Freshen Up Your Home and Insurance Policies This Spring

Freshen Up Your Home and Insurance Policies This Spring

The flowers are blooming, the birds are serenading, and the house still feels like it’s stuck with the winter blues. Spring cleaning is a tradition that allows us to freshen up our homes and get a head start on the often-hectic seasons of spring and summer. It can feel like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be difficult. Here are six spring cleaning tips to get you started.

Clean Room by Room

Approaching your house room by room is the most effective way to deep clean it. Create cleaning checklists for each room to help you get organized and to remind you of the areas that need extra attention. Feel free to skip the areas that have been cleaned recently, and focus on the parts of your home that were largely neglected over the winter.

Organize and Clear the Clutter

One of the biggest parts of spring cleaning is often getting rid of clutter. A systematic four-step approach can be helpful for this. Identify problem areas, analyze reasons for the clutter, determine solutions, and implement them. Sorting your belongings into four categories—trash, give away, store, or put away—can also be effective as you go through the spring-cleaning process. Move the clutter out as soon as possible, whether it’s bringing a donation box to a charity or planning a yard sale.

Get the Household Involved

Make spring cleaning a household endeavor. Even young children can be excellent helpers. Assign age-appropriate chores, so everyone feels included. Try throwing on some music as you all clean or establishing a household reward as an incentive to get the work done.

Tackle the Seasonal Chores

Many chores need to be done seasonally, especially in preparation for warmer weather. So incorporate them into your spring-cleaning routine to get them out of the way early. For instance, tackle outdoor chores, such as cleaning the grill, patio, and outsides of windows, as soon as the weather warms up. Also, store winter clothing, bedding, decor, and other items. And pull out your spring items to give your home a refreshed look.

Keep Cleaning Products to a Minimum

If you need to shop for new cleaning products for spring cleaning, keep your items to a minimum. Myriad cleaning supplies can create unnecessary clutter, and you probably don’t need all of them to keep your home fresh and clean. Opt for a good all-purpose cleaner and microfiber cloths. Those items will cover the majority of surfaces in your home. Then, purchase other specialty cleaning supplies only as needed.

Establish New Cleaning Habits

A thorough spring cleaning that covers the whole house is a great opportunity to establish ongoing cleaning habits, which can make the next spring cleaning even easier. For instance, don’t try to do all of your spring cleaning in one day or even one weekend. Instead, tackle items on your spring cleaning to-do list for just 15 minutes each day. That will help to get you in the habit of tidying up for 10 to 15 minutes per day even after you’re done with your spring-cleaning tasks.

Freshen up your insurance policies this spring along with your home. Speak with one of our agents to update and make sure you have the right coverage for your needs. We are an independent insurance agency meaning we can provide coverage from many insurance carriers so you receive the home insurance for your budget and needs! You can reach us by phone or online.

Source: https://www.thespruce.com/spring-cleaning-a-complete-checklist-1900106

Extinguisher_Classes

How to operate and use a Fire Extinguisher

We should all have at least one fire extinguisher somewhere in our home, but it’s not enough to simply keep one under the kitchen sink. If there is a fire, your safety—and the safety of your home—depends on knowing how to properly use that fire extinguisher. As your insurance agent, we strongly urge you to read and follow the following safety prevention tips to keep you, friends, and family safe. There’s no excuse not to!

In case your fire extinguisher has been sitting around collecting dust, here’s everything you need to know before brushing it off and fighting a fire in your home the right way.

Choose the right fire extinguisher.

The first thing you need to know is the different classifications of fires, and the second thing you need to understand is what types of fires you may have to deal with and make sure your extinguisher can get the job done. Most household fires fall into one of the following categories:

Class A: These fires are fueled by solid combustibles like wood, paper, and cloth.

Class B: These fires are fueled by flammable liquids such as oil, petroleum, and gasoline.

Class C: These fires are started or fueled by faulty wiring, fuse boxes, and appliances.

Class K: These fires are started or fueled by cooking oils and greases, animal fats, and vegetable fats.

Please watch this video on how to correctly operate and use a fire extinguisher from CQ Fire & Safety.

