Blog & Commentary

Auto

• Safety Tips for the Road
• Ten Car Care Tips
• What To Do After an Auto Accident
• Her Last Call Was From A Cell Phone...
• What Do Parents Need to Know about Teen Driving?
• Winter Windshield Wisdom

Safety Tips for the Road

Every 18 seconds someone is involved in an auto accident; every 11 minutes someone dies. Here are some street-smart strategies every driver should practice:

• Be cautions at intersections, a danger zone. Intersections can be risky because there are a lot of distractions: turning cars, pedestrians and red-light runners.
• Steer clear of erratic drivers. Let a tailgater pass you.
• Keep your eyes on the road. Talking on a cell phone or reading a map can distract you and lead to an accident. Keep in mind that a distracted driver might also be near you. Drive cautiously.
• Be alert near parked cars. Someone could open a car door or pull out in front of you.
• Don't drive sleep-deprived. Sleep is not a matter of willpower, but a biological need. If you become drowsy, pull off the road and get some rest.
• When passing another car, get past the driver's blind spot as quickly and safely as possible.
• Know your brakes. Most cars have antilock brakes, which require a driver to apply a firm and continuous pressure on the pedal.
• In stormy weather, leave extra space between you and the car ahead.
• Don't drive through water. A small amount of water can disable a vehicle in seconds.
• Don't forget the basics: Buckle your seatbelt, limit loose objects in your car and lock your doors.

Ten Car Care Tips

Consistent car care is the health insurance for your car. To help keep your car on the road and running in top condition, review these 10 maintenance tips:

1. Review your owner's manual, which explains how the car works. The manual is the first step to becoming a maintenance savvy car owner.
2. Change the motor oil and filter regularly. Engine oil is the most vital fluid your vehicle needs to operate. Most car manufacturers recommend changing the oil every three months or 3,000 miles.
3. Protect the fuel system and be cautious at the pump. Always use the type of gas recommended for your vehicle. If you see a fuel tanker refilling a gas pump, try a different gas station for your fill-up. When the gasoline from the tanker is poured into the in-ground tanks, water and settled debris is stirred up. This debris could enter your vehicle's gas tank and cause problems.
4. Keep the battery running and the case clean. The battery and charging system should be checked at a service facility at least once a year. Clean the battery case by wiping it with moist paper towels and a mild detergent. Dirt and residue on the case can cause a current drain on the battery.
5. Conduct a basic belt inspection once a month to prevent premature engine wear and extend your vehicle's life. Carefully inspect the belts including edges and undersides for any signs of wear.
6. Don't ignore brake noises. Brakes should be inspected every 6,000 miles.
7. Keep a close eye on tire inflation and tread wear. Rotate tires every 6,000 miles or every other oil change. Before a long trip, always inspect your tires for signs of wear or road debris that may have penetrated the tire.
8. Change the air filter once a year or after 12,000 miles. Change the filter more frequently if you live in an area with a lot of dust, dirt or smog.
9. Schedule an appointment at a service facility for a vehicle engine inspection every 30,000 miles. The inspection allows a service technician to check the engine functions.
10. Maintain the cooling system. The coolant level should be within one inch of the top of the radiator filler neck, and the coolant should be free of contaminants. Flush or refill the cooling system at 40,000 to 100,000 miles.

With the complexity of today's vehicles, it is important to be careful if you decide to work on your vehicle. Before beginning any service or repair, review your owner's manual. Be sure you understand the maintenance procedure, have the proper tools and follow the safety precautions, including the handling instructions for chemicals. If you're not sure about the repair, consult a professional technician.

What To Do When You Have An Accident

1. As best you can, protect yourself, your auto and any other property from further damage.
2. You should call the police as soon as possible if someone is injured, damage is extensive, your vehicle has been stolen, or if you need assistance.
3. Don't say you're liable, or if anyone asks you to sign a statement, don't unless it's authorized by your insurance company.
4. Take the time to fill out the information on this card (click to download) while you are at the accident scene. This will help you later when you fill out the formal Claim Report that you need to file with your Garlow Agent.
5. Report the claim to your Agent as soon as possible. For after hours claim reporting, you can find your company toll free claims number on our Claims page. And remember, if you don't report the claim to your Agent as soon as possible, an unconditional discharge of coverage can result.
6. If you are a commercial driver, let your employer know about the accident right away.

