Author: Shannon Shulters

Snowmen, snow angels and snowball fights are fun activities for children and the young at heart. But being outside in cold temperatures can have an adverse effect on your health if you are not careful. Frostbite is a common ailment for those who have prolonged exposure to cold temperatures and low wind chill factors.

Prevent Frostbite

Though everyone is at risk of developing frostbite when outside in winter, some are more susceptible than others. In fact, children, the elderly, diabetics and those with circulatory problems tend to get frostbite more often.

Symptoms

• Skin discoloration, along with burning and/or tingling sensations
• Partial or complete numbness of the affected area
• Intense pain

If frostbite goes untreated, the affected skin gradually darkens within a few hours, and once the skin is completely destroyed, it turns black and looks loose and frayed, as if it is burnt.

To reduce your risk of frostbite:

• Protect your hands, feet, nose and ears by bundling up in warm, layered, loose-fitting clothing.
• Go inside to warm up periodically, even if you do not feel extremely cold.
• Do not drink alcohol before or during exposure to cold weather, because it may prevent you from realizing that your body has become too cold.
• Avoid smoking cigarettes, which can narrow your blood vessels and increase your risk of frostbite.
• Get out of the cold when your skin appears red or if you experience any pain.

Healthy Hints

If you think that you have frostbite, move to a warm location and place your affected body part in warm water until it is soft and sensation has returned. Then, wrap the area in clean, sterile dressing and visit a doctor for follow-up care.

People who suffer frostbite on their extremities are also susceptible to hypothermia, a dangerous lowering of body temperature. Check for symptoms of hypothermia and treat them first before tending to frostbite injuries.

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Believe it or not holiday parties are right around the corner and that means a potential for an increase in liability should you choose to allow alcoholic beverages at your festivities! Liquor liability exposure is not limited to those whose primary business is the sale of alcoholic beverages. Know the law in your jurisdiction and take steps to control your risk!

A bartender is legally liable for serving alcohol to a patron who becomes intoxicated and then injures a third party. Does a business face a similar exposure when it hosts a social event where alcohol is served, such as an open house or employee picnic?

According to the Insurance Information Institute, liquor liability exposure is not limited to those whose primary business is the sale of alcoholic beverages. Most states currently have social host statutes or common law that holds private event hosts liable for the actions of their guests. You are considered a social host if you provide alcohol to individuals in a non-commercial manner. It is important to know the law in your jurisdiction and to take the appropriate steps to control your risk.

Create a Risk Management Program

An important first step in limiting your liquor liability is to implement a risk management program. The liquor liability program must have the support of management, be communicated to supervisors and employees, and include a policy advising employees to drink responsibly at company events.

The program should outline the procedures for handling intoxicated guests. This includes delegating who will assess the situation, such as hotel security or someone from your organization, and outlining appropriate actions for dealing with or removing a guest who has overindulged.

In the Event of an Incident

If an incident occurs, fill out a liquor liability incident report documenting measures taken to control the intoxicated person and helps your defense in the event of an alcohol-related accident.

Liability Insurance

In addition to proper liquor liability planning and education, review your company’s current general liability insurance policy to determine your coverage in social-host situations.

Remember, even with the proper coverage, a liquor liability policy does not eliminate your exposure if alcohol service is in violation of a statute, a minor is served, or an already intoxicated person is served.

It’s also important to have a program in place that includes the following recommendations when working with third-party vendors:

• When working with a vendor, such as a caterer or bartender service, verify they are licensed and insured.
• Stipulate in your vendor’s contract that only those who have received alcohol-awareness training should serve or sell alcohol at your event.
• Require the vendor to provide Certificate of Liability Insurance to include Liquor Liability coverage naming your company as Additional Insured.

Promoting Safety and Sobriety at Company-Sponsored Events

To promote the safety and sobriety of your employees and guests at company-sponsored events, review the following recommended control measures:

• Serve drinks to guests rather than offering a self-serve bar.
• Set up bar stations instead of having servers circulating the room; if offered, people are inclined to accept drinks they wouldn’t have otherwise ordered.
• Place table tents at each bar reminding employees and guests to drink responsibly.
• Don’t price alcohol too low, as it encourages over-consumption.
• Offer a range of low-alcohol and alcohol-free drinks at no charge.
• Require servers to measure spirits.
• Always serve food with alcohol.
• Close the bar an hour before the scheduled end of the party.
• Do not offer a “last call” as this promotes rapid consumption.
• Never raffle alcohol or hold contests that involve buying or drinking alcohol.
• Entice guests to take advantage of safe transportation options by subsidizing taxis or promoting a designated driver program.
• If your event includes a program or speaker, schedule it for after dinner and drinks are served. This allows additional time for alcohol to wear off.

Before your company hosts its next event, contact Stapleton Insurance Group. We can review your coverage and assist in developing a risk management plan that keeps safety at the center of your company-sponsored events.

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Did we even have a Spring, Summer or Fall this year here in the Midwest?! It seems like we went from Winter to Mild-Rainy-Winter to oh, Hey! here is some heat for two months, then BAM here is the Mild-Rainy-Winter back again!!! Unfortunately, we cannot control the weather, but what we can do is help prevent the cold from costing you money and head aches!! We already talked about how to prepare your vehicle for winter in a previous blog, now let’s talk about how to keep your pipes from freezing in your home.

