Category: Safety Tips

“112” and Unmarked Police Cars – May Just Save a Life

Posted on by butlervetinsurance

VERY IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT UNMARKED POLICE CARS…

Some knew about the red light on cars, but not the 112.

It was about 1:00 p..m. in the afternoon, and Lauren was driving to visit a friend. An UNMARKED police car pulled up behind her and put his lights on. Lauren’s parents have always told her never to pull over for an unmarked car on the side of the road, but rather to wait until she got to a gas station, etc.

Lauren had actually listened to her parents advice, and promptly called 112 on her cell phone to tell the police dispatcher that she would not pull over right away. She proceeded to tell the dispatcher that there was an unmarked police car with a flashing red light on his rooftop behind her. The dispatcher checked to see if there were police cars where she was and
there weren’t, and he told her to keep driving, remain calm and that he had back-up state troopers already on the way.

Ten minutes later 4 cop cars surrounded her and the unmarked car behind her. One policeman went to her side and the others surrounded the car behind. They pulled the guy from the car and tackled him to the ground.

The man was a convicted rapist and wanted for other crimes.

I never knew about the 112 Cell Phone Feature, but especially for a woman alone in a car, you should not pull over for an unmarked car. Apparently police have to respect your right to keep going to a safe place.

Speaking to a service representative at Bell Mobility confirmed that 112 was a direct link to State trooper info. So, now it’s your turn to let your friends know about 112.

You may want to send this to every woman (and man) you know; it may save a life.

This applies to ALL 50 states.

1. snopes.com: Cellphone 112 Emergency••
Will dialing 112 connect you with an emergency call center when your cell phone has no signal?
…Claim: Even when your cell phone signal is blocked, dialing 112 will connect you with an emergency call center. Example: [Collected on the Internet,…
…your mobile phone has no signal (so even if you were in a tunnel) if you dial 112 it diverts to a satellite signal and puts you through to the 999 call….
…The global mobile emergency number, 112, is “special” in the sense that (unlike other local emergency numbers, such as 999) it will use any tower your…
Fri, 23 Apr 2010 11:18:08 GMT http://www.snopes.com/science/mobile.asp

We hope this important information helps keep you and your loved ones safe. If you have any questions or concerns, just leave a comment below, Call 877-994-6787, Email – [email protected], or visit our website 24/7 at www.SIAonline.com.

The Car Insurance Doctor Tips: Special Equipment & Non-Factory Items on Your Vehicle…

Posted on by butlervetinsurance

Is everything in/on your vehicle covered by your auto insurance policy… your custom tires and rims, your GPS???

The Car Insurance Doctor brings you helpful information about what items are covered and what items are NOT covered by your auto insurance policy.

>>>>>>>>> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ckjkqNoygnc (Video Link)

If you have any questions or are unsure about your insurance coverage, call the doctor and our staff today for the right answers to your questions.

Here are 4 Easy Ways To Reach Us:

1. Call 877-994-6787 or 951-600-5751
2. Fax 951-677-6265 
3. Email – [email protected]  
4. Visit – agency.thebutlerweb.com

Emergency Preparedness Plans are Crucial When Disaster Strikes

Posted on by butlervetinsurance

The September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks were a wake-up call to the kinds of dangers that still face America, including American businesses. In the months and years following the attacks, companies nationwide took steps to ratchet up security and emergency preparedness, in the event that they might someday be impacted directly by an attack or other major disaster.

For instance, an often-cited survey conducted by the Hartford Financial Services Group found that security measures instituted or improved on by companies resulted in a drastic drop in the number of unauthorized visitors entering workplaces. However, the same survey concluded that, as time passed, companies relaxed their newfound post-attack security consciousness. Emergency preparedness gaps are particularly apparent in smaller businesses.

A terrorist attack, of course, is not the only type of emergency a company might face. Natural disasters (hurricanes, tornadoes, blizzards), fires, and power outages all can endanger employee security and stymie business operations. The extent to which a company is prepared for such events can mean the difference between being able to continue operations, and shutting down. According to the American Red Cross, as many as 40% of small businesses do not reopen after a major disaster.

