Category: Tips

Holiday Decoration Safety Tips

12/18/2015

SANDVIK INSURANCE AGENCY'S HOLIDAY DECORATION SAFETY TIPS
The holidays are a time for getting together with family and friends. Rarely do we consider how our decorations could put us at risk for injury or fire. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) estimates that every year, more than 12,500 injuries involving holiday decorations are seen in emergency departments nationwide during November and December. Sharing these reminders can go a long way to helping your customers be safe during the holiday season.

How can you avoid injuries this holiday season? Check out these safety tips for decking the halls:

Buy fresh — when you head out to pick the perfect tree, make sure to conduct a quick three-part stress test. The needles should resist being pulled off and should not snap or break when bent, the trunk bottom should be sticky with resin and the limbs should be strong and only drop a few needles if shaken
Keep it cool — live or artificial, trees don’t take well to the heat, so make sure not to position your tree next to the fireplace, heat ducts or radiators. Also remember not to place them where they may block doorways or high-traffic areas
Put them to the test — make sure your lights are in good condition and in proper working order. They should be tested and marked with a holographic UL label. A red label means lights can be used indoors and out, while green means they are for indoor-use only
Take it easy — use no more than three standard-size sets of lights per single extension cord. Make sure the extension cord is rated for the intended use
Lights out — when you turn in, your lights should too. Turn off all holiday lights when you go to bed or leave the house. The lights could short out and start a fire
Stay grounded — your power should come from a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlet. This type of outlet will shut down if there is over-current. If you don’t have one, a qualified electrician can add one outdoors for your future holiday needs or you can buy a portable outdoor unit from your local hardware store for less than $20
Teamwork — if you are working with lights or decorations above your normal reach, help prevent falls by making sure you use a secure ladder of the proper length and have someone help support the base
Watch that wick — keep all candles within eyesight when lit. Place them on a stable surface out of reach to animals and children and make sure to extinguish them all before you go to bed, leave the room or the house

It’s easy to get caught up in the festivities. Keep your holidays happy and your home and family safe by taking a little extra time to make sure your decorations are hung with care.
Courtesy of Integrity Insurance

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Fire Safety Tips

10/1/2015

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SANDVIK INSURANCE AGENCY'S FIRE SAFETY TIPS
October is Fire Prevention Month. It’s a good time to pause and educate yourself on fire safety. According to the Red Cross, each year more than 2,500 people die and 12,600 are injured in house fires in the United States, with direct property loss estimated at $7.3 billion annually. House fires are preventable so take action to keep you and loved ones safe by following these tips.

Smoke Detectors — get in the habit of checking the alarm on smoke detectors monthly and replacing batteries twice a year. Smoke detectors should be installed in every bedroom and on all levels

Fire Escape Plan — it’s important to create and practice a fire escape plan. Explore alternate escape routes in case the fire is blocking the main exit. If you have small children, National Fire Prevention Agency (NFPA) has an escape planning grid http://www.nfpa.org/safety-information/for-consumers/escape-planning/basic-fire-escape-planning which may help them better understand what they should do and where they should go

Cooking — when using a stovetop, always stay in the kitchen and if you have to leave (even for a brief moment) turn it off. Always stay in your house when you’re using the oven, checking it regularly. It’s also important to keep items that are flammable such as potholders and towels away from the stove

4. Space Heaters — the number of residential fires typically peeks December through February, mostly due to the increase in usage of space heaters. Always read and follow the directions and keep it at least three feet from anything flammable. Never place a space heater near a bed or in a spot where a child or pet could easily knock it over

   5. Fire Extinguishers — a fire extinguisher is a good tool when a fire is contained in a small area and used after the fire department has been called. The NFPA says to remember PASS when using an extinguisher.
   Pull the pin
    Aim low
Squeeze the lever slowly and evenly
Sweep the nozzle from side to side

Did you know there is a shelf-life on fire extinguishers? Check to make sure yours isn’t expired by looking at the date on the gauge.

6. Teaching Fire Safety — teach kids the facts so they know how to protect themselves.

Cover mouth and nose with clothing to make it easier to breath while getting out of the house
Crawl and stay low to the ground as smoke rises, making it more difficult to breathe
Never touch a doorknob as it could be extremely hot; instead touch the door — if it’s hot do not open as it means there are flames on the other side
Never stop to gather personal belongings
Stop, drop and roll to extinguish a fire on clothing
Call 9-1-1 in case of an emergency

Being prepared is the best way to protect you and your loved ones during a fire. Share this article with family and friends so they too can help prevent fires and stay safe.