Her Last Call Was From A Cell Phone...

Sometimes only a picture can get our attention.

The Honda crotch rocket rider was traveling at approximately 85 mph. The VW driver was talking on a cell phone when she pulled out from a side street, apparently not seeing the motorcycle. The riders reaction time was not sufficient enough to avoid this accident. The car had two passengers and the bike rider was found INSIDE the car with them. The Volkswagen actually flipped over from the force of impact and landed 20 feet from where the collision took place.

All three involved (two in the car and the bike rider) were killed instantly. This graphic demonstration was placed at the Motorcycle Fair by the Police and Road Safety Department. Show this to car drivers or soon to be new drivers, or new motorcycle owners AND ESPECIALLY EVERYONE YOU KNOW WHO HAS A CELL PHONE!

A picture is worth a thousand words.

Save a life...

Stop talking on Cell phones and Texting while trying to drive. The life you save may be your own... or someone else's...

What Do Parents Need to Know about Teen Driving?

Auto accidents are the number one cause of deaths for teens. It is more than alcohol, drugs, and suicide combined. Teens are at risk because they are more likely to:

• Drive aggressively
• Not wear seat belts
• Underestimate the dangers associated with hazardous driving situations

This age group also has the highest percentage of crashes involving speeding, the highest percentage of single-vehicle crashes, the highest percentage of crashes with driver error and the highest vehicle occupancy or number of passengers in the vehicle.

Winter Windshield Wisdom

Believe it or not, more than 20% of all auto glass damage in the winter months is due to vehicle owners trying to remove ice and snow. According to Safelite Glass Corp., the nation's leading installer of automotive replacement glass, many people damage their windshields by hitting the glass while trying to chip away at the ice or by pouring hot water on the cold windshield. Either option can cause it to Cccrraacck.

Here are a few simple guidelines you can follow to avoid damaging your auto glass:

• The best way to clear off windows is by starting the car and allowing 10 to 15 minutes for it to gradually warm up. Turn the defrost on low so that the windshield heats up gradually.
• Keep a plastic ice scraper and soft bristle brush in your car, home and office.
• Do not use a metal object to scrape your windows as it will scratch the glass.
• Never pour hot water on ice-covered windows. The rapid change in temperature can crack or shatter the glass, especially if the windshield is already chipped or cracked. In extremely cold temperatures, the water will refreeze into another thin sheet of ice.
• Do not beat ice or snow off the windows. Glass is brittle when it's cold and can easily shatter.
• Never try to force open frozen doors. This can bend or break parts inside the door.
• Make sure your windshield wiper blades are in good condition to brush away melting snow, ice and sleet.

Homeowners

• Barbeque Grill Safety
• Protect Yourself From Home Fires
• Tips For Safe and Cost Effective Home Heating
• Home Playground Safety Tips
• Household Inventory
• Mold, Moisture and Your Home
• Smoke Detector Safety

Barbeque Grill Safety

Each year about 600 fires/explosions occur with gas grills, causing injuries. Many of the accidents happen the first time a grill is ignited for the season or after the grill's gas container is refilled and reattached.

Before you plan your next outdoor cookout, review these safety tips:

• Check grill hoses for cracking, brittleness, holes and leaks. Make sure there are no sharp bends in the hose or tubing.
• Make sure your grill's propane tank has three-prong gas valve handle. As of April 1, 2002, the three-prong design replaces a five-prong handle as the safety standard.
• Move gas hoses as far away as possible from hot surfaces and dripping hot grease.
• Always keep propane gas containers upright.
• Never store a spare gas container under or near the grill or indoors.
• Never store or use flammable liquids, like gasoline, near the grill.
• Never keep a filled container in a hot car or car trunk. Heat will cause the gas pressure to increase, which may open the relief valve and allow gas to escape.
• Make sure your spark igniter is consistently generating a spark to create a flame and burn the propane gas. If the flame is not visible, the heavier-than-air propane gas may be escaping and could cause an explosion.
• Never bring the propane tank into the house.
• When using barbecue grills on decks or patios, be sure to leave sufficient space from siding and eaves.
• Keep children and pets far away from grills.

