by Flagship Staff | Jan 2, 2018 | Blog
In 1925, President Calvin Coolidge proclaimed the first National Fire Prevention Week. According to the National Archives and Records Administrations Library Information Center, this is the longest running public health observance in history. This year’s observance is Sunday, October 8 through Saturday, October 14.
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 358,500 home structure fires occurred from 2011 through 2015. On average, these fires caused:
-2,510 civilian deaths;
-12,300 civilian injuries; and
-$6.7 billion in damage.
The leading causes of home fires were:
-Cooking equipment;
-Heating equipment;
-Electrical;
-Intentional; and
-Smoking materials.
On a regular basis, we hear about the importance of keeping our smoke detectors in proper working order. However, we don’t hear a lot about other fire prevention methods. Therefore, I thought this would be a good opportunity to discuss choosing a fire extinguisher for your home.
Having a fire extinguisher available can be beneficial. However, there are some things to consider before purchasing one.
1.Your main priority should be getting out of your home safely. From the time your smoke alarm sounds, experts say you have two minutes or less to get out.
2.Don’t exit with your family, and then go back in to start extinguishing the fire.
3.If a small fire starts in your presence, a fire extinguisher can help prevent it from spreading.
When choosing a fire extinguisher for your home, here’s what you need to know.
There are five types of fire extinguishers. They are A, B, C, D, and K. A, B, and C are often found in homes and businesses.
Type A extinguishers – Used on ordinary materials, such as cloth, paper, and wood.
Type B extinguishers – Used on combustible and flammable liquids, such as grease, gasoline, oil, and oil-based paints.
Type C extinguishers – Used on electrical equipment, such as appliances, tools, and other items that are plugged in.
Type D extinguishers – Used with flammable metals and are found in factories.
Type K extinguishers – Can be used on vegetable oils, animal oils, and fats in cooking appliances. These extinguishers are used in commercial kitchens, such as restaurants and cafeterias.
For home use, you can select a multi-purpose (A, B, C) extinguisher.
The next thing to consider is weight. The size of the extinguisher needed depends on its use. Common extinguishers can weigh from two to ten pounds.
What size extinguisher is right for your family?
A ten-pound extinguisher is more appropriate in places where fire can spread in size more quickly. This size extinguisher would be ideal for a garage or workshop.
A five-pound extinguisher can be stored in your kitchen or laundry room. Since most home fires start in the kitchen, I would recommend storing it in a nearby pantry or cupboard.
A two-pound extinguisher can be stored in your car.
How do you use a fire extinguisher?
The NFPA suggests remembering the acronym PASS.
P = Pull the pin and hold the extinguisher nozzle away from you.
A = Aim low by pointing at the base of the fire.
S = Squeeze the lever slowly and at a controlled pace.
S = Sweep the nozzle from side-to-side.
If you purchase a fire extinguisher for your home, please read the instructions. Instructions can provide additional usage tips, as well as directions for how to maintain your extinguisher. Also, contact your local fire department. They may offer classes that allow you to practice using one.
by Flagship Staff | Dec 26, 2017 | Blog
Retailers love this time of year when consumers venture out in droves to do their Christmas shopping. This time period can make or break their entire year.
For the rest of us, increased shopping means more congestion on our roadways and in the store parking lots. This increased congestion can lead to frustration, aggravation, and fender benders. In addition, the weather can wreak havoc on already-crowded parking lots, resulting in slips and falls and difficulty pushing a shopping cart or stroller.
Here are some safety tips to keep in mind as you venture out this holiday season to find that perfect gift.
1.Park further away. If your family is like mine, they’re always telling me to find the closest parking spot, and if I don’t, I hear about it. However, during this congested time of year, it may be wise to park further away from the store. If you do this: Backing out will be easier because there will be less car and pedestrian traffic.
You may be able to avoid unwanted door dings.
There’s more space for you and your family to exit and enter the vehicle.
You can burn off a few extra calories which isn’t a bad thing this time of year.
2.Light it up. Many cars today come with daytime running lights. If your car doesn’t, turn on your headlights while in a parking lot or parking garage during the daylight hours. Turning your lights on makes it easier to be seen by other cars and pedestrians.
3.SUVs and minivans, oh my! If possible, be on the lookout for these vehicles. While you may find a close parking spot in between them, trying to back out after your shopping spree may be difficult.
4.Don’t rely solely on backup cameras. While backup cameras are a nice addition to cars, they only allow you to see what’s directly behind you. Before backing out, you should still turn your head to survey the area around you. If it’s clear, you can slowly back out, keeping an eye on the display. If you’re travelling with friends or family, I would encourage you to ask them to keep an eye out. If the parking spot in front of you opens up, pull through. Unfortunately, I know people who have backed into cars even with an audible alert and camera.
