Help your home stand up to winter

You can take steps to ensure your home is well prepared for winter weather – and that your family doesn’t get any colder than they want to be. Consider these suggestions for your comfort and safety.

INSPECT THE HEATING SYSTEM

Save time, money and frustration by avoiding the late-night or weekend call to a heating contractor because your furnace isn’t working. Spending about $90-$110 for a scheduled service call when it is convenient for you may help avoid the high cost of repairs in an emergency or the risk of having to leave your home until those repairs can be completed. Performing routine maintenance every year – every other year at least – may help extend the life of your furnace and can promote your family’s comfort and safety.

PREVENT PIPE FREEZES

Exposed pipes in unheated areas can freeze and result in burst pipes that cause water damage. Use insulating pipe sleeves on the entire length of any exposed pipe, including bends and joints, then seal with duct tape. You could opt to let water drip from faucets, but this practice will increase your water usage costs and may not work effectively to prevent pipes from freezing in extremely cold temperatures. It is important to remove exterior hoses, shut off water leading to those exterior connections and open exterior faucets to allow any remaining water to drain from the line. Additionally, open kitchen and cabinet doors to allow warm indoor air to circulate around pipes along exterior walls.

If a pipe freezes, don’t attempt to thaw it using any type of exposed flame, such as a propane torch. Try a hairdryer, or call a reputable plumbing contractor for assistance.

SEAL AIR LEAKS

Check exterior window and door frames to ensure no gaps could allow outside air into your home. Any gaps greater than about 1/16 to 1/8 inch should be sealed with a silicone caulk, which is best for exterior use because it won’t shrink and can handle the elements. Don’t forget to inspect the window pane glazing and replace any areas that have deteriorated. You’ll also want to check your door seals and weather stripping. Can you see daylight from inside your home? If so, add new seals and weather stripping to further reduce air leaks.

CHECK THE ROOF

Inspect the roof system to make sure there aren’t any loose, damaged or missing shingles that can lead to water leaks. Not comfortable climbing the ladder? You can try using binoculars to get a closer look, but you can’t see the entire roof system. You may want to hire a reputable roof contractor – with proof of insurance coverage – to conduct the inspection. Ask the contractor to look at all roof penetrations, not just the shingles.

If your gutters typically fill with leaves or other debris, this is a great time to clean or have them cleaned to avoid water backup. Clogged gutters that hold water can cause damage to the roof, wood trim and siding and may be a source of leaks and ice dams. Consider installing a gutter guard that keeps gutters free of leaf or other debris and allows the free flow of water.

Do you generally see plenty of icicles during winter months? If so, you may want to hire a home-energy contractor to assess your home’s insulation, especially in attic areas. Warm air escaping will increase the likelihood of ice dams that can potentially damage the roof, wood trim and siding and cause water backups that will leak into your home. Consider installing a rooftop ice melt system to prevent ice dams from forming.

CLEAN THE CHIMNEY

Have a wood-burning fireplace or wood-burning stove? Contact a certified chimney sweep contractor to conduct a full inspection of your systems and thoroughly clean the entire system before use. Check the Chimney Safety Institute of America’s website at www.csia.org to find a certified chimney technician in your area. You should also have a full maintenance inspection if you have a direct vent gas fireplace; it is essential that all vents are clean and that unburned fuel is properly venting from the unit – and your home!

SERVICE THE SUMP PUMP

If your home is equipped with a sump pump, it surely gets a workout during the rainy season and possibly a snowy season. If your sump is currently dry or has very little water, pour water (slowly) into the pit to make sure the pump operates and is actively pushing water out the drain pipe to exterior drainage area. If you don’t normally perform this task, make a point of activating (with enough water in sump pit) your pump on a monthly basis, even during the dry season. Do you have a backup plan? If not, consider installing a battery- or water-operated backup sump pump that can manage your sump pit water level if you experience a power outage.