According to the Hartford survey, the top workplace safety threat continues to be that posed by unauthorized entries into a business. Employers can take a number of actions to reduce the number of unauthorized entries. For example, they can: check that all entry doors have working locks; reduce the number of entry points, and have all of them set up so that individuals coming in through them must pass by a receptionist or other staffed workstation; implement photo IDs for employees; require that visitors sign in and wear visitor badges; and establish procedures that receptionists can use to inconspicuously signal that they need help (such as a call button).

Companies also must be prepared for emergencies that confine employees inside the building, such as a blizzard, or a situation involving outside release of a chemical or biological agent. Among the items businesses should ensure they have on hand are a supply of bottled water and nonperishable food; flashlights and batteries; a battery-powered radio; a landline phone that can operate without electricity; and first-aid supplies. Detailed lists of suggested “in case of an emergency” items for businesses can be found on the Web site of the American Red Cross (www.redcross.org).

Other steps businesses should take to prepare for disaster situations include:

  • Establish emergency evacuation routes and conduct regular emergency evacuation drills.
  • Copy or back up important, valuable, or irreplaceable documents, and store these off site.
  • Keep an up-to-date list of contact information for employees, customers, suppliers, distributors, and professional service providers (e.g., insurance agent, accountant, lawyer), and store this list off site.
  • Establish procedures for handling suspicious mail.
  • If the nature of the business permits, formulate a plan for continuing operations from an alternate site.
  • Make sure that the insurance coverages held by the business are appropriate and adequate, and store a copy of the policies off site.

Depending on a company’s location and the nature of its business, it might be more or less susceptible to certain risks than others. Our Total Protection Team is an excellent source for help in evaluating your company’s risk profile and for learning about business safety and emergency preparedness programs.

If you have any questions, comments or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us.  Here are 4 Easy Ways to reach us:

1. Call 951-600-5751  or  877-994-6787

2. Fax 951-677-6265

3. Email [email protected]

4. Visit our website – agency.thebutlerweb.com

7 Rainy Weather Driving Tips to Keep YOU Safe

Posted on by butlervetinsurance

Rain is the source of thousands of accidents yearly. Many of these accidents are preventable, but are caused by drivers who don’t realize that fair- and foul-weather driving is fundamentally different.

When the road is wet, the film of the water on the asphalt causes tires to lose traction. Less obvious is the fact that rain reduces driver perception — it’s harder to see through the rain — and also decreases visibility through its action on headlights, windshields and the road itself. While most people know to slow down in the rain, there are definitely other tips that will help keep you, and those who share the road with you, from becoming a statistic.

1)      Don’t use cruise control. If you hydroplane, there’s the chance your car could actually accelerate. Cruise control also allows drivers to be less vigilant and to take their foot away from the pedals — not a great idea when reaction time is so important.

2)      Turn on your headlights, even when there’s a light sprinkle. It helps you see the road, and more importantly, it helps other motorists see you. If your car is equipped with foglights, you may find it helpful to turn these on, as they throw a little extra light on the road while making your car easier to see.

3)      If it’s raining so hard that you can’t see the road or the car in front of you, pull over and wait it out.

4)      Brake earlier and with less force than you would normally. Not only does this increase the stopping distance between you and the car in front of you, it also lets the driver behind you know that you’re slowing down. Also, be more meticulous about using turn signals, so that other drivers know your intentions.

5)      Defog your windows. Rain will quickly cause your windshield to fog up. Switch on both front and rear defrosters and make sure the air conditioning is turned on. Most cars’ climate control systems will automatically engage the A/C when the windshield defrost function is selected.

6)      Allow for more travel time. You should plan to drive at a slower pace than normal when the roads are wet. Keep in mind that traffic is likely to be moving slower as well.

7)      If you start to hydroplane, don’t brake suddenly or turn the wheel, or you might spin into a skid. Release the gas pedal slowly and steer straight until the car regains traction. If you must brake, tap the brake pedal (unless you have antilock brakes, in which case you can put your foot down).

Taking a few extra precautions both before and during a drive in nasty weather, be it rain or snow will help prevent accidents and, therefore, save lives. So, remember to drive safely and buckle up!

If you have any questions about your protection, call the Stromsoe Insurance Agency Total Protection Team for the right answers to your questions.