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Back - To - School Driving Tips

9/4/2015

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SANDVIK INSURANCE AGENCY BACK-TO-SCHOOL DRIVING TIPS

Millions of students are headed back to school this fall. It’s a good time to educate yourself and drivers alike on the rules of the road around school busses, in school zones, dangers of distracted driving and how to keep pedestrians safe.

School Bus

According to the National Safety Council (NSC) some 25 million students’ nationwide travel to and from school on a bus. The NSC reports that school buses are considered the safest mode of transportation because of their size and construction, causing only one percent of all student fatalities during school travel times. Even though this statistic is low it’s still one percent too high.

Keep at least 10 feet of space between your car and the school bus

Never pass a school bus that is stopped; most will flash a stop sign on their left side as a reminder when stopped but don’t assume all busses have that feature

Drive with caution if you see yellow hazard warning lights flashing on a moving bus

Watch for children gathering near a school bus — children are notorious for darting toward a school bus without looking for traffic

School Zones

A school zone is any area near a school or crosswalk leading to a school. School zones typically have speed limits between 15 and 25 mph and fines for speeding in these areas usually double.

Slow down and obey all traffic laws and speed zones

Be on the lookout for school crossing guards and follow their signals

Never pass a vehicle, change lanes or make U-turns in a school zone

Unless licensed to do so, never use handicap or emergency vehicle lanes to drop off or pick up children in a school zone

Distracted Driving

According to a study by Safe Kids Worldwide, one in six drivers in a school zone was distracted by cell phones, music, engaging in conversation, smoking, eating, grooming or reaching for something.

Avoid eating in the car

If you need to make a call, pull off to the side of the road

Limit noise and activity in the car

Finish getting dressed and personal grooming before you leave the house

If your child or pet needs attention, pull off to the side of the road

Pedestrian Safety

According to Safe Routes to School, roughly 13 percent of children ages 5 to 14 years old walk to school. Children are unpredictable and often difficult to see; always use caution and look out for them near schools and playgrounds

Pedestrians typically have the right-of-way at all intersections

Don’t stop with a portion of your vehicle over the cross walk asthismay force the pedestrian to go around your vehicle putting themselves at risk of being struck by another vehicle

Never honk your horn or rev your engine to rush or scare a pedestrian

Do you take any other precautions? If so, please share in the comment field below.

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Grilling Safety Tips

7/27/2015

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SANDVIK INSURANCE AGENCY GRILLING SAFETY TIPS
In the Midwest there’s two things almost all of us love about summer—enjoying the warm weather and grilling. In fact, July is peak grilling season followed closely by May, June and August and we all can agree there’s nothing better than the smell of food like burgers, salmon and ribs cooking on a grill.

This popular summer pastime can be dangerous – deadly, actually. Did you know grills cause thousands of fires, hundreds of injuries, dozens of deaths and millions of dollars in insurance claims annually? Before you fire up that grill for your next barbeque, take a look at these safety tips to ensure your next experience is safe.

1.    Be prepared — always read the owners’ manual and follow safety guidelines for your new grill (they’re usually available online if you no longer have a copy). Inspect the parts and accessories on a regular basis and do not use if there are leaks or cracks.

2.    Keep kids and pets far away — Kids and pets should never be near a hot grill, period. Their curious little minds can cause injury fast; it just takes a split second to get a severe burn. If you’re grilling at home, indoors is the safest place for them to be while an adult is grilling; if being indoors is not an option make sure they stay at least 20 to 30 feet away from the grill.

3.    Grease -- A grill plus grease equals a deadly concoction. It only takes a few cookouts for grease to collect and cause a flare-up—this is when grease or fat drips down into your coals and catches fire. Flare-ups are a normal part of grilling but can get out of hand fast and cause injury. To avoid flare-ups, regularly clean the grease catch pan, properly preheat your grill, use lean cuts of meat and don’t over oil or marinade your food.

4.    Charcoal — Use the proper starter fluid (reference your owners’ manual to identify the type) and store it away from children and heat sources. Never add starter fluid after the coals have been ignited.

5.    Propane -- Gas grills are becoming more popular and the #1 cause of fire with these types of grills is obstruction in the path of the fuel. Regularly inspect your tank and hose (remember: everything is extremely hot so wear proper protection). Bugs, dirt and even small animals can climb into your grill causing the gas to flow improperly.

