run out, then switch to the gas engine.⁶

Pros of Electric and Hybrid Cars

Saving Money on Fuel

Do you really save money with an electric or hybrid car? Although the hefty startup costs fall under the “cons” category for electric and hybrid cars, these vehicles generally cost less to run over time due to lower (or no) fuel costs.⁷

Environmental Considerations of EVs

Hybrid and electric vehicles can have emissions benefits over conventional vehicles, depending on the type of vehicle you choose. The U.S. Department of Energy notes that the emissions benefits of hybrid electric vehicles vary by vehicle model and type of hybrid power system, while EVs typically produce zero tailpipe emissions and PHEVs typically produce no tailpipe emissions when driven in all-electric mode.⁸

You May Get a Tax Break

All-electric and plug-in hybrids purchased new in or after 2010 may be eligible for a federal income tax credit of up to $7,500.⁹ State and local tax incentives may also apply.

Insurers May Give You a Discount

Buying a hybrid may lead to savings on your car insurance costs. Contact us to find out if you qualify for any discounts.

Cons of Electric and Hybrid Cars

Shorter Range

Consumers who may have “range anxiety,” or the fear of running out of charge while on the road, may now find their concerns alleviated by larger batteries and growing access to charging stations. In 2020, the average all-electric vehicle range was 260 miles, with some exceeding 400 miles.¹⁰

It’s also important to understand that driving conditions – including hot and cold weather – as well as how you drive your vehicle, may impact the driving range of electric and hybrid vehicles. You can visit the U.S. Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy website for tips on maximizing your electric car’s range in extreme temperatures.¹¹

PHEVs typically have ranges of about 15 to 60-plus miles when just using battery power.¹² However, they can also switch over to an internal combustion engine (running on liquid fuel such as gasoline), when the battery is depleted.

Higher Upfront Cost

Typically, electric cars have a higher upfront cost than traditional internal combustion vehicles or hybrid vehicles. Initial costs may be offset by fuel cost savings over time, a federal tax credit, and state and utility incentives. You can learn more about the federal tax credit and state incentives¹³ by visiting the  U.S. Department of Energy website.

Should I Buy an Electric Car?

If you’re considering going with an electric or hybrid car for your next vehicle, research your options carefully. Think about how an electric car would impact your life on a daily basis. For example, do you know where the charging stations are in your area and how often you might need them? Taking the time to gather information and review your data can help you make a wiser buying decision. Here are a few extra things to consider:

Charging Your Electric Car

How long does it take to charge an electric or hybrid car? It’s a simple question with a not-so-simple answer. The length of time it takes to charge an electric car depends on the amount of charge required – and the type of charging available.

Today’s electric car drivers have the option to charge their vehicles by plugging the vehicle’s charger into the electrical power grid at home, work or at public charging stations.¹⁴ The three main types of chargers include:

• Level 1 Charging through a 120V AC plug, typically found in private and public buildings. Every hour charged delivers approximately 2 to 5 miles of driving.¹⁵
• Level 2 Charging through a 240V (household) or 208V (commercial) plug that must be specially installed; this also requires specialty charging equipment. A Level 2 electric car charging delivers about 10 to 20 miles of driving per hour of charge.¹⁶
• DC Fast Charge uses specialized high-powered charging equipment, plus requires specialized equipment within the electric car as well. Just 20 minutes of charging delivers 60 to 80 miles of driving through a 480V AC input.¹⁷

Therefore, the amount of time required to charge an electric car varies. If the battery gets completely drained, it could take anywhere from 20 minutes (with a “DC Fast Charge”) to more than 20 hours (with Level 1 charging) to fully charge the car.¹⁸

Consider Purchasing a Used Hybrid

If you can’t afford a new hybrid, consider buying a used one. You can do research online to find a service that provides vehicle history reports, to track service records and rule out vehicles that have performed poorly.

Once you’ve made your decision about the car you’d like to buy, consider your insurance options. Call Bassler & Co. Insurance Agency to make sure you have the coverage you need. You can give us a call at (847) 480-0800 or visit us online at https://www.basslerins.com/ to request your free no-obligation quote!

Sources:https://www.travelers.com/resources/auto/buying-selling/electric-cars-and-hybrid-cars-pros-and-cons

If you are a snowbird heading south for the winter, or if you’re just traveling out of town for the holidays, there are several key things you can do to help protect your vacant home. Taking these steps can help protect your home from theft and other possible threats while you are away for an extended period of time.