Here are 4 EASY ways to reach us:

1. Call 877-994-6787 or 951-600-5751
2. Fax 951-677-6265
3. Email – [email protected]
4. Visit Exclusive New Website –  agency.thebutlerweb.com

The Data is in – Distracted Driving is Dangerous

Posted on by butlervetinsurance

In our high-tech world, there are more and more instances of driver distractions that contribute to car accidents, some of them fatal. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2008, there were an estimated 6,000 deaths and 500,000 injuries attributable to distracted driving. If anything, the actual number is likely higher because distractions can be hard to quantify and the true number of accidents caused by driver distractions is difficult to define.

Our changing driving habits and increased dependence on technology have steadily raised the number of potentially dangerous distractions. Consider the attention-diverters in your own car: Radio and climate controls, cell phones and navigation systems. Matters are complicated further when there is more than one distraction, such as eating while trying to discipline a child in the backseat.

Furthermore, the National Safety Council released a white paper in early 2010, discussing the effects of cell phone usage while driving, and the news is not good. The white paper pulled information from at least 30 different scientific studies, and the results showed that cell phones have quickly become one of the leading driver distractions, even when drivers opted for “hands-free” devices. The NSC reveals that cell-phone usage causes the driver to multi-task and weakens the brain’s ability to capture driving cues. The overwhelming result is impaired driving performance.

Because of the grim data, many states have placed restrictions on drivers’ use of cell phones. The number of wireless phone users in the U.S. has grown from five million in 1990 to more than 200 million today, and surveys show that 85% of these people use cell phones when behind the wheel. In fact, calls from moving vehicles account for half of all cellular air time use.

So what can you do to avoid falling into this trap? Below are some important anti-distraction tips:

  • Keep your eyes on the road. Consider the possibility of turning your cell phone off while behind the wheel.
  • NEVER text while driving.
  • Keep your hands on the wheel by programming your favorite radio stations, and arranging tapes and CDs in an easily accessible spot. Don’t attempt to retrieve objects that have fallen on the floor while driving.
  • Teach your children the importance of good behavior in the car.
  • Avoid eating and drinking while driving. If you must, choose easy-to-handle foods and keep beverages in a nearby cup-holder.
  • Designate the front-seat passenger to serve as navigator rather than fumbling with maps and navigation systems yourself.
  • Take a break if you find yourself lost in thought.
  • Avoid stressful or confrontational conversation while driving.

In our high-tech world, there are more and more instances of driver distractions that contribute to car accidents, some of them fatal. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2008, there were an estimated 6,000 deaths and 500,000 injuries attributable to distracted driving. If anything, the actual number is likely higher because distractions can be hard to quantify and the true number of accidents caused by driver distractions is difficult to define.

Our changing driving habits and increased dependence on technology have steadily raised the number of potentially dangerous distractions. Consider the attention-diverters in your own car: Radio and climate controls, cell phones and navigation systems. Matters are complicated further when there is more than one distraction, such as eating while trying to discipline a child in the backseat.

Furthermore, the National Safety Council released a white paper in early 2010, discussing the effects of cell phone usage while driving, and the news is not good. The white paper pulled information from at least 30 different scientific studies, and the results showed that cell phones have quickly become one of the leading driver distractions, even when drivers opted for “hands-free” devices. The NSC reveals that cell-phone usage causes the driver to multi-task and weakens the brain’s ability to capture driving cues. The overwhelming result is impaired driving performance.

Because of the grim data, many states have placed restrictions on drivers’ use of cell phones. The number of wireless phone users in the U.S. has grown from five million in 1990 to more than 200 million today, and surveys show that 85% of these people use cell phones when behind the wheel. In fact, calls from moving vehicles account for half of all cellular air time use.

So what can you do to avoid falling into this trap? Below are some important anti-distraction tips:

  • Keep your eyes on the road. Consider the possibility of turning your cell phone off while behind the wheel.
  • NEVER text while driving.
  • Keep your hands on the wheel by programming your favorite radio stations, and arranging tapes and CDs in an easily accessible spot. Don’t attempt to retrieve objects that have fallen on the floor while driving.
  • Teach your children the importance of good behavior in the car.
  • Avoid eating and drinking while driving. If you must, choose easy-to-handle foods and keep beverages in a nearby cup-holder.
  • Designate the front-seat passenger to serve as navigator rather than fumbling with maps and navigation systems yourself.
  • Take a break if you find yourself lost in thought.
  • Avoid stressful or confrontational conversation while driving.

