TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2022
 How to Stop a Grease Fire
- Eliminate the heat source by turning off the stove or grill.
- Cover the pan with a non-glass lid, or another pan. If it’s your grill, shut the lid.
- If you can't cover it, cut off the fire’s oxygen supply by smothering it with baking soda or salt.
- If necessary, put out the fire with a fire extinguisher. We can’t emphasize this enough – always keep a fire extinguisher in your kitchen or by your grill. Put it in clear sight and make it easy to access. Make sure beforehand that you have a proper class extinguisher for use on grease.
Grease Fire Don’ts
- NEVER throw water on a grease fire. It will actually splash and spread the flames, making a fire harder to control.
- NEVER use flour or sugar. Rather than helping smother the fire, these can actually cause a powder explosion and do even more damage.
- Don’t pick up the pan. The risk of spilling grease is too high.
- Avoid touching anything until it’s completely cool.
- Don’t hesitate to call 911 if you can’t handle the situation.
- Never attempt to deal with a fire without first protecting yourself, and if it gets out of control, get everyone out safely rather than continuing to fight it. Remember, the things in your house can be replaced.
Posted 4:00 AM
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2022
 Home Maintenance Tips This Fall
Before the weather grows colder it’s important to prepare for the winter months to prevent costly damage.
Below are the Fall preventative home maintenance steps that every homeowner should follow.
Gutters and Downspouts
Clean gutters and downspouts frequently throughout fall to prevent build up of leaves and other debris. Neglected gutters can lead to wood rot problems and pest infestations, not to mention ruined gutters.
Be sure water is not coming down behind gutters and that all support brackets are securely in place.
Ensure that water drains properly and doesn’t pool. Pooling can cause damage to foundations, driveways, and walkways.
Heating Systems
Replace the filter in your furnace.
Consider having a heating professional check your heating system to ensure optimal performance and discover minor problems before they turn into costly major repairs.
Clean your ducts to better your heating system’s efficiency as well as to reduce household dust and to provide relief to those with respiratory problems.
Plumbing
To prevent pipes freezing and bursting, ensure that the pipes are well insulated.
Know how to locate and turn off the water shut-off valve in case pipes do freeze.
Posted 6:00 PM
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2022
 Security Tips for Remote Workers
As more employees work from home, basic security measures need to be taken to protect the individual and enterprise from cyber criminals who are taking advantage of lax telework security practices. The National Cyber Security Alliance offers these tips: Think Before You Click. Cyber criminals are taking advantage of people seeking information on COVID-19. They are distributing malware campaigns that impersonate organizations like WHO, CDC, and other reputable sources by asking you to click on links or download outbreak maps. Slow down. Don't click. Go directly to a reputable website to access the content.
Lock Down Your Login. Create long and unique passphrases for all accounts and use multi-factor authentication (MFA) wherever possible. MFA will fortify your online accounts by enabling the strongest authentication tools available, such as biometrics or a unique one-time code sent to your phone or mobile device.
Connect to a secure network and use a company-issued Virtual Private Network (VPN) to access any work accounts. Home routers should be updated to the most current software and secured with a lengthy, unique passphrase. Employees should not be connecting to public WiFi to access work accounts unless using a VPN.
Separate your network so your company devices are on their own WiFi network, and your personal devices are on their own. Keep devices with you at all times or stored in a secure location when not in use. Set auto log-out if you walk away from your computer and forget to log out.
Use company-approved/vetted devices and applications to collaborate and complete your tasks. Don't substitute your preferred tools with ones that have been vetted by the company's security team.
Update your software. Before connecting to your corporate network, be sure that all internet-connected devices ‒including PCs, smartphones and tablets ‒ are running the most current versions of software. Updates include important changes that improve the performance and security of your devices.
Source: staysafeonline.org
Posted 6:14 PM
MONDAY, AUGUST 1, 2022
 In the new sharing economy, ridesharing allows vehicle owners to transport passengers in their own cars for a fee or a donation. Drivers sign up with a service that charges a fee to connect passengers with drivers via a website or smartphone app. Passengers arrange rides and pay with a credit card using the app.
Ridesharing is becoming more common around the state and the nation, particularly in large cities. Capitalizing on the new sharing economy and to a certain extent the coolness factor, this simple concept is thriving. Passengers and drivers for Transportation Network Companies (TNCs) alike are generally little informed of the fact that under a personal auto policy, they may not be covered under a number of circumstances.
What Drivers Need to Know
Why is ridesharing an issue for drivers?
Most standard personal auto policies exclude coverage for “public or livery conveyance;” in other words, the use of the vehicle to transport passengers for a fee. Some policies have even stronger exclusions that exclude any coverage when the driver is available for hire.
Other restrictions could apply, so even if you don’t see a specific exclusion, you should not assume that there is coverage under the personal auto policy. Regulators in many states have been issuing consumer alerts to warn the public about possible implications when signing up as a driver – or as a passenger – with the ridesharing apps.
What if my Transportation Network Company tells me I’m covered when I drive for them?
An increasing number of TNCs are indicating that they are going to cover the driver’s commercial exposure for liability and collision coverage. Some may also offer Uninsured/Underinsured motorist coverage, something that can protect you when you are involved in an accident with an at-fault driver who had insufficient coverage or no coverage at all (which happens all too frequently). You should ask your TNC:
- What they would provide, and
- Whether their coverage would be primary.