6.    Watch the weather -- you never want to be outside during bad weather and grilling just increases your chance of injury. You may recall a few years ago when ESPN’s Hannah Storm was badly injured in a grill fire after wind blew out the flame and propane flooded her grill. She attempted to re-ignite it, causing an explosive fireball resulting in burns on her, neck, chest and hands. She is now an advocate for grill safety partnering with the National Protection Agency to tell her story. [embed link: http://www.nfpa.org/hannah ]

7.    Location — Always grill outside in a well-vented area away from trees, cars, houses and garages. A hot grill can easily cause severe burns, so never attempt to move it while it’s hot.

Please share these tips with family and friends. Do you have any additional safety tips? Share in the comment field below!

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Swimming Pool Safety Tips

6/1/2015

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SANDVIK INSURANCE AGENCY 11 SWIMMING POOL SAFETY TIPS

Summer is near and with that comes the increased use of swimming pools. Before you jump in, make sure the pool you’re using is safe and that there are rules in place. The National Safety Council reports that 600 children and adults drown annually in swimming pools; of those, half in home pools. In addition, more than 2,000 children in that age group are treated in hospital emergency rooms for submersion injuries.

Make a slash in swimming pool safety by following these 11 tips to protect your loved ones:

An adult who is a strong swimmer should watch children at all times
- Infant and toddler — adult in the water holding the child
- Older child — adult in the water paying constant attention and avoiding distractions like talking on the phone, texting, socializing, drinking
- Never allow a child to swim alone regardless of their swimming ability
Install a fence that completely surrounds the pool area to prevent children from entering on their own; fences should be climb-resistant, at least four feet high and be self-closing / self-latching
Install an alarm on the door of your house leading to the pool and the pool gate itself to alert adults if someone is entering the pool
Become CPR certified (check your local hospital for courses) and post instructions near the pool
Always keep a stocked first-aid kit nearby
Expose your children to water safety and swim lessons at a very young age (check your local recreation department, Y or Red Cross for class information)
Never keep strollers or bikes near a pool
Enforce pool rules for children and adults to follow
1. “No running on the pool deck”
2. “Stay away from drain covers”
3. “No diving in the shallow end”
4. “Always enter the pool feet first”
Inexperienced swimmers should always wear a life jacket in the water
For additional protection, install a power safety cover over the pool when not in use.
Never use a pool that has missing or broken pool drain covers; if someone does become stuck to a drain pry a hand between the person’s body and drain to break the seal instead of trying to pull their body away from the powerful suction

Please share these tips with family and friends. What pool rules to you enforce? Share in the comment field below!

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Insurance Tips For Young Adults

5/1/2015

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SANDVIK INSURANCE AGENCY'S INSURANCE TIPS
FOR YOUNG ADULTS

Graduation season is nearing and with that comes the freedom and independence of adulthood. One rite of passage into adulthood is making your own decisions — including financial ones like insurance. The topic of insurance can be daunting for most people, especially young adults, who sometimes learn the hard way their coverage isn’t adequate until they need to file a claim.

Young adults, hold tight. Here’s one life lesson on insurance that you won’t want to miss!

Renters Insurance — protects your belongings damaged in a fire, theft or vandalism

The owner of the property is responsible for insuring the structure and premise but their coverage does not include personal belongings
Many apartment complexes require renters insurance; check with your landlord and ask questions before signing a lease
If you’re still living at your parents’ home, your belongings should be covered under your their homeowners policy but don’t assume. Have adult conversation with them and their independent insurance agent to see what’s covered
To make things easier if you have to collect a claim, take photos or video of your belongings and store a copy outside your residence or on a cloud system
Three types
- “Loss of use” — coverage if your rental becomes uninhabitable while it’s being repaired or rebuilt
- “Personal property” — covers contents of your apartment like your iPad, bed and couch
- “Personal liability” — cover bodily injury and property damage to others caused by your actions or negligence

Auto Insurance — financial protection against physical damage, bodily injury from a car accident

It’s recommended to purchase a healthy amount of liability coverage for your auto insurance policy; if you’re found liable in an accident the total could cost you hundreds of thousands of dollars in medical bills, pain and suffering — this could be detrimental to you finances
Cost for liability coverage is usually marginal and will give you peace of mind

Life Insurance — a sum of money paid upon death of the insured person to the beneficiary (person legally designated to receive the money)

Just because you’re young and healthy doesn’t mean Life insurance isn’t important — a huge benefit is the cost of permanent life insurance is that it stays at the rate of purchase as long as you continue to pay the premiums
If you have debt and die before it’s paid off the co-signer, likely your parents or grandparents, would be responsible for paying (depends on terms and conditions of the loan)

Another helpful tip is meeting with your local independent insurance agent. Your agent will be able to guide you through the process and answer any questions. It’s their job to find the best coverage to fit your life.