PROVIDE SMOKE AND CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTION

If you follow none of the above suggestions or preparations, this is ONE IS A MUST! Too many lives are lost in home fires where smoke and carbon monoxide detection was not installed, or the installed units were not operating properly. The National Fire Protection Association estimates that 70% of home fire deaths in the U.S. occur in homes that don’t have working smoke detection. NFPA further estimates that having operating smoke detection in your home can reduce potential of death by 50%. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 20,000 emergency department visits occur each year in the United States as a result of carbon monoxide poisoning. Non-fire-related cases result in more than 400 deaths each year. The following suggestions are offered to help protect you and your family, as noted in the 2018 NFPA 101 Life Safety Code:

Smoke Detection

Recommended locations (preferably powered by home electrical service with battery backup):

  1. All sleeping rooms
  2. Outside of each separate sleeping area, in the immediate vicinity of the sleeping rooms
  3. On each level of the home, including the basement

Carbon Monoxide Detection

Recommended locations (preferably powered by home electrical service with battery backup):

  1. Outside of each separate sleeping area, in the immediate vicinity of the sleeping rooms
  2. On each level of the home, including basement

You can purchase combination smoke/monoxide detection units that connect to your home’s electrical system and offer a battery backup. These units would be best installed following guidelines for installation of smoke detector as outlined by the 2018 NFPA 101 Life Safety Code. If your detectors are battery operated, be sure to test on a regular basis.

Home Safety Tips for When You are Away

5 ways to protect your home while you’re gone

If you are heading out on the road for a long weekend, use these home safety tips to help protect your home.

1. Spread the word, but not on social media: Tell your friends and neighbors you will be away. Tell them who should or should not be at your home during that time. Ask them to check in occasionally. However, it’s best not to advertise your whereabouts on social media, as you never know who will see your status update. Wait to share good times and photos after you return.

2. Lock up: Be sure to lock what can be locked while you’re away, including both doors and windows. If there’s a door to your house inside an attached garage, don’t for get to lock that one, too! Reinforce sliding doors with metal rods, and remove spare keys that may be hidden outside. Instead, provide one spare key to a trusted neighbor. As an additional measure of safety, consider investing in an alarm system if you don’t already have one.

3. Put it on hold: Have your mail and newspapers held while you are gone, or ask a reliable neighbor or friend to collect those items daily.

4. Turn them on: An outdoor lighting system is a good way to keep the periphery of your house lit – a feature that may keep would-be burglars away. Or, save money on installation and electricity by installing motion-sensor lights near entrances. Televisions, lights or radios triggered by a timer may also give the illusion there’s someone at home.

5. Safeguard your valuables: Don’t leave money, important documents or family valuables out in the open. Put them away. Or, better yet, lock them in a safe while you’re gone. And, take photos of your possessions before you leave so you have an accurate inventory.

Taking a few steps before you travel may help safeguard your home from the unexpected.

What’s the best approach to the small commercial market?

The small commercial insurance market is hot — there’s no doubt it. In fact, the entire small business environment is quite active, with around 11 million businesses that employ fewer than 20 people, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, and another 6 million with between 20 and 500 employees. Around 600,000 new businesses are started every year in the U.S. and almost as many fail each year.

As in every other segment, small business owners’ expectations have risen over the past decade, due in part to their daily experiences with digital and mobile capabilities.

In the insurance sector, the competition for retaining existing small business customers and acquiring new ones is intense. During this time of active industry transformation, a variety of approaches are being employed by commercial lines insurers, especially when it comes to distribution options. Which of these options are the best?

SMA identified five prevalent distribution strategies that are currently deployed by insurers. A synopsis of these strategies follows, along with recommendations for insurers.

  1. Existing agent channels … enhanced with tech: Many insurers are doubling down on their independent agent distribution channel. Agents, after all, still sell the lion’s share of the small commercial business. However, in this digital age, insurers must be aggressive in the tech capabilities they provide to agents, with modern portals, mobile capabilities, enhanced agent-carrier connectivity solutions, and more.
  2. Direct digital: The direct model, successfully deployed for years in the personal lines space, is moving to small commercial. Small business owners are more tech-savvy, and some want self-service capabilities to identify the coverages they need, get quotes, and finalize their policy — all online.
  3. New digital brand: Some insurers are establishing new digital brands for small commercial distribution. In most cases, the underwriting and back-office support remain with the insurer, but the front-end marketing and sales are done via a newly established, visible brand in the market. This allows insurers to distinguish the channel from their agent channel and go after different segments in new ways.
  4. Partnering with InsurTech: An appealing option to many insurers is to partner with InsurTechs that are capturing attention with their focus on the customer experience. These InsurTechs may be digital agents/MGAs or comparative raters. Many InsurTechs offer agent-focused solutions or enhance the agent/carrier relationship and support the approach in #1 (above).
  5. Establishing a marketplace: Several very large insurers are establishing their own marketplaces that support either agent or direct submissions. These marketplaces typically provide automated appetite matching, triage, and recommendations on coverage. In addition to traditional small commercial players, such as Chubb and The Hartford, large personal lines companies like Progressive and Nationwide are also going after small commercial business with this approach.