How do I know if I’m covered as a driver?
If you are considering becoming a driver for a TNC, you should:
- Find out what the TNC will cover for your commercial exposure, including when coverage starts and when it ends, and
- Talk to your agent about what your personal auto policy may cover if you are involved in an accident.
Although insurance issues are often downplayed by TNCs, the coordination between the commercial and the personal auto policies can pose challenges. The timing and circumstances of the accident will have a bearing on whether coverage is afforded or not. At this time, coverage gaps still exist in a number of circumstances.
Can you give an example?
Examples are a great way to get a better understanding between you and the TNC and/or the insurer and to identify potential gaps. At the minimum, you should find out how the TNC will cover you when:
- You are available for hire (logged into the app) but not transporting a passenger.
- You are logged in and transporting a passenger.
- You are logged out and not transporting a passenger.
- You are logged out after dropping off your last passenger, and heading home.
Is this issue settled?
No. Between challenges from Public Utility Commissions, restrictions on licenses to operate, and the Legislature contemplating new laws to address proper insurance coverage, among other things, the issue is not settled.
What Passengers Need to Know
Why is ridesharing an issue for passengers?
Ridesharing is not the same as riding in a taxi or limousine. Taxis are licensed by the state or a local authority and subject to strict standards, from vehicle inspection and driver licensing to insurance that protects passengers and others who could be hurt in an accident.
Transportation Network Companies (TNCs) such as Uber or Lyft are not subject to the same requirements. However, they have drawn increasing attention from state regulators and legislators concerned that the public may not be properly protected. In fact, various state regulators have issued consumer alerts to warn the public about possible risks of using a ridesharing app when riding as a passenger.
How is the ridesharing company insured?
Insurance is the crux of the issue. Drivers are using their personal vehicles. Personal auto insurance generally excludes coverage when transporting passengers for a fee.
An increasing number of TNCs are indicating that they are going to provide some protection by covering the driver’s commercial exposure for liability and collision coverage. The nature and scope of coverage provided by the TNC varies from company to company, and its coordination with the driver’s personal auto policy can leave uninsured gaps, in some cases significant.
How do I know if I’m covered as a passenger?
If you are considering using a ridesharing service, you should:
- Research the companies that operate in your city
- Find out how these companies protect their drivers and passengers, including their liability limits
If you have a personal auto policy yourself, you may be able to claim some coverage under your policy if you are hurt in an accident as a passenger. If you do not own a car, you will not have that option, unless you purchased a “named non-owner” policy. Your agent can advise you about coverages.
Why should I worry? How likely is it that a bad claim will occur?
There is no way of knowing what kind of accident will occur. Hopefully, none. However, many of the insurance issues that have come to light have stemmed from catastrophic claims: one in California in which a six-year-old girl was killed in a collision with a rideshare car.
While often downplayed by those who have an interest in the ridesharing business, coordination between the commercial and personal auto policies can pose challenges. The timing and circumstances of any accident will have a bearing on whether coverage extends to the driver and the passenger. At this time, coverage gaps still exist in a number of circumstances.
Is this insurance issue settled?
No. Between challenges from Public Utility Commissions, restrictions on licenses to operate, and the Legislature contemplating new laws to address proper insurance coverage, among other things, the issue is not settled.
- Content used in this post is used with permission and was originally published by Insurance Agents and Brokers.
Posted 3:00 AM
MONDAY, JULY 4, 2022
 Firework Safety Tips for July 4th
4th of July is a day where we celebrate the thirteen colonies claiming their independence from England and more commonly a day where friends and family gather for food, music and beautiful firework displays across the country. Many of us will also purchase consumer based fireworks to celebrate on our own, however these certainly come with risks.
Did you know that according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s 2014 Fireworks Annual Report by Yongling Tu and Demar Granados, fireworks cause a yearly average of 18,500 reported fires and resulted in over $21 million dollars in direct property damage in 2013.
Fireworks are also a leading source of emergency room visits each and every year on the 4th of July. Check out some injuries by the numbers below.
Firework Injuries:
- Sparklers accounted for roughly 28% of all emergency room firework injuries.
- More than 33% of firework injuries are to the hands or fingers.
- Children 5-9 years of age were 2.4 times as likely as the general public to be injured by fireworks.
- Males account for 74% of firework injuries
- Only 6% of firework injuries are caused by public displays
Fireworks cause an average of 18,500 fires per year.
4th of July Safety Tips
Firework Safety:
- Sparklers burn at 1200°F – Don’t point them at yourself or others.
- Never light fireworks in hand; only light fireworks while they are placed on the ground.
- Never attempt to light multiple fireworks at once.
- Never allow young children to handle sparklers.
- Never light any fireworks that appear damaged or torn.
- Don’t take apart fireworks or attempt to make your own.
- Always keep a fire extinguisher and water source nearby in case of emergency.
- Never dispose of used fireworks in trash cans until completely cool.
Grill Safety Tips:
The 4th of July just isn’t the same without sharing some amazing BBQ with your friends and family. Be sure to check for the following before throwing those steaks, burgers and dogs on the grill.
- Always check your grill’s hoses for cracks and leaks.
- Never grill indoors or near surfaces that can catch fire.
- Keep the grill at least two feet away from decks, siding and other surfaces.
We wish everyone a very happy and safe 4th of July celebration.
originally published by Mammoth Restoration http://mammothrestoration.com/
Posted 9:08 PM
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