Elzey Insurance

Backyards are full of wonderful, relaxing, and entertaining enjoyment. However, ever the most well-tended and thoughtfully laid out landscaping can be problematically risky to your family.

As we’ve been discussing this month so far, pools can be quite dangerous to young children and pets. Take a look HERE for our blog about fencing in your pool, and HERE for some safety tips you can teach your kids to follow around the pool. That said any water feature could be dangerous to little kids, as well as gardening tools. It is wise to lock up all tools in a dry place away from curious, little hands.

Also, some plants could be harmful to your family, it is always best to research the kinds of plants that grow on your property. Whether plants you wish to purchase or even the natural ivy that’s been growing in the backyard since you moved in.

By observing some of these rules here, we can work together to make sure your yard does what it was meant to do, be the relaxing enjoyment of the summer season.

1. Water: Don’t allow children near to any water feature without adult supervision (one adult for every three kids is recommended). Swimming pools should be secured with a 4-foot minimum fence or hedge and a locked gate.
2. Storage: Keep all tools and chemicals out of reach of children. Store them under lock and key when not in use – and that means putting them away as soon as you’ve finished using them. Store gasoline and propane in a cool as well as a secure place – and refill outdoors, not in the garage.
3. Tools: Have the correct tools for the various yard chores. Clean them and look after them.  Don’t wear lose clothing when you use machinery and tie back long hair. Never operate machinery if you have used alcohol or drugs. See also the separate yard work section below.
4. Instructions: When you buy new stuff, whether it’s an inflatable raft, a lawnmower or a barbecue, read the instructions before assembling and using. The same approach applies to fertilizers and insecticides – make sure you know how to use them safely by reading the instructions, and what to do if hands or eyes become contaminated.
5. Safety Zone: When you’re working with power tools in the yard, keep everyone out of your work area. Preferably have another person keep watch, especially if there are children around. And if anyone does step into your work zone, stop, switch-off and move them out. See the separate yard work section below.
6. Barbecues: When you use a barbecue, make sure you not only know how to operate it but also that you observe food hygiene rules, which means keeping items refrigerated for as long as possible, covering them once they’re brought out and cooking to an internal temperature of 165 degrees. Never pour flammable liquid onto an open flame, and keep others (and alcohol!) well clear of the cooking area. And that location, by the way, should be at least 10 feet away from any structure.
7. Weather: Whatever the weather, there’s clothing to suit. Use layers that you can remove gradually, when you venture out during cold weather, while, in the summer, ensure you – and especially your children – are properly protected against sun exposure.
8. Poisonous plants: Get to know which plants in your yard and poisonous and don’t grow them within normal reach. You’d be surprised how many there are –oleander for example — that are harmful, usually not to the touch but certainly to the digestive system.  Find lists online by searching for “poisonous plants” (try this Wikipedia list – http://tinyurl.com/wiki-plants ) or ask an expert at a local garden center or college horticulture department. Remember too that many of the non-organic chemicals you use around the garden might be poisonous too – check the label.
9. First Aid: Keep a first aid kit properly stocked and easily accessible. Anyone suffering a wound from a garden tool or poisonous plant should seek medical advice. Be alert to the risks of sunburn – no more than 15 minutes exposure for delicate skin. And use a sunscreen with a minimum protective factor of SPF 15. Treat mild burns with aloe vera – otherwise, seek medical advice.
10. Pets: Watch out for your pets – not only protecting them from poisonous plants and hot surfaces like asphalt, but also protecting others from their natural exuberance when they get outdoors or from the messes they dump. Clean up immediately.

Insure with us today, be sure of tomorrow!

Last week we talked about pool safety awareness for our little kids and pets. Today I would like to share some easy pool safety tips your family can use and teach to younger kids as well. When we teach our kids rules they love to remind us of them, whether to receive awareness that they are listening or sometimes they like to remind their siblings by “pointing out” to their parents when someone isn’t following the rules.

Kids listen. They know what their parents are talking about. If you sit down with your family right now, while pool season is just beginning, and lay down the rules along with why these rules are important then everyone puts in the effort to make pool time fun time!

