Prevent A Home Disaster If Using Space Heaters

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Space heaters offer a convenient and effective way to heat various areas such as garages, bedrooms, and workspaces like offices or shops. However, it is crucial not to overlook the potential dangers associated with these devices, particularly the risk of starting fires. Shockingly, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reveals that over 25,000 residential fires are caused annually by portable space heaters. Even more alarming, an estimated 300 individuals lose their lives each year due to fires caused by improper usage of space heaters. Additionally, thousands of people suffer from burn injuries that require hospital treatment, all stemming from the mishandling or improper use of these heating devices.

To ensure your safety when operating a space heater, regardless of its type, it is vital to adhere to the safety and operational instructions provided by the manufacturer. When purchasing a space heater, consider the following factors:

  • Ventilation: If you are buying propane or kerosene heaters, determine whether adequate ventilation is required.
  • Safety Certification: Check whether the unit you intend to purchase carries the “Underwriter’s Laboratory (UL)” label. UL is a respected global safety science company that has been pioneering safety solutions for over a century, including the safe adoption of electricity.
  • Thermostat Function: Does the unit have a built-in thermostat to regulate the temperature?
  • Tip-Over Safety Feature: Ensure that the space heater you choose includes a safety mechanism that automatically disables the device if it tips over.
  • Placement Considerations: Make sure your space heater can be positioned away from flammable materials, children, and pets.
  • Avoid Unattended Use: Never leave your space heater running overnight or unattended.

By utilizing space heaters properly, you can efficiently heat your living spaces while conserving energy. However, always remember to follow safety guidelines diligently and avoid leaving the device unattended or accessible to children. By practicing responsible space heater usage, you can enjoy the benefits of a warm environment while mitigating the risk of costly fires in your home.

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Educate your teen driver on the “5 to drive” principles.

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Teen Driver InsuranceThe National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) states that auto accidents are the leading cause of death for teenagers aged 15-19 in the United States. To combat these statistics, parents should have open conversations with their children about the risks associated with driving and emphasize the “5 to Drive” rules.

It’s crucial for parents to lead by example when it comes to following these five rules. If parents don’t adhere to the rules themselves, teenagers may not take them seriously. Take the time to educate your teen on the significance of each rule, using real-life scenarios and statistics to drive home the importance of the “5 to Drive” principles.

Five Principles to Discuss with Your Teen Driver

Alcohol: Discuss the dangers of drinking and driving with your teenager. Highlight the severe consequences such as jail time, loss of driver’s license, and fines that can result from accidents involving alcohol.

Make an agreement with your teen that you will pick them up if they find themselves in a situation involving alcohol, emphasizing the importance of preventing drinking and driving.

Seatbelts: Emphasize the habit of wearing seatbelts for safety. According to the NHTSA, 64 percent of young passengers and teen drivers who didn’t wear seatbelts died in motor vehicle accidents.

Train your teenager to buckle up every time they get into a vehicle until it becomes second nature.

Texting: It’s crucial to address the dangers of texting while driving. Distracted driving accidents continue to claim lives each year.

Teach your teen to put their cell phone away before getting behind the wheel or delegate any urgent texting tasks to a passenger.

Speeding: Reinforce the importance of following speed limits. Remind your teenager that when speed doubles, stopping distance quadruples.

In 2013, nearly one-third of teen drivers involved in fatal crashes were speeding, according to statistics.

Extra Passengers: Inform your teenager about the increased risk of fatal crashes when there are more passengers in the vehicle. Some states have restrictions on the number of passengers allowed for teenage drivers.

Familiarize yourself with your state’s Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) law to ensure compliance.

Remember that you have the greatest influence on your teenager’s safety behind the wheel. Show that you care about their well-being and have meaningful discussions about the dangers of driving.

Furthermore, it is essential to lead by example and follow the five rules yourself. By continuing to educate and guide your teenager, you can help shape them into responsible and conscientious drivers.

How to lower your risk for a dog bite claim

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Dog Bite ClaimDog bites can result in significant financial costs, with insurance companies paying out over $400 million annually for dog bite claims, according to the Insurance Information Institute. However, what’s even more alarming is that approximately $600 million exceeds the limits of home insurance policies. To safeguard yourself from potential out-of-pocket expenses stemming from a dog bite incident, it is crucial to ensure adequate coverage limits and consider obtaining an umbrella insurance policy.

While owning a dog can bring immense joy, it is essential to be aware of potential risks and take precautions to prevent dog bites. Dogs can become agitated or aggravated by small children pulling their hair, or tail, or accidentally stepping on them. As responsible pet owners, it is our duty to closely monitor our pets and never leave a dog alone with small children. Even if a dog is provoked, it remains the owner’s responsibility to prevent the pet from biting someone. While many claims involve minor bites that only require first aid, the resulting damage can still be severe, such as nerve damage in the hands or feet.

The Insurance Information Institute outlines three types of laws concerning pet liability:

Dog-bite statute: Under this statute, dog owners are automatically held liable for any injuries or property damage caused by their dogs, even without provocation.

“One-bite” rule: In certain states, owners are not initially held liable for the first bite their dogs inflict. However, once an animal demonstrates vicious behavior, such as biting or displaying a “vicious propensity,” the owner can be held liable. Some states have moved away from the one-bite rule and impose liability on owners for any injury, regardless of whether the dog has previously bitten someone.

Negligence laws: According to negligence laws, dog owners are held liable if an injury occurs due to their unreasonable carelessness in controlling the dog.

While it is essential to understand the specific dog bite liability laws in your state, prevention is always the best approach. The Humane Society provides several guidelines to avoid dog bites. Since dogs cannot communicate verbally, it is crucial to pay attention to their body language. Warning signs that a dog may be uncomfortable include

  • a stiff tail,
  • pulled-back ears,
  • intense stare,
  • backing away
  • visible signs of injury.

It is important not to take toys away from a dog abruptly, as this can provoke aggression. When someone asks to pet your dog, politely ask them to allow the dog to smell them first to ensure the dog is comfortable with the interaction. If your dog reacts negatively to someone, it is perfectly acceptable to inform that person that it is not a good idea to approach the dog.

While we hope that your beloved pup never bites anyone, unfortunate incidents can occur. Ensuring that your home insurance limits are adequate and considering the purchase of an umbrella insurance policy can provide additional protection for your finances in the event of such an incident.