Charcoal Grill Safety Tips
Keep in mind that charcoal when burned in grills produces carbon monoxide (CO). CO is a colorless, odorless gas that can accumulate to toxic levels in closed environments. Each year about 17 people die as a result of CO fumes from charcoal being burned indoors or in a poorly ventilated area. To reduce the risk of CO poisoning:

Protect Yourself From Home Fires

Fires cause an estimated 3,500 deaths and nearly $4 billion in property damage in the United States annually - much more than hurricanes, tornadoes or floods. Yet many people ignore common fire hazards in the home and don't prepare themselves or family members for this more common catastrophe.

Set aside some time and effort to protect your home from a devastating blaze with these safety tips.

Buffer Home Heaters
Most home fires are started by home heating equipment. Use caution and common sense when using propane, electric or other home heating equipment.

• Keep flammables, such as drapes and furniture, away from space and portable heaters.
• Hire a certified chimney sweep to regularly clean and inspect the chimney.
• Inspect heating equipment regularly for proper design, installation and operation.
• Follow manufacturer instructions when installing and filling liquid- and gas-fueled heaters.
• Never leave auxiliary heating equipment unattended.

Plug Into Safety
Household appliances are another common cause of fires. Many people feel invulnerable from electrical fire hazards thinking the rules don't apply to them. Don't make the same mistake and instead connect with these warnings:

• Don't overload wall outlets.
• Don't use fuses rated too high for your home's circuits.
• Don't use frayed electrical cords.
• Don't run extension cords under rugs or furniture.

Cook Up a Safe Place
Most home fires start in the kitchen. To protect your home and family:

• Keep the stove clean and free of grease.
• Keep the handles of pots and pans turned inward.
• Keep all flammable material (including shirt sleeves) away from burners.
• Keep a fire extinguisher rated for grease fires nearby.
• Never store flammable liquids in the kitchen.
• Never leave cooking unattended.

The Best Alarm
Since most fires start between midnight and 4 a.m., the key to survival is being awake and alert. Working smoke detectors can save members of your household.

• Install at least one smoke detector on each floor and one near each bedroom area.
• Check detectors regularly to make sure they are working.
• Change the batteries twice each year. An easy way to remember is to put in fresh batteries when you change the clocks in the spring and fall.

You can increase your chances of survival by creating a home escape plan and rehearsing it regularly. An escape plan should include multiple routes for leaving the home quickly with a designated spot for family members to meet.

Protecting Possessions
While prevention is the best protection against fires, precautions can be taken to protect possessions. A fire resistant safe or filing cabinet can help protect important documents like deeds, mortgages, titles for cars and birth certificates. Computer disks, home videos and family photographs can also be kept safe this way - if you're using a safe specifically designed for such heat-sensitive items. For added protection, make duplicates and store the copies away from home in a secure location.

A basic precaution is to purchase a good homeowner's, tenant's or condominium owner's insurance policy. These usually come in two coverage varieties.

• Named perils policies specifically list the perils for which they provide coverage.
• Open perils policies provide coverage for all perils except those specifically listed as being excluded.

There are also two main settlement varieties.

• Replacement cost settlements pay today's cost to rebuild or replace a structure with materials of like kind and quality.
• Actual cash value settlements deduct for depreciation.

Contact us for more information about protecting your home and possessions from a devastating fire.

Tips For Safe and Cost Effective Home Heating

Checking your furnace can lower operating costs, protect your family against fire hazards and carbon monoxide poisoning and prevent your furnace from quitting at an inopportune time - such as in the middle of a dark and snowy night.