• Always have an adult watch you when you are in the pool — even in your own backyard. Never go in the pool if there is no adult around. Always call an adult or lifeguard if there is an emergency.
• Gates are around pools for a reason — to keep kids away from the water when there isn’t a lifeguard or adult around to watch them. Never go through any pool gates when they are closed. Stay safe and stay out!
• Always obey pool rules.
• Swim with a buddy.
• If you’re learning to swim, ask your mom or dad to make sure your flotation devices are Coast Guard approved.
• Walk slowly in the pool area. Don’t run.
• Swim at a depth that is safe for you. If you’re just learning to swim, stay in the shallow end.
• Don’t push or jump on others. You could accidentally hurt someone or yourself.
• Toys to help you float come in many shapes and sizes (an inner tube, air mattress, or beach ball, for example). Although they’re fun and can help you while you learn to swim, what they can’t do is save a life. They’re toys that can lose air or float away.
• Don’t chew gum or eat while you swim — you could choke.

For more safety tip ideas click here!

Insure with us today, be sure of tomorrow!

Pools are for laughter and enjoyment, but remember they are a lot of responsibility as well. Aside from maintenance and costs, they can also pose a threat to your children and pets.  The pool is a place for fun, but let’s make it as safe as possible!  Here are some ideas on how to make your child and pet safe for the summer.

First, invest in a fence and make sure the pool is only accessible through a one way gate. It would be ideal if the gate was a self-latching one. Ensure that only adults and teens can open the gate – baby proof everything outside. For smaller pets, make certain they cannot squeeze through and sneak into the pool.

Second, be sure the pool area is cleaned. Pool toys and inflatable are enticing to toddles and can cause accidents if left around the edges of the pool. An outdoor storage case is easy to find at Walmart of Academy, and makes an excellent place to store your pool toys during winter as well.

Third, keep all chemicals away from little ones and pets. All pool supplies, chemicals and toys and other such things can be stored together for organizational purposes. However, it is essential to separate the chemicals (that only adults should be using) and the toys (which may be available to teens and children).

Lastly, it may be helpful to lay down some ground rules about the pool for everyone to follow. Simple things like “no running” or “no propping the gate open” or “always be sure someone is watching the children,” can be addressed to the whole family and reinforced every time the pool is being used. Make pool care apart of the family’s daily chores liking checking to see if the gate is closed and if the pool area is clean.

To protect our vulnerable and adorable family members, it takes the family as a whole to protect and stay vigilant. If everyone puts in the effort to guard children and pets, then hanging out by the pool will feel less like a chore and more like family fun time!

Insure with us today, be sure of tomorrow!

Summer is here! You can feel it in the humidity! You can see it in the heat waves that roll off the driveway. You can smell it with the allergies in the air. Ah, summertime! And one of our favorite summer pastimes is swimming in our backyard.

Here are some easy do-it-yourself tips to prepare your water haven!

1. Remove the Pool Cover

You should first clear the cover of leaves and debris that might have collected over that pass couple of months. If the cover has water on the top, drain this off. Do not feed it back into the pool as this could alter the pool water balance drastically.

2. Fill the Pool

The water level should be up to the middle of the skimmer opening.

3. Physical Cleaning

Remove leaves, sticks and debris with the leaf net. Check that your filtration system is working and be sure you have a functional vacuum system – or a pool puppy. These handy tools can vacuum the average pool in 30 minutes or less. This includes removing algae from the floor and walls. Be sure not to forget to clean the puppy’s filter as well.

4. Test your Water

Take a sample of your water to your local pool supply store for a complete analysis. The water should be taken 18” down and away from the filters or returns. Use a clean plastic water sample bottle available at you dealer and not a “pickle jar,” even if you think it is as clean as it can be.

5. Test PH Balance

Some pool owners have purchased more sophisticated test kits or test strips which can test for alkalinity, stabilizer, hardness, as well as pH and Chlorine. Otherwise, take a water sample to your pool supply company and adjust your pool water chemically. The helpful people at your pool supply store will be quite helpful in telling you how to best balance your pool water.

6. Double Check

Once your shock treatment is complete and your pump is operating correctly, make sure your water level is where it should be, and add the necessary amounts of chlorine for maintaining clean water. Be sure your pool vacuum runs everyday – most can be set on a timer – and be sure you clean the filter everyday as well – just not when the vacuum is running.

I hope these easy tips help you out as we get ready for another Texas-hot summer! Enjoy!

Insure with us today, be sure of tomorrow!

During the summer it feels like everything is increasing; your grocery bill since the kids are home, gas prices, the heat! And with the heat comes an increase to your energy bill from running your AC all day. Here we will discuss some way to help keep your home cool and your energy bill down. For more tips click here!