All fire extinguishers are labeled to indicate which classes of fire they are designed to combat. Most household fire extinguishers are considered multipurpose and labeled for use in A, B, and C classes. Fire extinguishers safe for Class K fires are heavier duty and will need to be bought separately. Fire extinguisher labels also include symbols to indicate which types of fires the extinguisher is designed to fight. If there is a circle and a red slash through any of the symbols, that indicates that the extinguisher cannot be used to fight that type of fire.

Steps for proper fire extinguisher use

Once you understand the different types of fire extinguishers and their uses, you need to be able to properly operate one.

The best way to be ready for a fire emergency in your home is to study the steps below and review them regularly so you can protect your home and family.

 

 

  1. Identify a clear exit/escape route

Before operating the fire extinguisher, make sure you have a clear evacuation route. If you cannot put out the fire, you’ll need to make a safe exit. Consider this when determining where to store your fire extinguisher, and make sure you’ll have multiple exit options nearby after you retrieve it.

  1. Stand back

Face the fire and keep your back to the clear exit you earlier identified. You should stay between six and eight feet away from the flames as you prepare to operate the fire extinguisher.

  1. Discharge extinguisher

It can be difficult to think clearly during an emergency, so fire safety has a long-standing acronym to help you recall the steps involved in operating your fire extinguisher. Just remember PASS:

     P: Pull the pin on the fire extinguisher.

     A: Aim the nozzle on the hose low, toward the base of the fire.

     S: Squeeze the handle or lever to discharge the extinguisher.

     S: Sweep the nozzle back and forth. Keep the fire extinguisher   aimed at the base of the fire and move it from side to side until the flames are extinguished.

  1. Keep an eye on things

After the flames appear to be out, continue to watch the fire area to make sure it doesn’t reignite. If the fire does start up again, repeat the PASS process.

  1. Call the fire department

If you didn’t have the chance to call the fire department before discharging the fire extinguisher, do so now. They will be able to inspect the site of the fire and make sure that it is completely extinguished.

  1. Get to a safe place

Once the fire is out, or if you are unable to extinguish the fire, leave the scene and find a place out of reach of the fire.

Many people put out small fires quite safely. However, death or serious injury can occur by tackling a fire which is beyond your capabilities. Only tackle a fire in its very early stages and always ensure you put your own and other people’s safety first. If you cannot put out the fire or if the extinguisher becomes empty, evacuate yourself and everyone in the home immediately, closing all doors behind you as you go. If there is the slightest doubt or uncertainty about tackling the fire, evacuate the building immediately and call your local fire department.

The best way to keep your home and family safe in the event of a fire is to be prepared. Get to know your fire extinguishers and regularly review how to properly use them. A little advance practice can make all the difference when you’re faced with the stress of an actual fire in your home. Contact us by phone or visit us online to discuss your current home insurance needs. We are happy to provide coverage from many insurance carriers so you receive the insurance for your budget and needs.

Source: https://www.safewise.com/blog/prepared-properly-use-fire-extinguisher/ and https://www.marsden-fire-safety.co.uk/resources/fire-extinguishers/using-a-fire-extinguisher

 

RV Blog

RV Insurance, Weather and Driving Conditions

RVing is becoming one of the most popular ways to travel. A successful and safe RV trip takes preparation and planning to make it a good experience. Whether you are new to RVing or not, these tips can help ensure that your trip will be a smooth experience.  As your insurance agent, we urge you to follow and  read through these tips for insurance coverage, adapting to weather conditions, and driving your RV.

 

Learn How to Drive the RV You Plan to Use

If you are vacationing in an RV for the first time, practice driving first. If you don’t own your RV, then rent an RV for a day before your trip and take it driving! Keeping the RV between the lines, accelerating, braking, using only mirrors to see what’s behind you, and passing vehicles top the list of maneuvers that you will need to know while on the open road. RV’s handle very differently from a car, SUV, or pickup. Practice backing your RV up so that you can back into a campsite. If you have a passenger, it is a good idea to have a spotter to help guide you.  Many accidents and claims happen due to hitting tree limbs, picnic tables or other items that were in the driver’s blind spot.

RV Insurance and Road Service

Knowing your insurance coverages is important. Be sure to research road services that specialize in RVs. Only a few road service companies will tow the trailer, too.

  • What does your RV insurance cover?
  • Does your motorhome policy cover your towed vehicle?
  • Do you need separate RV insurance for road service coverage?