Furnace Maintenance Checklist
Follow these steps to help your heating system operate safely and efficiently all season long.

1. Turn off the electricity to the furnace. A clean filter means more efficient operation. If you haven't regularly cleaned or replaced the filter or filters, do it now and check it throughout the heating season. If you have a central air conditioning system that operates with the furnace blower, count on replacing the filter more often.
2. Next, remove dust from the blower blades and motor body. Oil the motor and check the fan belt by lightly pressing it. If it doesn't give about an inch, adjust it until it does. If it shows wear, replace it. To maximize efficiency, seal the filter opening with duct tape and make sure the blower cabinet door closes firmly.
3. Vacuum the grills and gently clean the thermostat monthly. At least once a year, remove all of the heating system's grills, including the cold air returns, and remove any obstruction from the ducts. Check ductwork for improper connections and tape the seams with duct tape if necessary.
4. Perform a draft hood test for combustion air. If the furnace doesn't get enough fresh air, combustion gases, including carbon monoxide, can spill out of the draft hood and into the house rather than being drawn up into the chimney. Here is how to test for combustion air:
   • Close all exterior and bedroom doors. Also close all of the windows and the dampers on any fireplaces or wood stoves.
   • Open the interior door to the basement or furnace room. Then open any interior doors standing between the furnace and the exhaust fans for the kitchen, bathrooms, clothes dryer and other vented appliances such as the water heater.
   • Turn on the furnace. Wait for a few minutes for the draft to stabilize, then hold a smoking kitchen match or incense stick two inches from the draft hood opening. If the smoke draws into the draft hood, the furnace is venting properly. If it blows away from the hood, combustion gases are spilling into the house and you need to call a professional heating contractor immediately. Until the contractor fixes the problem, leave a furnace room window slightly open.

When To Call the Pros
An oil furnace should be serviced and cleaned by a qualified technician every year, a gas furnace every two years. This service person will do more complicated tasks, such as:

• Check and adjust the thermostat's calibration
• Clean and adjust the burners
• Clean and adjust all the safety, pilot assembly and time controls
• Adjust the pressure regulator
• Inspect and clean the heat exchanger
• Lubricate all moving parts
• Check the flue pipe and diverter
• Replace the supply line filter in an oil furnace
• Check for gas leaks and carbon monoxide emissions
• Monitor the complete cycle for overall efficiency and
• Correct any problems.

Is It Time For a New Furnace?
An old furnace, even in good condition, may use only 60 percent of the available heat to warm the house. That means 40 cents of every heating dollar goes out the chimney.

The best high-efficiency furnaces waste less than five cents of every heating dollar. The general rule of thumb is if your furnace is over 10 years old and needs $600 or more in repairs, you probably want to replace it. However, if it is in good working condition, you probably want to live with it for awhile longer unless you have a large house, lots of windows, high heating bills or a combination of all three.

Home Playground Safety Tips

Each year, more than 200,000 children will visit a hospital emergency room because of playground injuries. Most accidents occur when a child falls from the equipment onto dirt or grass - surfaces that do not adequately protect children.

To help make sure your home playground is a safe place for children, review the safety checklist.

Home Playground Safety Checklist

1. Install and maintain a shock-absorbing surface around the play equipment. Use at least 9 inches of wood chips, mulch or shredded rubber for play equipment up to 7 feet high. If sand or pea gravel is used, install at least a 9-inch layer of the material for play equipment up to 5 feet high.
2. Install protective surfacing at least 6 feet in all directions from play equipment. For swings, be sure surfacing extends in back and front, twice the height of the suspending bar.
3. Never attach or allow children to attach ropes, jump ropes, clotheslines or pet leashes to play equipment; children can strangle on these.
4. Check for hardware, like open "S" hooks or protruding bolt ends, which can be hazardous. Sharp points or edges in equipment also can be dangerous to children.
5. Check for spaces that could trap children, such as openings in guardrails or between ladder rungs; these spaces should measure less than 3.5 inches. Make sure platforms and ramps have guardrails to prevent falls.
6. Remove tripping hazards, like exposed concrete footings, tree stumps and rocks.
7. Regularly check play equipment and surfaces to make sure both are in good condition.
8. Carefully supervise children on play equipment to make sure they are safe.