Do you have any other insurance tips for young adults? If so, share them in the comment field below.

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Appliance Hoses

4/16/2015

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Should You Be Worried About Your Appliance Hoses?

There’s a ticking time bomb in your Minnesota house right now, waiting to strike when you least expect it. In fact, there might even be more than one. And each can cause thousands and thousands of dollars in damage.

We here at Sandvik Insurance Agency are talking about faulty appliance hoses, of course.

Consider your humble washing machine: According to the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS), washing-machine failures cost an average of more than $5,000, and faulty hoses are responsible for more than half of those failures.

You can take steps to defuse these ticking time bombs — or at least make them less likely to go off. Here are the common hoses and tubes you should be checking:

Washing Machine

Most washing machines come with rubber hoses that connect to your water supply — hoses that can wear out and eventually burst. The IBHS says to check frequently for blisters, worn tubing, stress cracks and loose connections. Even if there is no obvious wear, replace hoses every five years. Use a reinforced steel-braided hose, as they are less likely to fail.

Dryer

Although you should clean the lint trap in your dryer with every load, danger lurks behind the dryer as well. Flexible plastic or foil ducting can easily trap lint and increase the risk of fire, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. The agency recommends the use of a rigid or semi-rigid metal duct instead. Whichever you use, be sure to disconnect and clean the ducting annually.

Refrigerator

If your refrigerator has an icemaker or water dispenser, it also has a hose connecting it to the water supply. Replace the standard hose with a steel-braided line for added security.

Dishwasher

Dishwasher leaks can easily go undetected, so it’s important to check these connections regularly as well. Make sure that hoses and lines have no kinks, and periodically remove and clean the filter in the dishwasher, which is designed to stop food pieces from making it into the drain hose.

Gas Grills

At least once a year (typically when you fire up the grill for the first time after winter), check the hose connecting the fuel source to the burners. Simply brush it with some soapy water, turn the gas on (do not light the grill) and check the hose for air bubbles. If you see any, replace the hose and fitting.

In addition to checking your hoses regularly and replacing them when needed, there are monitoring systems available now that can automatically shut off your water supply in the event of a failure. Some detect leaks with moisture indicators, while at least one new system actually checks your water meter for unusual activity.

To further protect you, your homeowners insurance may cover certain damage that results from appliance hose failures. But, it all depends on the circumstances of your situation and on your specific policy. You may find that an appliance hose failure is not covered by your insurance, so it’s best to maintain your appliances to avoid damage in the first place.

If you have questions about your homeowners insurance coverage or need help with a claim, we here at Sandvik Insurance Agency are happy to help.

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Your First Spring Garden

4/14/2015

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Spring Maintenance for Your Home
When springtime rolls around in Rochester, Minnesota, almost everyone thinks of cleaning. That’s fine (we probably all need to do a little more of that, after all), but there’s something even more important to keep in mind: home maintenance.

So, when it’s time to set your clocks ahead for daylight-saving time and change the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, give your home a checkup, too. Here are some suggestions from the Department of Housing and Urban Development:

Interior and appliances

Check the basement and/or crawlspace for any signs of standing water or dripping.

Pull your dryer out and clean the exhaust hose and vent (lint found here is a common cause of house fires).

Vacuum refrigerator/freezer coils for efficiency.

Clean exhaust fan outlets and screens.
Check all air filters and replace, if necessary.

Roof, siding, windows

Check for damage to your roof and have a professional inspection, if necessary.

Go into the attic. If there is visible moisture or discoloration, your roof might be leaking.

Examine the paint on your siding and trim. If it is peeling, you might need new paint to protect against the effects of weather.

Check for leaks around window and door sills. Improving your seals can lower your energy bills.

Yard and exterior

Check for signs of rodents and other pests.

Clean debris from gutters and downspouts, and make sure they are draining away from the home.

Trim overhanging tree branches and shrubs.

Remember, winter weather can cause significant damage that is easy to spot, but it often results in wear and tear that homeowners can miss if they aren't looking closely. It’s well worth it to spend a little time on home maintenance this spring, so that wear and tear doesn't turn into something more serious.