Check Road Conditions, Construction, and Closures

Save time and frustration by checking road conditions, closures, and construction. The U.S. DOT Federal Highway Administration website shows a map of the states. Click on the state you will be traveling in and choose a link that shows current road conditions on the following link National Traffic and Road Closure Information | Federal Highway Administration (dot.gov).

 

You will also need to be mindful of overpasses, bridge and tunnel height restrictions.

 

Weather

Knowing the weather forecast can help avoid problems. Rain, snow, ice, hail, wind– you might encounter all of these in one day! Below are just a few weather sites that give weather for all states.

 

Motorhomes are your second home (on wheels!) and you need to have proper insurance coverage. The last thing you want to worry about is being financially liable for causing an accident and not having proper RV insurance. Most states only require minimal liability insurance that protects others if you’re at fault.

 

Peterson McGregor Insurance is an independent insurance agent located in Michigan. We can provide coverage from many insurance carriers so you receive the RV insurance for your budget and needs! You can reach us at 866-547-4474 or online at https://petersonmcgregor.com/services.

Source: https://www.tripsavvy.com/safetip-tips-for-planning-rv-trip-500779 and https://www.coverage.com/insurance/auto/rv-insurance/

Peterson_McGregor_December_Blog_Photo

Safe driving in winter weather

Millions of Americans will be traveling this holiday season, and if it’s anything like previous years, a lot of that travel will be on the road. Last year, AAA estimated that more than 100 million Americans were planning a trip of more than 50 miles during the holidays-and that was just between Dec. 23 and Jan. 1.

Of course, winter weather creates a unique set of challenges on local roadways, too. So even if you’re not headed out of town, these safety tips can help you make it through the season safely.

Make sure your car is ready
Before winter arrives, and before any long trip, give your car a thorough check-up. Do wipers need to be replaced? Are your fluid levels where they should be? How’s the radiator and cooling system?

If you live in an area (or visit one often) where temperatures regularly drop below 45 degrees, it’s a good idea to get a set of winter tires-they’re better suited for the cold than all-season tires, because they’re designed to provide the best traction and handling in ice and snow. Whatever you’re driving on, however, make sure your tires are inflated properly and that they have enough tread.

Your car should have an emergency kit, too. Pack it with jumper cables, blankets, a first-aid kit, flares, food and water, a flashlight and other safety gear. A shovel and cat litter or sand are nice to have as well; they can provide traction should you get stuck.

Before you leave
If you’re going on a trip, make sure you check weather conditions along your route and take printed maps-you might not always have cell reception. Let someone know your itinerary, so if you don’t arrive on time, officials know where to look for you.

Every time you drive somewhere, even if it’s just a quick trip to the store, clear snow and ice off your car; it can be a hazard to other drivers. And don’t forget to clear your headlights and other lights.

When you’re on the road
Are roads snowy or icy? Take it slow. Take it slow. Take it slow. Give yourself extra time to get to your destination, and make sure you leave extra room between your vehicle and others. Watch for ice patches on bridges, overpasses and shady spots. And remember, having four-wheel or all-wheel drive does not mean your car will stop (or steer) better on ice.

If you’re caught in a storm that seems like it’s too much for you to handle, seek refuge as soon as you can. Sometimes it’s best not to drive in snow and ice at all-if it looks bad out there, stay home if possible.

If your vehicle becomes disabled or you get in an accident
Car trouble and accidents affect thousands of people every winter. If your vehicle is disabled, be sure to stay with it. Run your engine and heater for short intervals, and open one of your windows slightly to prevent carbon monoxide build-up. Light two flares (remember that vehicle emergency kit? Now’s the time to use it) and place one a safe distance from both the front and rear of your vehicle. Note your location with mileposts, exit numbers or cross streets and call the authorities or a tow truck.

If you’re in a crash, be careful-the aftermath of a car accident can be a dangerous, especially in winter when visibility might be reduced and conditions might be slick. Check everyone involved for injuries and call 911 if necessary. After minor accidents, have everyone pull well off the road. Put out flares and turn on your hazard lights.

When you can’t move your car, stay inside unless traffic is completely clear. It’s far better for another vehicle to hit your car, even with you in it, then to hit you directly.

Wherever you may be headed this winter, we hope you enjoy the season with friends and family. Here’s to healthy and happy holidays!