In our high-tech world, there are more and more instances of driver distractions that contribute to car accidents, some of them fatal. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2008, there were an estimated 6,000 deaths and 500,000 injuries attributable to distracted driving. If anything, the actual number is likely higher because distractions can be hard to quantify and the true number of accidents caused by driver distractions is difficult to define.

Our changing driving habits and increased dependence on technology have steadily raised the number of potentially dangerous distractions. Consider the attention-diverters in your own car: Radio and climate controls, cell phones and navigation systems. Matters are complicated further when there is more than one distraction, such as eating while trying to discipline a child in the backseat.

Furthermore, the National Safety Council released a white paper in early 2010, discussing the effects of cell phone usage while driving, and the news is not good. The white paper pulled information from at least 30 different scientific studies, and the results showed that cell phones have quickly become one of the leading driver distractions, even when drivers opted for “hands-free” devices. The NSC reveals that cell-phone usage causes the driver to multi-task and weakens the brain’s ability to capture driving cues. The overwhelming result is impaired driving performance.

Because of the grim data, many states have placed restrictions on drivers’ use of cell phones. The number of wireless phone users in the U.S. has grown from five million in 1990 to more than 200 million today, and surveys show that 85% of these people use cell phones when behind the wheel. In fact, calls from moving vehicles account for half of all cellular air time use.

So what can you do to avoid falling into this trap? Below are some important anti-distraction tips:

  • Keep your eyes on the road. Consider the possibility of turning your cell phone off while behind the wheel.
  • NEVER text while driving.
  • Keep your hands on the wheel by programming your favorite radio stations, and arranging tapes and CDs in an easily accessible spot. Don’t attempt to retrieve objects that have fallen on the floor while driving.
  • Teach your children the importance of good behavior in the car.
  • Avoid eating and drinking while driving. If you must, choose easy-to-handle foods and keep beverages in a nearby cup-holder.
  • Designate the front-seat passenger to serve as navigator rather than fumbling with maps and navigation systems yourself.
  • Take a break if you find yourself lost in thought.
  • Avoid stressful or confrontational conversation while driving.

If you have any questions about your protection, call the Stromsoe Insurance Agency Total Protection Team for the right answers to your questions.

Here are 4 EASY ways to reach us:

1. Call 877-994-6787 or 951-600-5751
2. Fax 951-677-6265
3. Email – [email protected]
4. Visit Exclusive New Website –  agency.thebutlerweb.com

Renters Insurance – A Small Price to Pay for Financial Security

Posted on by butlervetinsurance

If you’re currently renting a house or apartment, you should strongly consider an investment in Renters insurance. No one likes to think about the possibility of a fire or a burglary, but these are real possibilities. Burglars can break in while you’re away and steal your computer, entertainment system, jewelry, and other valuable items. Without Renters insurance, you will have thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket costs to replace the stolen items. By contrast, if you have Renters insurance, you will promptly receive a check that covers either the replacement costs for the stolen items or the current value of the items — depending on which type of insurance policy you’ve purchased.

Maybe you believe there is little risk of a burglary in your geographic area, but what about the risk of fire? Fires strike randomly and can begin in electrical wiring over which you have no control. It’s unpleasant to contemplate, but you could come home to find that everything you own has been destroyed. With Renters insurance, you would have a check in hand quite soon to begin refurnishing your life. Yet another scenario for which Renters insurance can be of enormous benefit is personal liability. If a visitor is injured in your home, for example, by falling down the steps, you could be liable for her medical bills. Renters insurance would cover this liability. Some renters are under the impression that their possessions are covered by their landlord’s insurance. This is rarely true. Typically, the landlord’s insurance covers loss or damage to his property, not yours. Your landlord’s insurance also covers his liability in case anyone is injured on the property, though not always injuries inside your apartment.