Did You Know?

Generally, pipes that are exposed to outdoor temperatures freeze more readily, such as hose bibs, swimming pool lines and water sprinkler lines. Pipes that run along exterior walls in the home with minimal insulation also tend to freeze more easily. Read on for some hints to help keep your pipes from freezing.

Use the following recommendations to prevent frozen pipes in your home:

• Insulate pipes in unheated interior areas, such as crawl spaces and attics.
• Wrap pipes in heat tape or thermostatically-controlled heat cables.
• Open cabinet doors to expose pipes to warm air.
• Seal any leaks with caulk or insulation.
• Disconnect outdoor items such as hoses and faucets. o Shut off these items completely using an indoor valve and allow the excess water to drain out.
• Trickle a little water out of your faucets periodically to keep water moving within the pipes.
• Keep your garage door closed if there is a water supply in there.
• Keep your thermostat set at the same temperature during the day and night.
• Do not set your thermostat lower than 55° F when going on vacation. Ask someone to periodically check the temperature in your home while you are away.

Safety First

If you turn on a faucet and no water or only a trickle comes out, your pipes may be frozen. Turn off the main water valve and keep the faucet on. Apply heat to the pipe by using an electric heating pad, hair dryer or portable space heater, or by wrapping the pipe in towels soaked in hot water. You should apply heat until you regain water pressure. If this does not solve the problem, contact a licensed plumber to inspect your pipes.

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As the days continue to get colder here in the Midwest the need to kick on your furnace arises. However; that need for warmth comes an increased chance of carbon monoxide being released throughout the house, which could have a detrimental effect on you and your loved ones if it is not detected right away. So what is CO, why is it called The Silent Killer, and how can you prevent it from creeping into your home? Keep reading and we will explain.

What is CO?

CO is produced by the incomplete burning of solid, liquid or gaseous fuels from household items such as furnaces, ranges, water heaters and fireplaces. If these items are used or installed improperly, dangerous levels of CO can escape into the air and cause illness. Carbon monoxide (CO) is considered the “silent killer” because it is impossible to see, taste or smell the toxic fumes, and it can kill you before you are aware it is in your home. At lower levels of exposure, CO causes mild effects that are often mistaken for the flu. At higher levels, the effects are potentially fatal. Practicing prevention keeps CO at bay.

To protect you and your loved ones from this Silent Killer, follow these prevention tips:

• Check your appliances to ensure that the flame color is blue. If it is orange, contact the fire department immediately.
• Have a professional do a safety inspection annually on all of your appliances, as well as your chimney and grill, to make sure they are in safe working order and clean.
• Operate grills outside of your home and garage.
• Do not leave your car running in an attached garage, even if the door is open.
• Never rely on ranges, ovens, gas grills or clothes dryers to heat your home.
• Never operate fuel-burning items such as space heaters and lawn mowers in closed rooms.
• If you or other family members are feeling ill frequently at home, leave for several hours to see if your symptoms go away. If so, you may all be suffering from CO poisoning.

Always consider a having an expert come and make sure all your gas burning appliances are functioning properly, especially before the winter months hit! Also, in addition to a smoke detector, install a CO detector on every level of your home. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installation and place away from furniture and curtains to get accurate detection results.

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Ohhhh the weather outside will soon get frightful… so let’s make sure your vehicle stays delightful… or else it will not go… let’s prepare, let’s prepare, let’s prepare!!

Preparing your vehicle for winter normally isn’t something that is on the top of your to-do list, but it is extremely important, especially when it comes to your safety while driving. The last thing anyone wants is to breakdown in the middle of the highway or in the middle of nowhere, only to find out it all could have been prevented. Check out these auto insights that will help you prepare your vehicle for winter weather!

Did You Know?

Cold temperatures make it difficult for engines to work properly, snow limits tire traction and salt causes rust and gravel pits on the exterior paint. This is why it is a good idea to protect your car during cold months by winterizing your vehicle before the beginning of the season.

Consider these car winterizing suggestions before the temperature drops:

• Place snow tires on your vehicle –Snow tires will increase traction and reduce your chances of slipping on slick surfaces.
• Check your tire pressure- Cold temperatures cause tire air pressure to drop.
• Check your car battery – Extreme temperatures can cause your vehicle’s battery to operate at less than 50 percent. If your battery is over three years old, have it tested.
• Check the antifreeze mixture – The ideal mixture of antifreeze and water in your radiator is 50:50.
• Check your four-wheel drive system for malfunctions – Check that your system engages and disengages properly and does not make any unusual noises when you start it.
• Change the oil in your engine and check the viscosity grade – To reduce the risk of problems with your engine oil, place thinner oil in your engine before the cold weather season.
• Have belts and hoses inspected
• Inspect wipers and refill wiper fluid
• Place a roadside emergency supply kit in your car

Safety First

The winter may be hard on you: Dry skin, brittle hair and an increased risk of colds and the flu. It is also hard on your vehicle. Take the necessary steps to protect your car against the cold to ensure that it will last the entire season long! And don’t forget to scrap your windshield!

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