Prevent Your Home from Appearing Unoccupied

Forward your mail, stop newspaper delivery, and ask a friend to pick up items that may be left at your door.

Arrange for someone to remove snow after storms.

Put motion-sensitive exterior lights and interior lights on timers and set them to come on at varying times to discourage prowlers.

Take Steps to Protect Your Home from Thieves

Confirm that your alarm systems are in working order and have been activated.

Secure external doors and windows with deadbolt locks, security-type hinges. Install slide locks or other equivalent security locks on sliding glass doors.

Store valuables that you are not taking with you in a safe deposit box or other secure offsite location.

Avoid posting your vacation or travel plans on social media sites, as potential thieves can use that information to learn when your house will be vacant.

Perform Routine Maintenance Before You Leave

Have your heating system inspected and serviced by a licensed professional before the onset of cold weather. Have your fuel tanks filled before you leave and make sure you have set up periodic fuel deliveries, if needed. Have someone check on heat and fuel levels regularly while you are gone.

Be sure to maintain electrical power if required to keep the heating system running. If electrical service to the home is to remain on while you are away, consider having a licensed electrical contractor inspect your main electrical panel, wiring and outlets. Repair or replace anything that may be defective.

Have your roof inspected and clean your gutters to help prevent ice from building up.

Remove dead trees or large overhanging limbs that could damage your house.

Unplug all unnecessary appliances, such as your stove and microwave, before you leave.

Make sure you can periodically retrieve messages on your home answering machine or voicemail while you are away so it does not indicate “FULL” suggesting you are away when someone calls.

Make Your Home Unattractive to Pests

Clean your home thoroughly to help discourage new “residents” from moving in.

Clean, defrost and unplug refrigerators and freezers, wiping them dry and leaving doors propped open to prevent mildew. Also clean the oven.

Inspect your home for openings that animals could use to enter. For example, make sure your fireplace flue is closed, as bats, birds and squirrels are known to get inside this way.

Check weather-stripping, insulation and exterior doors and windows to ensure no major deficiencies are present. Water and insects can enter through these openings.

Chimneys should be inspected by a chimney service and, if necessary, cleaned to ensure that they are free from obstructions such as nesting birds. Install chimney guard screen-caps to help prevent any infestation.

Bassler & Co. Insurance Agency is always available to answer questions and help. We are your trusted Travelers agent located in Northbrook, Illinois. You can reach us at (847) 480-0800 or online at
http://www.basslerins.com/.

Source: https://www.travelers.com/resources/home/safety/snowbirds-winterize-your-vacant-home

We should all have at least one fire extinguisher somewhere in our home, but it’s not enough to simply keep one under the kitchen sink. If there is a fire, your safety—and the safety of your home—depends on knowing how to properly use that fire extinguisher. As your insurance agent, we strongly urge you to read and follow the following safety prevention tips to keep you, friends, and family safe. There’s no excuse not to!

In case your fire extinguisher has been sitting around collecting dust, here’s everything you need to know before brushing it off and fighting a fire in your home the right way.

Choose the right fire extinguisher.

The first thing you need to know is the different classifications of fires, and the second thing you need to understand is what types of fires you may have to deal with and make sure your extinguisher can get the job done. Most household fires fall into one of the following categories:

Class A: These fires are fueled by solid combustibles like wood, paper, and cloth.

Class B: These fires are fueled by flammable liquids such as oil, petroleum, and gasoline.

Class C: These fires are started or fueled by faulty wiring, fuse boxes, and appliances.

Class K: These fires are started or fueled by cooking oils and greases, animal fats, and vegetable fats.

Please watch this video on how to correctly operate and use a fire extinguisher from CQ Fire & Safety.

All fire extinguishers are labeled to indicate which classes of fire they are designed to combat. Most household fire extinguishers are considered multipurpose and labeled for use in A, B, and C classes. Fire extinguishers safe for Class K fires are heavier duty and will need to be bought separately. Fire extinguisher labels also include symbols to indicate which types of fires the extinguisher is designed to fight. If there is a circle and a red slash through any of the symbols, that indicates that the extinguisher cannot be used to fight that type of fire.

Steps for proper fire extinguisher use

Once you understand the different types of fire extinguishers and their uses, you need to be able to properly operate one.