Most renters can get comprehensive coverage for a few hundred dollars per year, depending on where they live. Considering the risks covered by Renters policies, this is a low cost for the potential benefits. Look around your house or apartment and take an inventory of items you would need to replace in the event of a catastrophe. Take note of high value or difficult to replace items such as antiques, furs, jewelry, or expensive art. Before you get a policy or immediately thereafter, you should record information on all your high value items, including details about the make, model, serial number, age, and costs (both purchase and current replacement). It might also help to have photos of these items for identification purposes.

A basic policy usually pays only for the actual cash value of your items at the time they were lost. In other words, they would be valued not at what you paid for them originally or what it would cost to replace them, but at their actual value as used items. So a 3-year-old computer would be covered for its initial cost minus depreciation. Since computers depreciate quickly, yours might be worth little by the time it’s 3 years old, so your insurance proceeds will be limited.

If you have expensive items like electronics that are subject to depreciation, you should consider replacement cost coverage. With this type of policy, you would be reimbursed for the current cost of buying a new equivalent item. Thus, in our example of the $2,000 computer at 3 years old, you would receive a check that would enable you to buy a new computer. Of course, replacement cost coverage is more expensive. It’s up to you to decide which type of coverage — actual value or replacement cost — best fits your needs and budget. Like most other insurance policies, your Renters policy will have deductibles. A deductible is an amount of loss you will have to absorb yourself before receiving any money from the insurance company. For example, let’s say you have a policy with a $500 deductible. You have cameras you bought for $2,000 several years ago. If you have replacement cost coverage and the cameras are lost in a fire, you would receive a check for $1,500 from the insurance company. Of course, you can lower your insurance premium by accepting a higher deductible, but this means if there is a loss, you must absorb more of it from your own pocket.

Renters insurance usually does not cover damage from floods or earthquakes, but you might be able to get endorsements for these and other “acts of God.” An endorsement extends the perils covered by your policy. Obviously, you must pay an extra premium for the extra coverage. Be sure to discuss any special high value items, such as antiques, furs, and jewelry with our protection coaches®, since you might need extra coverage for these. As mentioned, a basic Renters policy includes liability coverage should someone be injured in your rented home or apartment. As with Auto insurance, there is a per-incident limit on this coverage, and you should make sure this is high enough to protect your assets.

Give us a call today for your free insurance quote at 951-600-5751 or email us at [email protected].

Are the Fire Alarms in Your Home Functioning Properly?

Posted on by butlervetinsurance

A recent study from the National Fire Protection Agency, or NFPA, found that around 95% of U.S. homes have one or more smoke alarms installed throughout the house. Unfortunately, that same study revealed that the number of homes with nonfunctioning smoke alarms vastly outnumbered the amount of homes with no alarms at all. This shows that many homes are relying on broken and battery-less alarms to save their lives in the event of a fire. By following the advice of experts and maintaining a testing schedule, you can make sure your alarms will be ready when you need them the most.

Fire safety begins with purchasing the right type of smoke alarm, as dictated by your building code’s power requirements. The common types that are required vary from standard battery-operated alarms to ones that are wired into the home’s electricity. For individuals who have difficulty hearing, smoke alarms with flashing lights and devices called “bed shakers” are used together with audible alarms. Always purchase alarms that have been listed or approved by Underwriters Laboratories (UL), or a similar independent tester.

How Many?
The NFPA publishes the Life Safety Code 101 to inform people of the regulations and best practices when it comes to fire safety, and in this case, the amount of smoke alarms to install. It recommends having at least one alarm on each floor, including basements and attics, and within 15 feet of bedrooms. Place smoke alarms inside of bedrooms if family members usually sleep with the door closed. Remember, the strategic placement of smoke alarms is just as important as keeping them powered.

The building codes that govern homes built in the last few years are significantly trying to improve residential fire safety. Most require hardwired alarms that are interconnected, meaning that all alarms will sound if one detects smoke or intense heat. Also, the new codes require the installation of smoke alarms in every bedroom of the house.

Installing the usual store-bought smoke alarm is really quite simple and will require only a drill and a screwdriver. Hardwired and interconnected alarms should be installed by a qualified electrician. Battery back-up should also be used with electrically powered alarms, as well.