Which of these approaches will turn out to be the most successful in growing a small commercial book? Of course, there isn’t one definitive answer. The likelihood is that a combination of approaches will yield the best results for each specific carrier. The omnichannel world has come to small commercial, which means that most insurers will utilize at least two of these methods of reaching customers.

Perhaps the most important advice is to understand customer segments at increasingly discrete levels and adopt an outside-in approach. The commercial lines business has continued to move in the direction of more specialization, and small commercial is no exception. The deeper the understanding of the characteristics and risks of each type of business, the better-equipped insurers will be for creating products and programs to serve that segment. The distribution channel then becomes part of the customer expectations discussion. What methods will be most successful for each given segment? Will the business owners in a particular segment react most positively to experienced agents that they know and trust? Or are they more likely to prefer acquiring their insurance via a direct self-service approach (or one of the other options outlined here)?

One thing is certain: The distribution channel environment for small commercial will evolve over the next few years. And all of the five options in this article (and probably others) will be in the mix.

contact your Ayres Group Agent for more information on small business insurance.

The time of year for unexpected wildlife encounters

The transition from summer to fall for the average individual is often marked by brightly colored leaves, the return of seasonal favorites like hard apple cider and school being back in session. It’s also marked by the start of the migration season for many animals — something drivers will soon realize and possibly encounter, depending on where they live.

According to Farmers Insurance, 36% of comprehensive auto claims filed with Farmers due to accidents with animals occur between September and November, according to the previous five years’ worth of Farmers claims data.

“If you find yourself facing a potential accident with a deer or other animal, do your best to stay the course,” Jim Taylor, head of claims customer experience for Farmers Insurance, said in a statement. “It may sound counterintuitive, but staying the course may be safer for you and other vehicles on the road than swerving at high speeds in an attempt to avoid the animal.”

Expect the unexpected

Drivers can’t prevent animals from crossing the road, but they can exercise caution to stay safer during unexpected wildlife encounters. Taylor suggests drivers heed the following suggestions:

  • Use your high beams: If appropriate, while driving at night (when there is no fog present or oncoming traffic) use your high beams to increase visibility and spot animals more easily. Since wildlife is often most active at dusk and dawn, sticking to daylight hours is ideal.
  • Heed warning signs: Keep an eye out for wildlife crossing signs — they’re there for a reason.
  • Stick to the middle lane: If you’re on a multi-lane road, staying in the middle lane may give you more time to spot an animal that may be crossing ahead of you.
  • Know what to do if an accident occurs: If you hit an animal, pull over and call local law enforcement. They can direct you on what actions to take. Make sure you stay away from the animal since they may only be stunned and might panic if you come close, potentially harming you or your vehicle further.
  • Get home safely: If you hit an animal, don’t assume your car is safe to drive. Look for any leaks, loose parts, broken lights and tire damage. If you spot issues or if your vehicle seems unsafe, have the car towed.

Contact your Ayres Group Agent if you have a vehicle encounter with wildlife that results in damage.

Security systems: Take the proper steps to protect your home

Claims experience shows that theft losses can be prevented when a central station burglar alarm is installed and activated in your home. Improve your family’s security and reduce the potential of home intrusion by knowing the basics for safety and alarm component options:

ALWAYS:
  • Activate your alarm system when you are away and at night.
  • Alert your neighbors when you will be away for even short periods of time.
  • Confirm all accessible openings in your home are protected, including second floor doors and windows. Your alarm consultant can design a system that is best for you and your family.
BE:
  • vigilant – keep valuable papers such as insurance policies, appraisals and other important information in a locked and bolted safe in your house or in an off-premise safety deposit box.
  • inquisitive – ask your alarm consultant about installing cellular back-up or a radio device for signal continuity. Should your phone lines be compromised, a signal will still reach the central station or police department alerting them of trouble.
  • informed – ask your installer about panic buttons or codes you can enter in your system that will send a silent alarm should you be home when an intruder enters your residence.
  • aware – consider other central station burglar alarm components that are available to protect your family and valuables such as:
    • door contacts
    • window contacts
    • motion sensors
    • glass break sensors – detects the high frequency given off by the breaking of glass
    • cameras
TAKE CARE TO:
  • clear ladders and any items that can give access to high windows or the second floor.
  • turn on lights both on the inside and outside of your home.
  • empty your mailboxes while away by having someone pick up your mail or arranging for it to be kept at the post office.
  • monitor information you and family members post. Social media can tip off burglars that you are on vacation.