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Spring Storm Safety Tips

4/6/2015

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Sandvik Insurance Agency Tips To Protect Yourself And Property From Spring Storms
The saying “April showers bring May flowers” is true, especially to us in the Midwest. Spring storms like thunderstorms, heavy rain and tornados are inevitable and often times unpredictable. When severe weather strikes with little notice the risk of injury to yourself and damages to your property greatly increases. Here are some helpful tips to help protect you, loved ones and property during the next ‘April shower.’

Keep yourself and loved ones safe

Monitor the weather by downloading an app for emergency info (American Red Cross or FEMA.gov)

If severe weather strikes, go to the lowest level in your home and stay away from windows and glass

Never use electronics during a storm and avoid touching metal objects

Conduct a home inventory (photos, video) of your personal belongings for insurance purposes and store in a safety deposit box or cloud-system

Install a sump pump with a battery backup system

Prepare a basic emergency kit

o   Bottled water (one gallon per person for up to three days)
   o   Three-day supply of non-perishable food (don’t’ forget a can opener, disposable plates and utensils)
o   Flashlight and extra batteries
o   First aid kit
o   Fire extinguisher
o   Battery powered radio
   o   Blankets
   o   Important documents in a waterproof container — insurance policies, medical records, identification

Help avoid a property claim

Clean out your gutters, drains and downspouts so that rain can flow off your roof
Inspect downspouts so they’re properly secured and placed for water to flow away from your house

Trim trees and shrubs

Have a professional inspect your roof and repair loose shingles

Secure outdoor patio furniture or other objects that could be moved by strong winds

Get all contents off the ground in flood prone areas

Read and understand your homeowner and auto insurance policies, especially your deductibles — talk with your independent insurance agent to make sure you have the appropriate amount of insurance coverage

What other precautions do you take to keep yourself and property safe during a storm? Let us know in the comment field below!

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Tips to Save on Home Heating Costs

2/2/2015

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Sandvik Insurance Agency Offers Tips To Save On Home Heating Costs This Winter

It’s no secret winters in the Midwest are frigid. Keep the chill outside by following these helpful tips to reduce your energy bills without sacrificing comfort.

Fuel

The most common home heating fuel is natural gas and according to the Department of Energy it’s used in about 57 percent of American homes.

Conduct a home energy audit — hire a professional or use the Department of Energy’s do-it-yourself energy assessment to help identify problem areas http://energy.gov/energysaver/articles/do-it-yourself-home-energy-audit

Make sure your attic and ceilings are sufficiently insulated as heat rises and if it’s not stopped by insulation, it will escape through your roof

Furniture should not block floor vents or radiators

Consider installing a programmable thermostat (ideal for those that are away from the home for set periods throughout the week); according to energystar.gov, proper usage can save around $180 every year in energy costs (again, more money in your pocket!)

If you have a wood fireplace, make sure the damper is closed when it’s not in use

When purchasing new appliances, consider ones with energy star label; not only do they operate more efficiently but some may be eligible for federal tax credits (visit energystar.gov http://www.energystar.gov/about/federal_tax_credits for more information)

Windows and Doors

Proper maintenance of windows and doors is key to improving energy efficiency in your home. According to popularmechanics.com, seven to 12 percent of a home’s heat loss occurs around windows and doors

Add or replace weather-stripping around doors — the cost is inexpensive and typically easy to install or replace

Repair or replace broken or cracked window and door glass

Open curtains and blinds during the day so sunlight can warm the room and close them at night as they act as a second barrier against cold winter air

If replacing your windows or new construction, consider thermopane windows as they can increase the energy efficiency of your home up to 70 percent

Hot Water Savings

Insulate your hot water heater as this may help hot water stay hot longer without using extra energy

Install a low-flow showerhead; many homes built after 1992 have this so if you have an older home consider the update

Run the dishwasher or washing machine when it’s full; turning on either machine when only half full wastes hot water.

Wash clothes in cold water

Clean the lint filter out of your dryer so it functions efficiently

To learn more about home heating, check out this infographic http://energy.gov/articles/energy-saver-101-infographic-home-heating courtesy of the Department of Energy. Do you have any additional tips? Please share in the comments field below. We’d love to hear your suggestions!

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Sandvik Insurance Agency Blog

Holiday Decoration Safety Tips

Fire Safety Tips

Back - To - School Driving Tips

Grilling Safety Tips

Swimming Pool Safety Tips

Insurance Tips For Young Adults

Appliance Hoses

Your First Spring Garden

Spring Storm Safety Tips

Tips to Save on Home Heating Costs

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