1. Keep the Filter Clean

A dusty filter reduces air flow. Examine the unit’s air filters once a month and clean or replace filters when necessary. Keeping your filters clean can cut the energy use 5-15%. Keep heat-producing appliances, such as televisions or lamps, away from the thermostat. The heat they produce can fool your thermostat into continuing to cool.

Extra: If you are looking to replace your thermostat, you may want to choose one that offers a warning LED each month to remind you to change the filter.

2. Maintain the Ducts and Vents

If you are using a central air conditioning unit, make sure the air ducts are properly insulated, especially those that pass through the attic or any other unconditioned areas. You may want to have a specialist check for holes or leaks in the ducts. Duct tape can offer a temporary repair, but you will want to have any holes or leaks properly fixed. Make sure furniture does not obstruct air conditioning vents. Close off unused rooms and close vents in those rooms.

3. Check for Household Leaks

Make sure air isn’t escaping through unnecessary openings such as fireplace dampers, doors and windows. Take a good look at the seals around doors and windows to see if weather stripping or caulk needs to be applied.

4. What You Do Around the House

Natural light is great, but the sun’s heat can raise the temperature in your home. Make sure blinds and drapes are closed to help reduce the sun’s thermal heat. If you are intent on letting the light in, install reflective film on the windows to block some of the heat. You also want to reserve heat and humidity producing tasks like cooking and doing the laundry to early morning or late evening.

5. Use Your Fans

Fans can also help cool your home. No one is saying that a fan can replace your air conditioner, but they can give supplemental cooling. Substituting fans for air conditioners on milder days can save 60% or more in energy costs. Appropriately setting the fan on your air conditioner can help you save as well. Set the fan speed on high except in very humid weather. This helps push cool air around the house.

6. Set the Thermostat to the Best Temperature

Turning your thermostat to 78 degrees Fahrenheit is the best setting for your air conditioner during warmer months. Reducing your home’s temperature 72 degrees Fahrenheit could increase your cooling costs 12 to 47 percent. Also remember, setting it really low at first will not help your home cool faster. It will use more energy and if you forget to adjust it, you will be running far less efficiently than you think.

Insure with us today, be sure of tomorrow!

A couple weeks ago, I offered a couple of ways to protect you from losses during potential disasters in A Thing or Two on a Home’s Safety. Today I would like to give some very simple ways to give your home security.

When you spend just a small amount of money to improve your home security, you substantially reduce the risk of being burglarized. Even better, you may be able to cut your insurance premium by up to 20% — different insurers have different rules, so you’ll need to investigate this.

Now, you can buy window locks for less than a dollar a door with a safety chain for a couple of bucks and a peephole that lets you view visitors before opening the door for just a little more. They’re all simple to install but, if it’s beyond your ability, find a friend, neighbor or relative who can help. And if your door locks or latches are old, replace them!

When thinking about safety, do not hide an emergency door key outside! Thieves know all the “secret” places you believe they’ll never think of, including that little bunny-rabbit figurine with the hiddy-hole in its belly. The best thing to do would be give a spare key to a trusting neighbor or even a relative. Also, do not keep your house key with items that give away your address and never leave your house key in your car!

Insure with us today, be sure of tomorrow!

This week we are kicking off National Motorcycle Safety Awareness month! We’ve already discussed safety for cyclists and motorcyclists. Today we will go over what the drive can do to help out those who prefer two wheels to four.

Just over a third of all motorcycle crashes are single vehicle crashes where you can only blame yourself or road conditions. But if you are in a crash with another vehicle, chances are high that it may be the other driver’s fault. Research into motorcycle crashes shows that the other driver is at fault in up to 70% of motorcycle crashes with other vehicles.

In many of these crashes the driver will say they simply didn’t see the motorcycle until it was too late. Taken and revised from another site, this spells out “Sorry Man I Didn’t See You – SMIDSY.”

Research has found that drivers who are unfamiliar with motorcycles are significantly more likely to have a crash with a motorcycle. This means that people who do not ride, or know someone else who rides, are more likely to crash into a motorcycle.

We are responsible while on the road, whether we want to admit it or not. Drivers should always be aware of their surrounds, double check the next lane if you have to. Be very wary of your blind spots; it is your car, you know it better than the motorcyclists.

With this series finished I hope we can make the roads a bit safer this May for bikes, motorcycles, and all drivers!

Insure with us today, be sure of tomorrow!