Source: https://www.safeco.com/blog/safe-winter-driving

 

CookingwithFireBlog

Restaurant Kitchen Safety

Owning a restaurant can be very rewarding, but it is hard work. Safety is very important not only for your customers, but for your staff as well. The main cause of injury and illness in the hospitality industry is an unsafe work environment. Working in any commercial kitchen is a dangerous job. If you own a restaurant, don’t forget these safety features in your kitchen.

  1. Proper Attire: Kitchen staff uniforms are often mandatory. They designate rank and keep the chef clean and comfortable during service. However, footwear is often times overlooked. You should encourage all employees to wear heavy duty, close-toed shoes that are waterproof and slip resistant.
  2. Non-Slip Mats: In addition to slip resistant shoes, you should have non-slip mats and flooring. During service a kitchen floor can become greasy and wet. Fast moving workers can potentially slip and fall. Non-slip mats and flooring can provide the necessary traction for workers to continue their fast pace without worrying about slipping.
  3. Ventilation: Without proper ventilation, a kitchen becomes hot, smoky, and unbearable. Employees who are required to spend a long period of time in unventilated kitchens are at higher risk of heat related illnesses. Proper ventilation systems are essential for the safety and comfort for your employees.
  4. Fire Safety Equipment: Commercial kitchens are in constant danger of fires. Having a fire suppression system is essential for keeping your kitchen safe. Training your employees how to use your fire suppression system is just as important as having the system! You should also have an evacuation plan in place and practice regular fire drills.
  5. Equipment Guards: Having commercial grade equipment is essential for your kitchen to run quickly and efficiently. Employees may state that safety guards on the equipment get in the way and slow down production, but they are there for a reason! Safety guards are an effective way to prevent amputations and lacerations from poor equipment handling.
  6. Signage: Slips and falls are often times caused by undisclosed hazards such as a recently cleaned spill. It pays to have adequate signage in the kitchen to draw attention to potential hazards. Signs should be placed in visible areas and in high-contrast colors.
  7. Occupational Health and Safety Training: While this is important for workers across all industries, there are some hospitality-specific hazards you need to address with your staff. A safety seminar will address issues such as: proper food storage and handling, how to avoid repetitive stress, how to remove or avoid potential hazards in the kitchen, and more.
  8. Correct Cleaning Techniques: All kitchen staff members should be trained in proper cleaning and food handling techniques. Poor kitchen hygiene is not only dangerous to your customers, but also to the kitchen staff handling the food. Food-borne illnesses is one of the top reasons cited for missed work days.

Whether you own the restaurant, work there, or you’re a paying customer, you want to remain safe and healthy. Flames and fuel in close proximity, hazardous cleaning chemicals, and sharp food prep equipment make a commercial kitchen, by far, the most hazardous environment to work in. Kitchen safety should be a priority to protect your employees and your customers. Having proper restaurant insurance from Peterson McGregor Insurance is another step to making your restaurant safer. Give us a call at 866-547-4474 or visit us online at https://petersonmcgregor.com/ for your free restaurant insurance quote.

Source: https://pos.toasttab.com/blog/on-the-line/restaurant-kitchen-safety-tips

Saxophone_Blog

Are Musical Instruments Covered by Homeowners Insurance?

Standard homeowners insurance policies often cover musical instruments, but it might not include coverage if the instrument is being played for compensation. Situations including fire damage, vandalism and theft are often covered by homeowners insurance.

You should check your policy to find out the total coverage limit for your personal property. If you have about $150,000 to replace all of your personal items in an incident of a fire or other disaster, but your instrument is worth $50,000 alone, that only leaves $100,000 for the rest of your belongings. In cases like this, it would be a good idea to insure your instrument separately. Here are some ways to determine whether or not you may need extra coverage for your instrument(s):

  • Take an inventory of your instrument(s).
  • Figure out the value of your instrument(s), and get a professional appraisal if your instrument(s) are extremely valuable.
  • If your homeowners insurance policy isn’t enough to cover your instrument(s) in addition to the rest of your belongings, consider getting extra coverage.