Household Inventory

Whether you're still unpacking boxes from your recent move or whether your boxes of memorabilia have been stashed away for years, the contents in your home are valuable. Your house or apartment would not be a home without your belongings

Trying to appraise your belongings would be a difficult task without an organized format to follow. This brochure (click here to download) enables you to record an accurate assessment of your belongings. Should a loss occur, your completed inventory will help you to readily identify the extent of the loss.

Garlow recognizes how important your personal belongings are to you. And it is important to us to provide you with the service you deserve. Therefore, we have designed this home inventory form.

The following instructions will aid you in completing this form.

• Simply enter the RC (replacement cost - current cost to replace the article) of each item, then total each room.
• Estimate any items necessary.
• Enter each room total on page 2. Then add the entire column to determine the value of your contents.
• Enter your present personal property insurance limit and compare this amount to your total contents value.

Mold, Moisture and Your Home

The key to mold prevention is moisture control. If mold is a problem in your home, you should promptly clean the area and correct the water problem. It's important to dry water-damaged areas and items within 24 to 48 hours to prevent mold growth.

Why is mold growing in my home?
Molds are part of the natural environment and serve a purpose outdoors. But inside, mold growth can be problematic. Mold reproduces indoors as mold spores land on wet surfaces. Of the many types of molds, none will grow without water or moisture.

Can mold cause health problems?
Molds have the potential to cause health problems. Molds produce allergens (substances that can cause allergic reactions), irritants, and in some cases, potentially toxic substances (mycotoxins). Allergic reactions to mold are common, and may include sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash. For more detailed information, consult a physician.

How do I eliminate or prevent mold from growing indoors?
Mold spores will not grow without moisture. Indoor mold growth can be prevented or restricted by controlling moisture. Tips to help prevent and control moisture and mold:

• Clean up all water leaks or spills quickly. If wet or damp materials or areas are dried within 24 to 48 hours, it is less likely that mold will grow.
• Clean and repair roof gutters regularly.
• Check the building foundation: Do the surrounding grounds slope in a way that would prevent water from entering or collecting at the foundation?
• Keep air-conditioning drip pans clean and the drain lines unobstructed.
• Keep indoor humidity low. If you see condensation or moisture collecting on windows, walls or pipes dry the wet surface and reduce the moisture/water source. Condensation can be a sign of high humidity.
• Vent appliances that produce moisture. Appliances such as clothes dryers, stoves and kerosene heaters should be vented to the outside when possible.
• Use air conditioners and/or de-humidifiers when needed.
• Run the bathroom fan or open the window when showering. Use exhaust fans or open windows whenever cooking, running the dishwasher or dishwashing, etc.
• Increase ventilation or air movement by opening doors and/or windows, when practical. Use fans as needed.
• Cover cold surfaces such as cold water pipes with insulation.
• Increase the air temperature.

Smoke Detector Safety

Most home fire deaths happen in the middle of the night between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. A smoke detector can save your life by waking you and giving you time to escape. When purchasing a smoke alarm, look for one that is accepted by an independent testing facility such as Underwriters Laboratories or Factory Mutual.

Location, Testing and Maintenance
The best place for your smoke alarms:

• On every level of your home, including the basement and workshop
• Outside every bedroom
• On the ceiling or on the wall, 6 to 12 inches below the ceiling. Keep detectors away from air vents.

Check the alarm batteries once a month by pressing the test button with your finger. The batteries should be replaced once a year.

You should clean the alarm by following the manufacturer's instructions. The grillwork on the detector should be vacuumed periodically to keep it dust-free.

Preventing Nuisance Alarms
To prevent false alarms, move the detector away from a kitchen or bathroom. You may also want to consider purchasing a smoke alarm, like a photoelectric, that's less sensitive to common causes of false alarms. Some smoke alarms also are equipped with a silencing feature, so that nuisance alarms can be stopped quickly and easily.