May is National Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month! To kick off the month here are some easy motorcycle safety tips to keep novice riders up-to-date and remind those seasoned riders that safety is not below anybody.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) per vehicle mile traveled, motorcyclists are about 37 times more likely than passenger car occupants to die in a motor vehicle traffic crash and nine times more likely to be injured.

More than 5,000 motorcyclists die and nearly 100,000 are injured on our roads each year. Of those fatalities, NHTSA suggests more than 800 could be avoided if the riders wore helmets.

So for all riders out there: Wear your helmets! This is for passengers too. If the rider could be severely injured why not those accompanying the rider? Not only could it save your life, which is the most important reason to do it, it is also state law to wear one!

A couple more tips are:

• Do not ever assume they have seen you.
• Wear proper clothing: wear jeans – not shorts, wear laced up shoes – not sandals or flip-flops
• To the newbie, be sure you get proper training and get your license. Motorcycles are not like bicycles, you need a specific license to drive one.
• Learn to recognize each vehicle’s blind spot and stay out of them.
• Do not weave between lanes in moving heavy traffic.
• Try to stay long enough in each driver’s rear vision mirror to make sure they have seen you before you move on.
• Use your horn to draw attention if you think you haven’t been seen.
• Move within your lane to improve your chance of being seen.
• When riding in traffic and your lane is moving freely but the lane beside you has slowed or stopped, watch out for impatient drivers suddenly moving into your lane.

The Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s site is a great source to look up more information in this field.

Insure with us today, be sure of tomorrow!

We all do what we can to live a little healthier. We take the stairs over the elevator. We watch what we eat, try to have more vegetables. One of the many that people are choosing now-a-days is biking. Not only is it a healthy lifestyle but bike riding is good for the environment. But as more and more bikes take to the road, our risks may increase.

Let’s be clear; it’s not a safer way to travel. Two wheels are less stable than four and the narrowness of the transport can both tempt you to take road risks in heavy traffic and render you less visible to others on the road.

The best advice I have come across is for bikes to do their best to stay out of the driver’s way. If you stay out of their way, then you won’t get hit even if they didn’t notice you were there. One site to use for more safety tips is Bicyclesafety.com. Among many of the suggestions, cyclists should use a headlight at night, get and use a horn, invest in some rear-view mirrors, do not ride on sidewalk or against traffic, don’t hug the curb, and do not try to pass a car on the right at in intersection incase they might turn right.

But the number one safety tip is to Always Wear a Helmet! So have fun and be safe while riding your bike this summer!

Insure with us today, be sure of tomorrow!

After purchasing flood insurance, there are several ways you can minimize losses in your home and ensure your family’s safety.

1. Safeguard your possessions:
Sometimes we know how to get the family out, but what about the evidence that your house is yours. Create a personal flood file containing information about all your possessions and keep it in a secure place, such as a safe deposit box or waterproof container. This file should have:

• A copy of your insurance policies with your agents contact information.
• Conduct a household inventory: For insurance purposes, be sure to keep a written and visual (i.e., videotaped or photographed) record of all major household items and valuables, even those stored in basements, attics or garages. Create files that include serial numbers and store receipts for major appliances and electronics. Have jewelry and artwork appraised. These documents are critically important when filing insurance claims.
• Copies of all other critical documents, including finance records or receipts of major purchases.

2. Prepare your house.

• First make sure your sump pump is working and then install a battery-operated backup, in case of a power failure. Installing a water alarm will also let you know if water is accumulating in your basement.
• Clear debris from gutters and downspouts.
• Anchor any fuel tanks.
• Raise your electrical components (switches, sockets, circuit breakers, and wiring) at least 12 inches above your home’s projected flood elevation. This should be carried out by qualified maintenance staff or professional contractors licensed to work in your state, county, or city.
• Place the furnace, water heater, washer, and dryer on cement blocks at least 12 inches above the projected flood elevation.
• Move furniture, valuables, and important documents to a safe place.

3. Develop a family emergency plan.

• Create a safety kit with drinking water, canned food, first aid, blankets, a radio, a flashlight, and extra batteries.
• Post emergency telephone numbers by the phone and teach your children how to dial 911.
• Plan and practice a flood evacuation route with your family. Know safe routes from home, work, and school that are on higher ground. It is important that your family is as quick as a flash flood.
• Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to be your emergency family contact.
• Don’t forget pets! Have a plan to protect your fluffy/scaly/feathery family members as well. Whether to have them travel with you, or stay in a shelter.

Insure with us today, be sure of tomorrow!