Contact your Ayres Group Agent for coverage advice and policy information.

4 ways keeping your home tidy can save you money

Thanks in part to organization guru and New York Times bestselling author Marie Kondo’s popular Netflix show, it seems like everyone is tidying up. From decluttering to employing clever storage techniques, a new year can feel like the perfect time to organize your home and simplify your life. But did you know that tidying your home can bring more than joy? Check out the ways you can save and make money by applying some of Kondo’s principles in your own home.

1. Confirm what you already have

Keeping your home tidy means you won’t have to search for a shirt, stationary or screwdriver ever again. You’ll know exactly where all of your things are and can avoid buying replacements for things you already have. It may seem small, but this can help you save some significant cash.

2. Identify items to sell or donate

It’s inevitable — whenever you clean out your closet, kitchen cabinets and office drawers, you find good quality items you no longer wear or use. Rather than disposing of them, why not make some money? Take them to a consignment store or list them online and assess their current value. Better yet, host a garage sale (real or virtual) and stay in complete control of the sales process.

If anything isn’t selling, consider giving them to a local charity, Goodwill or Salvation Army. You can still reap some financial benefits by claiming the charitable donation tax deduction. A tidier home and a lower tax bill are what we call a win-win.

3. Save time

Cleaning up and getting organized can also save you time. Now that you’ll know where all your items are, you won’t waste hours looking for them. In addition to preventing you from making unnecessary new purchases, this means you can spend more time focused on work or amping up your side hustle. After all, time is money.

4. Protect yourself from costly disasters

Getting your home organized also presents the opportunity to make it more secure. Keeping entry points accessible, testing your alarm systems, draining your water heater, pumping the septic tank, clearing the roof and changing HVAC filters can all prevent or limit the damage from an emergency. Taking better care of your home’s features will also help them last longer.

Since insurance companies base rates on your home’s susceptibility to threats, you could also qualify for cheaper rates just by staying tidy. Plus, your rates will be less likely to increase at renewal time the fewer incidents you have at your home. Some providers, like Hippo, even offer a no-claims discount for policyholders who go a certain number of years without filing a claim.

Tidying your life, tidying your finances

Taking care of your home is important. As outlined here, it can also save you money. Applying some home tidying tips directly to your finances can help you save even more. Take an honest look at every expense for the past few months. If there are any unnecessary expenses that didn’t spark joy, contemplate ways to eliminate them in the future. According to the Kondo method, you won’t even miss them. It’s all about changing your perspective of budgeting from restrictive to empowering. You’ll feel lighter and freer while your wallet and bank account get bulkier.

20 car crash tips and things you should know after an accident

Consider yourself lucky — or perhaps overdue — if you’re an adult who has never been in a car accident.

Consider that in 2015 alone, more than 2.4 million people were injured and nearly 35,000 people died in 6.2 million crashes nationwide, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

It follows that the Insurance Information Institute says the number and severity of automobile accidents has been on an uptick in recent years, and the consumer website carinsurance.com reports that adult drivers in the U.S. will file a car collision claim approximately once every 18 years.

That means the average American will have three or four auto accidents in a lifetime.

If there is a silver lining, it’s this: Most car collisions aren’t deadly.

Behind the numbers

Here are some additional U.S. car accident statistics include from U.S. DriverKnowledge.com:

  • More than 90 people die in car accidents each day in the U.S.
  • Another three million are injured, with about two million of those experiencing long-term or permanent injuries.
  • Wearing a seatbelt reduces your risk of death by 45% and your risk of serious injury by 50% yet among the total fatal accidents, 48.1% were not wearing a seat belt.
  • The primary causes of accidents which result in a fatality include alcohol, speeding and reckless driving — the primary causes of accidents which do not result in a fatality include distracted driving and driving while fatigued.
  • About nine people each day are killed as a result of distracted driving.
  • You are 23 times as likely to crash if you text while driving.
  • Driving while using a cell phone reduces the amount of brain activity associated with driving by a whopping 37%.

What to do following a car accident

Auto accidents are always unexpected, and always stressful.

Even if you are a very careful driver, you can still be involved in a car collision.