Business

Having a Safe Workplace is Smart Business

Business owners have the absolute responsibility for the day-to-day health, safety and welfare of employees and worksite visitors. To make your work place safer, know the three common areas of risk: people, environment and company.

People First
Keeping your employees safe and healthy is good for your business. To do that:

• Offer prevention and wellness activities
• Have options in place so injured employees can receive immediate treatment
• Consistently search for and eliminate workplace hazards
• Offer early intervention and rehabilitation programs for drug and alcohol abuse and mental health problems
• Make free flu shots available

A Safe Environment
Heavy equipment, electrical hazards, even keyboards can pose health threats to your employees. For a safer workplace environment:

• Conduct routine maintenance and housekeeping measures
• Frequently check for proper ergonomic conditions
• Check all equipment for unsafe wear and tear
• Educate workers on identifying hazards and risks
• Make sure employees wear necessary protective equipment
• Create and rehearse a worksite disaster plan
• Control and eliminate toxic chemical use where you can
• Make your workplace smoke-free

From the Top
Safety starts with a company's leadership. To establish and communicate your vision, mission, policies and trust:

• Keep confidential medical information protected
• Offer educational programs to improve health and safety
• Thoroughly analyze accidents for prevention
• Have a zero-tolerance policy for workplace violence
• Offer access to cost effective health care benefit programs
• Begin an employee assistance program

If you have any employees, most states require you to have an active workers compensation policy to insure coverage for those employees against a workplace injury. In most cases, the owners of a sole-proprietorship or a partner in a partnership are not considered employees and have the option whether to cover themselves or not.

For more information about workplace safety and disaster preparedness, visit these sites:

• Consumer Product Safety Commission - www.cpsc.gov
• Occupational Safety & Health Administration - www.osha.gov

For more information about insurance for business owners please contact us.

Insurance Coverage

10 Reasons to Check Your Coverage

As our lives change, so do our insurance needs. Speaking to your ERIE Agent about these changes can ensure that you have adequate coverage. In some cases, your agent can also offer safety guidance. The following situations are examples of when to check your coverage:

1. Remodeling or Building an Addition to Your Property - When you hire the contractor, request a certificate of insurance to confirm their liability coverage. Review the certificate and your homeowners policy with your agent. In some cases, remodeling projects can increase your home's reconstruction value.
2. Teen Drivers - If your teen is driving, you do need to add them on to your auto policy. Your agent can also provide materials about safe driving behavior.
3. New Swimming Pool - Your agent can recommend steps that you can take to help keep your backyard safe and determine whether additional liability coverage should be considered.
4. New Work Location - If you have accepted a position where you will have a shorter or longer commute to work, call your agent. A significant change in annual mileage could warrant a change in your auto policy.
5. Retirement - When it's time to retire, you may be able to maximize the benefits of your retirement plan with a life insurance program.
6. A Change in Vehicles - If you've purchased or leased a new or used vehicle you should contact your agent as soon as possible. Car dealers are required by law to confirm insurance coverage, but only you can make the necessary changes to your policy.
7. Home or Auto Refinancing - When you're taking advantage of lower interest rates by refinancing your home or vehicle, your policy will need to be updated to reflect the new lien holder.
8. Just Married or New Baby - When you get married or welcome a new baby to the family, the new responsibilities may warrant a change in your home, auto and life insurance coverage.
9. Purchasing Valuables - When you purchase valuables such as a diamond ring or a rare piece of art, you should contact your agent. Your homeowners policy covers personal belongings and furnishings, but higher-valued items may have coverage limitations. An endorsement may be advisable for more costly or unusual items.
10. Home Business - If you are starting a business in your home, you should call your agent. Depending on equipment and the nature of your work, an endorsement or separate policy may be necessary to protect your investment and liability exposures.

Reviewing your insurance policy with your Erie Insurance Agent is always a good idea when these changes occur or whenever you have questions about your coverage.