There are two options for getting extra coverage for your instrument(s). One option is to endorse coverage on your current homeowners insurance policy. The other option is to get separate coverage for your instrument(s).  An endorsement on your homeowners will most likely cover a larger range of disasters that involve your instrument(s) than a standard homeowners policy does.  If you perform for a compensation, the instrument(s) may not be able to be covered at all through a homeowners insurance policy. Standalone instrument policies also often cover the instrument(s) no matter where it is at any given time. Musical instrument policies may cover the following circumstances:

  • Damage caused by temperature changes and/or humidity
  • Theft
  • Water damage
  • Flood damage
  • Earthquake damage
  • Vandalism
  • Shipment damage
  • Repair damage

Musical instrument policies may not cover:

  • Gradual deterioration
  • Mold damage
  • Damage from insects, worms, rodents, or vermin

Separate musical instrument insurance policies usually provide an agreed value coverage as well. This is important for higher valued instruments that appreciate, so that they are being insured at their full value.

Source: https://www.rollingstone.com/product-recommendations/finance/theft-music-instruments-homeowners-insurance-1214015/

_Lawn_&_Garden_Blog_1

Yard Work Safety Tips to Keep You Out of the ER

Amid all the green lawns and manicured gardens of summer lies a grim statistic: Every year, while mowing the grass, cutting a branch, or power washing a deck, at least 100 people die and an estimated 143,000 are injured badly enough to require a trip to the emergency room.

The injuries people suffer run the gamut from overexertion and dehydration to cuts and amputations from using all kinds of power equipment. It’s also worth noting that in our research, we also came across a disturbing number of injuries associated with a common piece of equipment that doesn’t have a motor at all: ladders. Falls from ladders cause more injuries than all the power equipment in our research combined, resulting in broken backs, ankles, legs, and hips.

But using power equipment can cause far worse accidents. When working in the yard turns deadly, it can be due to carbon monoxide poisoning from a gas-powered engine running in an enclosed space, for example, or people getting trapped under large equipment, like a riding lawn mower.

And it’s not just the person doing the yard work who’s at risk. Bystanders also get hurt, such as children who have been killed or injured when playing near a mower or other outdoor power gear. As your insurance agent, we strongly urge you to read and follow the following safety prevention tips to keep you, friends, and family safe this summer.

Prevention Tips

∙ Keep children away from power equipment and do not let them in the yard while you are working.

∙ Wear safety goggles, closed-toe shoes, and long pants when using lawn mowers and other machinery.

∙ Protect your hearing when using machinery.

∙ Wear gloves to lower the risk for skin irritants, cuts, and certain contaminants.

∙ Use insect repellent containing DEET to protect yourself from mosquitoes and ticks.

∙ Wear long sleeves, wide-brimmed hats, sun shades, and sunscreen to protect your skin.

∙ Follow all instructions and warnings associated with lawn equipment.

Power Equipment safety is a priority for every homeowner. You may not want to spend the extra few minutes checking the function of the equipment and inspecting the lawn. However, doing so can help prevent risks, including those related to injury to you or your family. More so, power equipment can also do damage to your home when operated improperly.

We proudly insure the residents of Michigan, and are your local independent insurance agent. We can provide coverage from many insurance carriers so you receive the insurance for your budget and needs! You can reach us at 866-547-4474 or online at https://petersonmcgregor.com/.

Sources: https://www.consumerreports.org/outdoor-safety/yard-work-safety-tips/ and https://www.lifespan.org/sites/default/files/lifespan-files/documents/centers/4-safety-program/Lawn-and-Garden-Safety-Navy-and-Marine-Corps-Public-Health-Center.pdf

Garage Blog 1

Garage Clean Out Tips

Imagine a world where you could actually park inside your garage. What if we told you that dream could be a reality with just a weekend’s worth of work?

We rounded up expert garage cleaning tips and turned them into a five-step plan you can use to get your garage organized quickly and painlessly.

  1. Take Everything Out

The first step to decluttering your garage is to find out what’s in it. Pick a section of your garage to start with and pull everything out onto the driveway to sort through. Besides making it easier to work, this garage cleaning tip will also allow you to see what space you have to work with and what types of storage might work best when it’s time to organize the items you’re keeping.