If you are involved in a car accident, there are certain steps you should take to minimize adverse outcomes. Here are eight of them:

  1. To the extent possible, stay calm following your accident. Take a deep breath, check for injuries, and call an ambulance. Even if you think you are “fine,” it is a good idea to either let the ambulance transport you to the hospital or to immediately go see your physician. Accidents cause your body to be flooded with adrenaline, which can mask pain, yet once the adrenaline wears off, you may realize you were injured and you are not fine.
  2. If the accident is minor, and it will not put anyone in jeopardy to do so, move the cars involved in the accident to a safe place. Turn on hazard lights when necessary.
  3. Call the police. Even if your accident is minor, and even if the other party tries to persuade you to just “handle it among yourselves,” don’t skip this step! Without a police report, you may find it extremely difficult to convince your insurance company you were not at fault and to pay for your injuries and damages.
  4. Keep track of all medical expenses, including prescriptions, all doctor bills, chiropractic services, rehabilitative services, etc.
  5. Take photos of the scene of the accident, if you are able, including photos of the damage to both vehicles.
  6. If you are physically able, make notes as soon as possible about the accident. These notes should include the name, phone number, license plate number and insurance information about the other person, as well as witness contact information.
  7. Contact your insurance company as soon as possible after your accident. Give your insurance company the basic facts of the accident.
  8. If it turns out that you must file a civil claim to recoup your losses (medical expenses, damage to your vehicle, lost wages, etc.), it can be very helpful to make a list of questions to ask a lawyer after your accident.

What not to do after a car accident

There are also things you should avoid doing after a car accident. These include:

  1. Never admit responsibility for the accident, even if you think it might have been your fault, or even partially your fault. Even saying “I’m sorry” to the other party could potentially be misconstrued as an admission of fault, so avoid saying anything that could sound like you are saying the accident was your fault.
  2. Never sign any document without speaking to an attorney first.
  3. Never agree to allow the insurance company to record your conversation without speaking to an attorney (you are not required by law to allow your conversation to be recorded).
  4. Never, ever leave the scene of the accident, particularly when there are injuries, or you could face criminal charges for hit-and-run.
  5. Never discuss your accident on social media, and, in fact, don’t talk to anyone about the accident other than your own attorney, your own insurance company and the police. Avoid talking to a representative of another insurance company without discussing it with your own insurer and/or your attorney.

Knowledge is power

Taking the right steps after a car accident can help keep you safe, and can ensure you will receive an equitable settlement for your injuries and damages to your vehicle.

Knowing how to handle an automobile collision also can help you and your family remain calm during an otherwise stressful situation.

Consumers also should know that they never have to manage a car accident alone. An experienced auto accident attorney will ensure your rights are protected, and that valuable evidence is not destroyed.

It’s time to take third-party risk seriously

A recent study of 600 IT and security decision-makers revealed that though 60% of organizations have formal third-party risk policies, 44% of them have experienced a significant breach caused by a vendor. This is disturbing in itself, revealing a major discrepancy between the third-party policies organizations espouse and those policies’ effectiveness. But what’s more, only half of firms discontinued their relationship with the guilty vendor, and 69% did not change the risk policies that had just failed them.

The Ponemon Institute found that on average, companies share confidential and sensitive information with approximately 583 third parties. That figure seems staggering, but this one is more so: Only 34% of companies keep a comprehensive inventory of their third parties. As companies increasingly outsource aspects of their business to third parties, their risk profile becomes increasingly complex.

The use of new technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), mobile and cloud by vendors add to the question: Where is my data, and how can I protect it when it is in someone else’s hands? In the hustle and bustle of daily business, third parties often become the overlooked or unwitting accomplice in criminal activities.

The perils of third parties

Third parties are in high demand because they enable companies to quickly scale and reduce costs. In the fervor to achieve business goals, many companies contract with third parties without considering data, operational and financial risks.

The majority of companies believe their third-party partners have adequate protection and could provide sufficient communication and mitigation measures in the event of a breach. However, though the majority of respondents felt confident in the vendor to keep their data safe, recall that nearly half (44%) of firms had experienced a significant, business-altering data breach caused by a vendor. Exposure at the third-party level can exponentially increase when considering fourth, fifth and sixth parties (or nth parties) with whom vendors (and their vendors) do business.