Fire safety experts offer more installation advice:

  • When installing a wall-mounted alarm, locate it between six to 12 inches below the ceiling.
  • Ceiling-mounted alarms should be installed more than six inches away from any wall.
  • On sloped and vaulted ceilings, located the alarm at the highest point.
  • In open stairways, alarms should be placed near the top of the staircase.
  • In closed stairways, like basement steps, the alarm should be placed at the bottom of the staircase.
  • Do not install alarms in drafty areas of the house, such as near windows, ceiling fans, or forced-air registers.

If you have any questions about installing fire alarms, call or email your local fire department. They will be happy to help you better protect your home against fires and show you the optimal places to install your smoke detectors.

If you’d like to review your coverage and find out if your home is properly protected in the event of a fire, here are 4 Easy ways to reach our Total Protection team:

1. Call 877-994-6787 or 951-600-5751
2. Fax 951-677-6265
3. Email [email protected]
4. Visit us on the web – www.SIAonline.com

Be Proactive To Prevent Cybercrime At Your Business

Posted on by butlervetinsurance

Legendary bank robber Willie Sutton supposedly said that he robbed banks because that was where the money was. Many small business owners follow this logic when it comes to computer system security. They believe that people who rob with a mouse and a keyboard rather than a gun target large corporations, because those businesses have the most money. This leads them to the misguided belief that cybercriminals will not bother them. In fact, the NACHA – The Electronic Payments Association – reports that Eastern European criminal syndicates have targeted small businesses precisely because they have allowed themselves to become easy marks.

Experts in the field estimate that one in five small businesses do not use antivirus software, 60% do not encrypt data on their wireless networks, and two-thirds lack a data security plan. This failure to take precautions makes a small business easy pickings for computer hackers. However, there are several things business owners can do to protect themselves.

  1. Use two-factor authentication. This is a mechanism that requires the user to do more than one thing for authentication. It ordinarily has two components — one thing the user knows (such as a password), the other a randomly generated number that the user must input. The number comes from an electronic token card, which generates a new number every few seconds. If the user enters a number that the system is expecting, the system will authenticate the user.
  2. Inoculate systems against the Clampi Trojan virus. This virus resides on a computer, waiting for the user to long onto financial websites. It captures log-in and password information, relays it to servers run by the criminals, instructs the computer to send money to accounts that they control, or steals credit card information and uses it to make unauthorized purchases. The trojan monitors more than 4,500 finance-related websites.
  3. Be on guard against “phishing” e-mails and pop-up messages. These messages purport to be from legitimate businesses with which the recipient does business. They ask the user to update or verify information, often threatening negative consequences if she fails to do so. Clicking on the links in the messages brings the user to an authentic looking Web site. However, it is actually bogus; the site collects personal information that the collector can use to steal the user’s identity. System users should ignore these messages.
  4. Arrange for financial institutions to alert the business owner should they spot unusual activity involving the firm’s accounts.
  5. Install firewalls and encryption technology to block uninvited visitors from uploading to or retrieving data from the firm’s servers and to protect data sent on public networks. Intrusion detection systems can inform the business owner of attempts to hack into the network.
  6. Be cautious about opening attachments to e-mails, especially if the sender is someone unfamiliar to the user. Attachments may contain viruses or Trojan horses that can steal login information and passwords or corrupt a system.
  7. Protect against intrusion by disgruntled former or current employees. Deactivate passwords for former employees, erect barriers to keep employees from accessing systems unrelated to their jobs, and implement sound accounting procedures for financial transactions.

In addition to these safeguards, small businesses may want to consider purchasing computer fraud and employee theft insurance. These policies will protect the business against those losses that still occur; insurance companies are likely to offer favorable pricing to businesses that take precautions against cybercrime. One of our professional insurance agents can give advice on the appropriate types and amounts of coverage. Modern technology gives businesses unprecedented abilities, but it also presents significant risks. Every business owner must take steps to keep the cybercriminals out.

We hope you find this information on protecting your business computer systems helpful.  If we can assist you with any other forms of protection for you home, auto, business or personal belongings, please let us know!

Here are 4 EASY ways to reach us:

1. Call 877-994-6787 or 951-600-5751
2. Fax 951-677-6265
3. Email – [email protected]
4. Visit Exclusive New Website –  agency.thebutlerweb.com

BBQ & Grilling Safety Tips for a Safe 4th

Posted on by butlervetinsurance

This Sunday marks America’s 234th year of independence. 