  1. Decide on Your ‘Keep’ Criteria

Once you’ve pulled everything out, it’s time to set some ground rules for deciding what to keep. This garage cleaning tip will speed up the process by preventing you from agonizing over each individual item. When deciding what to keep and what to throw away, ask yourself: “Is this item in the garage for a reason, or because I didn’t know what to do with it?” If it’s the latter, either find a use for it or get rid of it.

  1. Decide What to Do with the Garage Clutter

Whatever doesn’t make your “keep” list is, by default, clutter. Don’t let it hang around your garage any longer.

With your “keep” items set aside, start going through the rest of the stuff you pulled out of the garage. Identify items you’d like to sell or donate first. Have plastic bins, cardboard boxes or bags on hand so that you can pack up donation items as you work and stash them somewhere out of the way.

Bag up or box up junk that doesn’t make the “keep,” “sell” or “donate” piles. If you’ve rented a dumpster for your weekend cleanout, toss the garbage bags into the container as you go.

  1. Deep Clean the Space

While you’ve got your garage entirely cleaned out, it might be a good idea to scrub it down before putting things back. In general, the best way to clean up a garage is from top to bottom. Start by dusting off and wiping down the tops of your cabinets, shelves and refrigerator if you have one. Then, wipe down your garage walls and the doors of your fridge and cabinets with a warm, damp cloth and a mild household detergent. Next, sweep the floor to get rid of the dust you’ve shaken loose. Finish up by mopping and hosing off the floor. Allow the floors two to four hours to dry before putting things away. As your insurance agent, we want you to stay safe. A clean garage is a safe garage!

  1. Get Organized

Now that you’ve whittled your inventory down and finished your garage cleanup, seize the opportunity to keep clutter from building back up. So, what’s the best way to organize a garage? It depends on what exactly you need to store.

 

Cleaning out your garage not only provides the benefit of a clean space but it also works in your favor when it comes to your insurance! Here are reasons why to clean out your garage space:

  1. Safe from the elements- rain, snow, wind

This is probably one of the most obvious, but rain, snow, wind and other weather elements are enemies of a car’s exterior. They can leave dirt and acid on a vehicle that can cause significant damages to the exterior, like rust and a weakened top clear coat. UV rays from the sun can damage a vehicle in ways most car owners don’t consider. Extreme hot and extreme cold can both lead to deterioration of the inside and outside.

  1. Protects from dings and scratches from elements or other vehicles

Hail and falling tree branches are just a couple examples of ways a car can get damaged from simply being outside. Dents, scratches, and broken windows are all possible exterior problems that can occur when a vehicle is left outdoors.

  1. Less likely to have theft or vandalism

Cars are a huge investment, and for most they are one of the most valuable things they own. Parking outside leaves a vehicle exposed to vandalism and theft. A garage helps eliminate the temptation for those that want to harm a vehicle in any way.

  1. Lower insurance costs

That’s right, some insurance companies offer lower policies for people who store their vehicle in a garage. Saving money is always an advantage.

  1. Keeps vehicles exterior looking great

Believe it or not, mechanics can tell if a car is stored in a garage or outside. Vehicle exteriors are kept in much better condition when stored in a garage which can lead to greater resale values.

  1. Engine stays lubricated / Coolant stays warmer, heat/AC comes on faster

Because a garage keeps a vehicle warm, the fluid and oil are kept in a stable condition which leads to an engine that runs better than one that is kept outside. Also, with a warmer car comes faster AC and heat. On cold days, the heat will warm up faster than being out in the elements. Same is true for extremely hot days.

  1. Visibility is ready to go

Forget the ice scraper or dewy windshield. Parking in a garage helps keep windows clear of weather and condensation so there is no need to ride with one head out the window.

Parking a car in the garage seems to be a thing of the past. Garages are used for a lot of other things like storing junk or home workshops, but parking in the garage is one of the best things for a vehicle.

Peterson McGregor Insurance is an independent insurance agent located in Traverse City, Lake City, Harbor Springs/Petoskey, Cadillac, Grand Rapids and Manistee in Michigan. We can provide coverage from many insurance carriers so you receive the home insurance for your budget and needs! You can reach us at 866-547-4474 or online at https://petersonmcgregor.com/.

Source: https://www.budgetdumpster.com/blog/how-to-clean-out-your-garage-and-conquer-the-clutter-for-good/ and https://www.mrcleancarwash.com/blog/10-benefits-of-parking-a-car-in-a-garage/