Enforcing security policy

In the study just cited, the majority of companies admitted that though they use a multi-step process to evaluate vendors, security is not always part of the criteria. The best way to protect a company from a detrimental breach is to avoid one in the first place — by doing all of the due diligence needed. Yet only 51% of companies in the evaluation process require a signed contract that obligates the third party to adhere to security and privacy practices. And less than half review the written policies of their third parties.

Clearly, due diligence needs to be enforced by putting company-wide policies in place that specifically take security into consideration when it comes to bringing on third parties.

Policies as necessities

Monitoring third-party connections at the operational level has become increasingly difficult due to the Web. More importantly, it has become difficult to create policies that effectively minimize the associated risk.

In evaluating third parties, most IT and security teams use a multi-step approach. But the report found that formalized data policies and senior management support for third-party risk are lacking. More than half (60%) of organizations have formalized third-party data risk management policies in place, but completeness and depth varied significantly. Most firms (90%) review their policies at least annually.

Though most respondent companies (81%) think their security policies regarding third parties are effective, this figure conflicts with reported breaches attributed to vendors. While they consider their policies effective, only a quarter of firms completely agree that their company allocates sufficient resources to manage third-party relationships. However, most keep an up-to-date inventory of all third parties with whom they share data.

Keeping your word

Companies need to follow through with their policies, though the statistics above show that this is often not the case. But business is built on trust. When a customer agrees to do business with you, there is a tacit promise of trust that must be kept. If that trust is broken, so is your business.

Taking action is part of that promise, which must be kept in order to continue as a successful company. Consequences include immediately firing the third party, legal actions including lawsuits, and financial reimbursement to cover breach costs — technical, legal and PR costs — and extra damages. These actions show that your company takes security seriously.

Bring it all together

It is unlikely that a company could function today without using third parties. So then, the answer to third-party risk cannot be to cut off all outside help. Nor can it be letting third parties slide when they are responsible for a security event. Policies need to be created and upheld. Customers are trusting you to keep their data safe, so you cannot apply assumed trust when it comes to third parties. Use the guidelines above to maintain customer trust, lower risk and improve overall security. 

The top risks moving companies face

These tips can help reduce many of the common threats that are inherent in the moving business.

There are common risks moving companies encounter — when traveling long distances with a truck full of cargo, incidents are bound to happen. This article shares some of the most common risks a moving company might face and ways to prevent them.

Routine vehicle safety

Vehicle maintenance is vital to moving companies, as most issues generally start when maintenance is neglected. Some of it is unavoidable, as vehicles of this size are inevitably going to have their issues; however, the key to avoiding preventable incidents is by creating a system of maintenance tips that employees can easily follow.

Moving trucks are no different from personal vehicles when it comes to auto repair. Start by regularly checking safety features like seat belts, interior and exterior lighting, and signal lights; brake lights, headlights, as well as hazard flashers, are also important. Additionally, test the wipers and check the windshield washer fluid before a trip to ensure wipers don’t need to be replaced or that washer fluid doesn’t need to be topped.

From there, make sure the vehicle’s emergency equipment is on board in their expected locations. Store items like hand-operated jacks, jumper cables, hazard signage, and the spare tire in their designated places within the vehicle.

Furthermore, make sure the vehicle gets serviced at regular intervals. Oil changes, tire rotation, and overall routine maintenance checks keep vehicles running at peak performance. Also, check all other fluids like coolant and brake fluid in keeping with factory-recommendations, and regularly check tire wear, looking for signs of low tread or low air pressure.

Crime awareness and prevention

Moving vans and trucks are always packed with valuables and, unfortunately, thieves know it. It’s one of the reasons why some moving companies offer extra protection plans to their customers to keep them safe.

The first rule when securing a truck and its belongings is to avoid carelessness. Make sure at least one of the moving team members is with the truck at all times. Do so by taking turns at rest stops, gas stations, etc. This is important, as an unattended moving truck is an invitation for criminals lurking around.

Next, park the vehicle where it is visible at all times. Always be sure to lock it and park the truck where it can be seen if anything fishy is going on — parking under a street light or another well-lit area adds protection. Also, it’s important to not separate the cab from the trailer and to check on both regularly.

Work in teams

Teams of two make the moving process much easier. Having two team members ensures that the truck is continually watched, and it also offers an extra set of hands when it comes to loading and unloading.

Sharing drive time is another huge advantage of assigning multiple team members, especially on long trips. Not only does conversation help the driver stay awake and alert, but the extra pair of eyes might spot potential trouble.