Like most people, there is a good chance you will be celebrating July 4th with parades, fireworks and cookouts.

Here are tips from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safeguarding your family.

Gas grill safety tips

When cooking outdoors with a gas grill, check the air tubes that lead into the burner for any blockage from insects, spiders or food grease, and follow these tips to reduce the risk of fire or explosion:

1. Check grill hoses for cracking, brittleness, holes and leaks. Make sure there are no sharp bends in the hose or tubing.

2. Move gas hoses as far away as possible from hot surfaces and dripping hot grease.

3. Always keep propane gas containers upright.

4. Never store a spare gas container under or near the grill or indoors.

5. Never store or use flammable liquids, like gasoline, near the grill.

6. Never keep a filled container in a hot car or car trunk. Heat will cause the gas pressure to increase, which may open the relief valve and allow gas to escape.

Charcoal grill safety tips

1. Charcoal produces carbon monoxide (CO) when it is burned. CO is a colorless, odorless gas that can accumulate to toxic levels in closed environments. To reduce the risk of CO poisoning:

2. Never burn charcoal inside of homes, vehicles, tents or campers.

3. Charcoal should never be used indoors, even if ventilation is provided.

4. Since charcoal produces CO fumes until the charcoal is completely extinguished, do not store the grill indoors with freshly used coals.

5. Every year there are thousands of Emergency Room visits due to grilling accidents, we hope these tips will help you avoid becoming one of them.

Have a safe and enjoyable 4th of July from all of us at Stromsoe Insurance Agency!

Safety Tip: How To Make Your Home Unattractive To A Burglar

Posted on by butlervetinsurance

When driving down a street at night looking at houses, you are most likely drawn to the house with exterior lighting, neatly trimmed landscaping, and lights on inside. That’s because the house looks inviting and well cared for. Now imagine a burglar is driving down the same street. The things that drew you to the previous house are the same things that will turn that burglar away, looking for better opportunities. A property with no exterior lighting, overgrown landscaping, and possibly no one at home, invites criminal activity.

It is important to note that burglary is a preventable crime. Common sense dictates some of the steps you can take toward making your home safer and less attractive to burglars. The following are some general tips you should incorporate into your routine that can make the difference between the burglar stopping at your house or passing it up for another one further down the road.

The first line of defense between you and a burglar is to secure your home properly. Make sure your yard, driveway, and all entrances to your home are well-lit. Consider the use of lights on a timer or photocell, which turns lights on automatically at dusk and shuts them off at dawn. Trees and shrubs around windows should be cut back so you don’t give a burglar a place to hide while preparing to enter your home.

If you are going to be away from home for a period of time, leave a light on. Lights left on indoors, especially those on a timer that turn on when it gets dark and shut off at bed time, can be a deterrent to a burglar. The goal is to make it look as if you are home. Ask a neighbor to pick up your newspapers and bring in your mail. Along the same lines, if you will be gone for an extended period, arrange for your lawn to be maintained. Permitting your grass to grow high or get dry is a sign of neglect and can invite unwanted attention. If you have a garage, use it. Parking inside your garage on a regular basis makes it more difficult for a burglar casing your home to know whether or not you are really there.

Burglars will usually spend about five minutes trying to get inside your home. Make that task as difficult as possible by doing the obvious: Lock your doors and windows! If you forget to lock your back door, this can be viewed as an invitation by a burglar looking to get into your home quickly. In addition to the obvious, avoid spring bolt locks. It takes only a credit card to push open the bolt and allow access to the inside. Deadbolt locks should be installed on all exterior doors. The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) has established testing and ratings for deadbolt locks. Grade 1 locks are the best, with Grade 3 locks being easier to penetrate. Look for Grade 1 locks when shopping for a deadbolt. A key lock or pin-type lock works best for patio door, or any door with glass that could be broken easily to access a knob on a deadbolt. Heavy-duty strike plates should also be used to prevent a burglar from successfully kicking in your door.

When purchasing a new home, make sure all locks have been changed. Also, think about calling a reputable locksmith who can advise you on proper locks for doors and windows. Carefully preparing your home, including adequate locks, lighting, and regular maintenance, can make the difference between a burglar deciding to make a stop at your house or to keep driving.

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