Safety Tips For Careful Homeowners and Drivers - Summer 2009

Hurricane Supply Kit

FEMA recommends that families stock these basic necessities for use over a three-day period in the event of a hurricane (or other major storm).

• Bottled water (a gallon/person/day)
• Non-perishable foods- 3-day supply
• Manual can-opener, eating utensils
• First aid kit
• Batteries, flashlight
• Candles, matches
• Portable radio
• Tool kit: hammer, nails, pliers, screw driver, small knife, duct tape, rope
• 1 change of clothing/footwear for all
Blankets/sleeping bags-1/person

See www.fema.gov/index.shtm for more information.

Safe boating requires having the right emergency equipment on board

We sell boat insurance to protect your boat and equipment against losses caused by damage or theft. But there is another "insurance policy" that is vital---preparation for any small or large emergency.

• Basic First Aid Kit
• Fire Extinguisher
• Boat Anchor
• Two ropes and dock lines
• Marine VHF Radio and Cellphone
• Flotation devices for each passenger
• Signaling devices such as a sound making horn or whistle; distress flag; flares and/or a fog system

CALL OR E-MAIL US ANYTIME YOU HAVE A QUESTION ABOUT YOUR INSURANCE OR INSURANCE ISSUES. THAT’S WHAT WE ARE HERE FOR.

Backyard Safety Prevents Summer Blues
Recent study cites potential fire hazards of outdoor grilling

Family barbecues with hot dogs, burgers and kebobs simmering on the grill are indeed a summer delight. But fire on the grill can turn into fire in the home without proper precautions according to the National Fire Protection Association (NPFA).

NFPA Study
The NFPA Web site cites the results of a 2005 national study: gas and charcoal grills caused 3,400 structure fires and 4,900 outdoor fires in or on home properties. The combined direct property loss was $137 million.

Grill-related home fires
The NFPA study reported that the placing of grills on exterior balconies, unenclosed porches, and under eaves were leading causes of house fires caused by barbecue grills. Others: Use of gasoline to ignite a charcoal fire; gas grills with leaks or breaks; and placing combustibles too close to heat.

• Never leave your grill unattended.
• Use proper starter fluid for charcoal.
• Designate your grilling area a "No Play Zone" for kids and pets.
• Position your grill at least 3 feet from the house, shrubs, branches, play objects and other flammable objects in the yard.
• Check the gas grill connection line between the propane tank and the fuel line to make sure it is not leaking.
• Do not use a match to check for gas grill leaks; if you detect a leak, immediately turn off the gas, and don’t use grill until it is fixed.
• Do not bring your lit barbecue grill indoors or into any unventilated space; it will become both a fire and carbon monoxide hazard!

For more information about grill safety and other home hazard issues visit www.nfpa.org and www.homesafetycouncil.org

Archived Safety Tips

• Fall 2007
• Spring 2007