Adverse road conditions and inclement weather

Road repair and inclement weather also contribute significantly to many moving van accidents. Some of the most difficult driving for large vehicles is encountered during road construction. Slower speeds, reading and following directional signs, as well as narrow lanes and detours can all alleviate potentially dangerous and even deadly accidents.

As for inclement weather, proper preparation for the driving climate has the potential to be life-saving. Prepare by checking the weather for the predetermined route and double-check that all necessities needed to travel during those conditions are packed. For example, if extreme winter weather is predicted, keep blankets, food, and water on board. Although it’s always a great idea to store extra non-perishable food and water while on the road, this is especially true during cold winter months. On the other hand, always check and test the AC in the cab and keep engine coolant on board for those simmering summer months.

Operator and partner comfort are not only concerns for moving companies but also for the customers, who have entrusted moving companies with their earthly possessions and family treasures. Preparing to protect that cargo is also part of the process.

How well a moving company protects and takes care of its clients’ belongings directly determines whether it earns a solid, reputable image to the public or not.

Taking these precautions can greatly enhance both the driver’s and cargo’s safety, as well as reduce so many of the common threats that are inherited in the moving company business. After all, reliability is a key component of every moving company striving to establish a solid reputation.

Checklist for wheelchairs in transport

Whether you are a caregiver for the differently-abled in a health facility, a home health care environment or for a family member or friend, take all appropriate safety precautions when transporting a person who uses a wheelchair.

VEHICLES

Be certain the vehicle is properly equipped to accommodate a wheelchair:

  • Maintain the vehicle and have it inspected regularly
  • Make sure the lift is functioning correctly
    • Platform safety gate on the lift automatically deploys and retracts when the lift is operating
    • Warning alert sounds when the lift is engaged
    • Manual back up system for the lift functions, if needed
EQUIPMENT

Regularly inspect associated equipment:

  • See that wheelchair tie-downs are adequate and in good condition
  • Check wheelchair brakes
  • Inspect the safety belt for correct function
  • Double-check power controls for powered chairs and make sure they cannot be changed inadvertently while in the vehicle
TRAINING

Whether you’re a paid caregiver or a family member, seek out appropriate training to cover:

  • Safe loading and unloading procedures
  • Proper securement of the chair
  • Monitoring of riders when in the vehicle
LOADING

Look for critical concerns during the loading process:

  • Ensure ample loading space (rear or side)
  • Avoid uneven terrain and high traffic areas
  • Engage brake prior to lowering the lift
  • Lower the lift to the ground
  • Ensure the wheelchair safety belt is tightly fastened
  • Place the wheelchair onto the lift platform following manufacturer’s instructions
  • Deploy the brakes on the wheelchair and turn off (if electronic)
  • ALWAYS use the platform safety strap
  • Activate the lift mechanism
  • Ensure the safety gate on the platform engages to prevent a roll-off
  • Assist the person into the correct position in the vehicle when the lift is fully elevated to even with the vehicle floor
  • Lock the two safety strap mechanisms into the floor mechanisms even with the front wheels, according to manufacturer’s recommendations
  • Lock the two rear straps into the safety mechanism in the vehicle between the two rear wheelchair wheels, according to manufacturer’s recommendations
  • Attach safety straps only to the frame of the wheelchair per the manufacturer’s recommendation; most wheelchairs will have transportation hooks built into the frame of the wheelchair
  • Use the shoulder strap! A wheelchair seatbelt does not protect anyone in a vehicle accident
UNLOADING

Remember these steps when unloading:

  • Ensure ample unloading space away from any traffic
  • Deploy the lift
  • Detach the shoulder strap and tie-downs from wheelchair
  • Assist the person onto the lift platform
  • Make sure the wheelchair is facing out for a side-loading vehicle; make sure it is facing toward the front for a rear-loading vehicle
  • Ensure the wheelchair is off and the brakes are on
  • Make certain that the platform safety gate is engaged
  • Secure the lift safety strap
  • Lower the lift all the way to the ground, from outside the van
  • Carefully maneuver the wheelchair off the lift platform
  • Ensure the person is safe prior to returning to the vehicle

In a busy world, it’s easy to overlook a detail when securing a wheelchair. With patience and training, you can reduce the possibility of injury and keep everyone safer.

This loss control information is advisory only. The author assumes no responsibility for management or control of loss control activities. Not all exposures are identified in this article. Contact The Ayres Group for coverage advice and policy service.