The best way to be ready for a fire emergency in your home is to study the steps below and review them regularly so you can protect your home and family.

1. Identify a clear exit/escape route

Before operating the fire extinguisher, make sure you have a clear evacuation route. If you cannot put out the fire, you’ll need to make a safe exit. Consider this when determining where to store your fire extinguisher, and make sure you’ll have multiple exit options nearby after you retrieve it.

2. Stand back

Face the fire and keep your back to the clear exit you earlier identified. You should stay between six and eight feet away from the flames as you prepare to operate the fire extinguisher.

3. Discharge extinguisher

It can be difficult to think clearly during an emergency, so fire safety has a long-standing acronym to help you recall the steps involved in operating your fire extinguisher. Just remember PASS:

     P: Pull the pin on the fire extinguisher.

     A: Aim the nozzle on the hose low, toward the base of the fire.

     S: Squeeze the handle or lever to discharge the extinguisher.

     S: Sweep the nozzle back and forth. Keep the fire extinguisher   aimed at the base of the fire and move it from side to side until the flames are extinguished.

4. Keep an eye on things

After the flames appear to be out, continue to watch the fire area to make sure it doesn’t reignite. If the fire does start up again, repeat the PASS process.

5. Call the fire department

If you didn’t have the chance to call the fire department before discharging the fire extinguisher, do so now. They will be able to inspect the site of the fire and make sure that it is completely extinguished.

6. Get to a safe place

Once the fire is out, or if you are unable to extinguish the fire, leave the scene and find a place out of reach of the fire.

Many people put out small fires quite safely. However, death or serious injury can occur by tackling a fire which is beyond your capabilities. Only tackle a fire in its very early stages and always ensure you put your own and other people’s safety first. If you cannot put out the fire or if the extinguisher becomes empty, evacuate yourself and everyone in the home immediately, closing all doors behind you as you go. If there is the slightest doubt or uncertainty about tackling the fire, evacuate the building immediately and call your local fire department.

The best way to keep your home and family safe in the event of a fire is to be prepared. Get to know your fire extinguishers and regularly review how to properly use them. A little advance practice can make all the difference when you’re faced with the stress of an actual fire in your home. Thanksgiving is the number one holiday for home fires! Be safe while cooking and practice using a fire extinguisher. Contact or visit Bassler & Co. Insurance Agency at (847) 480-0800 or online at http://www.basslerins.com/ to discuss your current home insurance needs. We are happy to provide coverage from many insurance carriers so you receive the insurance for your budget and needs.

Source: https://www.safewise.com/blog/prepared-properly-use-fire-extinguisher/ and https://www.marsden-fire-safety.co.uk/resources/fire-extinguishers/using-a-fire-extinguisher

The new Risk Rating 2.0 system from the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will raise rates for 77% of policyholders, according to a new study from Quote Wizard. This updated pricing methodology aims to equitably distribute premiums across all policyholders based on property value and flood risk. Phase I went into effect on Oct. 1, 2021, for new and existing policies eligible for renewal, and Phase II will begin for all remaining policyholders renewing on or after April 1, 2022.

FEMA sells almost all of the nation’s flood insurance coverage through its National Flood Insurance Program and requires businesses that own property in high-risk flood areas to have flood insurance if they also have a federally backed mortgage.

Risk Rating 2.0 will no longer use flood zones to calculate flood insurance rates and will instead use the property’s risk—foundation type, elevation, structure replacement costs, etc.—to determine the price. To minimize flood damage and help reduce flood insurance costs, businesses should:

• Elevate utilities. In the event of a flood, having electrical panels, water heaters and heating and cooling systems above the floor will help protect them from being damaged.
• Install flood openings. Flood openings protect commercial buildings by equalizing water pressure and preventing buildup that can destroy walls and foundations.
• Use flood-resistant materials. Flood-resistant floor coverings, wall coverings and wall insulation can typically withstand 72 hours of direct contact with water before any significant damage occurs.

The new risk rating could result in more flood insurance policies being issued to help protect people and their businesses against flood devastation. Afterall, flooding can cause businesses to lose revenue, assets, power, and data. For more risk management information, contact Bassler & Co. Insurance Agency today. You can call us at (847) 480-0800 or visit us online at http://www.basslerins.com/.

Source: www.zywave.com