5.Pay attention to your surroundings. Before leaving your car or store, scan the area. Be on the lookout for anything that looks strange. In addition, keep an eye on the pavement. Watch for elevation changes or potholes that could cause you to slip and fall. If something doesn’t feel right, consider asking store staff or security for assistance. Lastly, take out the earbuds and avoid texting or trying to make a phone call until you’re safely in the store or your car. Distracted shoppers are easy targets.
6.Make eye contact. If you’re using a pedestrian crossing at your favorite mall, make eye contact with the driver to make sure they see you and are going to allow you to cross. Even though pedestrians have the right of way, never assume drivers see you. Since the weather is still somewhat mild, I have been biking to work. On the front of my bike, I have a bright headlight that also flashes. Every day I am amazed at the number of people who still don’t see me.
7.Inspect your car. Before getting in your car, take a peak in the back seat to make sure a stranger isn’t waiting for you.
8.Wear appropriate clothing. Consider wearing lighter or reflective clothing and shoes with good traction.
9.Shop with a friend or family member. If your plan is to shop until you drop, consider taking somebody with you. Carrying many bags or packages can make you an easy target. In addition, consider leaving small children at home or taking someone with you to help them navigate safely through the parking lot. Trying to push a stroller, carrying packages, watching other kids and looking for car keys can be difficult and dangerous.
If you’re involved in a car accident in a parking lot and police aren’t contacted, be sure to gather as much information as possible, including the name, phone number, address, and insurance information of the other driver(s), and the color, type and license plate number of the vehicle(s). If there are witnesses, get their contact information, as well. And take photos, if possible, to avoid fraudulent claims later on.
by Flagship Staff | Dec 22, 2017 | Blog
Currently, many of us are frantically buying and wrapping presents in time for Christmas. When Christmas morning arrives, our kids are filled with anticipation and excitement. That can all come to a screeching halt if you forgot to buy batteries.
When I was a kid, C and D batteries along with trusty 9 volts took care of running a lot of my toys. Fast forward to today, and our homes are filled with electronic devices that use many different types of batteries.
Button batteries are commonly used today and can be dangerous to children. Button batteries are round small batteries that are used in a variety of devices such as:
-Remote controls;
-Games;
-Toys;
-Hearing aids;
-Calculators;
-Bathroom scales;
-Musical greeting cards;
-Key fobs;
-Ornaments; and
-Electronic jewelry
If these small batteries are swallowed or are placed in the nose or ear, serious injury can occur. Once placed in the body, these little batteries send out a current that begins to burn the body.
Because I don’t have small children, I wasn’t aware of the dangers these little batteries possess. If your child swallows a button battery, watch for:
-Fever;
-Irritability;
-No interest in eating or drinking;
-Throat pain; and
-Vomiting
If it appears your child may have swallowed a button battery, go to your local Hospital’s emergency department or contact the Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222. The American Association of Poison Control Centers supports 55 poison centers across the nation. The Poison Help Line offers free, confidential, medical advice 24 hours a day 7 days a week.
Here are some battery safety tips to keep your family safe this holiday season.
1. Adhere to manufacturer’s instructions and recommendations.
2. Periodically check toys for leaking batteries or corrosion around the battery posts.
3. Don’t mix and match batteries. Replace all batteries in a device at the same time with like batteries.
4. Don’t do what my brother and I tried when we were kids. Don’t crush batteries with a hammer or try and light them on fire.
5 . Store batteries out of reach from small children.
Rechargeable battery safety tips
1. Don’t overcharge. Before charging the batteries, read the instruction on how long batteries should charge. Also, try to figure out if the charger you’re using has an automatic shutoff when the batteries reach full charge.
2. Charge nearby. If you’re re-charging batteries for your Xbox controller, plug in the charger near you. This way you can keep an eye on them. A battery fire could occur very quickly if for some reason the batteries overheat.
3. Good ventilation. Plug in the charger in a place that allows for appropriate airflow around the charger. Also, keep the charger out of direct sunlight.
4. Don’t mix and match. Don’t use different rechargeable batteries in your devices or charger. When it is time to change the batteries, replace them all at once with new batteries of the same type. Also, don’t put a variety of batteries in the charger. Each charger is made for a specific battery type.
5. Recycle. When your rechargeable batteries reach their end of life, don’t just throw them in the garbage. Electronic stores near you may collect them and dispose of them properly. At West Bend, we have a place where we can drop off batteries, eyeglasses and old cellular phones so that they get disposed of safely.
Smart phone charging safety tips
1. Genuine Parts. Charge your phones with genuine parts or reputable alternative brands. A cheap cord may not be the best for your phone.
2. Stay out of bed. Avoid charging your phone between your blankets. This can lead to a fire.
3. Don’t drain your phone. To prolong your battery life, try to keep your battery between 50 and 80 percent. Don’t let your phone drain down to zero. Charging your phone often from 0 percent to 100 percent is hard on the battery and could reduce its life expectancy.
I hope these tips help keep your family safe during the holiday season.
![Vehicle warning lights and their meanings [Infographic]](https://flagshipinsuranceservices.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Warning-Lights.jpg)
by Flagship Staff | Dec 19, 2017 | Blog
It’s happened to all of us at one time or another, whether we’re in a hurry to get to work or on a family road trip. All of a sudden, a vehicle warning light turns on.
Depending on the light, it can bring instant panic. Thoughts of being stranded and what to do next can fill our heads. Hopefully some help from roadside assistance can resolve serious issues. On the other hand, some lights can simply be a notification that something is working, but not 100%. With winter right around the corner, now is a good time to become acquainted with some of these warning lights.
Warning lights and what they mean
If you see a light appear on your dashboard, don’t panic. Symbol lights can appear in different colors.
Red – indicates a potentially serious problem or safety issue and should be taken to your dealer as soon as possible.
Yellow/Orange – something needs to be serviced or repaired soon.
Green/Blue – indicates that your system is operating. You may see this color scheme when your headlights are on.
If a light is flashing, contact your local dealership or trusted mechanic.
1. Check Engine or Malfunction Indication Light: There are a number of reasons that light may appear. Some of them are:
-Your Oxygen (O2) sensor needs replacing;
-Your gas cap is loose, damaged or lost;
-Your catalytic converter needs replacing;
-Your mass airflow sensor needs replacing; or
-Your spark plugs or wires need replacing.
These items all affect how efficiently your car runs. The light does not mean your engine is going to explode or is low on oil.
2. Coolant Temperature Warning: This warning light indicates that your engine is overheating due to lack of coolant. If this light comes on, pull over immediately and turn off your car. An overheated engine can cause significant damage. Before checking your coolant level, let your car cool down 30 – 60 minutes before removing the radiator cap to prevent burns from steam buildup inside the radiator. While you’re waiting for the engine to cool down, look under your car to see if there are any leaks. Your car may be fine but the coolant is low based on the intervals in which the coolant has been filled up last.
3. Oil Pressure Warning: This light identifies a loss of oil pressure. Immediately and safely, pull over and turn off your car. Low oil pressure could lead to serious engine problems. The easiest check is to pull out your dipstick and wipe it with paper towel or cloth. Then reinsert the dipstick and remove it to check oil level. If your oil is low, you could be over the recommended oil change interval or have a leak. Don’t drive it until you put more oil in.
4. Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS): This light signifies that a tire pressure is low. It could be low due to a change in temperature, or damage to the tire. Maintaining appropriate tire pressure is important. Driving with under or over inflated tires can be dangerous. If your car begins driving poorly, pull over immediately. Driving on a flat tire can damage your rim and lead to more expense.
5. Battery/Charging Alert: This light indicates that your battery’s voltage level may be below normal level. This could be the result of an old battery or other deteriorating parts such as the starter, corroded battery terminals, or an alternator.
6. Traction Control or ESP: This light illuminates when your vehicle is experiencing slippery or treacherous conditions. Systems in use could be your traction control, anti-skid, or electronic stability control. If you notice this light on please slow down and drive appropriately for the conditions Mother Nature is throwing at you.
7. Brake System: This light indicates that your parking brake may be on, or there is a problem with your braking system such as low brake fluid or issues with your ABS. One of the most important feature on your car is your brakes. Make sure to get this checked out right away.
For additional information on your car’s warning lights, please review your owner’s manual.
by Flagship Staff | Dec 12, 2017 | Blog
The holiday season is officially here! Now comes the hustle and bustle of the season, as well as fun family traditions. Families are venturing into the wilderness to cut fresh trees. Neighbors are spending time on their roofs trying to win the neighborhood-decorating contest.
Unfortunately, there are thousands of holiday related injuries every year! While there are plenty of funny holiday mishaps in the movies, remember that’s Hollywood. In real life, these mishaps could lead to a visit to your local hospital.
Holiday injuries can include:
-Lacerations;
-Strains and sprains;
-Bruises and abrasions;
-Fractures;
-Internal injuries; and
-Concussions.
Below are a number of resources that can prevent you from becoming a holiday statistic.
Six ladder safety tips to keep you safe during the holidays
Nine tips to stay safe in busy parking lots this holiday season
Tips to make your pet’s holiday travel enjoyable and safe
Five tips to keep your Christmas tree from going up in flames
Seven tips for getting your Christmas tree home safely
Winter holiday safety
